BANGKOK, 25 September 2026: YOTEL, a hospitality brand known for its design-led, tech-enabled hotels, will make its debut in Thailand with the opening of YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit on 15 October 2026.
The 250-key property is located in the Cloud 11 development, a brand-new landmark in Bangkok’s South Sukhumvit district of Phra Kanong Tai, a five-minute commute from the BTS Punnawith Station.
Photo credit: YOTEL. First Class King room at YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit.
YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit is the brand’s 24th hotel globally, its fourth property in Asia and the first YOTEL in Asia to be part of Select by Hilton.
It features the brand’s distinctive signature elements, including self-service stations that let guests check in in under a minute.
YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit is the first hotel to open in the Cloud 11 mixed-use development, which opened in July 2026.
Rooms offer views of the rooftop park at the centre of Cloud 11 or towards Bang Krachao, dubbed Bangkok’s ‘green lung’, with higher floors also offering views of the city’s skyline.
Facilities include YOTEL Swim Club, comprising an outdoor pool and pool bar, and a high-spec gym. Komyuniti brings together all-day dining and co-working in one lively social hub. Grab + Go sells drinks and snacks 24/7 for guests on the move.
Opening in November 2026, Fatty’s will be the hotel’s destination rooftop bar and restaurant, located on the 23rd floor.
The hotel is connected to Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain network via a 300-metre skywalk, putting the entire city within reach. Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) is 2.3 km away on the BTS.
YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit has appointed Mike Smith as its General Manager.
Founded in London in 2007, YOTEL signed an exclusive agreement with Hilton in March 2026, becoming the first brand in the newly established Select by Hilton category. The collaboration means that YOTEL retains its independence and brand management. At the same time, participating properties will connect to the award-winning Hilton Honours loyalty programme and benefit from Hilton’s distribution and technology platforms.
The opening of YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit represents the next growth phase for YOTEL, with the target of tripling its portfolio in the coming years. It joins the region’s popular hotels in Tokyo, Singapore Orchard Road and Singapore Changi Airport, with YOTEL Kuala Lumpur slated to open by early 2027.
SINGAPORE, 25 September 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda has partnered with luxury hospitality management company Capella Hotel Group, bringing all the Group’s luxury and lifestyle properties across Capella Hotels and Resorts and Patina Hotels & Resorts to the Agoda platform.
This opens Capella’s portfolio to Agoda’s global customer base, making some of the world’s most celebrated luxury stays easier to discover and book than ever before.
From L-R: Jun Dong, Vice President of Supply, Agoda; Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply, Agoda; Varun Whig, Vice President, Revenue, Capella Hotel Group; Gep Riego, Revenue and Distributions Manager, Capella Hotel Group.
With Asia projected to account for nearly half of the world’s new high-net-worth individuals by 2028, according to Visa, the region is increasingly shaping the future of luxury travel around purpose, personalisation, and lifestyle.
Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report shows that 31% of surveyed travellers prioritise culinary experiences, while 25% cite cultural exploration as a key travel motivator. This shift is redefining how hospitality brands and travel platforms work together to meet demand for personalised, destination-rooted stays.
Capella Hotel Group and Agoda intend to make highly personalised, destination-defining stays more discoverable to a broader set of travellers across the region and beyond.
Agoda Senior Vice President of Supply Andrew Smith shared: “Our role at Agoda is to make sure that what a traveller is looking for — from an everyday getaway to a once-in-a-lifetime stay — is easy to discover and book. Partnering with Capella Hotel Group brings some of the world’s most celebrated properties onto our platform, making these extraordinary stays and experiences just as accessible to our customers as any other trip they plan with us.
Asia Pacific remains a key growth market for luxury travel, with McKinsey projecting demand to grow around 8% annually. Bangkok and Bali, both home to Capella properties, are among the most searched destinations for five-star accommodations on Agoda, alongside Kuala Lumpur.
“As Capella Hotel Group continues on its growth trajectory, partnerships that drive commercial value like this one with Agoda give us the scale and reach to connect with a high-intent traveller base across Asia and beyond. This helps us grow demand for Capella and Patina. At the same time, we continue delivering the bespoke service of Capella and the transformative experiences of Patina in every destination we’re in,” said Capella Hotel Group Vice President Revenue Varun Whig.
