SINGAPORE, 30 September 2026: Vietjet has been named “Asia’s Leading Airline Brand 2026” at the World Travel Awards hosted in the Maldives.
The World Travel Awards, one of the most prestigious accolades in the travel and tourism industry, recognises organisations that deliver outstanding products and services worldwide. Industry professionals, travellers, and consumers worldwide determine the winners.
Photo credit: Vietjet. Vietjet wins top airline accolade in Asia.
This year’s recognition builds on Vietjet’s strong track record at the World Travel Awards, following three consecutive titles as “Asia’s Leading Airline – Customer Experience” in 2023, 2024 and 2025, as well as “Asia’s Leading Airline – Airline Loyalty Programme” in 2024.
Vietjet’s Chief Executive Officer Nguyen Thanh Son said: “Vietjet is entering a new phase of growth, repositioning itself as a leading hybrid airline with an increasingly diverse portfolio of products, services and experiences. We envision a Vietjet that not only brings destinations closer, but also creates greater value, richer experiences, and new possibilities for passengers around the world. Vietjet will continue to take Vietnam’s spirit of innovation to new horizons while building an Asian airline brand with a global footprint.”
In the first six months of 2026, Vietjet carried more than 13.4 million passengers on 72,000 flights across a network of 213 routes, including 46 domestic and 167 international routes.
Its growing international network includes connections between Singapore and key destinations in Vietnam, alongside continued expansion to Japan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, China, Kazakhstan and, notably, the Czech Republic. The Hanoi–Almaty and Hanoi–Prague routes are scheduled to launch in October 2026, providing a springboard for Vietjet’s further expansion into Europe.
The airline has also ordered more than 600 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, laying a strong foundation for its long-term growth strategy.
The airline is also set to further expand its Singapore–Vietnam connectivity with the launch of a new Singapore–Nha Trang service in December 2026.
BANGKOK, 30 September 2026: Thai Airways International adds a third daily flight to Vientiane, the capital of Lao PDR, from its home base, Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), effective 1 December.
Scheduled in advance timetables until 27 March 2027, the additional flight will depart Bangkok at 0800, complementing the airline’s midday and evening departures. All three daily flights will use A320s with 156 seats.
Photo credit: THAI. More flight options to explore Laos.
Flight schedule: Additional morning service
TG572 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 0800 and arrives in Vientiane (VTE) at 0910. TG573 departs Vientiane (VTE) at 1015 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1125.
Flight schedule: Midday service
TG570 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 1155 and arrives in Vientiane (VTE) at 1305. TG571 departs Vientiane (VTE) at 1330 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1450.
Flight schedule: Evening service
TG574 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 1830 and arrives in Vientiane (VTE) at 1945. TG575 departs Vientiane (VTE) at 2030 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 2155.
THAI competes with Lao Airlines on the route, with the average round-trip fare monitored at USD220. Lao Airlines flies the route using an A320 with 150 seats, offering twice-daily departures from Vientiane, its home base.
KUCHING, Sarawak, 28 September 2026: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) has concluded Sarawak Connect, an eight-day B2B travel trade programme involving 54 participants from Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Thailand and China.
Held from 12 to 19 September 2026, the programme combined market-specific familiarisation trips in Kuching, Mulu and Miri with direct business networking between visiting travel partners and Sarawak tourism industry partners.
Travel agents from China discover Mulu’s unique tourism offerings as part of their familiarisation visit to Sarawak.
Sarawak Connect marks a significant step in STB’s efforts, bringing multiple key market clusters together under one coordinated travel trade programme for the first time.
Held under the theme “From Partners to Packages,” the initiative was designed to strengthen trade relationships, deepen destination knowledge and create opportunities for continued collaboration.
Each market cluster followed a curated familiarisation programme, with itineraries tailored to reflect the interests and characteristics of its respective market. This allowed participating travel partners to experience different facets of Sarawak first-hand while gaining a deeper understanding of the destination and its tourism offerings.
“Sarawak Connect brought our key trade partners from Domestic Malaysia, ASEAN and North Asia together under one coordinated initiative,” said Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board.
Travel agents from Peninsular Malaysia arriving in Mulu as part of their familiarisation programme in Sarawak.
“Each market cluster followed its own tailored itinerary, but the goal was shared: to give travel agents first-hand experience of Sarawak as the Gateway to Borneo — from our culture and adventure to our nature, food and festivals.
We hope the knowledge and connections they gained from the familiarisation trips and the B2B session will translate into new and enhanced packages that bring more visitors to the state.”
