Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Home Blog Page 2

ONYX celebrates 60-year legacy

BANGKOK, 18 May 2026: ONYX Hospitality Group celebrates its 60th anniversary with a portfolio spanning hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and  luxury residences 

The ONYX Hospitality Group, which traces its roots back to the founding of Siam Lodges in 1965 and its subsequent corporate rebranding in 1992 as Amari Hotels & Resorts, targets a total revenue of THB10.33 billion in 2026, representing a 14% year-on-year increase. 

Photo credit: ONYX. ONYX Hospitality Group, Chief Executive Officer, Yuthachai Charanachitta.

It also plans to expand its portfolio to more than 75 properties by 2030, underscoring its sustained growth momentum and strengthening its position across the Asia Pacific region. This expansion will be supported by a planned investment of THB 5.5 billion over the next three years, primarily focused on enhancing and upgrading existing properties.

Over the past six decades, ONYX Hospitality Group has grown from managing a single hotel in Thailand into a regional hospitality company with a multi-brand portfolio including Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence. 

Today, ONYX manages 49 properties and remains on track to expand its portfolio to more than 75 properties across Asia Pacific by 2030. 

ONYX Hospitality Group, Chief Executive Officer Yuthachai Charanachitta said: “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we see this milestone not merely as a reflection of our past achievements, but as the beginning of our next phase of growth. Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding our regional footprint, strengthening our brands, and creating long-term value for our partners, investors and customers, while continuing to develop the organisation in a balanced and sustainable manner. At the same time, we are dedicated to playing an active role in elevating service standards and supporting the long-term advancement of Thailand’s hospitality industry.”

In 2026, the Group is set to launch several new projects, including Shama Sukhumvit 101 Bangkok, Shama Medini, and Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen. 

(Source: ONYX)

Minor rebrands vacation club

BANGKOK, 18 May 2026: Minor Hotels confirms the rebranding of its vacation ownership business from Anantara Vacation Club to Minor Vacation Club as the group expands its timeshare portfolio.

For over 15 years, Anantara Vacation Club has played an integral role within Minor Hotels, building long-term relationships with guests who return year after year to Club Resorts and affiliated Minor Hotels properties around the world.

Photo credit: Minor Hotels

While the Club began with close ties to Anantara, its offering has expanded significantly. Today,  points owners can enjoy offerings from the broader Minor Hotels portfolio, from Anantara and Elewana to Avani and Oaks, alongside dining, leisure, and lifestyle experiences beyond accommodation. This growth prompted the need for a name that more accurately reflects the full scope of access now available.

As a result, Anantara Vacation Club will be renamed Minor Vacation Club, operating under the broader Minor Vacations umbrella and serving as the main timeshare product. Minor Vacation Club will also launch two Club Resorts in Japan later this year. This milestone signals the next phase of growth for the Club, shaped by carefully selected destinations, distinctive experiences, and access that extends beyond a single hotel brand.

(Source: Minor Hotels)

Global tourism outpaces economic growth

SINGAPORE, 18 May 2026: Global Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue outpacing wider economic growth in 2026, with the sector expected to contribute USD12 trillion to the world economy, accounting for 9.9% of GDP, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council, sponsored by Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner.

WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) forecasts the sector will grow by 3.2% globally in 2026, ahead of wider global economic growth of 2.4%. Travel & Tourism is also expected to support 376 million jobs worldwide in 2026, representing one in nine jobs globally.

Photo credit: WTTC

Over the next decade, the sector is forecast to support almost 89 million new jobs globally, accounting for approximately one-third of all new jobs expected across the wider economy. During the same period, global Travel & Tourism GDP is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 3.6%, 1.5 times faster than the wider global economy, which is forecast to grow at 2.4%.

Against this global backdrop, WTTC highlighted the importance of continued investment in smart infrastructure, digital innovation, sustainable destination management, skills development, and cross-border connectivity to maintain the sector’s strong long-term growth trajectory. The organisation also pointed to the growing role of AI and new technologies in improving traveller experience, operational efficiency, and workforce development across the sector.

In Europe, Travel & Tourism is forecast to outperform the wider regional economy in 2026, reinforcing its role as one of the continent’s strongest drivers of growth, jobs, and investment.

While wider European GDP growth is forecast to reach just 1% in 2026 amid continued inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty, Travel & Tourism GDP across Europe is expected to grow by 3.6%, nearly four times faster.

WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research shows the sector continues to exhibit remarkable resilience, even as households face rising costs and persistent value-seeking behaviour.

International visitor spending across Europe is projected to grow 7.1% in 2026, significantly ahead of the global average of 3.7%, as travellers increasingly choose destinations closer to home amid geopolitical uncertainty and disruption in other regions.

Southern European destinations continue to lead the region’s momentum, with Spain standing out as one of Europe’s strongest-performing major tourism economies. WTTC forecasts Spain’s Travel & Tourism sector will grow 3.7% in 2026, matching Türkiye and outperforming the wider European economy, while Italy is expected to lead the region’s major markets with growth of 3.8%. International visitor spending in Spain is also forecast to increase by 5.3% this year, underlining the continued strength and competitiveness of Mediterranean destinations. In 2025, Spain recorded 96.8 million international visitor arrivals, the second-highest in Europe after France. Yet, the country recorded €115.1BN (USD130.1 billion) in international visitor spending in the same year, making it the leading destination in Europe and the third globally. 

WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara said: “Travel & Tourism continues to prove its resilience across Europe and remains one of the region’s most important economic growth engines at a time when wider economic expansion is slowing. The sector is creating jobs, driving investment, and supporting communities across the continent.

“Countries such as Spain, Italy, France and Türkiye are showing what is possible when governments recognise the strategic value of Travel & Tourism and support the sector through smart investment, strong connectivity, and forward-looking policies. Europe has a real opportunity to build on this momentum, but maintaining competitiveness, affordability, and seamless travel will be critical.”

(Source: WTTC)

Qatar Airways returns to Abu Dhabi

DOHA, Qatar, 18 May 2026: Qatar Airways continues to restore its network across the Middle East, with the resumption of double-daily passenger flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH), the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The reintroduction of Abu Dhabi services, now in operation, expands Qatar Airways’ operations in the UAE to three destinations, alongside Dubai (DXB) and Sharjah (SHJ).

Photo credit: Qatar Airways

The service follows Qatar Airways’ recent regional announcement of flights to Baghdad (BGW), Basra (BSR), and Erbil (EBL) in Iraq.

Qatar Airways has also resumed daily services to Bahrain (BAH), Damascus (DAM), and Kozhikode (CCJ), offering passengers greater flexibility and enhanced connectivity across the region and beyond.

Building on this momentum, Qatar Airways is steadily advancing the phased restoration of its global network across six continents. The airline advises passengers to regularly check its official website or app and ensure their contact details are correct and up to date.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

United expands Japan services

CHICAGO, 18 May 2026: United will expand its service to Japan with new flights to Sapporo and Tokyo-Narita this winter. 

The airline will launch the first seasonal service (December to March) from San Francisco to Sapporo, Japan. It will be the only US airline offering direct daily service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita*. 

Photo credit: United.

In 2025, the airline flew more than 1.8 million passengers between the two countries — more than all other US carriers combined. This winter, United will operate up to 13 flights each day from the continental US to four airports in Japan, including Sapporo (CTS), Tokyo-Narita (NRT), Tokyo-Haneda (HND), and Osaka (KIX).

San Francisco to Sapporo, Japan

Starting 11 December, three weekly winter seasonal services will launch between San Francisco (SFO) and Sapporo (CTS), marking the first nonstop flights between the continental US and Sapporo. Sapporo offers travellers an entirely new way to experience Japan in the winter, from fresh powder for world-class skiing to a rich culinary scene with must-try dishes like Sapporo ramen and Hokkaido seafood. The city is also home to the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival, which transforms it into a winter wonderland.

Flights are expected to operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. United will connect travellers from nearly 80 US cities to Sapporo through its premier Pacific gateway in San Francisco, making it easier than ever to reach this unique Japanese destination.

Chicago to Tokyo-Narita

United will launch new daily year-round service between Chicago O’Hare and Tokyo-Narita beginning 24 October. United will be the only US airline offering service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita, further expanding its position as the only US carrier connecting Chicago to the Pacific region nonstop. The new service builds on the airline’s existing service between Chicago and Tokyo-Haneda, providing travellers with even more ways to travel between the US and Japan.

