Saturday, September 12, 2026
Home Blog Page 19

PATA Knowledge Forum heads for Malaysia

By
Newsdesk
-

BANGKOK, 14 August 2026: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the confirmed speaker line-up for the PTM Knowledge Forum 2026, taking place on 18 August at the Sheraton Kuching Hotel in Sarawak, Malaysia, alongside PATA Travel Mart 2026.

Held under the theme “The Next Era: Impactful Partnerships, Purposeful Growth,” the PTM Knowledge Forum will bring together senior tourism leaders, destination experts, industry executives and innovators from across Asia Pacific and beyond to explore the forces shaping the next era of tourism.

Photo credit: PATA.

The Forum is designed to complement the commercial objectives of PATA Travel Mart 2026 by providing a platform for knowledge exchange, strategic dialogue and practical insights into tourism growth, partnerships, innovation, sustainability and destination development.

Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, the Sarawak Tourism Board, and Business Events Sarawak, the Forum will also highlight Sarawak’s approach to tourism development, including its focus on economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability through innovation and partnerships.

The programme will feature a diverse group of speakers from tourism authorities, destination organisations, airlines, hospitality companies, technology firms, media and storytelling, and community-based tourism organisations.

Confirmed speakers include:

  • The Honourable Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts, Sarawak
  • Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman, Sarawak Tourism Board
  • Henry Oh, Chairman, PATA
  • Eugene Tang, Chief Development Officer, South China Morning Post
  • Gary Bowerman, Managing Director, Check-in Asia
  • Dr Temesgen Assefa, Chief Consultant, JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co.
  • Yang Li, Head of Public Affairs, APAC, Booking.com
  • Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Performing Arts, Sarawak
  • Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Director-General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)
  • Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office
  • Sarah Mathews, CEO, e-Tourism Frontiers
  • Dr Sharzede Salleh Askor, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board
  • Adela Issachar Aru, Chief Executive Officer, Vanuatu Tourism Office
  • Eric Fong, Marketing Director, Macau International Airport Company Ltd.
  • Bharat Nagpal, Senior Director, Sojern
  • Bracken Hollings, Head of Content & Storytelling, Content With Purpose
  • Lizam Dorji, CEO, MICE Bhutan
  • Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin, CEO, AirBorneo
  • Dileep Mudadeniya, Senior Vice President Global Alliances & Partnerships, Leisure and Head of Corporate Affairs, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
  • Dmitry Smolnikov, Deputy CEO, Centre for Strategic Research (CSR), Discover Russia
  • Lujaina Al Maskari, Head of Conferences Division, Oman Convention Bureau
  • Andrew Jones, Guardian, Sanctuary Resorts
  • Jessica Yew, Director, Sticky Rice Travel
  • Somsak Boonkam, Founder and CEO, Local Alike Co. Ltd.

The Forum will open with a fireside chat titled “Tourism, Partnerships & Purposeful Growth,” featuring The Honourable Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Eugene Tang, Chief Development Officer, South China Morning Post. The conversation will explore Sarawak’s tourism vision, opportunities for regional collaboration, cultural identity, sustainability ambitions, and the future of tourism growth across Asia Pacific.

The programme will then turn to global market dynamics with Gary Bowerman’s keynote, “The Next Era of Travel: Global Business Trends Shaping Tourism’s Future,” followed by a snapshot of Japan’s outbound tourism from Dr Temesgen Assefa, providing insights into the outlook, behaviour and recovery trajectory of Japanese outbound travel.

Sustainability will take centre stage in “From Vision to Reality: Sustainable Tourism in Action,” featuring practical case studies from Sarawak, Thailand and Macao. Moderated by Yang Li of Booking.com, the session will explore how destinations and tourism stakeholders are translating sustainability ambitions into initiatives that balance economic growth, inclusivity, visitor experience and long-term destination stewardship.

The Forum will also feature a senior industry discussion on “Purposeful Growth in an Age of Change,” moderated by Sarah Mathews of e-Tourism Frontiers, examining how destinations and businesses can remain competitive while responding to changing traveller expectations, sustainability requirements, geopolitical uncertainty and the need for inclusive economic development.

