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Travelgoogoo on the go in Thailand

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, I July 2026: Travelgoogoo, the Singapore-based company behind the world’s first eSIM Travel Club, announced Tuesday its collaboration with Visa Destinations to provide Visa cardholders with seamless connectivity benefits when travelling to Thailand.

Through the collaboration, eligible Visa cardholders will receive complimentary Travelgoogoo benefits, including up to seven days of unlimited high-speed data in Thailand and a complimentary subscription to the Travelgoogoo365 Annual Plan, which provides membership access to the Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club.

Photo credit: Travelgoogoo. visit www.travelgoogoo.com/visa.

Travelgoogoo Founder and CEO Richard Bok commented: “Connectivity is now an essential part of how people travel. From navigation and communication to payments and access to essential travel services, travellers expect to be connected the moment they arrive.”

Card holder benefits

Visa Infinite cardholders will receive seven days of unlimited high-speed data in Thailand and membership to the Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club

All other eligible Visa cardholders will receive three days of unlimited high-speed data in Thailand and membership to the Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club

“Travelgoogoo’s collaboration with Visa through Visa Destinations reflects the growing role of seamless digital connectivity in modern travel. Together, we are helping travellers explore Thailand with greater confidence, convenience, and peace of mind,” added Bok.

The Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club is a membership ecosystem designed to provide travellers with always-on connectivity and exclusive travel benefits. Members enjoy unlimited messaging and data-voice calls across popular apps such as WhatsApp, LINE, Telegram, WeChat, Viber, and Zalo in 123 destinations. They also have the flexibility to purchase high-speed travel data on demand at member-exclusive rates whenever needed.

Designed around how travellers increasingly choose to explore the world, Visa Destinations connects cardholders to curated destination-led experiences and offers shaped by culture, craft, and local insight — helping them discover and enjoy travel experiences that matter most to them.

Thailand marks Visa Destinations’ first launch in Asia Pacific, with Singapore expected to follow later this year.

The Thailand benefit further expands Travelgoogoo’s collaboration with Visa. Earlier this year, the two companies introduced an offer for Visa cardholders in 24 Asia Pacific markets, providing complimentary or subsidised access, depending on card eligibility, to a one-year membership to the Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club and other benefits. For more information, visit www.travelgoogoo.com/visa. 

About Travelgoogoo
Travelgoogoo is a Singapore-based company that redefines travel connectivity with affordability, ease of use and enriched experiences. Its flagship product, Travelgoogoo365, offers a global eSIM membership programme that simplifies data roaming by providing unlimited messaging across multiple destinations.

For more information, visit www.travelgoogoo.com.

MATTA elects executive council

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 1 July 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) announced its newly elected Executive Council (EXCO) members for the 2026-2029 term at its 51st Annual General Meeting, held on 29 June at the World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL).

The election marks a renewed chapter for MATTA as the Association enters its next phase of growth, advocacy and industry development under a refreshed leadership team. 

Photo credit: MATTA. Newly elected Executive Council (EXCO) members for the 2026-2029 term.

Reflecting the confidence of MATTA members, Nigel Wong Chun Teim has been re-elected as President for a second term after leading the Association through a period of significant transformation and industry advancement.

The newly elected EXCO represents a balanced combination of continuity and renewal, retaining seven experienced leaders from the previous term while welcoming three new members who bring fresh perspectives and expertise to strengthen the Association’s leadership.

This composition underscores MATTA’s commitment to building on past achievements while embracing the new ideas and energy required to meet the industry’s ever-evolving needs. The leadership team will continue to drive the Association’s efforts to strengthen member engagement, advance industry advocacy, support innovation, and position Malaysia as a competitive and future-ready tourism destination on the world stage.

During the 2023–2026 term, MATTA has achieved significant milestones that have reshaped its role as the leading voice of Malaysia’s travel and tourism industry through strategic initiatives benefiting its members and the wider tourism ecosystem.

As the industry celebrated MATTA’s 50-year milestone as a leading trade association, the organisation introduced the MATTA Eco & Sustainable Tourism Initiative (MESTI), a forward-thinking initiative designed to position Malaysian travel businesses at the forefront of sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

During the term, MATTA acknowledged the growing demand for specialised travel experiences. It successfully tapped into niche industry segments including sports tourism and Muslim-friendly tourism, creating dedicated platforms and resources to help members capture these high-value market opportunities.