SINGAPORE, 25 September 2026: New travel insurance data reveals a 77% year-on-year surge in travellers taking out cover for ultramarathons abroad, as more holidaymakers ditch sunbeds in favour of ‘racecations’.
Sightseeing and sunbathing are being swapped for start lines, according to new data from sports travel insurance provider SportsCover Direct, which reveals a 55% year-on-year rise in travellers taking out specialist cover for endurance and challenge-based sporting events.
Analysing its own policy data, SportsCover Direct found that ultramarathon travel has seen the biggest jump, up 77% year-on-year, as more amateur athletes travel abroad to compete rather than simply spectate.
Challenge-based sporting trips are also being recognised on a wider scale, with TripAdvisor naming ‘sweat jetting’ one of its top travel trends of the year, noting that major marathons are now driving significant visitor surges in host cities, with Chicago Marathon bringing a 300% rise in visitors, followed by Boston (+228%) and Berlin (+222%).
Endurance sports events driving demand for racecations
SportsCover Direct’s internal data has revealed the 10 fastest-growing endurance events sports enthusiasts are travelling abroad to compete in, with the list published as tens of thousands of amateur runners prepare to line up at the Berlin Marathon start line later this month (27 September).
The data also points to a more ‘accessible’ approach to endurance sports, with half marathons (+34%) outgrowing full marathons (+21%), and half ironmans (+29%) growing faster than full Ironmans (+19%), suggesting that athletes want the challenge of racing abroad without committing to the full distance.
Elsewhere, ski racing has emerged as a surprise entry in second place, up 44% year-on-year, with events like Sweden’s Vasaloppet drawing a growing number of global entrants, showing there’s also an appetite for winter endurance travel.
SportsCover Direct’s data is backed by the wider industry, with Google searches for ‘ultra race’ up 234% year-on-year, while searches for ‘European marathons’ are up 34% over the same period. Strava also recorded a 9% rise in members completing marathons and ultramarathons, with 40% of its users logging a run while abroad, and entries to this year’s TCS London Marathon ballot from 18-29 year-olds rose 105% year-on-year, evidence that the appetite for endurance travel spans generations as well as distances.
SportsCover Direct Head of Underwriting and Sales Chris Trotman comments: “Our internal data reveals a clear shift in the type of trip people are booking, with more travellers building entire holidays around endurance sporting events, whether that’s a marathon, a triathlon or an ultra. It’s brilliant to see amateur athletes pushing themselves in this way, and it shows just how much endurance sport has moved from a niche pursuit to a mainstream travel motivation.
“It’s important to remember that competing abroad brings a different set of risks to a normal holiday, from the physical demands of the event itself to travelling with specialist equipment and kit. Standard travel insurance often excludes race and competition cover. So travellers must check that their holiday insurance covers their specific event and sport, understand what is and isn’t included as standard, and build in enough time on either side of racing to manage the unexpected. Taking time to ensure the right preparation in advance will mean that the only thing you need to focus on is the finish line.”
BANGKOK, 25 September 2026: This October, Centara Hotels & Resorts invites guests to uncover the wonders of green season in diverse destinations across Thailand.
Thailand’s Andaman Coast is blessed with truly iconic seascapes, from the crescent-shaped sandy bays of Phuket to the idyllic islands of Krabi province. After months of monsoon rain, October is a magical time to discover these tropical landscapes. Lush jungles fill with fragrant flowers, waterfalls flow into secluded pools, and nature’s colours provide a beautiful backdrop for photos. Rain may still fall, but the puddles dry quickly in the sun, and many attractions feel blissfully quiet compared to the busier winter months.
Golden hour meets tropical bliss at Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi
With a choice of 11 properties across Phuket, Krabi and Phi Phi, ranging from family-friendly resorts such as Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi to romantic retreats like Centara Villas Phuket, Centara sets the stage for inspiring green season getaways. With the “Villa and Suite Retreat” offer, guests can enjoy 20% off premium room types, together with hotel credit worth 15% of the total booking value, when booking by 30 September 2026.