Technology and innovation will be another key focus, with “AI, Digital Commerce, Sales & the Future Traveller” bringing together Bharat Nagpal of Sojern and Yang Li of Booking.com for a conversation on how artificial intelligence, data, digital platforms and smart destination strategies are reshaping travel marketing, distribution, visitor engagement and tourism business models.

The Forum will also mark the official launch of the new PATA & Content With Purpose (CWP) digital series, “Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose,” featuring a prerecorded presentation by Bracken Hollings, Head of Content & Storytelling at Content With Purpose.

In the afternoon, “Building Impactful Partnerships Across Borders” will explore how tourism boards, airlines, convention bureaux, hospitality groups and travel businesses can work together to unlock new visitor markets, strengthen regional connectivity and create commercial opportunities. The session will be moderated by Lizam Dorji, CEO of MICE Bhutan, with panellists representing aviation, hospitality, destination development and international tourism.

The Forum will conclude with “Communities, Culture & Meaningful Tourism Experiences,” moderated by Andrew Jones of The Guardian and Sanctuary Resorts. The session will examine community-based tourism, cultural preservation, Indigenous storytelling, tourism dispersal and community-led tourism models.

“PATA Travel Mart is fundamentally about connecting buyers and sellers and creating commercial opportunities, but business exchange is strengthened when the industry also has space to step back, examine the forces shaping tourism and share practical knowledge,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.

“The PTM Knowledge Forum brings together an impressive cross-section of leaders and practitioners to explore how partnerships, innovation and purposeful growth can help shape a stronger and more resilient tourism economy across Asia Pacific.”

The PTM Knowledge Forum will be held on 18 August 2026 at the Sheraton Kuching Hotel, immediately before the main PATA Travel Mart 2026 business programme. PATA Travel Mart 2026 will take place at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from August 18-20, 2026, bringing together tourism buyers and sellers from across Asia Pacific and international source markets for business appointments, networking and industry engagement.

The Forum will also feature two Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremonies, including an MOU between PATA and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), as well as an MOU between TOP25 and the Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF).

For more information about the PTM Knowledge Forum and the full PATA Travel Mart 2026 programme, visit www.pata.org/pata-travel-mart-2026 or contact the PATA Events Department at [email protected].

(Source: PATA)

Vietjet will launch flights to Sydney’s new airport

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 14 August 2026: Vietjet confirms a new direct service between Ho Chi Minh City and Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) will launch in January 2026.

The announcement follows the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding between Vietjet and WSI at the Vietnam – Australia Tech Connect Forum in Sydney.

Photo credit: Vietjet. Vietjet announces a new direct service to Western Sydney International Airport (WSI).

Connecting Vietnam with Australia’s newest international airport, Vietjet confirms a direct Ho Chi Minh City–Western Sydney service is scheduled to start on 9 January 2027, making it one of the first airlines to provide international connectivity to Australia’s newest airport.

Operating two return services per week, the route will connect Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s leading economic hub, with Western Sydney, one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. The service is expected to support greater movement of travellers and goods while contributing to the expansion of tourism, trade and investment links between Vietnam and Australia.

To mark the launch, Vietjet offers a 20% discount on base fares for Deluxe, SkyBoss, and Business classes across all direct Vietnam–Australia routes, available with promo code VJAUS20 for bookings from now until the end of 16 August. Travel period is from 7 September 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Excluding peak travel periods and public holidays. Blackout dates may apply. 

Vietjet CEO Nguyen Thanh Son said: “Vietjet is proud to be the first airline to connect Vietnam with Western Sydney – Australia’s newest international aviation gateway and an emerging centre of economic growth. Every new route brings our two countries closer while opening new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, knowledge exchange and wider cooperation. With our expanding network, modern fleet and quality services, Vietjet looks forward to supporting stronger, more productive and sustainable ties between Vietnam and Australia.”

Welcoming Vietjet to Sydney’s new international gateway, Western Sydney International Airport CEO Simon Hickey said: “We’re thrilled that tickets are on sale today for the initial services set to commence in January 2027. Western Sydney is one of the nation’s most diverse and rapidly growing regions that is proudly home to more than half of Greater Sydney’s Vietnamese population – over 70,000 people – who regularly visit friends and relatives.”