The Association also prioritised safeguarding the industry by introducing TRUST, an industry advocacy initiative supported by the AI-powered TravelWatch.ai platform. Designed to strengthen industry accountability, improve reporting mechanisms and support efforts to address illegal tourism activities in Malaysia, the initiative reflects MATTA’s commitment to embracing technology and innovation while working collaboratively with industry stakeholders and government agencies to strengthen professionalism and consumer confidence.

The previous term also saw multiple high-impact Business-to-Business events that strengthened ties between Malaysian travel operators and international partners. These initiatives have proven instrumental in opening new markets and expanding export opportunities for MATTA members.

Additionally, in early 2025, MATTA became a strategic partner for the Visit Malaysia Year campaign, working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and Tourism Malaysia to amplify Malaysia’s standing as a premier global tourism destination and ensuring that member businesses are integrated into the national tourism strategy and promotional campaigns.

Throughout this period, MATTA also collaborated with the government on several critical projects that addressed industry challenges, ranging from transportation regulations to digital transformation and accessibility, demonstrating the Association’s commitment to constructive dialogue with policymakers and regulatory bodies.

(Source: MATTA)

Air India upgrades Melbourne flights

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Newsdesk
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NEW DELHI, 1 July 2026: Air India will deploy its B777-300ER aircraft featuring upgraded cabin interiors on flights between Delhi and Melbourne, effective today, 1 July.

Configured in a three-class layout, Air India’s upgraded Boeing 777-300ER features eight first-class suites, 40 fully flat business class beds, and 280 economy class seats, representing a substantial increase in premium capacity compared to the existing B787-8 on this route, which features 28 business class and 241 economy class seats.

Photo credit: Air India. B77-300ER serves the Melbourne route.

The deployment brings a more consistent and elevated long-haul product to Air India’s Melbourne services, aligned with the airline’s ongoing transformation into a world-class global carrier.

Elevated onboard experience

Air India guests to Melbourne will now benefit from a wide range of enhancements, including: Private suites in First Class, offering leather-upholstered seats that convert into fully flat beds, privacy doors, an elevated on-ground and dining experience, and personalised service.

Business Class features fully flat beds that offer enhanced comfort, space, and privacy, as well as improved soft-product elements.

Wi-Fi internet connectivity is also introduced on this route for the first time. The aircraft upgrade complements Air India’s broader investments in elevating the end-to-end customer journey. This includes access to the airline’s new flagship Maharaja Lounge at Delhi Airport for eligible premium customers, offering a refined pre-flight experience with upgraded dining, seating, and service.

Together, these enhancements reflect Air India’s continued focus on modernising its fleet, upgrading its product offering, and delivering a seamless, high-quality experience across touchpoints.

Connecting India with Australia and beyond

Australia remains a key international market for Air India, with strong and growing demand for both business and leisure travel. The introduction of the Boeing 777-300ER on the Delhi–Melbourne route underscores the airline’s commitment to strengthening connectivity while offering a more competitive and globally benchmarked product.

Air India currently operates four weekly direct flights between Delhi and Melbourne and is scheduled to operate daily services on the route from 1 September 2026. The airline’s Delhi-Melbourne service also provides travellers with convenient, same-terminal connections via Delhi to destinations across Europe, including London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Milan, and Zurich.

Air India also operates non-stop flights between Delhi and Sydney, enabling similar seamless onward connections to and from destinations in the UK and the rest of Europe. 

(Source: Air India)

Zeroage.life Launches Longevity Cloud in Thailand

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Newsdesk
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Bangkok, Thailand, 30 June 2026: Zeroage.life, the longevity division of Borderless Healthcare Group, today announced the launch of its AI-enabled Longevity 5.0 Cloud platform and the development of a first-of-its-kind “Longevity Clinic-of-the-Future” in Thailand.

The platform enables medical experts across Asia and around the world to collaborate through specialist-led longevity protocols supported by cloud-based and agentic AI technologies. Zeroage.life aims to redefine longevity care by integrating preventive, precision, and specialist medicine into a seamless “Longevity Continuum” ecosystem that inspires confidence in groundbreaking healthcare solutions.

“We are expecting many longevity clinics today to evolve from a lifestyle medicine model into a deeper multi-specialty playbook supported by cloud-based longevity experts and agentic AI,” said Dr. Wei Siang Yu, Founder and Chairman of Borderless Healthcare Group. He added, “This evolution will enable clinics to deliver deeper, more personalized care through tailored services, bio-intelligent content, and precision-driven products for every individual.”

