Around the World travel: How to beat jet lag

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September 10, 2026

SINGAPORE, 10 September, 2026: The oneworld Alliance is helping customers adjust to new time zones faster and lose fewer days to jet lag on Round the World journeys through a new partnership with Timeshifter – a downloaded jet lag app with more than 1.7 million users.

Effective immediately, customers who purchase Round the World trips on oneworld.com will receive a complimentary Timeshifter subscription that covers their entire itinerary, accounting for every flight and time zone shift from departure to final return.

“Our partnership with Timeshifter will help Round the World customers arrive ready to enjoy each new destination by supporting better sleep and faster adjustment to new time zones,” said

Oneworld Vice President of Loyalty and Commercial Roger Blackburn commented: “Jet lag has a significant impact on health and wellbeing. This new partnership provides oneworld an opportunity to do what we do best: deliver a premium, elevated experience at every opportunity along the journey.”

Timeshifter is based on the latest circadian science, and advice is personalised to each customer’s flight itinerary, typical sleep pattern, chronotype and personal preferences.

“Timeshifter is trusted by astronauts, Formula One teams and professional athletes, and we are excited to be working with oneworld to provide this same circadian science to oneworld’s customers, improving their health and enjoyment when they cross time zones,” said Timeshiftern CEO Mickey Beyer-Clausen.

“Air travel has optimised nearly every part of flying except for what crossing multiple time zones can do to the traveller – a gap our partnership with oneworld will help to close.”

What is jet lag?

Jet lag is not a sleep problem but a temporary misalignment between a person’s internal circadian clock and local time at their destination. The circadian clock keeps sleep, alertness, digestion, immune function, and dozens of other systems synchronised to a 24-hour day, and takes its cues from light and darkness.

When travellers cross several time zones, the light-dark cycle shifts by hours, while the circadian clock moves only about an hour a day on its own. The only way to adjust to new time zones quickly is to time light exposure and avoidance precisely. If the timing is wrong, it will make jet lag worse.

“This is just the latest example of the creative ways we are engaging with premium partners who bring true value and an elevated experience to oneworld customers,” said Orvér.

About Timeshifter
Timeshifter is the global leader in circadian technology, translating circadian science into breakthrough products and solutions that improve human performance, safety, and health. In 2018, Timeshifter made jet lag history with its first product – now the most-downloaded jet lag app in the world.

(Source: oneworld Management Company)

Last day to catch a Vietnam fare bargain

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September 10, 2026

SINGAPORE, 10 September 2026: Autumn is calling, and Singaporean travellers have just one day left to grab Vietjet’s 9.9 sale bargain.

The airline is offering its 9.9 sale with eco tickets from just SGD86/one-way (including taxes and fees) and 22% off deluxe base fares, giving travellers even more reasons to plan their next adventure to Vietnam and beyond. But you will have to hurry, as the fares disappear at midnight on 10 September.

Passengers booking through Vietjet’s website and mobile app can enjoy promotional Eco tickets across the airline’s domestic and international routes, including direct routes between Singapore and Vietnam.

Passengers can also enjoy a special 22% discount on deluxe base fares with the promo code SALE99.

The promotion is valid for flights between 10 September 2026 and 10 September 2027 (flight periods vary by route; blackout dates apply), giving travellers plenty of flexibility to plan their next getaway, from a long-awaited escape to Vietnam to an adventure across Asia and beyond.

The sale celebrates the airline’s successes connecting travellers between Singapore and Vietnam’s popular destinations. The airline currently operates direct services from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc, giving travellers convenient access to Vietnam’s major cities, coastal destinations and island getaways.

From 11 December 2026, Vietjet will add Nha Trang to its Singapore network, with four round-trip flights weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, opening up another coastal escape for Singapore travellers. Nha Trang adds to the range of Vietnam getaways within easy reach of Singapore — city breaks or beach holidays.

Beyond Singapore, Vietjet is also expanding its wider international network with new services connecting Vietnam to destinations including Cebu, Clark, Chiang Mai, Osaka, Almaty and Prague. The airline will also launch a new service between Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney via Western Sydney International Airport in January 2027.

Separately, Vietjet will launch direct flights between Hanoi and Tainan from 25 October, operating four round trips per week and offering travellers greater convenience between the two destinations.

