Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Home Blog Page 20

UN Tourism: Modest growth in global tourism

MADRID, 24 September 2026: International tourism grew modestly in the first half of 2026, with global arrivals up by 0.4% even as insecurity in the Middle East, elevated oil prices, and broader inflationary pressures tested the sector’s resilience.

According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, an estimated 690 million tourists travelled internationally between January and June 2026, some 3 million more than the same period last year. 

Photo credit: UN Tourism. World Tourism Day is on 27 September.

While global arrivals rose 2% in Q1 2026, they fell 1% in Q2, after a 3% decline in April. That drop was largely due to the calendar effect of the Easter holiday period starting in March and the impact of the Middle East conflict.

Globally, arrivals then dropped 3% in June. That was driven by a 6% decline in Western Europe, partly due to a heatwave in some destinations. South-East Asia recorded 5% fewer arrivals in June because of weaker demand from Asian markets, geopolitical tensions, air travel disruptions through the Middle East, and higher travel costs. Typhoon Sinlaku also impacted some destinations in Oceania (-6% in June) in Q2.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais said: “The latest data shows a sector absorbing real pressure and finding a way forward. Tourism has not stopped growing, but that growth is fragile. The Middle East situation has touched destinations far beyond the region itself. It serves as a clear reminder that, in such a connected world, resilience needs to be built everywhere and not just when a crisis begins.”

Performance by region

The World Tourism Barometer breaks down performance by region and sub-region. The data shows:

In the first half of 2026, Africa (+4%) and Europe (+3%) recorded solid growth in arrivals, while the Americas saw a 2% increase, with mixed results across sub-regions.

Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew by 1% over these six months but remained 11% below 2019 levels as disruptions to air connectivity, higher air fares, and uncertainty affected intra-regional demand.

North-East Asia saw 3% growth in the first half of 2026, while South Asia (-5%) and South-East Asia (-1%) recorded declines when compared with the same period in 2025.

The Middle East saw a 22% drop over this period, as the conflict directly impacted it.

Although the conflict has negatively affected international tourism in the Middle East and other regions since early March 2026, disruptions to air traffic gradually eased in May and June following the announcement of a ceasefire. This led to the reopening of some air routes and an uneven rebound in consumer sentiment. 

Looking ahead

In view of the latest data and current geopolitical volatility, international tourist arrivals are now expected to grow by between 1% and 2% globally in 2026, compared to UN Tourism’s January forecast of 3% to 4%. However, this will depend on the conflict’s actual duration and its effect on oil prices and overall inflation. 

At the same time, international travellers are expected to keep seeking value for money and travel closer to home or domestically, again in response to elevated prices and uncertainty.

UN Tourism celebrates World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026. El Salvador is the signature host destination.

(Source: UN Tourism)

AirAsia gears up for high season

BANGKOK, 24 September 2026: Thai AirAsia (Flight Code: FD) and Thai AirAsia X (Flight Code: XJ) are gearing up to resume temporarily suspended international routes and increase flight frequencies across multiple destinations. 

The latest expansion aims to accommodate the surging travel demand during the year-end high season in the fourth quarter (October to December), offering direct flights to up to 46 cities across 53 routes covering ASEAN and the broader Asian region.

Photo credit: AirAsia.

Thai AirAsia Head of Commercial Tansita Akrarittipirom explained that during Q3 the airline reduced flights and temporarily suspended certain routes to align with travel demand and rising fuel prices, ensuring optimal operational cost management.

“We are highly confident that travel will revive this high season, driven by both Thais travelling abroad and international tourists visiting Thailand. For the Indian market in particular, Thai AirAsia will resume operations on six temporarily suspended routes. 

“Additionally, our Phuket hub will resume direct flights to Siem Reap, and the Bangkok-Kuala Lumpur route will also be reinstated. As international tourists arrive in Thailand, they can seamlessly connect to our extensive domestic network, which offers the widest coverage and highest flight frequencies in the country,” Tansita added. 

For Q4, Thai AirAsia X will focus on direct flights from Don Mueang International Airport to Japan, covering four major routes. 

Tokyo: Up to 21 flights weekly. 