The new Tokyo-Narita flight unlocks easy, one-stop connections for travellers to 21 destinations across the Asia-Pacific on United or a Joint Venture partner, ANA. Customers can connect on United to cities such as Cebu, Guam, Kaohsiung, Palau, Saipan, and Ulaanbaatar. The new flights between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita are expected to operate on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

*Subject to government approval

(Source: United Airlines)

SONO extends footprint in Bali

BALI, Indonesia, 18 May 2026: SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia has signed a Hotel Management Agreement with PT Nelayan Development SPV for SONO Felice Bali Canggu, a 90-room upscale lifestyle hotel set to open in July 2028. 

The signing marks another strategic step in SONO’s expansion across Indonesia, reinforcing its focus on high-potential destinations in Southeast Asia.

 Rendering of SONO Felice Bali Canggu

Located on Jalan Nelayan, just a short commute from Batu Bolong Beach, the hotel sits in the heart of Canggu, one of Bali’s most sought-after lifestyle destinations, known for its surf culture, creative energy, and dining scene.

SONO Felice Bali Canggu is designed to cater to both short-term and extended stays. The concept reflects growing demand for flexible, design-led accommodation, appealing to digital nomads and a new generation of global travellers.

SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia, Senior Vice President-Asia Jihong An said: “Canggu represents one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in the region, and this hotel reflects our focus on aligning product, location, and partner vision to deliver sustainable performance.”

(Source: SONO Hotels & Resorts)

BWH Hotels brings Aiden to Southeast Asia 

BANGKOK, 15 May 2026: BWH Hotels, the global hospitality enterprise comprised of WorldHotels, Best WesternHotels & Resorts and SureStayHotels, announces the opening of Aiden Surawong Bangkok, a stylish new boutique hotel nestled in a culture-rich part of Thailand’s capital city. This milestone marks the debut of the edgy, design-led Aiden brand in Southeast Asia.

Aiden is a collection of contemporary hotels that capture the essence of their destination. Situated on Surawong Road, Aiden Surawong Bangkok lets guests discover an historic urban area which has evolved into a thriving heritage district where culture, creativity and commerce converge. The century-old Neilson Hays Library, the Bangkok Folk Museum, and the flagship store of Jim Thompson, the iconic silk merchant, are all located along the same street as the hotel. Neighbouring Silom, with its vibrant night market, Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown and street food haven, and the Bang Rak riverside district are also just a short commute away. Sala Daeng BTS skytrain station and Sam Yan MRT subway station put the entire city within easy reach.

Aiden Surawong Bangkok pays homage to the area’s heritage and evolution. The hotel has been transformed from a former jewellery workshop, and its interiors sparkle with the imagery of precious gemstones. Evoking the spirit of the 1920s, travellers are immersed in the glamour of old Hollywood, with a Gatsby-like Art Deco design, connected social areas, and plenty of Instagrammable spaces.

“The debut of Aiden in Thailand and Southeast Asia demonstrates our commitment to meeting the needs of a new generation of savvy travellers. They are seeking more than a gateway; they are looking for connection and lifestyle in dynamic destinations—it’s about meaningful moments in local neighbourhoods. With its blend of historical charm and modern creativity, Bangkok is the perfect place to introduce Aiden to the region. I am confident that our discerning guests, including our Best Western Rewards® members, will be inspired by the hotel’s striking design, social vibe, seamless connectivity, and intuitive amenities,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

The 77 rooms and suites are refined sanctuaries with modern amenities intuitively suited to the needs of digital nomads and urban explorers. Guests can unwind at the Gems Pool with skyline views, work out at the fitness centre, or dine in style at Club Ruby, an elegant restaurant which transitions from a casual morning café to an all-day dining venue and a bar for after-work drinks. The Garden by Aiden is a laid-back social space for post-work hangouts and private gatherings, featuring signature drinks.

With the opening of Aiden Surawong Bangkok, BWH Hotels now operates 17 properties in the Greater Bangkok region, making it one of the city’s leading hotel operators. It also marks the group’s 28th property in Thailand. In line with the company’s five-year development strategy, BWH Hotels is targeting around 200 hotels across the Asia Pacific over the next five years.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com.

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels)

Orient Express Yacht makes maiden voyage in May 

Bangkok, Thailand, 15 May 2026: A new chapter in ultra-luxury travel is preparing to make waves across the Mediterranean as the Orient Express Corinthian, officially recognised as the world’s largest sailing yacht, prepares for its maiden voyages beginning in May 2026.