Zeroage.life believes the future of longevity care extends beyond standalone wellness assessments, machine-based screening or peptide discovery. The company is pioneering a “Longevity Continuum” framework in which primary care physicians, specialists, scientists, and allied healthcare professionals can operate within a unified longevity framework across preventive, therapeutic, and regenerative care pathways.

The platform also seeks to bridge the gap between “wellcare” and “sickcare” by enabling disease-specific and organ-specific specialists to participate in a patient’s longevity journey. Through integrated data intelligence and interoperability, longevity strategies become integral to a broader, multi-specialty framework that ensures secure, seamless data sharing and comprehensive patient management.

Within the Borderless Healthcare Group ecosystem, Zeroage.life has already participated in several specialist-focused longevity initiatives through collaborations with a global network of experts, including:

  • Longevity.men – focused on men’s longevity
  • SheSpan.life – focused on women’s longevity
  • HeartSpan.ai – focused on cardiovascular longevity
  • BoneDeep.ai – focused on musculoskeletal longevity

Zeroage.life is committed to helping healthcare practitioners and specialists become future-ready as longevity science gains wider adoption among healthspan-conscious consumers and patients worldwide, inspiring ongoing exploration and innovation.

Beyond clinics, the company’s broader vision is to enable a unified longevity operating system spanning resorts, gyms, homes, and wellness destinations. This approach aims to provide individuals with continuous, ubiquitous longevity care, fostering trust in a sustainable and forward-looking healthcare ecosystem.

As Asia emerges as one of the fastest-growing regions for innovation in preventive health, medical wellness, and healthy aging, Zeroage.life is positioning Thailand as a strategic launchpad for a scalable, cloud-enabled longevity ecosystem across the region.

Barai experience unfolds in Hua Hin

By
Andrew Wood
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BANGKOK, 30 June 2026: Set on the broad sandy beachfront of Khao Takiab, The Barai Hua Hin has officially opened adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, marking the arrival of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in Thailand.

The 98-room beachfront wellness resort brings together Thai healing traditions, locally inspired design and the spirit of Sanook—the Thai expression for the joy of living. 

The Barai Hua Hin. Four elements: Water, Fire, Earth and Air

As the brand’s first property in Thailand, The Barai Hua Hin introduces a new chapter in luxury wellness, where heritage, architecture, and personalised experiences converge into a single, distinctive destination.

“The Barai first opened as a spa 20 years ago and earned international recognition for its restorative treatments. Today, it has evolved into a boutique beachfront wellness resort while preserving its legacy of Thai hospitality and holistic wellbeing”, said Barai Hua Hin, General Manager Marco Avitabile.

“At the Barai Hua Hin, every stay is designed to unfold at the guest’s own rhythm. Our philosophy is rooted in Sanook, the belief that joy, ease and delight should be part of life’s most meaningful moments. Whether guests come for deep rest, movement, spa rituals, culinary discovery or time by the sea, we invite them to experience renewal in a way that feels personal, memorable and entirely their own.”

Architecture 

Designed by renowned Thai architect Lek Mathar Bunnag, The Barai Hua Hin reinterprets Thai heritage through a contemporary architectural language inspired by the four elements: Water, Fire, Earth and Air. Sculptural forms, shaded corridors, tranquil courtyards and reflective water features encourage guests to slow down and reconnect. The resort also features two distinctive swimming pools: the Forest Pool, nestled within lush tropical surroundings, and the Beach Pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

The resort offers 98 rooms and suites, including 27 suites and two two-bedroom penthouses. Each accommodation has been thoughtfully designed to embrace the surrounding tropical landscape through generous living spaces, expansive balconies, deep soaking tubs and rainforest showers. Higher-category suites further elevate the experience with butler service, expansive terraces, in-suite rituals and daily massage inclusions for guests seeking greater privacy and personalisation.

At the heart of the resort is The Barai Spa, named after the ancient barays that once sustained daily life in historic empires. Wellness extends beyond the spa into the two-storey Wellness Hub, which features a 24-hour fitness studio, yoga studio, holistic zone and wellness shop.

Guided by the resort’s elemental philosophy, guests are invited to explore Earth for grounding, Water for release, Air for vitality and Fire for momentum. Signature wellness pathways include Women’s Health, Sleep Recovery, Back Care, Longevity, Emotional Wellbeing and Heart Health, with each programme supported by a personalised wellness map.