(Source: Vietjet)

Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas floats out

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September 10, 2026

SINGAPORE, 10 September 2026: Royal Caribbean’s next Icon Class cruise ship, Hero of the Seas, has officially floated for the first time.

The milestone, achieved at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, marks the latest phase of construction for the newest ship ahead of its August 2027 debut in Miami.

*Photo credit: Royal Caribbean. Hero of the Seas celebrates its float-out.*

As part of the float-out, the ship’s dry dock was filled with more than 90 million gallons of water overnight before Hero moved into the outfitting pier, where it will continue to take shape over the next year.

Hero of the Seas is the next evolution of the revolutionary Icon Class lineup, combining signature favourites with new experiences designed for every type of guest.

Across eight zones, vacationers can explore nine pools, 28 dining spots — including the brand-new Orleans Parrish Supper Club — and a range of accommodations like the three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse.

From thrills like Crown’s Edge — part skywalk, part zip line experience 154 feet above the ocean — to ways to kick back at the new Coconut Cove pool and adults-only The Hideaway, plus an unmatched lineup of dining, bars and entertainment, families of all kinds can make lifelong memories together.

Hero will take vacationers on seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures from Miami, with every vacation visiting Royal Caribbean’s top-rated destination, Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Vacations on Hero are now open to book on Royal Caribbean’s website.

(Source: Royal Caribbean)

Cameras champion Pacific Asia: Content with Purpose

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September 10, 2026

BANGKOK, 10 September 2026: The Pacific Asia Travel Association, in partnership with strategic content creator Content With Purpose (CWP), has launched Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose, a new digital film series that examines how tourism can create meaningful, lasting value for destinations.

Launched during PATA’s 75^th anniversary year, the series looks ahead to the next era of tourism in the Asia Pacific region. Through documentary films, expert interviews and real-world case studies, it explores how the sector can respond to climate pressures, changing traveller expectations, rapid technological development and the need for more inclusive and resilient growth.

Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose moves beyond aspiration to spotlight organisations and people already putting these principles into practice. The films examine approaches to destination stewardship, climate action, community participation, responsible innovation, workforce development and regional cooperation.

Produced by CWP in partnership with PATA, the series features contributions from destinations, tourism organisations, educational institutions and businesses operating across the region and wider visitor economy.

Content partners featured in the series include: Hainan University-Arizona State University International Tourism College, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Hong Kong Metropolitan University Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration, Marianas Visitor Authority, Song Saa, The Luxury Signature, and Travelife.

The series also brings together perspectives from tourism leaders, policymakers, academics, entrepreneurs and practitioners, such as: Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA; Insook Lee, Executive Director for the Americas, Korea Tourism Organisation; Karen Yu, Group Editor, TTG Asia Media; Deepak Joshi, Advisor, PATA Nepal Chapter; Soon-Hwa Wong, PATA Ambassador for Greater China; and Yang Li, Head of Public Affairs, Asia Pacific, Booking.com.

Featured stories include community-led responses to overtourism in Hawaii, tourism enterprises in Lao PDR that connect conservation with local livelihoods, and destination models in the Philippines and Thailand that rethink the relationship between people, place, and prosperity. The series also follows students and educators examining how tourism can preserve cultural identity, explores how Indigenous knowledge continues to shape stewardship in the Marianas, and looks at how hospitality businesses are redefining sustainability, luxury and long-term value. Together, these films offer a glimpse into the people and ideas shaping a more thoughtful future for tourism across the Asia Pacific region.

The series reflects PATA’s commitment to advancing a meaningful Pacific Asia tourism economy – one in which tourism supports long-term social, cultural, environmental and economic outcomes.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “As PATA celebrates its 75th anniversary, Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose reflects our ongoing commitment to sharing knowledge and showcasing practical solutions that support the future of tourism across the region. Through inspiring stories from destinations, businesses and communities, this series highlights how collaboration, innovation and responsible leadership can create lasting benefits for both people and places. We are proud to partner with Content With Purpose on this initiative and hope it inspires others to help shape a stronger, more resilient visitor economy.”

The series is intended for tourism professionals, destination management organisations, government and public-sector leaders, businesses, educators, researchers, students, investors and communities with a role in shaping the visitor economy.