Osaka: Up to 14 flights per week. 

Sapporo: Up to four flights weekly starting 1 October and increasing to seven flights weekly on 1 December.

Nagoya: Four flights per week (starting 2 October). 

Furthermore, Thai AirAsia X will operate direct flights to New Delhi, India, four times a week, and to the popular destination of Almaty, Kazakhstan, also four times a week. 

Combined, the two AirAsia affiliate carriers will operate a total of 53 direct routes to 46 cities from Don Mueang International Airport during the 2026 Winter Flight Schedule. 

This expansive network covers 17 cities in East Asia (including China, Japan, Taiwan, and Macau), 15 cities in ASEAN (including Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Laos), 13 cities in South Asia (including India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives), and one city in Central Asia (Kazakhstan).

Routes resuming in Q4

Thai AirAsia (Flight Code FD)

Don Mueang – Kuala Lumpur: Commences 25 October 2026

Phuket – Siem Reap: Commences 25 October 2026

Don Mueang – Gaya, India: Commences 25 October 2026

Don Mueang – Ahmedabad, India: Commences 6 November 2026

Don Mueang – Guwahati, India: Commences 16 November 2026

Don Mueang – Hyderabad, India: Commences 16 November 2026

Don Mueang – Lucknow, India: Commences 16 November 2026

Don Mueang – Jaipur, India: Commences 17 November 2026

Thai AirAsia X (Flight Code XJ)

Don Mueang – Sapporo: Commences 1 October 2026

Don Mueang – Nagoya: Commences 2 October 2026

(Source: AirAsia)

Indian travellers: AI reshapes booking trends

MUMBAI, 24 September 2026: Indian travellers are changing how they discover, plan and experience holidays, with experiences, events, digital content and convenience increasingly influencing travel choices. 

This shift comes as digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence reshape tourism, enabling more personalised discovery, planning, booking and payments. 

As the world marks World Tourism Day 2026 on 27 September under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” these behaviours reflect how technology is becoming an integral part of the modern travel journey.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, share insights into key traveller behaviours shaping the Indian travel landscape today. These include a stronger focus on experiences, greater use of digital platforms and payments, more frequent short breaks, and growing international travel from beyond the metros.

Choosing the experience, not just the destination

Holiday searches increasingly start with what travellers want to experience, rather than simply where they want to go. Wildlife safaris in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa; culinary trails in Italy and Japan; cultural immersion in Rajasthan and Vietnam; adventure in New Zealand and Switzerland; and stargazing in Ladakh and Norway are becoming reasons to choose a destination. For premium travellers, this is extending to experiences such as expedition cruises, premium rail journeys, Grand Slam tennis, premium golf and Formula 1, where access and curation are becoming an important part of the experience.

This is also visible in spiritual travel, where destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Ujjain and Rishikesh are being explored beyond the pilgrimage itself, with travellers adding heritage, cuisine, architecture, wellness and local experiences to their itineraries. Similarly, destinations such as Bhutan, Japan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are being explored for their distinctive mix of culture, nature, wellness and food. Digital platforms and personalised recommendations are further helping travellers discover destinations and experiences aligned with their individual interests.

Planning holidays around short breaks

Travel is increasingly being planned around moments rather than calendars alone. Festivals, concerts, sporting events and major cultural occasions are becoming reasons to travel, with travellers building holidays around experiences they do not want to miss. At the same time, the traditional long annual holiday is being complemented by more frequent, shorter breaks. Long weekends, festive holidays, and gaps between work commitments are becoming getaways, road trips, and short-haul international holidays, creating a more distributed pattern of travel throughout the year.

Going digital with forex and payments

Digitisation is now extending across the entire travel journey, including how travellers manage and spend their money overseas. Thomas Cook India’s 2026 Forex Report found that 25% of customers transact through digital purchase channels, while 57% of forex-card spending is through contactless and online transactions.

The shift reflects a clear preference for greater convenience, flexibility and control, with travellers increasingly comfortable managing forex digitally and using contactless and online payments rather than relying on cash. Payments are therefore becoming an integral part of the seamless travel experience, rather than a separate pre-trip consideration.