WSI is Australia’s first major international greenfield airport development in more than 50 years and a new 24-hour global gateway for Sydney. The airport is a major catalyst for growth and investment in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, an emerging hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology and industry. WSI is planned to eventually accommodate around 80 million passengers annually.

Australia is one of Vietjet’s strategic international markets. With its network connecting Vietnam to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and now Western Sydney, Vietjet continues to expand its presence in Australia, providing travellers, communities, and businesses with greater choice, convenient connectivity, and affordable fares.

Beyond connecting cities, Vietjet’s expanding international network brings people and economies closer together, strengthening Vietnam’s connections with the world and opening new opportunities for travel, trade and growth.

(Source: Vietjet)

PG records 16.3% net profit gain

By
Newsdesk
-

BANGKOK, 14 August 2026: Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited has announced its operating results for the second quarter and first half of 2026, reporting a net profit of THB2,431.8 million for the first six months of the year, representing a 16.3% increase.

Bangkok Airways PCL President Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said: “In the second quarter of 2026, the company recorded total revenue of THB6,052.5 million, an increase of 5.5%, while total expenses amounted to THB5,533.1 million, up 11.7%. As a result, the company reported a net profit of THB 332.6 million for the quarter.

Photo credit: Bangkok Airways.

“For the first half of 2026, the company recorded total revenue of THB13,934.7 million, an increase of 3%, while total expenses stood at THB10,622.5 million, up 2.3%. This resulted in a net profit of THB 2,431.8 million, an increase of 16.3% compared with the same period last year. The results reflect the company’s ability to generate revenue and effectively manage costs amid economic volatility and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” Puttipong concluded.

(Source: Bangkok Airways PCL)

Royal Cliff wins Ultimate Thailand Green Tourism Showcase

By
Your Stories
-

PATTAYA, 12 August 2026: Royal Cliff Hotels Group has been honoured with the Ultimate Thailand Green Tourism Showcase 2026 Award in the Creative & Innovation category by Thailand’s Department of Tourism. 

Recognised as Chonburi Province’s Outstanding Green Hotel, Royal Cliff was selected as one of the winners out of thousands of hotels in the Eastern Seaboard region to receive this prestigious accolade for its outstanding commitment to sustainable tourism, environmental innovation and responsible hospitality.

Royal Cliff Hotels Group encourages its management team, staff, guests and business partners to support its sustainability initiatives. Companies hosting events at Royal Cliff are also invited to plant a flame tree in a designated area, contributing to a greener future.

For more than five decades, Royal Cliff Hotels Group has been committed to balancing exceptional hospitality with environmental responsibility. Under the visionary leadership of Khun Panga Vathanakul, Managing Director, sustainability has been embedded into the organisation’s philosophy since the hotel’s inception. Guided by the belief that business success should go hand in hand with environmental stewardship, community development and the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry, Royal Cliff has consistently pioneered initiatives that create lasting positive impact.

This vision has evolved into Green Multiples @ Royal Cliff, the group’s comprehensive sustainability programme that integrates innovative environmental practices across every aspect of its operations. The initiative encompasses advanced wastewater treatment systems, biogas production from food waste, organic composting, and a pioneering Green Meeting concept that enables conference organisers and delegates to reduce the environmental footprint of their events.

Beyond operational excellence, Royal Cliff is equally committed to cultivating a culture of sustainability by actively inspiring its management team, employees, guests, and business partners to participate in its environmental initiatives. Sustainability is not simply a corporate policy at Royal Cliff; it is an integral part of the organisation’s DNA and continues to shape every aspect of its business.

Royal Cliff Hotels Group is recognised as a pioneer in wastewater treatment in Chonburi, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible tourism.

As travellers and international event organisers increasingly seek destinations and venues that demonstrate genuine environmental responsibility, sustainability has become a defining factor in creating exceptional guest experiences and long-term business success. Royal Cliff continues to invest in innovative green solutions that not only enhance the guest journey but also contribute positively to local communities, preserve natural resources and strengthen Thailand’s position as a leading sustainable tourism destination.

Organised by Thailand’s Department of Tourism, the Ultimate Thailand Green Tourism Showcase 2026 recognises tourism operators that demonstrate excellence in sustainable business practices. Winners are selected based on their achievements in environmental management, innovation, community engagement and the advancement of Thailand’s tourism standards, contributing to the country’s vision of a more sustainable tourism industry.