A key part of the programme was the Sarawak: Gateway to Borneo Business Networking Session, held on 17 September at The Ranyai Ballroom, The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching.
The session brought participating travel partners from Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Thailand and China together with Sarawak tour operators, destination management companies, accommodation providers, attractions, community-based tourism operators, travel associations and connectivity partners.
Through direct B2B discussions, participants exchanged market insights, explored potential itineraries and discussed opportunities for joint promotions, tourism product development and future collaboration.
Travel agents from Thailand explore Kuching and experience the city’s cultural and heritage attractions during their familiarisation programme in Sarawak.
The session also laid the groundwork for continued engagement across the respective market clusters, allowing visiting travel partners and Sarawak industry partners to strengthen connections, exchange ideas, and identify areas for further collaboration beyond the programme.
The business networking session complemented the familiarisation component of Sarawak Connect by connecting participants’ first-hand destination experiences with the tourism products, services and industry partners available in Sarawak.
Approximately 20 travel agents from Kuala Lumpur and Johor followed programmes featuring adventure, culture, nature, gastronomy and Muslim-friendly tourism experiences in Kuching and Mulu. Shared highlights included Gunung Mulu National Park, the Penan community experience at Batu Bungan, Kuching Waterfront and the Borneo Cultures Museum.
The Kuala Lumpur itinerary also featured a cycling and gastronomy experience, while the Johor programme included kayaking at Semadang.
The Thailand delegation followed a broader Miri–Mulu–Kuching circuit, combining destination experiences, tourism product familiarisation and engagement with local industry partners. The itinerary gave participants broader exposure to Sarawak’s tourism offerings across Northern Sarawak and Kuching.
The China delegation, comprising 24 travel agents, participated in a Kuching–Mulu programme featuring heritage, culture and nature experiences. Its itinerary included Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak Cultural Village, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and selected heritage attractions.
Following Sarawak Connect, STB will continue engaging participating travel and Sarawak industry partners to build on the relationships and opportunities established during the programme, with future engagement reflecting the needs of each market cluster.
Through the initiative, STB aims to strengthen long-term engagement with key tourism markets, deepen travel trade understanding of Sarawak and encourage greater collaboration in bringing the Sarawak: Gateway to Borneo experience to travellers across these markets.
For more information on Sarawak’s tourism attractions, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board.
BANGKOK, 29 September 2026: Stelliers, a leading hotelier awards platform dedicated to recognising hotel professionals across Asia, has named the 25 winners of Stelliers Asia 2026 at its grand awards ceremony, held on Friday, 25 September 2026, at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.
The award ceremony brought together hotel leaders, industry experts, finalists, and hospitality partners from across the region to celebrate the people who make memorable stays possible, from the teams guests meet to those who work behind the scenes.
Photo credit: Stelliers Asia. This year’s award winners.
Stelliers also launched Maison Stelliers at the ceremony, extending its mission beyond the annual awards. The new year-round community gives hotel professionals, from those starting to those leading entire hotels, a place to connect across properties and borders, exchange ideas, discover opportunities and support one another’s growth. Built around the belief that every role in hospitality matters, it aims to help hoteliers feel seen, valued and inspired to lead in their daily work.
“One year ago, we promised that Stelliers would continue to innovate how we support the people of hospitality,” said Stelliers Co-Founder Stéphane de Montgros.
“This year, we are delighted to announce the launch of Maison Stelliers — a home for hoteliers, by hoteliers — where the connection, recognition, and shared purpose at the heart of Stelliers can continue every day. Our driving purpose remains the same: to elevate hotel professionals – so they feel seen, valued, and inspired to lead.”
Stelliers Asia awardees underwent a rigorous evaluation by a distinguished panel of experts, who assessed candidates on their professional achievements, leadership skills, and impact on their properties, guests, and local communities.
Among this year’s winners was Pornchai Savatsri, known as Captain Paul, who received the Unsung Hero of the Year award. For more than 25 years, the boat captain at The Peninsula Bangkok has welcomed guests on the Chao Phraya River, ferrying them between the hotel and the city’s piers. Generations of returning guests know him for the warmth he brings to every journey.