Taking international travel beyond the metros

International travel is no longer a metro-led story. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are emerging as important growth engines for outbound travel, supported by rising disposable incomes, better connectivity and growing global aspirations. Markets such as Lucknow, Indore, Surat, Kochi, Bhubaneswar and Vijayawada are increasingly contributing to the outbound travel landscape. Importantly, travellers from these markets are moving beyond simply taking their first international holiday. They are increasingly seeking distinctive experiences from Northern Lights and Arctic cruises to wildlife safaris and multigenerational holidays while valuing the reassurance of trusted guidance and end-to-end planning. Digital access is further bringing international travel within easier reach, while stronger air connectivity is reducing dependence on metros as gateways.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited  President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Rajeev Kale said: “Indian travellers are becoming more intentional about what they want from a holiday. The focus is shifting from simply visiting a destination to experiences that offer discovery, immersion, and personal relevance — whether that is exploring a spiritual destination through its heritage and culture, experiencing wildlife and adventure, or choosing a premium cruise or rail journey.”

SOTC Travel, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SD Nandakumar added: “From social media and OTT-led inspiration to digital payments and AI-enabled recommendations, the travel journey is becoming more connected and personalised. The next phase is about using technology meaningfully — to simplify planning, provide more relevant choices and create a smoother experience across the journey.”

(Source: Thomas Cook India)

Penang’s B2B travel show returns in October

PENANG, 23 September 2026: The 9th Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE) 2026 is set to return from 27 to 29 October 2026, bringing together key players from the global travel trade and Malaysia’s tourism industry for three days of business networking and B2B engagements.

PITE 2026 will take place at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), with the programme combining 1.5 days of structured B2B appointments with a further 1.5 days of familiarisation activities and networking opportunities across Penang.

(Left): Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).

This year’s edition is expected to welcome approximately 100 buyers, representing a diverse range of travel trade segments including corporate, incentive and association buyers. The international buyer delegation will comprise representatives from key markets across China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Bangladesh, Australia, Romania and South Korea, alongside participants from other international markets.

PITE 2026 is expected to feature approximately 50 exhibitors from across Malaysia, representing a broad spectrum of the tourism ecosystem. These include hoteliers, destination management companies (DMCs), professional conference organisers (PCOs), attractions and other tourism-related businesses, offering buyers a

comprehensive platform to discover Malaysia’s diverse tourism and business event offerings.

(Source: Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau)

Would you trust AI to book and buy a trip?

SINGAPORE, 23 September 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda has begun the beta rollout of its new AI Assistant, designed to help travellers turn their travel ideas into personalised, bookable trips. 

Available initially to a select group of Agoda mobile app users, the AI Assistant marks a new chapter in how travellers can plan, book, and manage an entire trip in one place.

Organising a single trip today can mean jumping between AI chats, search engines, review sites, maps, and booking apps. Even after finding a recommendation they like, travellers can be left hanging: “Is this price real? Is it available for my dates? Nice hotel, but how do I actually book it?”

Agoda’s AI Assistant answers those questions. As an alternative to traditional search, it connects conversational trip planning with Agoda’s live inventory of more than 6 million accommodations, plus flights and activities. Travellers can explore ideas, compare options, check prices and availability, all within the same app experience. The assistant retains preferences and trip context as plans develop, helping personalise the experience and allowing travellers to pick up where they left off.

OpenAI’s latest GPT-5.6 model currently powers the AI Assistant’s core conversational intelligence. For more complex trip planning, such as designing a family getaway with teenagers, the AI Assistant uses Google Gemini’s ‘Grounding with Google Maps’ feature to recommend ideal spots based on real-time Google Maps data, such as ratings, photos, and opening hours. 

The beta test lets Agoda gather customer feedback and keep refining the AI Assistant. Over the coming months, Agoda’s AI Assistant will gradually be made available to all users of Agoda’s mobile app. 

(Source: Agoda)

Dusit’s rooftop park: Cool place to chill

BANGKOK, 23 September 2026: Following its first anniversary on 3 September 2026, Suan Dusit Arun — the 11,200 sq m public rooftop park at Dusit Central Park in the heart of Bangkok — has released its first set of visitor, community, and environmental performance data. 