Dining rooted in Hua Hin heritage

Dining at The Barai Hua Hin is led by Chef Benn Rowe, whose culinary philosophy celebrates coastal abundance, seasonal produce and the convivial pleasure of dining by the sea.

White Cottage draws inspiration from the seaside summer houses once built by Siamese nobility and Ban Chom Khluen, meaning “Seeing the Wave,” whose preserved timbers were carefully reassembled into the cottage guests experience today. The restaurant serves breakfast before transitioning into a refined dining destination

showcasing fresh seafood, plant-forward cuisine and Thai-inspired flavours.

McFarland House is set within a beautifully restored 19th-century beachfront pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Once the seaside retreat of Dr George Bradley McFarland, a pioneering figure in Thailand’s medical and educational history, it now offers European cuisine, premium grilled specialities, and weekday afternoon tea and one of Hua Hin’s most celebrated Sunday brunches.

The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in Thailand

The opening of The Barai Hua Hin, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, further expands the brand’s portfolio of independent, one-of-a-kind hotels—each distinguished

by its character, individuality, and deep connection to its surroundings. As the brand’s first property in Thailand, the resort brings a new wellness story to the collection, shaped by architecture, heritage, nature and the joyful Thai spirit of Sanook.

The brand is expected to continue its global growth this year with Cayo Levantado in the Dominican Republic and The Clayfield in Canada.

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a British-born, Bangkok-based media executive, travel writer and hotel general manager with almost five decades of hospitality experience. A former President of Skål International Asia, SI Thailand President and a two-time President of Skål International Bangkok, he writes regularly on tourism and hospitality across the Asia-Pacific region.

PATA releases mid-year tourism update

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 30 June 2026: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), in collaboration with the Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT) at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has released the PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026-2028: Mid-Year Update, highlighting the destinations and source markets expected to drive the next phase of tourism growth across the region.

The updated outlook projects that international visitor arrivals (IVAs) across 39 Asia Pacific destinations will reach 714.9 million in 2026, increasing to 758.8 million in 2027 and 789.2 million by 2028. By the end of the forecast period, visitor arrivals are expected to reach 115.6% of 2019 levels, confirming that the region has moved beyond recovery and entered a new phase of tourism expansion. 

“Change is no longer an occasional disruption; it is the new constant,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “The destinations and organisations that thrive will be those that can adapt quickly, innovate continuously, and respond with agility to an increasingly complex and fast-changing world.

“The latest forecasts demonstrate the remarkable resilience of Asia Pacific tourism. While the region continues to grow and recover, success will increasingly depend on destinations’ ability to navigate geopolitical uncertainty, evolving traveller behaviour, connectivity challenges, and rising operational costs. This is precisely why timely, data-driven insights have become essential for strategic decision-making.”

One of the report’s key findings is the growing divergence in destination performance across the Asia-Pacific. While the region as a whole is expanding, some destinations are significantly outperforming others in terms of growth and recovery.

Highlights: APAC destination recovery and growth

Among the region’s 10 largest destinations, Vietnam is forecast to record the strongest growth between 2025 and 2027, with IVAs increasing by 31.2% to reach 27.8 million. This is followed by Macao, China (+19.4%), Japan (+15.8%), Hong Kong SAR (+13.9%), Türkiye (+12.7%), and Malaysia (+11.6%), reflecting strong demand, enhanced connectivity, and continued investment in tourism development.

By contrast, some of the region’s largest destinations are entering a more mature phase of growth. China, while remaining Asia Pacific’s largest destination with 157.8 million arrivals projected in 2027, is expected to grow by just 2.2% over 2025 levels. Thailand and the USA are likewise forecast to record more modest gains of 5.2% and 9.0%, respectively, highlighting increasing competition across the region.

Looking further ahead, Mongolia is forecast to achieve the highest recovery rate by 2028, reaching 177.8% of its 2019 arrival levels. Japan, the Maldives, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka are also projected to outperform their pre-pandemic benchmarks significantly.

On the other hand, Thailand is expected to return to its pre-pandemic level only by 2028. The USA, Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, Myanmar, and several Pacific Island destinations, however, are projected to remain in recovery mode through to the end of the forecast period.