Peaceful escapes from the city in Hua Hin and Cha Am
For more than 100 years, the charming Thai beach towns of Hua Hin and Cha Am have welcomed visitors for rest, away from the heat and hubbub of Bangkok. Today, seamless transport links mean that city dwellers can easily enjoy seaside escapes. With long and quiet sandy beaches, local markets, fresh seafood and soothing spas, this is the perfect place to get away from it all and unwind in serenity. The Gulf of Thailand is also home to some of Southeast Asia’s best golf courses, as well as long, flat roads for cycling, making it an outstanding option for sporting weekends.
From the timeless charm of Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin to the relaxed, lifestyle-led Centara Life Cha-Am Beach Resort Hua Hin, enjoy more ways to linger longer by the sea.
Centara offers a choice of hotels in Hua Hin and Cha Am, including the iconic Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin and the lifestyle-led Centara Life Cha-Am Beach Resort Hua Hin. With the “Linger for Longer” offer, guests can extend their seaside escape and save up to 44% on stays until 31 December 2026.
Authentic adventures in Isaan, Thailand’s rural paradise
The rural provinces of Isaan, northeast Thailand, promise richly rewarding experiences for culture seekers and culinary enthusiasts alike. As the summer rains ease, vast swathes of this verdant region shimmer and sparkle as the bright sun reflects on the waterlogged rice fields. Guests who delve deeper into this authentic part of Southeast Asia will discover friendly locals, lively markets, and sizzling street food stalls that showcase the fresh, natural produce that thrives across Isaan.
From the bold flavours of Isaan cuisine to fun-filled family moments by the pool, discover the authentic charm of Ubon Ratchathani with Centara Ubon.
Centara offers an extensive selection of internationally branded hotels across Thailand’s key provincial cities, including Centara Ubon, Centara Korat, Centara Udon and Centara Ayutthaya. With the “Culture Connect” offer, a third guest stays free and receives a 10% discount voucher for food and drinks.
LANGKAWI, Malaysia, 23 September 2026: Langkawi invites the global travel trade to see the island differently at the Langkawi International Tourism Engagement (LITE) 2026, taking place from 21 to 25 September.
Hosted by the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and supported by Tourism Malaysia, this year’s edition welcomes 31 hosted buyers and travel trade representatives representing 27 companies across 14 key global markets*, including Algeria, Russia, Belgium, France, Türkiye, Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan, Italy, Cambodia, Spain, Lao PDR, Sweden, and the UK.
At the heart of this year’s programme are four destination experiences: Feel Wonder. Feel Indulgence. Feel Connection. Feel Possibility.
Together, they offer alternative ways to explore Langkawi — beyond its iconic beaches and postcard views — towards an island where ancient landscapes, exceptional hospitality, local character, and distinctive experiences come together to create highly personal journeys.
“LITE was created with a simple ambition: to establish a platform that connects Langkawi’s tourism industry directly with international buyers and travel partners. For today’s discerning traveller, bespoke travel is increasingly about discovering experiences that feel personal and meaningful, and LITE provides an opportunity to explore how Langkawi can meet that evolving desire,” said Langkawi Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Haji Iskandar Datuk Haji Mohd Kaus.
The programme moves between Langkawi’s natural and luxurious sides, from the heights of Langkawi SkyCab and the mangrove waterways of Kilim Karst Geoforest to a slower-paced exploration on horseback with Island Horses Langkawi, complemented by stays, inspections and dining at leading resorts including The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, The Danna Langkawi, The St Regis Langkawi and Berjaya Resort Langkawi.
For more information on Langkawi’s attractions, visit: Naturally Langkawi
About Naturally Langkawi Naturally Langkawi is a story 550 million years in the making. It has nature that is beautifully unique, wonderfully rare and vastly accessible. It envelops the 99 islands and the people who live there, creating a culture rich with stories as unique as the archipelago itself. A land steeped in captivating legends, myths and folklore as interesting as the people who tell them. It is a place full of diverse, incredible experiences where moments naturally become memories.
SINGAPORE, 24 September 2026: Vietjet chair Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao attended the Opening Bell ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Monday, as the US bourse marked the start of trading with Secretary of State Marco Rubio ringing the bell at 0930.