It also supports PATA’s wider work to share knowledge, enable networking and protect tourism economy assets through innovation, collaboration and adaptability.

The digital launch follows a preview of the series at the recent PATA Travel Mart 2026, where members of the regional tourism community were given an early look at the stories and perspectives featured in the films.

Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose is now available to watch for free here

(Source: PATA)

New Zealand targets 3.9m visits in 2027

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September 10, 2026

SINGAPORE, 10 September 2026: Tourism New Zealand forecasts international visitor arrivals will reach 3.9 million and international visitor spend will grow to AUD14.4 billion by June 2027.

New insights from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) for the year to June 2026 show tourism remains one of New Zealand’s most important export industries, with international visitor spend continuing to support businesses, jobs and communities across the country.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy says the results highlight the role tourism plays in strengthening New Zealand’s economy.

“Tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export earner, and these results show the value international visitors bring to the country,” says de Monchy. “Visitor spending flows through our regions, supporting accommodation providers, tourism operators, restaurants, retailers and communities right across Aotearoa New Zealand.”

The year-to-June result provides a solid base for the year ahead, with Tourism New Zealand focused on growing tourism value to AUD14.4 billion this fiscal year.

*Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy*

“International visitor spend and arrivals are both moving in the right direction, giving us a good platform to keep building value for New Zealand, but it’s particularly good to see that visitor value has continued to grow, with the average spend per visit up 10.2% yoy to AUD4537,” says de Monchy.

Spend growth has been particularly strong from New Zealand’s top three visitor markets: Australia up 25%yoy to AUD4.4 billion, the United States up 20% yoy to AUD2.2 billion and China growing 26% yoy to AUD1.5 billion. New Zealand’s top 15 visitor markets, where Tourism New Zealand undertakes marketing activity, contribute 85% of visitor value to New Zealand.

Tourism New Zealand’s audience research also shows a record 183 million people are considering a trip to New Zealand. The larger pool of potential visitors gives Tourism New Zealand more opportunity to reach high-intent audiences and encourage them to book.

“People who are thinking about a trip to New Zealand are telling us they feel confident about international travel,” says de Monchy. “That confidence, combined with a favourable exchange rate for visitors, strong demand for the experiences New Zealand offers and projected growth in airline capacity of 5% in the next six months, puts us in a good position for tourism to contribute more to New Zealand this fiscal year.”

Tourism New Zealand will use three themes — food and beverage, active escapes and wellness — to connect potential visitors with experiences across the regions and help create urgency to book.

Active escapes will show New Zealand as a great place for outdoor holidays, from walking and cycling to other ways visitors can enjoy our landscapes. Wellness will show New Zealand as a place to slow down, spend time in nature and feel refreshed, with te ao Māori helping shape the story. Food and beverage will highlight New Zealand’s unique food story, including our landscapes, seasons, local produce, culture and the New Zealand Michelin Guide.

Visitor spending on dining has increased year on year to AUD2.07 billion, showing strong interest in New Zealand’s food and beverage scene. This aligns with Tourism New Zealand insights showing 84% of potential visitors want to try local cuisine.

The IVS also showed visitor satisfaction remained high, with 91.3% of visitors saying New Zealand met or exceeded their expectations, illustrating that New Zealand and the tourism businesses that deliver visitor experiences provide a high-quality experience that visitors will return home to recommend.

“New Zealand’s tourism businesses, from hotel brands that deliver a consistent experience around the country to the unique visitor experiences offered by families from Northland to Rakiura, Stewart Island, are what drives the success of this sector, and I thank them for making our job of promoting Aotearoa New Zealand to the world so rewarding.”

Regional growth remains a key part of the opportunity. International visitor spend is up across 27 of 31 regions according to MBIE’s Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates.

(Source: Tourism New Zealand)

Extraordinary Travel Fest returns to Bangkok

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September 10, 2026

BANGKOK, 10 September 2026: Award-winning travel photographer, podcaster, blogger, and filmmaker Ric Gazarian announces the return of the Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF III) to Bangkok, Thailand.

Scheduled for October 22-25, 2026, at the Ambassador Hotel on Bangkok’s Soi Sukhumvit 11, the third iteration of the festival promises to be an unparalleled convergence of the world’s most accomplished and adventurous travellers.