Stelliers Asia 2026 award winners
General Manager of the Year: Jean-Pierre Joncas, General Manager at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
Butler of the Year: Somporn Keaboot, Senior Reserve Host (Butler) at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Chef of the Year: Daniele Cason, Executive Chef at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
Concierge Hotelier of the Year: James Tiking, Concierge Service Leader at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
CSR Hotelier of the Year: Dieter Ruckenbauer, Former General Manager at Le Méridien Bangkok
Engineering Hotelier of the Year: Boonchuay Kiatbidakul, Director of Engineering at Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel
Finance Hotelier of the Year: Nutthanont Arya, Multi-Property Director of Finance at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town & Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
Food & Beverage Hotelier of the Year: Anusit Wisetkan, Director of Banquet at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Front Office Hotelier of the Year: Duangkamol Kongsuwan, Room Division Manager at Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort
Green Hotelier of the Year: Pisarn Karnjanavanich, Director of Engineering at Capella Bangkok
Hotel Manager / Resident Manager of the Year: Ian Ding, Resort Manager at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Housekeeping Hotelier of the Year: Naoaki Okamoto, Executive Housekeeper at Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
Human Resources Hotelier of the Year: Dama Adhyatma, Director of Human Resources at Bvlgari Resort Bali
Hygiene & Food Safety Hotelier of the Year: Photcharapun Raksapakdee, Hygiene and Quality Assurance Manager at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Information Technology Hotelier of the Year: Joy Rodrigo, Senior Director of Technology Innovation & Data at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
Marketing & Communications Hotelier of the Year: Dan Schacter, Regional Director of Public Relations and Marketing at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
Mixologist of the Year: Chunyanuch Yodsuwan, Head Bartender at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
Owner of the Year: Eric Tan, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Interhill Hospitality
Pastry Chef of the Year: Kevin Lee, Executive Pastry Chef at The St. Regis Jakarta
Revenue Management Hotelier of the Year: Ha Nguyen, Director of Revenue & E-commerce at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Sales Hotelier of the Year: Christopher Kang, Director of Commercial Strategy at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
Security Hotelier of the Year: Pongsathorn Chularat, Director of Loss Prevention at Capella Bangkok
Sommelier of the Year: Bella Jankaew, Head Sommelier at Swissôtel The Stamford
Unsung Hero of the Year: Pornchai Savatsri, Boat Captain at The Peninsula Bangkok
Wellness & Spa Hotelier of the Year: Evelien Louise Akerboom, Director of Equine at NIHI Sumba
About Stelliers Asia Established in 2014, Stelliers is the leading hotelier awards platform that recognises the people of the hotel industry across Asia and Greater China.
BANGKOK, 29 September 2026: Khiri Travel has won the award for Best Destination Management Company (DMC) at the TTG Travel Awards 2026, held last week in Bangkok.
Willem Niemeijer, CEO and founder of Khiri Travel, accepted the award on behalf of the staff and management of the 33-year-old DMC, which has grown to 20 offices in eight Asian countries.
Khiri Travel’s CEO and founder, Willem Niemeijer, receives the Best DMC Award, 24 September.
Travel industry readers of TTG Asia and its related titles voted in the annual awards, which were founded in 1989.
After receiving the award, Niemeijer said: “Thank you to our travel industry voters. They recognised Khiri’s commitment to both responsible tourism and creating new travel experiences that appeal to discerning long-haul visitors from Europe and North America.”
Khiri Travel opened a second office in the Philippines in July.
Khiri Travel has recently won awards such as Best Destination Management Company in Southeast Asia at the 2025 World Luxury Travel Awards, Destination Management Company of the Year in the 2025 Travel Daily Media Excellence Awards, the Outstanding Achievement Award for Most Sustainable Travel Company at the 2025 TTG Travel Awards, and 2025 Best Travel Agent & Specialist at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards, Asia Pacific.
Niemeijer added: “Khiri Travel is committed to constant improvement. We are motivated by the 4Cs operational guidelines of conservation, culture, community, and commerce, promoted by The Long Run travel advocacy group.”
Khiri Travel is also a co-organiser of the pan-Asian Steps for Impact 2027 grassroots charity event taking place on 30 January in eight Asian countries.
SINGAPORE, 29 September 2026: Polar expedition travel is highlighting a broader shift in premium tourism, as travellers increasingly seek access, expertise and deeper experiences rather than scale, according to Quark Expeditions President Sam Seward in the latest episode of the Travel Trends Podcast.
Speaking to Travel Trends host Dan Christian, Seward describes a market where both booking behaviour and traveller expectations are changing – from earlier bookings for Antarctica to growing demand for specialist experiences such as photography, kayaking and citizen science.
Photo credit: Quark Expeditions.