This latest accolade further reinforces Royal Cliff Hotels Group’s position as one of Thailand’s leading sustainable hospitality brands. It reflects its unwavering commitment to creating meaningful experiences while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Perched atop a 64-acre private estate with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group boasts four award-winning hotels that charm travellers from all corners of the world. The resort offers a world of exceptional experiences through thoughtfully curated promotions and packages. Guests are encouraged to book directly with Royal Cliff to enjoy the best available rates and exclusive value-added privileges. 

To secure the premium experience you deserve, visit www.royalcliff.com, call our reservations team at (+66) 38 250 421 ext. 2732, or email [email protected].

For more information about the Royal Cliff Hotels Group CSR programme, please visit https://www.royalcliff.com/main/green-program-csr/ or follow Royal Cliff Hotels Group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/royalcliff.

(Source: Your Stories — Royal Cliff Hotels Group)

WTTC recruits a global member to its ranks

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 12 August 2026: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) welcomes Piñero, an international tourism and real estate group headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, as a global member.  

With over 50 years of experience, Piñero has an integrated business model covering development, management, and services across the travel value chain.

Its hospitality division operates 25 owned hotels across Spain, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, under a range of management models. 

Real Estate & Golf focuses on developing premium residential communities and operating PGA of America-accredited golf courses in the Caribbean. 

Soltour, an independent tour operator in Spain and Portugal, leads its travel sector. At the same time, the mobility segment delivers land and maritime transport solutions that complement the broader tourism offering.

WTTC President & CEO, Gloria Guevara, said: “As an international tourism group with over 50 years of experience, Piñero brings valuable expertise across hospitality, real estate, travel, and mobility. Their strong commitment to a regenerative approach to tourism and creating positive impact in destinations aligns closely with WTTC’s priorities. It will further strengthen our collective efforts to drive a more sustainable and resilient Travel & Tourism sector worldwide.”

(Source: WTTC)

Emirates marks 2 million passengers at London Stansted

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 12 August 2026: Emirates has welcomed its two millionth passenger at London Stansted Airport, marking a significant milestone for the airline’s third London gateway since first launching services in 2018.

Over the past eight years, London Stansted has become an important gateway in Emirates’ UK network, connecting customers from London and the surrounding regions of Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridge, and East Anglia with Dubai.

Photo credit: Emirates. London Stansted 2 million passenger celebration.

Once in Dubai, passengers connect to up to 52 destinations across Emirates’ network across Asia, Africa and Australia. Dubai is the final destination for around 30% of customers travelling from London Stansted, while the remaining 70% connect onwards through Emirates’ Dubai hub, with popular end destinations including India, Australia, Thailand, and Mauritius.

Today, Emirates operates its two daily services between London Stansted and Dubai using its four-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, configured with business, premium economy, and economy class cabins.

(Source: Emirates)

Saudia spot on time during July

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 12 August 2026: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has been ranked the world’s most on-time airline for arrivals in July 2026, according to the latest monthly report from Cirium, the global aviation analytics provider. 

The airline recorded an on-time arrival rate of 87.24% after operating 16,406 flights during the month.

Photo credit: Saudia.

The ranking comes during the peak summer travel season, making it particularly significant as airlines worldwide manage higher flight volumes and increased operational complexity. Despite these demands, Saudia maintained the highest level of operational reliability among airlines globally.

The result reflects the coordinated efforts of teams across Saudia Group, supported by close collaboration with aviation partners and government entities operating at airports. It also highlights the role of advanced digital systems and artificial intelligence in supporting operational planning, decision-making, and day-to-day operations, helping ensure a more reliable travel experience for guests.

The July ranking marks the third time that Saudia has ranked first globally for on-time performance, with all three rankings achieved during two of the year’s busiest operating periods, including Hajj and the peak summer travel season. Together, these rankings reflect the airline’s ability to maintain consistently high operational standards during periods of sustained demand.

(Source: Saudia)

Ant International’s Bettr partners with Muslim Pro

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 12 August 2026: Bettr, a provider of inclusive and embedded finance and fintech solutions under Ant International, has announced its partnership with Muslim Pro, a popular Islamic lifestyle app serving over 190 million downloads worldwide, to launch an Umrah financing solution in Malaysia. 