“The Extraordinary Travel Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of global exploration and human connection,” says Gazarian, whose website, GlobalGaz, features stories and images from his extensive travels. “Following the tremendous success of our previous gatherings, we are excited to bring together this unique community once again in a city that truly embodies the spirit of adventure.”

ETF III is designed for both seasoned mega-travellers (those who have visited many countries, including all 193 UN sovereign nations) and passionate individuals aspiring to push their own travel boundaries.

Attendees will gain invaluable insights, share captivating stories, and learn practical strategies from those who have truly gone the distance. While many speakers and attendees have achieved the rare feat of visiting all 193 sovereign countries — an accomplishment that about 500 people can claim — the festival aims to inspire and inform everyone who shares a deep love of travel, regardless of their current country count.

The festival will feature over 40 dynamic speakers, delivering engaging keynotes, insightful breakout sessions, and lively panel discussions.

This year’s lineup

Jamie Aleman: Travelled to every country in the world, both the North and South Pole, and has travelled to outer space.

Jason Wang: Recently completed summiting Mount Everest, completing all Seven Summits.

Kach Medina Umandap: Has visited every country in the world, being the first to complete this quest on a Filipino Passport.

Thor Pedersen: Travelled to every country on an unbroken 10-year journey without ever flying.

“Imagine the world’s modern-day Marco Polos gathered in a single location,” Gazarian adds. “The energy, enthusiasm, and vast knowledge exchanged about travel and country-collecting at our previous events were truly transformative.”

The largest mega-travel clubs will be prominently represented, including Every Passport Stamp (40,000 members), Travel Massive (80,000 members), Pangea, Most Travelled People (40,000 members), and NomadMania (50,000 members), fostering an unparalleled networking environment.

Building on the success of past festivals, ETF III will offer attendees a robust speaker schedule, complemented by parties and a gala dinner.

Ticket Information: Attendees wishing to reserve a spot can now purchase tickets online at: https://extraordinarytravelfest.com/tickets/

Use code BANGKOK to save on your ticket to this event.

(Source: ETF)

Marriott teams up with MyCEB to promote events

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September 10, 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 10 September 2026: Marriott International is working with Malaysia’s convention bureaus to present the country as a connected, multi-destination proposition for regional planners.

The company has launched Destination Convention Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and Sabah Convention Bureau.

From L to R: Joyce Wong, Country Director of Sales and Distribution, Malaysia, Jason Tan Chin Foo, Chief Executive Officer, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and Chair, ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter (2026–2028), George Varughese, Market Vice President – Malaysia, Marriott International, Tan Mei Phing, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Noredah Othman, Chief Executive Officer, Sabah Convention Bureau; and Zhamir Faris Zulkifli, Director, Field Marketing, Malaysia at the launch of Destination Convention Malaysia.

The new platform brings together Malaysia’s convention infrastructure, hospitality capabilities and destination experiences, giving organisers a broader view of what the country can offer across different locations and event formats.

Rather than focusing on a single city or venue, the initiative pairs Kuala Lumpur’s international connectivity and established convention infrastructure with the cultural, natural and incentive experiences available across Sarawak, Sabah and other destinations in Malaysia.

More choice within a single market

Destination Convention Malaysia makes it easier for regional organisers to identify locations and experiences suited to different event objectives and delegate profiles.

Malaysia’s offering spans major urban convention centres, resort and leisure destinations, nature-based experiences and locations with distinctive cultural identities. This gives planners the flexibility to host large-scale conventions, corporate meetings, incentive programmes and experience-led events within one national market.

“Regional planners increasingly want destinations that can provide strong infrastructure while also giving delegates a meaningful experience outside the formal programme,” said Marriott International Market Vice President Malaysia George Varughese. “Malaysia can offer both. It combines international connectivity and established convention capabilities with an extraordinary variety of cultures, landscapes and experiences. Through Destination Convention Malaysia, we want to make that full proposition more visible and accessible to planners across Asia-Pacific.”

The initiative was unveiled during Malaysia Means Business, an industry forum convened by Marriott International at the St Regis Kuala Lumpur. The event brought together leaders from the country’s business events, destination and hospitality sectors to examine how Malaysia could capture a greater share of the regional meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions market.