“People are looking for something different, something that is unique, something that they can’t necessarily do anywhere else,” said Sam Seward, President of Quark Expeditions. “And I think that is one of the real appeals of expedition travel.”
From scale to specialised experiences
Unlike conventional cruising, expedition travel is built around smaller vessels, expert-led experiences and access to remote destinations.
Quark is responding with increasingly specialised experiences within its expedition programmes. Its Guided Photography Program, for example, creates dedicated groups of no more than 16 guests, supported by specialist guides and Zodiac excursions. The company is also seeing demand for experiences combining exploration with education and conservation, including citizen science and expert-led programmes.
Antarctica is being booked further in advance
The shift is also visible in booking behaviour. According to Seward, Antarctica is increasingly being booked further in advance and at higher average booking values, while the Arctic has historically seen more last-minute demand.
“We’re seeing people booking Antarctica further and further out. The average booking value is higher, and people are willing to commit earlier,” said Seward.
The trend points to a broader change in high-value travel, as travellers increasingly plan to secure specific itineraries and experiences rather than waiting for availability or discounts.
Technology supports the experience
Technology is also playing a growing role in expedition travel, with digital tools and data being used to make the journey more seamless and better understand guest preferences.
But Seward argues that technology is ultimately there to support – rather than replace – the human element.
“Technology can make the experience easier, but it can’t replace the people who make the experience special – the guides, the scientists, the crew and the people you meet along the way.”
For Christian, this tension between technology, access and human connection reflects a wider question for the travel industry: as travellers seek more personalised and meaningful experiences, how can technology enhance the journey without becoming the experience itself?
Travel Trends Podcast launches season 8
The conversation with Quark Expeditions opens Season 8 of the Travel Trends Podcast, which launched on 9 September. The new season covers polar and expedition travel, wellness, culinary tourism, Indigenous and culturally driven travel, marketing, distribution and startups, alongside its ongoing focus on travel technology and AI.
About Travel Trends Podcast The Travel Trends Podcast is a B2B travel podcast focused on the people, innovations and trends shaping the global travel industry. Hosted by travel industry executive Dan Christian, the podcast features conversations with executives, entrepreneurs, founders and industry leaders across travel technology, hospitality, aviation, tours and activities, cruising and destinations.
KATHMANDU, Nepal, 29 September 2026: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter concluded its 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 51st Anniversary celebration last week and unanimously elected a new Executive Committee.
The chapter appointed Narendra Deo Bhatta, Managing Director of Heritage Tours & Travel, as chairman. He succeeds Khem Lakai, who has served as Chairman since 6 June 2024 and remains on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past Chairman.
Photo credit: PATA Nepal Chapter.
The AGM also elected Romi Aryal, Managing Director of Square Hotel, as General Secretary, and Prakash Chandra Lohani, Chairman of Alpine Rescue Service, as Honorary Treasurer.
The other elected executive members are: Vijay Shrestha (Vice President, Himalaya Airlines);
Prakash Lama (Managing Director, Mega Treks & Expedition);
Suman Maharjan (General Manager, The Plaza).
The Executive Committee also includes six public-sector members: the CEO of Nepal Tourism Board as First Vice Chairman; the Marketing Director of Nepal Airlines as Second Vice Chairman; and four Ex Officio Members, namely the Director General of the Department of Tourism, the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the Corporate Director of Nepal Airlines, and a representative of Nepal Tourism Board.
At the formal ceremony, PATA Nepal Chapter also honoured individuals for their extraordinary courage, humanity, and contributions to Nepal during the recent Bhotekoshi flood crisis and beyond.
The honorees were:
Professor Arnold Dix, International Tunnelling and Underground-Space Specialist;
Captain Priya Adhikari, Nepal’s First Female Helicopter Captain;
André Lüthi, Author and President, Globetrotter;
Dylan Dugas, World Central Kitchen;
Rajendra Dawadi, Head Teacher, Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School;
Bikram Karki, Search and Rescue Team Leader, Mountain Rescue Coordinator, Nepal Mountaineering Association;
Choy Teh, Head of PR & Partnerships/ Destination Strategist at Horus Development & Consulting.
PATA Foundation Chair Andrew Jones delivered the keynote address at the AGM. He reflected on Nepal’s resilience over the years and reaffirmed that Nepal remains a priority for PATA, which will continue to support the country through these challenging times. He also highlighted the PATA Foundation’s Nepal Tourism Recovery Fund, including its plans to support the livelihoods of tourism workers and to support the PATA Nepal Chapter and its Student Chapter.