The figures demonstrate strong public demand for accessible green space in the Thai capital, with an average of 2,621 unique daily visitors during the 12-month reporting period. 

Bangkok’s largest public rooftop park, Suan Dusit Arun, is a defining feature of Dusit Central Park and offers elevated views across Lumpini Park, one of the city’s most important green spaces. It was designed as a practical response to critical urban challenges facing Bangkok, including rising temperatures, limited access to green space, and declining biodiversity. 

Open to all, the park offers the luxury of space, nature, and calm in Bangkok’s centre. Its public use and programming are thoughtfully managed to protect the landscape, preserve a comfortable atmosphere, and ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy the park without compromising the qualities it was designed to provide.

Combining beautiful views with a strong social and environmental purpose, the park serves as the unifying landscape connecting the principal elements of Dusit Central Park: the flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, Central Park Offices, the Central Park shopping centre, and a 69-storey residential tower comprising the ultra-luxury Dusit Residences and contemporary Dusit Parkside.

The design of Suan Dusit Arun reflects the wider architectural philosophy of Dusit Central Park, responding to wind flow and solar orientation while drawing on Feng Shui principles to foster harmony, balance, and positive energy flow between people and their surroundings.

With approximately 98% of its layered landscape dedicated to green space, the park combines 184 plant varieties, including 48 Thai species, with accessible areas for recreation, learning, community gatherings, and quiet reflection. Its planting includes native shade trees, flowering varieties, and climate-adapted plants.

The planting includes nine tree species in the three threatened categories of the IUCN Red List – two Critically Endangered, two Endangered, and five Vulnerable. It also reflects Thailand’s cultural heritage through sacred spirit trees, species referenced in classical Thai literature, and jasmine, a symbol of Mother’s Day in Thailand. Pollinator-friendly species include mangrove apple and queen’s crape myrtle.

Water management is another important part of the park’s operation. Harvested or recycled water supplies approximately 25% of irrigation demand, supported by an automated, timer-controlled irrigation system. The planted landscape is estimated to reduce stormwater runoff entering the city’s drainage system by 30–50% compared with a conventional hard-surfaced roof.

While assessment of the park’s environmental performance is ongoing, monitoring conducted within and outside the project area on 13 and 14 March 2026 provided an initial snapshot of conditions. Air temperature within Suan Dusit Arun was recorded at 31°C, compared with 33°C outside the project area. Suspended particulate matter concentrations were also approximately 35% lower within the park during the monitoring period.

“When we conceived Suan Dusit Arun, we wanted it to become an active part of Bangkok’s daily life – a public landscape with a clear social and environmental purpose,” said Chanin Donavanik, Group CEO, Dusit International. “Welcoming more than 951,000 visitors in its first year shows how strongly people value accessible green spaces where they can exercise, learn, connect, and spend time in nature.

“For Dusit, this is how responsible hospitality reaches beyond hotel operations: by creating places that deliver meaningful value for the communities and environments around them. The initial data from Suan Dusit Arun indicates the potential of thoughtful design and responsible operation to improve everyday urban life. We will continue to monitor the park’s performance and report its contribution with care and transparency.”

Beyond its daily public use, Suan Dusit Arun hosted a thoughtfully curated programme of 43 recreational, wellness, and educational events and visits during its first year. Together, these activities engaged more than 9,500 people. They ranged from aerobics, Pilates, and city runs to Children’s Day celebrations, live music, design talks, and study visits by schools and universities.

Partners included Silpakorn University, SCG Packaging Public Company Limited (SCGP), and the Thai Red Cross, as well as schools, community groups, and commercial organisations.

Collaboration with SCGP also extends to waste reduction. Suan Dusit Arun participates in the company’s “Old for New” recycling initiative and separates around 100 kg of cardboard from its operational waste each month for recycling. Event organisers are also encouraged to reduce disposable plastics and choose reusable or recyclable materials wherever practical.