Created through a landmark partnership between luxury powerhouse LVMH and global hospitality leader Accor, the spectacular new vessel represents one of the most ambitious and glamorous hospitality projects launched in recent years.

Blending the romance and prestige of the legendary Orient Express brand with cutting-edge naval engineering, refined design and exceptional gastronomy.

Take my tour of the luxurious Orient Express Corinthian – the world’s largest sailing yacht (collage /ajwood).

The Orient Express Corinthian is being positioned as a floating sanctuary of elegance and exclusivity for a new generation of affluent travellers.

At an extraordinary 220 metres in length and weighing 16,000 metric tons, the Corinthian dramatically redefines luxury ocean travel. The vessel accommodates just 110 guests in 54 ultra-luxury suites, including six exceptional penthouse residences, ensuring a highly personalised, intimate onboard experience rarely found at sea.

Interiors reflect a refined blend of Art Deco sophistication and contemporary French luxury, with private butler service adding another layer of exclusivity.

Designed to capture the timeless glamour associated with the golden age of travel.

Orient Express executives describe the Corinthian not as a cruise ship, but as an entirely new category of “ultra-luxury experiential travel,” positioned somewhere between a private superyacht and a six-star boutique hotel.

The maiden itineraries will explore some of the Mediterranean’s most enchanting destinations before the vessel later transitions to Caribbean voyages.

One of the defining features of the Corinthian is its revolutionary sailing technology.

The yacht features three enormous “Solid Sails,” each measuring approximately 1,500 square metres. Constructed using carbon fibre reinforced glass panels rather than traditional woven sailcloth, the innovative sail system was developed after conventional sailmakers reportedly abandoned the concept due to the immense engineering challenges involved.

Engineers at Chantiers de l’Atlantique ultimately succeeded in creating a patented solution that combines advanced sustainability with remarkable open-sea performance.

The vessel’s sleek hull design and towering sail structure create one of the most striking silhouettes ever seen in modern maritime travel.

Sustainability also sits at the heart of the project. The yacht combines wind propulsion with advanced hybrid technologies and future-ready engineering to significantly reduce its environmental impact while maintaining exceptional luxury standards.

The onboard lifestyle offering is equally extraordinary. Guests will have access to five restaurants, private dining venues, eight bars and lounges, a marina, swimming pools, a cabaret-style entertainment venue, a recording studio and an exclusive Guerlain spa.

The culinary programme will be overseen by legendary French chef Yannick Alléno, holder of an extraordinary 18 Michelin stars across his global restaurant empire. His signature venue, “La Table de l’Orient Express,” is expected to become one of the most exclusive dining experiences at sea.

Each restaurant aboard the vessel will feature its own distinct culinary identity inspired by the Mediterranean and Caribbean regions visited during the voyages.

Industry analysts believe the launch of the Corinthian may fundamentally reshape the future of luxury travel by merging the privacy and intimacy of yacht culture with the service standards of the world’s finest luxury hotels.

The Orient Express brand itself continues to expand far beyond its historic rail heritage, evolving into a complete luxury hospitality universe spanning iconic trains, hotels and now revolutionary sailing yachts.

A second vessel, the Orient Express Olympian, is already scheduled to follow in 2027.

For the global luxury travel industry, the launch of Orient Express Corinthian signals far more than the arrival of another high-end ship. It represents the rebirth of glamorous ocean travel, combining timeless elegance, visionary engineering and highly personalised experiences for travellers seeking the very best the world has to offer.

Vessel highlights

• World’s largest sailing yacht

• Maiden voyages begin May 2026

• 220 metres / 721 feet in length

• 16,000 metric tons

• Three revolutionary “Solid Sails”

• 1,500 square metres of sail area per mast

• 54 luxury suites

• Six penthouse residences

• Maximum capacity of just 110 guests

• Five restaurants and multiple private dining venues

• Culinary programme by 18 Michelin-star chef Yannick Alléno

• Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries

• Advanced hybrid and wind-powered technology

• Built in France by Chantiers de l’Atlantique

About the Author
Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based media executive, travel writer and former hotel executive specialising in Asian tourism. A resident of Thailand since 1991, he brings over four decades of international hospitality experience, including senior roles with leading hotel groups such as Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Minor Hotels and the Royal Cliff Hotels Group. A former Director of Skål International, he also served as President of Skål Asia and National President of Skål Thailand, and twice as President of Skål International Bangkok. He writes widely on tourism and aviation trends across Asia.