(Source: Pacific Asia Travel Association Nepal Chapter)
SINGAPORE, 29 September 2026: HBX Group (HBX.SM), a leading B2B travel technology marketplace, has announced the global expansion of its partnership with Virtuoso, a leading network specialising in luxury and experiential travel.
Building on a successful relationship that began in North America in 2001, the agreement now extends worldwide, giving Virtuoso member agencies access to Bedsonline’s full portfolio of travel products and services for the first time.
Expanding from a North American relationship to a global partnership unlocks greater choice, wider reach, and new growth opportunities for both organisations and the Virtuoso travel advisor community.
Through Bedsonline, Virtuoso advisors can book accommodation, premium transfers, car rental, experiences, and activities through a single platform designed specifically for travel professionals. They will also have access to Bedsonline’s Luxury Collection, featuring a carefully selected portfolio of luxury hotels complemented by The Luxurist’s concierge service, helping advisors deliver seamless, tailored experiences for their clients.
Virtuoso’s global network includes more than 20,000 travel advisors and over 2,800 preferred travel partners, making it one of the most influential communities in luxury travel. For HBX Group, the expanded agreement creates new opportunities to connect its hotel and travel partners with an engaged global advisor network while further extending the reach of Bedsonline’s premium offering.
About HBX Group HBX Group is a leading global B2B travel technology marketplace that owns and operates Hotelbeds, Bedsonline, The Luxurist, Roiback Civitfun and PerfectStay.
BANGKOK, 29 September 2026: Almaty presented its growing potential as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions and corporate travel at Kazakhstan’s pavilion during the 34th IT&CMA and 29th CTW Asia-Pacific, held last week at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.
For Almaty Tourism Bureau, participation in IT&CMA 2026 provided an opportunity to strengthen the city’s presence in the Asia-Pacific MICE market, establish new business contacts and present its infrastructure, services and experiences to international buyers and corporate travel professionals.
Photo credit: Almaty Tourism Bureau.
According to the organiser’s statistics, this year’s event brought together 600 exhibitors from 280 companies and organisations, 361 buyers from 50 countries and territories, and 30 media representatives. MICE professionals accounted for 79% of the hosted buyers, while 30% were new buyers participating in the event for the first time.
Almaty Tourism Bureau, which promotes Visit Almaty, was among the new destination and corporate brands taking their own pavilion or booth at IT&CMA 2026 for the first time.
The Almaty delegation included tour companies and airlines, representing key areas of the destination’s MICE offering, including business tourism, accommodation, excursions, corporate events and air connectivity.
During the three-day event, Almaty representatives introduced international buyers and MICE professionals to the city’s possibilities for corporate meetings, incentive programmes, conferences and business events. The destination’s key advantage is the opportunity to combine professional events in a modern urban environment with cultural, gastronomic and outdoor experiences.
Almaty Tourism Bureau’s participation in IT&CMA 2026 supported the development of the city’s international MICE network and promoted Kazakhstan’s largest city as a destination for business events, incentive travel, and corporate programmes.
BANGKOK, 29 September 2026: AirAsia is celebrating a milestone — winning the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline by Skytrax for the 17th consecutive year.
To say thank you to millions of guests for their loyalty, the airline is rolling out the ‘AirAsia Flight Lotto’ campaign, turning every flight booking into an exciting chance to win an unbelievable prize: 17 Winners • 17 Trips • 17 Months of free travel. Bookings are open now on AirAsia MOVE and all channels
Thai AirAsia Head of Commercial Tansita Akrarittipirom, for Thai AirAsia, said: “The ‘AirAsia Flight Lotto’ campaign is our way of giving back — turning everyday journeys into thrilling rewards while inspiring everyone to take off on new adventures late this year. We’ve beefed up our network and bumped up flight frequencies across domestic and international routes, so we’re 100% ready to welcome everyone aboard for the upcoming high season!”
Under the ‘AirAsia Flight Lotto’ campaign, 17 lucky winners will score 17 round-trip flights each, valid for travel across 17 months.
How to join Flight Lotto
Book a Flight: Grab any Thai AirAsia (FD) or Thai AirAsia X (XJ) ticket between 22 September and 15 November 2026.
Stack Your Chances: One passenger name on an issued ticket = 1 entry. The more you fly, the higher your chances of winning!* Bookings can be made on AirAsia MOVE or any official channel.
The lucky draw will take place on 27 November 2026, and the lucky winners will be announced on 3 December 2026 on the Fly AirAsia Facebook page.