Tree Walk for Bangkok Climate Action Week 2026

To mark Bangkok Climate Action Week 2026, Suan Dusit Arun and Dusit International will collaborate with Big Trees Foundation to host Tree Walk: Discovering the Value of Urban Trees at Suan Dusit Arun on 9 October 2026. Led by landscape architect Touchapon Soontrajarn and professional arborists, the half-day programme will explore how thoughtful landscape design and tree care can support urban cooling, cleaner air, biodiversity, and public well-being.

Running from 0900 to 1130, the event is limited to 30 participants and costs THB250 per person, with all proceeds to be donated to Big Trees Foundation to support urban tree conservation. Registration will be available through the Bangkok Climate Action Week platform. 

For more information, visit dusitcentralpark.com/roofpark

More information is available at bangkokclimateactionweek.org/en/programme/325 

(Source: Your Stories — Dusit International)

Airbus monitors Asia Pacific aircraft demand

BANGKOK, 23 September 2026: The Asia-Pacific region will continue to be the key driver of global aviation growth over the next two decades, according to Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast (GMF 2026 – 2045).

With passenger traffic growth in the region projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%, outpacing the global average of 3.9%, traffic volumes will more than double over the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is projected to require 19,120 new passenger aircraft, representing 45% of the total global demand for 42,060 new aircraft over this period.

Photo credit: Airbus. A350-1000.

Of the 19,120 new passenger aircraft needed over the next two decades in the Asia-Pacific region, one third will be replacements and the remainder will be for growth. Robust economic fundamentals are driving this growth. By 2045, the middle-income population in Asia-Pacific is projected to reach three billion people. Coupled with rapid urbanisation, air travel is increasingly becoming the essential lifeline for social and economic prosperity.

Across aircraft size categories, the region will account for the lion’s share of widebody deliveries, with demand for 3,420 new aircraft. That represents almost half of all new widebody aircraft.

Airbus is especially well placed to meet airline requirements for widebodies with the A330neo and A350 Family. Together, the two product lines have helped Airbus increase its share of the widebody backlog in the region to 50% over the past three years, with the A350 now firmly established as the preferred choice for long-range intercontinental flights. In Airbus’s largest category, the A350-1000 has emerged as the natural successor to the 777-300ER.

Demand in Asia-Pacific also remains strongly anchored in single-aisle capacity, with 15,700 aircraft in the 100-244 seat size category required by 2045, reflecting ongoing domestic and intra-regional network expansion driven by fleet replacement and long-term capacity growth.

Increased connectivity is being realised through the strategic development of new airport infrastructure and the deployment of longer-range, versatile single-aisle aircraft like the A321XLR and the A220, unlocking new city pairs, bypassing traditional mega-hubs, and connecting secondary cities.

The A220 is proving itself as a key network builder, making new thin routes viable, having already created more than 400 new routes globally. In Asia-Pacific, Airbus foresees strong potential for further expansion with the A220 unlocking over 800 new unserved city pairs.

“We are seeing an evolution in the Asia-Pacific networks and how they connect,” said Anand Stanley, President of Airbus in Asia-Pacific. “Alongside sustained expansion in long-haul networks, airlines are decentralising beyond traditional hub-and-spoke models to connect secondary cities directly to the global economy. By leveraging latest generation aircraft technology, carriers in the region are rewriting connectivity maps and driving the region’s long-term economic prosperity.”

By the end of August 2026, 119 airlines in Asia-Pacific operated 5,000 Airbus commercial aircraft, with a market share of 58%, with nearly 3,500 aircraft on order for future delivery. This represents 61% of the backlog for all aircraft manufacturers in the above-100-seat jet market.

(Source: Airbus)

HK horse show saddles up for 2027 dates

HONG KONG, 23 September 2026: Tickets for the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show (LHKIHS) go on sale, ahead of the event’s return to the AsiaWorld-Expo from 29 to 31 January 2027. 

The show is back for its third edition, building on the last two successful years that drew audiences from Hong Kong and an expanding base of visitors from the Greater Bay Area, Asia, and beyond, whose share of the audience has grown 75% since the show’s first year.

2026 THE LONGINES GRAND PRIX winner Roger Yves Bost (Image Credit: The Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show).

Tickets are now available via HK Ticketing, Klook and 01Space, allowing fans to secure access to the best seats at the city’s global meeting point.