A panel discussion featuring senior representatives from Marriott International, MyCEB, BESarawak and Sabah Convention Bureau explored how Malaysia could capture a greater share of the Asia-Pacific MICE market.

Panellists explored how organiser and delegate expectations are changing. Personalised programmes, wellness, sustainability, technology and experiences connected to the host destination are playing a greater role in event planning, alongside practical considerations such as accessibility, accommodation and venue capacity.

“Malaysia’s strong business events pipeline reflects the confidence organisers have in our capabilities, and our opportunity now is to build even greater awareness of the diversity we can offer across the country,” said MyCEB Chief Executive Officer Tan Mei Phing.

“By bringing destinations together through Destination Convention Malaysia, we can showcase the collective strength of Malaysia’s business events ecosystem and present an even more compelling proposition to regional and international organisers.”

Marriott International currently operates 65 hotels across Malaysia, giving regional planners access to accommodation and event facilities across key business and leisure destinations. Its portfolio provides access to major convention and event facilities including Marriott Putrajaya International Convention Centre, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre, Courtyard by Marriott Kuala Lumpur South, Desaru Coast Conference Centre and Langkawi International Convention Centre.

(Source: Marriott International)

TransNusa launches Bali-Phuket route

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September 10, 2026

BALI, Indonesia, 10 September 2026: TransNusa officially launched its maiden nonstop flight between Bali and Phuket on 9 September.

Flight 8B 541 departed I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at 1130 for Phuket on 9 September, linking two of Southeast Asia’s most iconic beach destinations.

The airline said in its launch promotions that the new route eliminates tedious layovers, turning a previously long travel day into a smooth four-hour flight.

“Today we celebrate more than just a new flight; we are bridging two world-class tourism capitals,” said TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Bernard Francis. “As Bali’s International Premium Airline, our goal is to design ultimate island experiences that bring the best of sun, sea and healing straight to our passengers.

“This route was established to boost tourism in the region, create new economic opportunities, and further strengthen TransNusa’s hub in Bali. By providing a direct link, we make it easier than ever for global travellers to experience the unique cultures of Phuket, Bali and beyond Bali in a single itinerary”.

TransNusa has recently launched new services connecting island destinations directly with Bali, giving travellers direct access to Indonesia’s hidden gems such as Wakatobi, Lombok, Manado, and Bima.

Wakatobi: Home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, this remote marine haven is a top spot for world-class diving and pristine underwater ecosystems.

Lombok: A premier leisure escape featuring holistic health retreats, oceanside yoga, and traditional Sasak healing therapies. In addition, Lombok is also known for its pristine coastal and volcanic adventures and high-octane sports tourism, including world-class surfing and the Mandalika international racing circuit.

Manado: Located in North Sulawesi, this diving destination is framed by dramatic volcanic beauty and serves as the gateway to the world-renowned Bunaken National Marine Park.

Bima: Situated on Sumbawa Island, Bima offers rugged landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and serves as an ideal entry point for surfers and adventure seekers looking for raw natural beauty.

Expanding Horizons: Gateway to Singapore and Perth

TransNusa also bridges Bali with major international hubs beyond Thailand. The airline operates routes from Bali to Singapore and Perth, marking a successful expansion that connects Western Australia.

Flight schedule: Bali-Phuket

The new Bali–Phuket route operates four times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and will expand to daily service on 3 October 2026.

8B541 departs Denpasar (DPS) at 1130 and arrives in Phuket (HKT) at 1435.
8B542 departs Phuket (HKT) at 1535 and arrives in Denpasar (DPS) at 2035.

For the four-hour scheduled flight from Bali to Phuket, TransNusa deploys an Airbus A320 with 174 seats.

To celebrate the Bali-Phuket launch, TransNusa offers an introductory promotional fare starting from IDR2,399,000 (USD135) one-way, bookable via the airline’s website.

(Source: TransNusa)

Cathay and Google tracking contrails

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September 9, 2026

HONG KONG, 9 September 2026: Cathay Pacific and Google have announced a partnership to advance research on contrails and their contribution to aviation’s climate impact.

Cathay Pacific is Google’s first commercial airline partner in Asia-Pacific to trial its AI-powered contrail mitigation technology, and the first airline globally to test contrail avoidance on ultra-long-haul flights.

