DOHA, Qatar 12 June 2025: Qatar Airways will pave the runway at the Paris Air Show – the most significant aerospace gathering at the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Le Bourget from 16 to 22 June 2025.
Returning to the biennial event, the airline will share the global platform with 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries, 3,000 attendees, and 150 aircraft on display.
Leading its special line-up will be the UEFA Champions League livery Boeing 777, which was specially dedicated to the homecoming of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after being crowned champions of Europe.
The Paris Air Show runway will also feature commercial aviation’s first-ever operated Gulfstream G700 from the airline’s private jet charter division – Qatar Executive. The state-of-the-art aircraft is designed for ultra-long-haul flights, boasting a spacious cabin and fuel-efficient design.
Qatar Airways will also showcase Qsuite Next Gen, the latest iteration of its award-winning patented Qsuite business class. Visitors are invited to step inside the reimagined Qsuite and explore its wide range of customisation options designed to deliver a personalised, premium travel experience.
Sama, the world’s first AI-powered cabin crew, returns with further enhancements, including her launch on WhatsApp and her new ability to communicate in French. Sama will connect with millions of French-speaking passengers, assisting them with flight bookings destination recommendations and responding to questions about the Qatar Airways passenger experience through intuitive, real-time conversations. Sama is now fluent in French, English and Arabic, with additional languages coming soon. Visitors are welcome to interact with her at L’Univers Qatar Airways Pavillion, as well as on WhatsApp. Visitors to the Paris Air Show can find the Qatar Airways L’Univers Pavillion located in front of Gate 0 (adjacent to Hall 5).
HONG KONG, 12 June 2025: Known for its maze-like architecture and lawless atmosphere, Kowloon Walled City has long captured the imagination of filmmakers, historians and curious travellers alike.
Now, its legendary spirit is being brought vividly back to life – right on the very site where it once stood – with the “Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey” Movie Set Exhibition.
Launched on 24 May 2025, this immersive experience marks Hong Kong’s largest-ever movie set exhibition, inspired by the 2024 action blockbuster Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. Over the next three years, visitors can step into scenes from the film through full-scale recreations of the Walled City’s gritty 1980s alleyways and storefronts, featuring a tailor shop, a bone-setting clinic, a barber, and a fish ball factory.
More than a nostalgic tribute, the exhibition sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Kowloon City – one of Hong Kong’s most fascinating and culturally rich neighbourhoods.
“Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey” Exhibition Details
After exploring the exhibition, dive deeper into the neighbourhood’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Hau Wong Temple
Constructed in 1730 and dedicated to a loyal general of the Southern Song Dynasty, this historic temple is steeped in tradition. Keep an eye out for intricate dragon motifs, delicate porcelain figurines, and beautifully preserved Chinese calligraphy. Address: Junction of Junction Road and Tung Tau Tsuen Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon
Cattle Depot Artist Village
As one of the city’s earliest artist enclaves, Cattle Depot was once an old slaughterhouse. But today, it’s home to local legends like Frog King and cutting-edge galleries such as Videotage and 1a Space – and it continues to fuel Hong Kong’s boundary-pushing art scene. Address: 63 Ma Tau Kok Road, Ma Tau Kok, Kowloon
Archaeological Discoveries at Sung Wong Toi MTR Station
Uncover relics from the Song and Yuan Dynasties at the Treasures from Sacred Hill exhibition inside Sung Wong Toi MTR Station. Featuring artefacts, maps and photos, the display reveals a lost world of maritime trade and everyday life. Address: Concourse of Sung Wong Toi MTR Station, Kowloon City, Kowloon
Savour the Flavours of Kowloon City
With its Thai community, artisan coffee shop Cantonese soul and generations of culinary know-how, Kowloon City is one of the city’s richest dining districts. Here are a few highlights:
Lok Yuen
A local favourite, Lok Yuen is a no-frills cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style café) specialising in melt-in-your-mouth satay beef French toast. Pair it with yuen yeung – a mix of coffee and Hong Kong-style Milk Tea – for Hong Kong comfort food at its best.
Address: Shop 6, 3/F, Kowloon City Municipal Services Building, 100 Nga Tsin Wai Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon.
Fong Wing Kee Hot Pot Restaurant
A local institution since 1952, Fong Wing Kee is still a top pick for bubbling, fragrant hotpot dinners. Choose from mild or fiery broths and load up on thinly sliced meats, seafood, satay noodles and handmade dumplings. Address: 85-87 Hau Wong Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon.