Major highlights at LHKIHS

LHKIHS is supported by partners who share the passion for bringing world-class sport and lifestyle together, including Title Sponsor Longines. The Swiss watchmaker and a global leader in precision timekeeping also returns as the Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of LHKIHS.

The show is further strengthened by partners: The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC); Official Equine Transport and Founding Partner, Cathay Cargo; Founding Partner, the Equestrian Federation of Hong Kong, China; Major Partner, the AsiaWorld‑Expo; and Dog Agility Sponsor, Airport Authority Hong Kong.

The prestigious five international showjumping classes across the three‑day programme will deliver high‑stakes, thrilling competitions, with top‑tier international athletes and horses competing at the highest level. 

In 2027, alongside the five classes, the competitive line-up will also include the Hong Kong Jockey Club Asia Pacific Youth Challenge, where young riders from across the region come together in a final to compete for the top prize. Returning by popular demand are the Shetland Pony Grand National and Airport Authority Hong Kong Presents: Hong Kong Dog Agility competition, combining high‑energy competition with light‑hearted entertainment and promising a memorable, captivating experience for spectators of all ages.

Visit the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show website to learn more and to stay updated on the latest event schedule and ticketing details: https://www.hongkonghorseshow.com/ 

(Source: LHKIHS)

PATA and ATTIA team up through an MOU

BANGKOK, 23 September 2026: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA) have formalised an organisational partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), 

It marks a significant step toward strengthening collaboration and establishing a framework for both organisations to work together to support industry development, foster innovation, and enhance policy dialogue in an increasingly digital tourism landscape.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid commented: “ATTIA’s role in shaping policy to support the evolving intersection of tourism and technology is highly commendable. Their efforts closely align with PATA’s commitment to advancing a more sustainable and resilient tourism ecosystem, making this partnership a natural fit.”

He added, “Our intersecting networks have also played a key role in bringing us together, motivating us to deliver greater value to the wider sector jointly. I look forward to collaborating with ATTIA in advocating for a more resilient, innovative, and connected industry across Asia Pacific.”

ATTIA Managing Director Mark Chan noted: “PATA’s reach and its ability to bring together governments, destinations and the wider travel industry are exceptional. By combining that network with ATTIA’s policy expertise and the perspectives of leading travel technology companies, this partnership can help translate industry experience into practical dialogue and better-informed policymaking as travel continues to evolve”.

Under the agreement, PATA and ATTIA will collaborate across key areas.

Events and Knowledge Sharing: Mutual support for conferences, webinars, and industry activities, including opportunities for speaking engagements and cross-participation.

Marketing and Communications: Joint promotion of initiatives, sharing of tourism insights, and amplification of each other’s activities through digital platforms and communication channels.

Industry Engagement and Advocacy: Strengthening dialogue around policy and innovation to support a more connected, resilient, and forward-looking tourism sector.

(Source: PATA)

Airbnb names Regional Director for Asia

SINGAPORE, 23 September 2026: Airbnb has appointed company veteran Zhiqiu Kong as Regional Director for Asia, underscoring its commitment to strengthening its leadership across Asia.

Zhiqiu Kong

Building on his success leading Airbnb’s China operations, Zhiqiu Kong will bring his experience in driving sustainable growth to the broader Asia region. Home to the world’s largest Gen Z population and a rapidly expanding traveller base, Asia continues to shape global travel trends and remains central to Airbnb’s long-term growth strategy. 

“With around one-third of global travel demand, Asia is at the forefront of shaping the future of travel,” said Zhiqiu Kong.

“In our continued efforts to better understand the unique needs and wants of Asian travellers, we will make Airbnb the most desirable way to explore the world authentically.”

As Regional Director for Asia, Zhiqiu Kong oversees Airbnb’s business operations across China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia.

He joined Airbnb more than a decade ago and has held leadership roles spanning product innovation, growth and business strategy.

Reporting to Zhiqiu Kong, Michael He will step into the role of Country Manager for China, with more than nine years of experience working at Airbnb. Most recently, he was Business and Growth Operations Lead for the China market.

(Source: Airbnb)