Of the 39 destinations included in the report, about 27 destinations are projected to exceed pre-pandemic arrival volumes in 2027, then proceed to rise to 30 in 2028

Notable outbound market sources

The forecasts also provide important guidance for destination marketing organisations, airlines, airports, and tourism investors. China is projected to remain the Asia Pacific region’s largest outbound source market in 2027, generating nearly 127 million visitor arrivals across the region, followed by the USA with 65.2 million. Both markets are expected to grow by approximately 18% from 2025 levels.

Korea (ROK), Canada, and Mexico are also forecast to generate substantial outbound traveller volumes, although growth rates are expected to vary across these markets.

Challenges and opportunities on the horizon

Despite the positive outlook, the report identifies several risks that could influence tourism performance over the coming years. Escalating geopolitical tensions and energy market volatility have increased concerns regarding fuel prices, aviation costs, and air connectivity. Continued inflationary pressures and higher living costs in several source markets may also affect discretionary travel spending, particularly among middle-income households and long-haul travellers.

At the same time, expanding airline networks, airport developments, improved visa facilitation measures, and strengthening intra-regional travel demand are expected to support continued growth across many destinations.

The PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026-2028: Mid-Year Update provides annual and quarterly forecasts for 39 destinations across Asia Pacific, alongside analysis of major source markets, destination performance trends, and the macroeconomic and geopolitical factors shaping the future of tourism.

The report can be purchased on the PATA website at the following link: www.pata.org/research-q1v63g6n2dw/p/apac-visitor-forecast-2026-2028-midyear-update.

Additionally, it is available as a complimentary benefit to eligible PATA members. Access the PATA Info Hub for more information.

(Source: PATA)

T+L honours Raffles Cambodia

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Newsdesk
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PHNOM PENH, 30 June 2026: Raffles Hotel Le Royal has been named Cambodia’s top city hotel, while its sister property, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, secured second place in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026.

The iconic luxury heritage hotels were also honoured at the awards for having the country’s best hotel swimming pools (Raffles Hotel Le Royal No. 2 and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor No 4) and best hotel spas (Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor No 4). Additionally, Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dagmar Lyons was named one of Cambodia’s best General Managers.

“We are deeply honoured that Raffles Hotel Le Royal has been named Cambodia’s best city hotel,” Lyons said. “This recognition belongs to our entire team, who bring the spirit of 1929 to life every day while delivering the warm, intuitive service for which Raffles is renowned.”

 Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, General Manager Joseph Colina, added: “It is a great privilege to see our luxury hotel recognised among Cambodia’s finest. As a historic gateway to the wonders of Angkor, we are proud to preserve and share this extraordinary legacy.

The strong showing in the “Best City Hotels” category follows Raffles Cambodia’s recent launch of the “Grand Path of History” tour and a new history book chronicling the golden age of Travel in Southeast Asia. A permanent exhibition at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor showcases rare photographs, video footage, architectural drawings, and other vintage artefacts.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh originally opened in 1929 and today features 175 rooms and suites. The property completed a meticulous one-year restoration in 2019, reinterpreting its heritage in a bold, contemporary style that is inspired by French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco influences.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap opened in 1932 as a rest stop for archaeologists and adventurers exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. The hotel remains an authentic expression of 1930s French Art Deco style, with refined rooms, suites and villas that blend old-world charm with Cambodian influences and modern comfort.

(Source: Raffles Cambodia)

AirAsia MOVE boost airline partners

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 30 June 2026: AirAsia MOVE expanded its global connectivity in the second quarter of 2026 with the addition of four direct airline partners, namely Oman Air, Uzbekistan Airways, FitsAir and Hainan Airlines – strengthening travel options across the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia and China, while offering travellers greater choice and seamless access to emerging destinations.

The additions signal growing airline confidence in MOVE as a preferred distribution channel to reach the region’s fast-growing traveller base, as the platform continues to deepen its flight inventory across full-service and low-cost carriers.

AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer said: “Travel across ASEAN is evolving rapidly, with travellers demanding greater choice and seamless control all on one platform. As a flights-first OTA, expanding our network offering is core to our mission. Securing the trust of major carriers like Oman Air, Uzbekistan Airways, FitsAir, and Hainan Airlines, particularly amidst ongoing macroeconomic headwinds and volatility, is a powerful testament to the commercial strength of the  MOVE ecosystem and the regional reach we deliver to our partners.