Lok Hau Fook Restaurant
Beloved for Chiu Chow specialities, Lok Hau Fook draws crowds with its roast goose, melon pancakes, chicken dumplings and crispy deep-fried taro. Retro interiors complete the nostalgic experience. Address: 1 Hau Wong Rd, Kowloon City, Kowloon.
Tai Wo Tang
Once a Chinese medicine shop, this 1932 Tong Lau has been beautifully restored. Many of the charming original fixtures remain, but the menu now offers modern coffee, tea and brunch plates that attract a younger crowd. Address: 24 Nga Tsin Long Rd, Kowloon City, Kowloon
Tei Mou Koon Dessert
This longtime dessert shop serves up classic Cantonese sweets, including herbal jelly, black sesame soup, and mango sago. Address: 47 Fuk Lo Tsun Rd, Kowloon City, Kowloon.
Dive into Kowloon City’s Unique Shopping Scene
In this unique part of town, shopping ranges from bustling Thai markets to state-of-the-art malls.
Little Thailand
Wander the lively side streets south of the Kowloon Walled City Park to find a vibrant Thai enclave. Thai shops, beauty salons and grocers line the streets, and it’s the perfect place to pick up tropical fruits, pandan cakes, fresh curry paste, snacks and ready-made meals.
AIRSIDE
Opened in 2023 as part of the bold transformation of the former Kai Tak Airport site, AIRSIDE is a design-forward, eco-conscious mall that redefines the retail experience. Look out for global fashion, local lifestyle boutiques, public art, kids’ play zones, indoor surfing and diverse dining – all under one sleek roof. Address: 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Kowloon.
Kai Tak Mall
Kai Tak Mall spans 700,000 square feet across three state-of-the-art buildings, with over 200 shops, including Adidas, Nike and Decathlon. It’s also home to EpicLand, Hong Kong’s largest indoor adventure park for kids, plus a 40-lane bowling alley and a 17.5-meter climbing wall for thrillseekers. Address: Kai Tak Sports Park, 38 Shing Kai Road, Kai Tak, Kowloon.
Ready to go? Start with the “Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey” Movie Set Exhibition, then explore Kowloon City’s one-of-a-kind mix of culture, cuisine and shopping.
SINGAPORE, 12 June 2025: The Singapore Tourism Board confirms this week it has suspended two travel agencies from conducting travel agent activities under the Travel Agents Act 1975.
The companies have been suspended for failing to submit their Audited Statement of Accounts (AA) and/or Annual Business Profile Returns (ABPR). Under the Travel Agents Regulations 2017, licensees must submit these documents within six months after the close of their financial year.
The suspended travel agencies are as follows:
Information is limited on True Fortune PTE, formerly known as GISIN, and registered in Panday Valley, Singapore. Renaissance Travel PTE, registered on 6 May 1996, has a 29-year business track record as a travel agency and tour operator, primarily serving the outbound travel market.
STB says the suspensions will remain in effect until the required documentation is submitted or for up to 6 months, whichever is earlier. During the period of suspension, the travel agents will be required to fulfil their existing obligations to their customers but will not be allowed to accept new travel bookings.
In a press statement released Wednesday, STB said it “takes a serious view against errant travel agents and will not hesitate to take necessary actions to protect the reputation of Singapore’s travel industry.
For the most up-to-date list of licensed travel agents in Singapore, visit the Travel Related Users’ System (“TRUST”) website, https://trust.stb.gov.sg.
JAKARTA, 12 June 2025: AirAsia Aviation Group Limited (AirAsia) has confirmed that a structured leadership transition is currently underway at the company, following Veranita Yosephine’s recent departure as President Director of Indonesia AirAsia (IAA), which became effective on 28 May 2025.
The group has appointed (Plt) Captain Achmad Sadikin Abdurachman as Acting President Director. He will lead management and anchor operational responsibilities at IAA while retaining his existing portfolio as Director of Corporate Safety and Quality.
Captain Achmad Sadikin Abdurachman (left) with Lukman F Laisa, Director General of Civil Aviation Indonesia.
In addition, he has also been appointed to concurrently serve as the President Director of PT AirAsia Indonesia Tbk (AAID/CMPP), which is the holding company of IAA. Captain Achmad will be fully supported by the management team and all levels of the company to ensure smooth operations across all departments until the group appoints a permanent successor.
AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Bo Lingam said: “AirAsia extends its deepest appreciation to Veranita for her contributions, commitment, and leadership during her tenure. Under her guidance, Indonesia AirAsia has achieved significant milestones in expanding the airline’s international connectivity and strengthening its position as the airline of choice for the Indonesian public.”
“As we navigate this transition and position for further growth in Indonesia, we remain fully committed to a smooth and well-managed leadership handover. Captain Achmad Sadikin will serve as Acting President Director during this interim period as the group undertakes a strategic process to identify the next President Director of Indonesia AirAsia.”
As President Director of Indonesia AirAsia since October 2019, Veranita has led Indonesia AirAsia’s recovery through the Cobi pandemic while also significantly expanding the airline’s international network. This expansion includes launching new routes outside ASEAN, such as Hong Kong, and enhancing connectivity to Australia with flights to Perth, Cairns, Darwin, and Adelaide.
HONG KONG, 12 June 2025: HK Express Airways confirms the launch of a direct route from its home base, Hong Kong, to Kuala Lumpur (Subang — Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport SZB) with daily flights commencing 1 August 2025.
The flight time on the new route will be four hours, using an A320 configured with 180 seats.
This marks HK Express’ second destination in Malaysia after Penang, offering travellers a whole new way to visit the capital. Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport allows passengers to reach the Kuala Lumpur city centre in just 30 minutes after clearing customs, making it convenient for visiting iconic attractions like the Petronas Twin Towers and Bukit Bintang while also discovering other local Malaysian gems in the capital city. It marks the first direct airline route between Subang and Hong Kong. Other international routes from Subang include Bangkok, Thailand (starting in September — Batik Air), Singapore (both airports — FireFly and Jakarta, Indonesia (TransNusa).
To celebrate the launch of our new Kuala Lumpur (Subang) route, the low-cost airline offered a limited-time promotion for both its Kuala Lumpur (Subang) and Penang routes, with “Ultra Lite” one-way fares starting from just HKD88 (including one small personal item), and “Lite” one-way fares starting from HKD118 (including one small personal item and one cabin baggage).
Flight schedule HKG-SZB
Customers can log in to the HK Express official website or use the mobile app to book discounted tickets for these routes until 2345 on 15 June 2025.
Applicable travel periods are as follows: Kuala Lumpur (Subang): 1 August to 25 October 2025 Penang: 21 June to 25 October 2025
*Limited seats available. Terms and conditions apply. Fares exclude applicable taxes and surcharges. The final payment amount may vary due to exchange rate fluctuations and will be displayed at checkout. **All flight schedules are subject to regulatory approval. Final flight details will be available on the official booking page.
CHENGDU, China, 11 June 2025: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has expanded its presence in China with the opening of Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu – a luxurious new retreat set amidst the scenic surrounds of Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park in Xinjin, Chengdu.
Marking Dusit’s eighth property in China — and its first in Sichuan Province — the hotel brings the warmth and elegance of Thai-inspired, gracious hospitality to one of the country’s most picturesque and ecologically rich destinations. The result is a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and contemporary comfort.
Surrounded by verdant tea gardens and organic farms just 30 minutes from downtown Chengdu and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport – and only 20 minutes from Xinjin High-Speed Railway Station – the hotel features 241 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and seven private luxury villas. Each space has been crafted to provide a peaceful sanctuary where relaxation, well-being, and cultural immersion take centre stage.
Among the hotel’s premium facilities are Harvest, an all-day dining restaurant with a farm-to-table focus; The View, a speciality barbecue restaurant; a refined Chinese restaurant with eight private dining rooms; a stylish lobby lounge; an indoor swimming pool; a fully equipped gym; mahjong rooms; a dedicated kids’ club; and a pillarless, multi-functional conference hall with three versatile meeting rooms.
Guests can also enjoy a wealth of enriching experiences, including guided nature walks, hands-on craft workshops, and educational visits to the Tianfu Agricultural Expo Main Pavilion and the Rural Revitalisation Demonstration Zone – all contributing to the resort’s appeal as an ideal destination for couples, families, and eco-conscious business and leisure travellers seeking meaningful escapes.
“This new hotel embodies Dusit’s commitment to gracious hospitality rooted in Thai values while embracing the cultural richness and natural beauty of Sichuan,” said Dusit Hotel AG Park Chengdu General Manager Luke Lu. “We’ve created a unique sanctuary where guests can reconnect with nature, experience local traditions, and enjoy meaningful moments with family – all within a tranquil and inspiring setting. We look forward to welcoming our guests and helping them create lasting memories throughout their stay.”