From left to right: Captain Tony Pringle, Cathay Pacific Line Operations Manager, Lawrence Fong, Cathay Director Digital and IT, Michael Yue, Managing Director and General Manager, Google Hong Kong and Kemal Armada, Product Manager, Climate & AI, Google.

The companies have started trials to evaluate the operational feasibility and constraints of contrail avoidance across Cathay Pacific’s extensive global network. The trials will contribute valuable new data to global contrail research and advance understanding of contrail formation and avoidance in the Asia-Pacific region, which has been underrepresented in previous trials. The real-world data gathered through the trial would help the industry better understand the climate benefits of contrail avoidance in actual operational environments.

The thin white lines that sometimes form behind aircraft in the sky are known as contrails, or condensation trails. They form when aircraft fly through certain cold, humid conditions at high altitude. While many disappear quickly, some persist and spread into broader cloud formations that can trap heat in the atmosphere.

Previous research suggests these persistent contrails could account for around one-third of aviation’s total climate impact, making them an important area of study alongside carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.

Cathay recognises aviation’s contribution to climate change and is working to address climate impacts through multiple approaches. Reducing CO₂ emissions remains a primary focus for Cathay through fleet modernisation, operational efficiency improvements and the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). At the same time, the airline recognises the importance of growing scientific understanding of non-CO₂ climate effects, including contrails.

Through this partnership, Cathay Pacific and Google are supporting contrail research using real-world operational data from flight trials. The insights will help build further understanding of the impact and possible actions airlines can take against individual contrails, while exploring how contrail avoidance could be implemented and managed at scale across the aviation industry.

AI in the cockpit shows encouraging early results

Google’s contrail mitigation solution combines AI-based predictive models, satellite imagery detection tools, and extensive weather intelligence to forecast contrail-forming zones. This actionable data allows flight dispatchers and pilots to make informed altitude adjustments, navigating around these zones much like they routinely do to avoid turbulence.

Onboard, Cathay Pacific leverages its modernised fleet capabilities, combining in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity with its proprietary, in-house developed Electronic Flight Folder (EFF). The EFF system equips pilots with dynamic Google contrail forecasts alongside real-time operational parameters, enabling seamless decision-making in the cockpit without disrupting normal operations.

An operational trial began in late 2025, with more than 100 flights targeted across Cathay Pacific’s network. Over 80 flights followed contrail-avoidance routes[1], and Google estimates that these flights achieved roughly a 40% reduction in the warming impact of contrails.

The Hong Kong-Singapore corridor was one of the routes tested, as flights in this airspace frequently encounter conditions where persistent contrails form. Early analysis indicates that minor altitude adjustments can successfully prevent contrails, with actions taken on this single route accounting for more than 50% of the trial’s total climate impact.

Cathay Director Digital and IT Lawrence Fong said: “Aviation needs solutions to address climate change, and AI is accelerating that progress. This partnership combines Cathay’s operational expertise with Google’s world-class AI capabilities to tackle complex sustainability challenges at scale. At Cathay, we believe innovation should deliver tangible and meaningful impact, and this collaboration sets a new benchmark for leadership in our industry.”

Google Hong Kong Managing Director and General Manager, Michael Yue, said: “At Google, we believe AI has the power to help address complex environmental challenges, and our partnership with Cathay Pacific is a prime example of this in action—researching how predictive AI can be deployed in live operations to help address the climate impact of contrails with today’s aircraft and today’s fuel. This work reflects our ongoing commitment to developing sustainable solutions that deliver lasting impact, and we’re excited to expand our trial with Cathay Pacific and continue contributing to open climate science together.”

Shaping the future of aviation

The initial trial provided valuable experience integrating predictive AI data into live flight planning to support contrail avoidance at flight level, while bringing together the operational and technical stakeholders needed to make such trials possible. While the partnership delivered encouraging results on individual flights, further trials and research are needed to assess the benefits of applying contrail avoidance measures across airlines and airspaces. Such robust scientific evidence will enable further industry considerations and policy development by airlines, regulators, and other industry players.