The occasion coincided with Vietnam’s official reclassification by FTSE Russell from a Frontier to a Secondary Emerging market, marking an important milestone in the country’s integration into global capital markets.
Sovico and Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao visit the NYSE and attend the opening bell ceremony led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 21 September. (Image courtesy of NYSE Group).
US stocks rallied on 21 September, with the S&P 500 gaining 1.49%, the Nasdaq Composite rising 2.26% to a record closing high and the Dow Jones Industrial Average advancing 0.71%.
At the NYSE, Thao met with exchange executives to discuss cooperation between the Vietnamese and US capital markets, including ways to connect Vietnamese companies with global institutional investors. The discussions also covered trading technology, corporate governance, product development and listing standards, as well as potential opportunities for qualified Vietnamese companies to pursue dual listings in Vietnam and the US.
The event took place as Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam and a high-level Vietnamese delegation were in the US for the high-level week of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly and a series of bilateral engagements. Heads of state and government from nearly 200 countries gathered in New York for the General Assembly.
FTSE Russell confirmed that Vietnam’s market reclassification took effect from the opening of trading on 21 September 2026. The upgrade is expected to broaden Vietnam’s access to international investment funds and support further improvements in market infrastructure, settlement, transparency and corporate governance.
The development is also relevant for Singapore, which remains among Vietnam’s top foreign investors as economic ties between the two countries continue to deepen. For Singapore-based investors and businesses with exposure to Vietnam, the upgrade brings Vietnamese equities into widely followed FTSE global benchmarks, potentially broadening international investor access to the market.
Speaking at the NYSE, Rubio said he was honoured to ring the Opening Bell. He highlighted international trade agreements and secure supply chains as important pillars in supporting jobs, economic growth, and prosperity in the United States.
The NYSE, part of Intercontinental Exchange, is the world’s largest stock exchange by market capitalisation, with its listed companies representing an aggregate market value of approximately US$29 trillion.
“Vietnam’s official transition to emerging-market status opens a new chapter for the country’s capital markets and business community,” Thao said. “We will continue to promote stronger connections between the NYSE and Vietnamese enterprises, attract long-term capital and enable Vietnamese companies to engage more deeply with global standards and the international investment community, including through potential listings in New York.”
Thao’s presence at the NYSE follows a meeting with NYSE Group President Lynn Martin in September 2025, when the two discussed expanding international fundraising channels and strengthening Vietnamese companies’ presence in global financial markets. A year later, Thao returned to the NYSE representing businesses from an economy that has now officially joined FTSE Russell’s emerging-market community.
HDBank and Vietjet, in which Thao is a major investor, are listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange and are included in FTSE indexes. Both companies have continued to expand their scale and business performance while seeking to create value for domestic and international shareholders.
HDBank is preparing to launch initial public offerings and list two subsidiaries: HDS Securities and consumer finance company HD SAISON. Technology group Galaxy Holdings is also exploring international fundraising options, including bond issuance and potential overseas listings.
During the visit to the US and Canada, Sovico, Vietjet and HDBank are expected to sign several agreements with international corporations, financial institutions and other partners. The agreements will focus on expanding access to capital, markets, and technology, while strengthening economic, trade, and investment ties between Vietnam, the US, Canada, and global partners.
The NYSE Opening Bell provided a symbolic backdrop connecting New York, one of the world’s foremost financial and capital-market centres, with Vietnam as the country deepens its participation in global investment flows.
SINGAPORE, 24 September 2026: Air Astana, Kazakh Tourism, and five regions of Kazakhstan signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement for 2027 in Almaty on Monday to boost inbound tourism, increase passenger traffic, and strengthen Kazakhstan’s profile in international markets.
Air Astana, Kazakh Tourism, the Akimats of Astana and Almaty, and the Almaty, Akmola and Mangistau regions signed the agreement. The parties will combine their marketing, communications and organisational resources to implement joint initiatives promoting Kazakhstan as a tourist destination.
Photo credit: Air Astana. From left: Kazakh Tourism Chair Talgat Gazizov and Air Astana CEO Ibrahim Canliel.