Indonesia’s luxury hotel sector recovers

JAKARTA, 14 May 2026: Indonesia’s luxury hotel sector has returned to pre-pandemic occupancy levels, outpacing all other hotel classes and signalling renewed strength in premium travel demand as the country’s tourism industry moves into its next phase of growth.

The recovery, alongside rising branded residence momentum in Bali, took centre stage at the inaugural Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 (ITX 2026), held on Tuesday at The Langham, Jakarta, in front of an audience of more than 400 industry leaders from hospitality, tourism, investment, data, sustainability and branded real estate.

From left to right: David Johnson, CEO – Delivering Asia; Matt Gebbie, Director – Pacific Asia, Horwath HTL; Edward Kusma, Director – Harmoni Bali; Sherona Shng, Regional Vice President – Operations, Asia, Langham Hospitality Group; Bill Barnett, Managing Director, C9 Hotelworks; Jesper Palmqvist, Regional Vice President – Asia Pacific, STR.

As host venue and partner, The Langham, Jakarta provided the setting for the inaugural forum, placing the discussion within one of the capital’s leading luxury hospitality addresses and connecting the event to wider conversations around premium travel, mixed-use development and branded hospitality.

“Luxury travellers coming to Indonesia are not looking for replicas of global hotels,” said Langham Hospitality Group Regional Vice President – Operations, Asia, Sherona Shng. “They are seeking meaning, context, and a sense of place. The brands that succeed here will be those that understand Indonesia’s cultural complexity and deliver experiences that feel deeply personal, not standardised.”

According to STR, the hotel analytics division of CoStar Group, luxury hotel occupancy in Indonesia for the 12 months ending March 2026 has returned to pre-pandemic levels, outperforming all other hotel classes, which remain 5.5 percentage points below their previous highs. Indonesia’s hotel rates have also risen by more than 40% since 2019, supported by market maturation and new high-end hotel supply.

The data points to a more confident outlook for premium hospitality in Indonesia. Building on this, luxury hotels have led average daily rate growth since 2023, while Bali’s luxury segment continues to record strong rate growth, driven by international demand and a diverse set of source markets.

Indonesia’s luxury hotel occupancy returned to pre-pandemic levels for the 12 months ending March 2026, outpacing other hotel classes and underlining the resilience of high-end travel demand. Source: STR / CoStar.

Alongside the luxury travel rebound, ITX 2026 also spotlighted the rise of branded residences in Bali. According to C9 Hotelworks research, Asia’s branded residences pipeline has reached IDR707 trillion (about USD40 billion) across 50,025 units, representing 30.3% year-on-year growth. Indonesia accounts for IDR24.7 trillion, or about USD1.4 billion, across 1,145 launched units, highlighting the country’s regional importance.

Bali has emerged as one of Indonesia’s key branded residence markets, accounting for 25% of the country’s branded residence market value. The island now has more than 70 active hospitality-managed developments, with branded residences accounting for around 10% of active supply. Canggu/Berawa is the largest cluster, with 1,703 units across 25 properties, followed by Uluwatu, Seseh/Pererenan/Nyany, Seminyak and Sanur.

Organised by Horwath HTL, C9 Hotelworks, STR, QUO Global, Greenview and Delivering Asia, in partnership with Langham Hospitality Group, ITX 2026 is a new annual platform for market intelligence, industry dialogue and commercial connections across Indonesia’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The event is supported by the Indonesian Hotel & Restaurant Association (PHRI), the Jakarta Hotels Association (JHA), and the Bali Hotels Association (BHA).

Under the theme “Reimagining Journeys”, ITX 2026 addressed how Indonesia’s tourism sector is evolving in response to luxury demand, hotel performance, branded residences, investment trends, design, technology and sustainability.

Branded residences have grown rapidly across Asia, with Bali now accounting for 25% of Indonesia’s branded residences market value. (Source: C9 Hotelworks Market Research, 2026).

The ITX 2026 programme opened with a session on Indonesia’s investment climate and 2026 outlook, led by Bower Group Asia Indonesia Managing Director Douglas E Ramage.