Therefore, the partners are embarking on a larger second phase of flight trials to generate a broader set of real-world operational data and further insights across Cathay Pacific’s Asia and transpacific network. Contrails.org, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to advancing the science of contrail mitigation, is also a partner in the project. The ongoing partnership aims to generate a robust operational dataset to further scientific understanding of contrail avoidance and inform future industry best practices.

(Source: Cathay Pacific)

Vietnam’s national holiday trends

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September 9, 2026

SINGAPORE, 9 September 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda identified the most-searched domestic and international destinations among Vietnamese travellers during the National Day holiday season, from 29 August to 2 September.

Da Nang tops the domestic ranking, while Bangkok leads the international list.

Vietnamese travellers enjoyed five consecutive days off from 29 August to 2 September for this year’s National Day holiday, providing an extended opportunity to plan trips within Vietnam or travel abroad.

Based on accommodation searches made on Agoda between 1 May and 31 July 2026, for stays between 28 August and 2 September 2026, here are the top 10 most-searched domestic and international destinations.

Domestic Travel: Coastal getaways lead

With the National Day holiday falling toward the end of summer, the five-day break offers Vietnamese travellers one of the last opportunities to enjoy coastal getaways and cooler destinations before autumn begins.

Based on accommodation searches, Da Nang and Nha Trang take the top two spots, while Vung Tau, Phan Thiet, Phu Quoc Island and Ha Long Bay rank fourth, sixth, ninth and tenth, respectively. Together, coastal and island destinations account for six of the ten most-searched domestic destinations, giving travellers plenty of options for a seaside escape over the five-day holiday.

Da Lat ranks third and is the highest-ranked highland destination on the list. With its cooler climate, scenic surroundings and relaxed atmosphere, the city offers an alternative for travellers seeking milder weather during the late-summer break.

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi place fifth and seventh, respectively, showing that major urban destinations also remain part of holiday considerations. Both cities offer a broad range of dining, shopping, entertainment and cultural experiences for those looking to explore closer to home during the extended break.

Hue rounds out the mix in eighth place, adding a heritage-focused destination to the ranking. Home to the UNESCO-listed Complex of Hue Monuments, the former imperial capital offers visitors a combination of history, architecture and cultural experiences. During this year’s National Day holiday, Hue is also set to host Hue Wonderverse Music Fest 2026 from 30 August to 1 September, bringing contemporary music and cultural programming into the city’s heritage setting.

Outbound Travel: Urban destinations lead international searches

For travellers looking beyond Vietnam, city destinations feature prominently in international searches for the Vietnam National Day holiday, accounting for nine of the ten most-searched destinations. The ranking spans major cities across both Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia, with Bali the only island destination in the top ten.

Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur represent Southeast Asia in the ranking, offering travellers a mix of food, shopping, entertainment and cultural experiences. Further north, Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Shanghai and Hong Kong also feature in the list, providing a range of city-break options that combine modern attractions with local cuisine and cultural landmarks.

Bali stands apart from the predominantly urban ranking as the only island destination in the top 10. Beyond its beaches, the destination offers nature, wellness, local culture, and dining experiences, giving travellers another option for an extended holiday that combines relaxation with exploration.

Famous for its vibrant atmosphere and multicultural character, Osaka rounds out the top ten and serves as a convenient gateway to the wider Kansai region, allowing travellers to combine a city break with visits to nearby cultural destinations such as Kyoto and Nara.

Agoda Country Director, Vietnam Vu Ngoc Lam said: “Agoda’s search data shows that Vietnamese travellers are considering a diverse range of destinations for the National Day holiday, from coastal, highland and urban destinations within Vietnam to popular destinations across Asia. With five consecutive days off, travellers have greater flexibility to plan trips that suit their schedules, budgets and preferred experiences. At Agoda, we aim to make travel planning easier by providing travellers with a wide range of accommodation, flight and activity options to make confident travel decisions.”

(Source: Agoda)

Around the World travel: How to beat jet lag

Last day to catch a Vietnam fare bargain

Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas floats out

Cameras champion Pacific Asia: Content with Purpose

New Zealand targets 3.9m visits in 2027

Extraordinary Travel Fest returns to Bangkok

Marriott teams up with MyCEB to promote events

TransNusa launches Bali-Phuket route

Cathay and Google tracking contrails

Vietnam’s national holiday trends

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