To celebrate its grand opening, Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu will host a Thai Food Festival from now through 30 June 2025, featuring signature dishes prepared by visiting Thai culinary talent, including Chef Vorapoj ‘Christian’ Caluwaert, Assistant Director of Culinary at Dusit International, and Chef Watcharapon ‘Ja’ Yongbanthom, Head Chef of Benjarong Restaurant at Dusit Thani Manila. Festival highlights include Green Curry Chicken, Tom Yum Goong (spicy prawn soup), Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles), Mango Sticky Rice, and more. Guests can enjoy à la carte Thai favourites from Sunday to Friday or savour a Thai-themed buffet dinner on Saturdays for CNY188 per person.
The hotel has also introduced the ‘Dusit Experience’ package, available for bookings and stays from now through 31 August 2025, with rates starting at CNY799. The offer includes one night’s accommodation in a Deluxe Room, daily breakfast for two, complimentary in-room beverages and snacks on the first night, and admission to Tianfu Agricultural Museum for two adults and one child.
BANGKOK, 11 June 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, invites travellers to explore the rich traditions, vibrant flavours, and captivating sights of Thailand with its ‘Culture Connect’ offer.
Available for bookings until 30 September 2025 for stays until 31 October 2025, this limited-time experience is perfect for families and friends looking to share in the beauty of the Land of Smiles together.
Guests staying at Centara hotels in the stunning cities of Korat, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, or Ayutthaya can enjoy an array of special benefits designed for shared experiences. A complimentary stay for a third guest makes travelling even more rewarding, while food and beverage credit valued at 10% of each stay invites guests to indulge in regionally inspired menus crafted by Centara’s talented chefs. Exclusive shopping vouchers open the door to nearby shopping hubs, where travellers can discover authentic Thai craftsmanship and take home meaningful mementoes from their journey.
From the ancient temples of Korat and peaceful lakes of Udon Thani to the dramatic landscapes of Ubon Ratchathani and the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya, just an hour from Bangkok—Centara’s prime city-centre locations, warm hospitality and exceptional service make every stay a seamless blend of comfort and discovery.
Whether wandering through historic ruins, enjoying authentic Thai cuisine, or uncovering local wonders, Centara’s Culture Connect offers an incredible opportunity to create lasting memories in some of Thailand’s most fascinating destinations.
About Centara Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 87 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.
SINGAPORE, 11 June 2025: Vietravel Airlines has renewed its Passenger Service System (PSS) agreement with Sabre Corporation for another five years, underscoring the airline’s confidence in Sabre’s Radixx platform.
Vietravel Airlines constitutes an integral component of the aviation and logistics ecosystem of T&T Group. This integration was solidified in December 2024 when T&T Group became a strategic shareholder of Vietravel Airlines, positioning T&T as the first conglomerate in Vietnam to possess both airport and airline assets concurrently.
Photo credit: Vietravel Airlines
T&T Group is currently developing a comprehensive investment strategy to establish Vietravel Airlines as a leading regional carrier, with a dual focus on expanding passenger transport and pioneering the development of air cargo services.
“Extending our partnership with Sabre is an important step as we move into the next phase of our journey,” said Vietravel Airlines CEO Vu Dao Duc. “The Radixx platform has equipped us for scale while enhancing the service experience for our passengers.”
Sabre’s Radixx PSS (Passenger Service System) offers end-to-end retailing, passenger servicing, and operational capabilities. Vietravel Airlines will continue to use a comprehensive suite of Sabre’s advanced
Radixx technology components
Radixx Res– for core passenger services and retailing capabilities. Radixx EzyCommerce – for a seamless, omnichannel digital experience. Radixx Go – for efficient airport and departure control operations. Radixx Insight – for actionable analytics and decision-making support.
Vietravel Airlines also recently integrated Sabre’s Payment Gateway into its Radixx PSS solution, enhancing its payment methods and providing a more flexible and diverse range of payment options for customers.
Sabre Head of Radixx Sales and Account Management Nico Stoman noted: “This agreement reflects their commitment to digital innovation and underscores Sabre’s role in enabling next-generation carriers to deliver more dynamic, customer-focused experiences.”
BANGKOK, 11 June 2025: MOVE, AirAaia’s off-shoot travel booking app, is taking its growth in Thailand to new heights with the launch of a bold new tagline — ‘Travel More for Less’.
The tagline adorns an aircraft to underscore MOVE’s commitment to Thailand as a core market and reinforces its vision of making travel more affordable and inclusive for all.