The solution is designed for eligible Muslims who have the means to undertake the pilgrimage but prefer to spread its cost over time. This flexibility enables individuals and families to manage their cash flow responsibly, maintain regular savings and preserve sufficient liquidity for emergencies and other financial obligations.

Photo credit: Bettr. Using Muslim Pro, eligible users in Malaysia can discover Umrah packages and apply for financing digitally.

The launch marks a significant milestone in Bettr’s Islamic finance initiative. It builds on Ant International’s long-term commitment to supporting Muslim communities worldwide with trusted, inclusive and technology-enabled financial services.

The financing solution uses a Tawarruq structure to provide eligible individuals with payment flexibility in accordance with Islamic finance principles. The process is facilitated by AS-SIDQ, SEDANIA As Salam Capital’s patented digital commodity trading platform for Tawarruq (Commodity Murabahah) transactions. Masryef Advisory Sdn has endorsed the structure. Bhd., an Islamic finance consultancy, to ensure its compliance with applicable Shariah principles.

As one of the world’s renowned Muslim lifestyle platforms, Muslim Pro has long supported Muslims throughout their faith journey, from daily worship to preparing for major milestones such as Umrah and Hajj. 

Recognising that financial readiness is often one of the biggest considerations when planning a pilgrimage, the partnership with Bettr enables eligible users in Malaysia to access trusted, Shariah-compliant financing as part of a more seamless pilgrimage planning experience.

Through Muslim Pro, eligible users in Malaysia can discover Umrah packages offered by participating partners, apply for digital financing, and select instalment tenures of 12 to 24 months, subject to applicable eligibility criteria and terms. Users may also settle their financing early in accordance with the applicable terms. Available packages range from standard to premium and may cover travel for individuals or families, including flights, accommodation, meals and ground transportation. 

The initiative responds to the accelerating adoption of digital technologies across Muslim communities. With a global Muslim population of around two billion, including about 22 million in Malaysia (about 65% of the country’s population), demand is rising for financial services seamlessly integrated into digital lifestyle platforms.

In Malaysia, many Umrah travellers are between 30 and 50 years old and support households of two to five members. For most of them, the cost is planned and saved for well in advance, and flexible repayment can help bridge the remaining gap without disrupting other financial commitments. In line with Islamic guidance that pilgrimage financing should never come at the expense of a family’s other obligations, this solution is intended for individuals and families who have assessed their ability to repay, offering a secure, Shariah-compliant way to manage the cost of their journey with peace of mind. 

This partnership combines Muslim Pro’s trusted digital ecosystem with Bettr’s Shariah-compliant financing capabilities to deliver a seamless Umrah planning experience. With user privacy and data security at the core, Bettr leverages credit risk models to assess each applicant’s repayment capability. This inclusive and secure approach lets Bettr serve a broader range of users, including gig workers and small business owners. 

“Millions of Muslims turn to Muslim Pro every day for guidance in their everyday lives, and increasingly, that includes planning meaningful moments like Umrah,” said Nafees Khundker, Group Managing Director and CEO, Muslim Pro. “We’re proud to work with Bettr to offer a responsible, Shariah-compliant way for individuals and families in Malaysia to plan their pilgrimage with confidence built on the same trust, privacy and care our community expects from us every day.” 

“We believe in what individuals and small businesses can achieve when they are properly supported, and our engagement in Islamic finance is driven by a deep faith in the power of technology to do good,” said Quan Yu, General Manager of Bettr Credit, Senior Vice President of Ant International. “Through partnerships with trusted platforms like Muslim Pro, we aim to scale innovative, Shariah-compliant digital financial products that reflect the Muslim community’s core values, building an inclusive system that leaves no one behind.”

(Source: Bettr)

Thomas Cook opens shop in Ahmedabad

By
Newsdesk
-

MUMBAI, 12 August 2026: With a focus on Gujarat’s strong and growing travel market, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, has inaugurated its new outlet in Ahmedabad’s Nikol area. 

The outlet expands Thomas Cook India’s network to five locations in the city and 12 across Gujarat, strengthening access to its comprehensive portfolio of travel and holiday solutions.

Photo credit: Thomas Cook India.