The cooperation will include digital campaigns, participation in major international exhibitions and roadshows, familiarisation trips for international partners and media, B2B events, and joint analysis of priority markets.
“Developing inbound tourism requires a coordinated effort. By bringing together the resources and expertise of the national tourism board, the airline and the regions, we can raise Kazakhstan’s profile in key international markets. This cooperation will help attract more international visitors and support the development of tourism-related businesses and services across the country,” said Kazakh Tourism Chair Talgat Gazizov,
“We are committed to jointly developing inbound tourism, which goes hand in hand with the growth of international air travel to Kazakhstan,” said Air Astana CEO Ibrahim Canliel. “We aim to make Kazakhstan more accessible to international travellers and raise awareness of the rich cultural heritage, variety of attractions and promote Kazakhstan as a destination.”
SINGAPORE, 24 September 2026: AirAsia has been named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 17th consecutive year at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards.
Widely known as the ‘Oscars of the aviation industry’, the Skytrax World Airline Awards are among the most respected recognitions in global aviation, with the results based on the independent annual World Airline Survey and the views of travellers worldwide.
Photo credit: AirAsia. Skytrax Award Ceremony 2026.
For AirAsia, the recognition carries particular weight as a direct reflection of the trust and confidence from our guests, built up over 25 years of service.
AirAsia’s Co-Founder, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, who accepted the award on behalf of AirAsia during the ceremony, said: “We started AirAsia 25 years ago with a simple mission: to make flying accessible to more people. The Skytrax recognition is a reflection of the trust travellers have placed in AirAsia, and that is something we never take for granted.”
Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted added: “We congratulate AirAsia on this fabulous achievement at the 2026 World Airline Awards. This success, for the record seventeenth time, demonstrates the airline’s dedication to providing quality, affordable travel options for its customers. This is a highly competitive and fast-growing market for low-cost airlines, and this award is a clear affirmation of AirAsia’s success.”
The Skytrax World Airline Awards are based on the independent annual World Airline Survey, which reflects passenger votes from travellers worldwide. Skytrax independently conducts the survey and charges no entry or registration fees to airlines.
SINGAPORE, 24 September 2026: Ethiopian Airlines will launch a new scheduled passenger service from its home base in Addis Ababa to Port Harcourt, Nigeria, effective 1 December 2026.
The service will further strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ presence in Nigeria and enhance air connectivity between West Africa and the airline’s extensive global network through its hub in Addis Ababa.
Photo credit: Ethiopian.
Services will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Flight schedule
Port Harcourt, one of Nigeria’s leading commercial and industrial hubs, serves as a key gateway to the country’s energy sector and broader economic activities. The new route will give passengers convenient connections to Ethiopian Airlines’ network across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Nigeria remains one of Ethiopian Airlines’ most significant and longest-served markets in Africa, with the airline launching its first service to the country in 1960. It operates flights to Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Enugu.
SINGAPORE, 24 September 2026: Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) and Star Alliance have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a Star Alliance lounge at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport.
The MOU will ensure eligible passengers travelling with Star Alliance member airlines can continue to access the premium lounge at Incheon International Airport after Asiana Airlines departs Star Alliance on 16 December 2026, as part of its integration with Korean Air. Eligible passengers of Star Alliance member airlines currently enjoy access to Asiana Airlines lounges at Incheon International Airport.
Photo credit: Star Alliance.
Under the MOU, the existing Asiana Airlines Business Lounge (West) in Terminal 1 will transition to a Star Alliance lounge. The lounge is expected to begin operations in 4Q 2026, in conjunction with Asiana Airlines’ departure from the Alliance.
Eligible passengers of Star Alliance member airlines at Incheon International Airport will continue to enjoy seamless premium lounge services following the transition.
The decision to establish a dedicated Star Alliance lounge at Incheon International Airport reflects the airport’s continued importance as a major international gateway, ranking as the world’s number one airport for international passenger traffic in the first half of 2026.
The new space will be the seventh Star Alliance lounge worldwide, joining its existing lounges at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. In addition, eligible Star Alliance member airline customers enjoy access to over 1,000 airport lounges around the world.