Second from the left: Nadia Omar, CEO of MOVE.
Since its official rebranding from AirAsia Superapp to MOVE last February, the platform has rapidly gained traction as an OTA, with non-AirAsia flight bookings growing 64% and hotel bookings improved by about 30% since the rebranding last year.
MOVE continues to introduce enhancements to its app, including features such as a simpler flight booking flow, an improved Chatbot, smoother account log-in with biometric (Passkey), as well as exciting services like Easy Cancel and ValuePack for regional flights.
AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer said: “Thailand has always been a vibrant hub for travellers, and we are deeply committed to this market. That’s why we chose Thailand to launch this next phase of our journey. MOVE is not just a name change—it’s a mindset shift. Travellers today want more than just flights. They want flexibility, simplicity, and value. And that’s exactly what MOVE is built to deliver – travelling more, for less.”
Travellers can enjoy many exclusive benefits such as instant booking for AirAsia flights, up to 15% cheaper ancillary services such as baggage and in-flight meals, THB230 off for hotel bookings, the ability to earn AirAsia points, cancel flights easily with the EasyCancel option and no processing fees for AirAsia bookings* made in Thailand (until 15 August 2025), as MOVE is the official booking platform for AirAsia flights.
However, MOVE’s offerings extend beyond that, with flights from over 700 global airlines, access to more than a million hotels worldwide, airport transfers, as well as duty-free shopping with in-flight delivery and much more.
The newly unveiled ‘Travel More for Less’ tagline is MOVE’s call to action for travellers in Thailand and the region. It’s supported by a specially designed aircraft livery on an Airbus A320 aircraft operated by Thai AirAsia, that will serve as a flying symbol of the campaign, connecting MOVE’s values with travellers throughout ASEAN.
*No processing fee period until 15 August 2025. Applicable only for direct flight bookings with Thai AirAsia (FD). This does not include fly-thru routes or bookings with Thai AirAsia X (XJ).
SHENZHEN, China, 11 June 2025: PKFARE, a travel product aggregator, has signed a partnership with Archipelago, a privately owned hotel management group in Southeast Asia.
The partnership underscores PKFARE’s commitment to building direct-contract partnerships with top-tier hotel chains, ensuring a richer and more reliable inventory for its distribution partners while Archipelago taps PKFARE’s 2,000 global clientele.
Archipelago: Royal Kamuela Villas & Suites at Monkey Forest Pool.
With a strong presence in Southeast Asia and a rapid expansion into Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, Archipelago is scaling its global footprint. PKFARE’s extensive network — spanning OTAs, wholesalers, airlines, super-apps, and emerging travel platforms — will amplify Archipelago’s international reach, ensuring its properties are visible to the right audiences at the right time.
“Our partnership with PKFARE is a powerful step forward for Archipelago. Integrating our hospitality expertise with their global travel platform will drive significant growth and expand our reach. This strategic alliance allows us to deliver enhanced value and strengthens our position in the dynamic travel market, benefiting both our guests and partners.” said Archipelago CEO John Flood
“As we accelerate our global growth, PKFARE is a trusted partner in optimising our distribution strategy, streamlining operations, and enhancing connectivity,” said Archipelago Chief Commercial Officer Chris Legaspi. “This partnership strengthens our ability to serve travellers worldwide with greater efficiency and choice.”
So far in 2025, PKFARE has achieved a 326% year-over-year growth in direct-contract hotel bookings, reflecting its dedication to enhancing supply diversity and simplifying the booking experience. PKFARE will continue to innovate in global travel distribution, bridging the gap between suppliers and buyers with seamless connectivity, real-time inventory access, and competitive pricing.
PKFARE Senior Vice President & Co-Founder Jason Sui added: “This partnership marks another key milestone in our direct-contract strategy, following successful alliances with major hotel groups in Southeast Asia and beyond, including Chroma Hospitality, Ormond Group, Vinpearl Hotels and Resorts, Cross Hotels and Resorts and Tolani Hotels. ”
About PKFARE PKFARE‘s live inventory covers more than 600 airlines and 650,000 hotels across over 100 countries, serving over 2,000 active clients worldwide.
About Archipelago Archipelago is a privately owned hotel management group with more than 45,000 rooms and residences in over 300 hotels across Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Oceania. It has 13 brands, including Aston, Alana, Huxley, Kamuela, Avanika, Harper, Quest, Four Corners, Neo, fave, Nordic, Powered by Archipelago, and Aston Collection.