Ahmedabad is a key travel market for Gujarat and the wider West India region, with travellers increasingly exploring new destinations and experiences through multiple short breaks, weekend getaways and public-holiday travel. The market also has a strong preference for group travel, regional departures and curated experiences tailored to local cultural and dietary preferences.

The new outlet will cater to families, couples, millennials & GenZ, business travellers and GenS (seniors), offering end-to-end solutions including domestic and international holidays, group tours, personalised holidays, cruises and travel insurance. 

Thomas Cook India’s AI-powered booking platform further enables customers to plan personalised vacations, check availability and make reservations seamlessly.

Ahmedabad-Gujarat travel trends

Year-round travel: Gujarati travellers are increasingly using public holidays and weekends for multiple short breaks and mini-cations beyond the traditional holiday season.

Strong preference for group travel: Gujarati-specific group tours remain popular, with travellers valuing Gujarati-speaking Tour Managers and vegetarian/Jain food preferences.

Gujarati-specific regional and festive tours: Departures such as Albelu Europe, Aneru Europe, and Adhbhut Asia are gaining popularity, offering curated experiences that cater to Gujarati language and cuisine preferences.

Growing spiritual tourism: Pilgrimage and spiritual travel continue to gain momentum, with Thomas Cook India strengthening its Spiritual Tourism portfolio to cater to this segment.

Distinctive experiences and destinations: Travellers are increasingly seeking differentiated experiences and exploring emerging destinations beyond conventional itineraries.

New connectivity-led opportunities: Improved air connectivity is opening up new outbound travel opportunities, with Sri Lanka emerging as an attractive option. Thomas Cook India has introduced special packages with direct flights to Sri Lanka ex-Ahmedabad, offering greater convenience to travellers.

(Source: Thomas Cook)

Maldivian expands Aviareps Indian territory

By
Newsdesk
-

NEW DELHI, 12 August 2026: Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has expanded Aviareps’ representation role from South India to a pan-India General Sales Agency (GSA) mandate.

The expanded partnership reflects Maldivian’s continued confidence in India, one of the Maldives’ most important source markets. Through Aviareps India’s nationwide network and market expertise, the airline aims to strengthen further its trade engagement, sales development, and market visibility across key Indian cities.

Photo credit: Aviareps.

Maldivian currently offers five weekly direct flights from Malé to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, along with twice-weekly services between Hanimaadhoo and Thiruvananthapuram, providing connectivity between the Maldives and India. Supported by the airline’s extensive domestic network, travellers can seamlessly access resort islands, local communities, and business centres across the archipelago.

India continues to play a significant role in Maldivian tourism, contributing nearly 190,000 visitor arrivals to the Maldives in 2025. The market remains a key growth driver for the airline, particularly across leisure, VFR, medical, and business travel segments.

Commenting on the development, Maldivian Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas said: “India remains a key strategic market for Maldivian, both for tourism and regional connectivity. By expanding Aviareps’ Indian mandate, we are streamlining and consolidating our efforts across the country, enabling a more coordinated approach to trade engagement and market development. This reflects our continued confidence in India and our commitment to capturing new growth opportunities as travel demand between India and the Maldives evolves.”

Aviareps  Chief Operating Officer, Marcelo Kaiser, said: “This milestone reflects the trust Maldivian has placed in Aviareps and reinforces our commitment to driving the airline’s growth across the Indian market. Through our nationwide network and deep understanding of the travel trade, we look forward to expanding Maldivian’s reach and creating new opportunities for the airline across the country.”

As part of its future growth plans, Maldivian is also evaluating opportunities for network expansion and increased capacity, supported by the recent addition of its Airbus A330 widebody aircraft and ongoing fleet development initiatives.

Maldivian currently operates a fleet of 25 aircraft, including one A320, one A330-200, seven Dash 8 aircraft, eleven DHC-6 Twin Otters, and five ATRs. 

(Source: Aviareps)

1...181920...821Page 19 of 821

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now


Contact Us
TTR Weekly (TTRW) is published in Bangkok, Thailand, registered since 1978.
/ month
placeholder text
/ month
placeholder text
Press releases, announcements, events for calendar should be sent to: [email protected]
/ month
placeholder text

Copyright © 2023 TTR Weekly, all rights reserved.