The forum covered key forces shaping the sector, including luxury hospitality, hotel performance trends, technology, branded residences, leadership, culturally grounded design, ownership strategy and sustainability.

“Indonesia’s opportunity is not simply growth. It is smart growth,” said Horwath HTL Director – Pacific Asia Matt Gebbie. “Luxury hotels, in particular, face higher expectations on performance, capital returns and differentiation. Understanding which destinations, segments and concepts will truly perform in 2026 and beyond is now critical for investors and operators alike.”

Branded residences were examined in a dedicated session moderated by C9 Hotelworks  Managing Director, Bill Barnett, featuring speakers from Harmoni Bali, Marriott International and Langham Hospitality Group.

“Branded residences are no longer a secondary product in Indonesia. They are becoming a primary driver of luxury real estate demand,” said Barnett. “What makes Indonesia compelling is the combination of brand trust, destination appeal and lifestyle aspiration. The challenge is aligning those elements in markets that are diverse, fragmented and culturally nuanced.”

About Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026
Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 is a new annual industry platform that connects senior leaders and decision-makers across Indonesia’s tourism, hospitality, and destination development sectors. The inaugural edition took place on 12 May 2026 at The Langham, Jakarta, bringing together market intelligence, industry insight and commercial networking across hospitality, investment, sustainability, technology, branding, design and branded real estate.

Organisers
ITX 2026 is organised by Horwath HTL, C9 Hotelworks, STR, QUO Global, Greenview and Delivering Asia, in partnership with Langham Hospitality Group. The event was further supported by the Indonesian Hotel & Restaurant Association (PHRI), Jakarta Hotels Association (JHA), and Bali Hotels Association (BHA). Media partners: Kompas ID, TDM and National Geography Indonesia.

(Source: Delivering Asia)

Tented camp keeps the forest safe

BANGKOK, 14 May 2026: Cambodia’s Cardamom Tented Camp has released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting measurable progress in rainforest protection, wildlife monitoring and community engagement through its tourism-led conservation model.

Established through a partnership between camp operator YAANA Ventures, Minor Group and Wildlife Alliance, the 12-tent award-winning eco-retreat continues to protect an 18,073-hectare concession within Botum Sakor National Park in southwest Cambodia. Its model channels a percentage of guest stays directly into conservation activities, reinforcing its founding principle: “Your Stay Keeps the Forest Standing.”

Cardamom Tented Camp: Taking a stand and making an impact for the better.

In 2025, the camp supported 620 ranger patrols, including more than 7,700 kilometres on foot through lowland indigenous forest. These efforts led to the removal of 819 snares, 15 illegal incursion camps, and 22 chainsaws. Two endangered Sunda pangolins were rescued during the year.

Wildlife

Wildlife monitoring by Cardamom Tented Camp has increased. With 72 camera traps deployed, including 25 newly installed units, the camp recorded several significant sightings, including the rare marbled cat and the critically endangered white-eared night heron. These findings indicate continued wildlife recovery in the protected area.

The report reflects the camp’s adoption of the 4Cs framework of The Long Run — conservation, community, culture and commerce. Conservation remains the camp’s raison d’etre, supported by community engagement, cultural respect and financial sustainability.

In 2025, Cardamom Tented Camp generated 13,816 kWh of solar energy, up from 9,960 kWh in 2024. This contributed to a 35% reduction in diesel use, falling from 1,400 litres to 915 litres year-on-year. Waste management initiatives progressed, with 882 kg of recyclable materials processed and a staff incentive scheme generating additional income.

Community initiatives expanded beyond the camp. A pilot waste management programme launched in Chi Phat and supported by Cardamom Tented Camp, engaged 20 households in waste separation practices and reduced landfill impact.

Artist- in-residence plans

In 2026/27, Cardamom Tented Camp plans to enhance community and cultural commitments. There will be an artist-in-residence programme inspired by Cambodian culture and traditions.

Camp manager Allan Michaud, who is also a conservationist and wildlife photographer, said: “While we are proud of the measurable progress made in protecting the forest, we aim to embrace the local community more in the camp’s operations and outreach. We want conservation and local wellbeing to grow together.”

The camp’s 18 staff members mostly come from nearby villages and townships.

The latest full impact report for Cardamom Tented Camp can be downloaded here.

(Source Cardamon Tented Camp)