Each new partnership unlocks meaningful new corridors for MOVE users. Oman Air adds premium connectivity to the Sultanate and its broader global network. Uzbekistan Airways opens Central Asian routes via Tashkent, tapping surging traveller interest in Silk Road destinations. FitsAir strengthens affordable connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and Colombo, with onward reach to Lahore, Dubai, Dhaka and Chennai. Hainan Airlines, one of China’s largest full-service carriers, expands domestic access from hubs in Haikou, Beijing, Chongqing, Shenzhen and Xi’an, alongside international routes across Asia, Europe and North America.

With these latest additions, MOVE continues to scale its airline partnerships as part of its broader strategy to offer unrivalled flight choices across Asia and beyond.

Oman Air, Uzbekistan Airways, FitsAir, and Hainan Airlines join 75 other carriers that have partnered directly with MOVE. Complementing these direct partnerships, MOVE also has a selection of about 700 other airlines through its authorised suppliers for travellers to choose from. Beyond flights, the platform offers access to over a million hotels, airport transfers, attractions, online duty-free shopping, travel insurance and more.

(Source: AirAsiaMove)

Sustainable Tourism Academy reaches a user milestone

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 30 June 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) celebrate the first anniversary of the Sustainable Tourism Academy, a joint effort to drive more sustainable practices across Asia. 

Marking its first full year since inception, the academy continues to support hospitality professionals across the region in building practical knowledge on sustainable tourism, based on the GSTC Hotel Standard.

Photo credit: GSTC.

Since its launch, the academy has surpassed 3,000 registered users. Together with the in-person training programs GSTC and Agoda have been delivering since 2022, the partnership has collectively reached over 3,500 industry professionals.

GSTC CEO  Randy Durband said: “Education and training are one of the most powerful ways to inspire meaningful change in tourism. One year after its launch, the Sustainable Tourism Academy reminds us that when knowledge is made accessible, more people are empowered to take practical steps toward sustainability. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with Agoda and all learners who are part of this journey.”

The majority of registered users are based across Asian markets, with India, Thailand, and Malaysia representing the largest user bases. Other key markets include Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Academy users represent a diverse cross-section of the region’s hospitality sector, from professionals at leading global hotel groups such as Accor Group, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, and ONYX Hospitality Group to independent operators and hospitality students from institutions such as the Asian Institute of Hospitality Management.

Agoda, Senior Vice President of Supply Andrew Smith, said: “At Agoda, we aim to be a trusted partner our hotel partners turn to as they navigate their sustainability journeys. By making high-calibre, localised resources like the Sustainable Tourism Academy freely accessible, we are proud to equip our partners and the wider industry with the practical tools and knowledge aligned with international standards.”

Marking its anniversary, the Sustainable Tourism Academy was also recognised by ASEAN as a key regional resource for capacity building. Moving forward, Agoda and GSTC will collaborate with ASEAN Member States to expand the academy’s reach and drive more sustainable practices across the region.

Congratulating both organisations on the milestone, Philippine Tourism Undersecretary Verna C. Buensuceso, Chair of the ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), emphasised the alignment between the academy’s mission and the region’s long-term economic and environmental goals.

“The ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) welcome the continued growth of the Sustainable Tourism Academy and its contribution to strengthening sustainability knowledge and capacity among tourism stakeholders across the region. We commend Agoda and GSTC for this achievement and look forward to continued collaboration in promoting sustainable tourism practices across the region.”

The academy now supports seven languages: English, Vietnamese, Malay, Thai, and Indonesian, as well as the recent additions of Japanese and Korean. The academy’s most popular courses include GSTC Standards & Performance Indicators, GSTC Certification, and Developing a Sustainable Policy and Strategy, highlighting the sector’s interest in both foundational sustainability knowledge and practical implementation.

(Source: GSTC/Agoda)

Malaysia Healthcare hosts Phnom Penh Expo

By
Newsdesk
-

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, 30 June 2026: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)  launched the first-ever Malaysia Healthcare Expo (MHX) Phnom Penh last Friday, marking the first MHX to be held in Cambodia and the organisation’s first consumer-focused healthcare expo outside Indonesia. 

Cambodia rapidly emerges as an increasingly important growth market for Malaysian healthcare. Healthcare traveller volume from Cambodia surpassed 12,000 in 2025, while healthcare travel revenue reached MYR30.3 million, underscoring the rising trust that Cambodian patients place in Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem.

Photo credit: Malaysia Healthcare. Phnom Penh Expo 26 to 28 June.

Held from 26 to 28 June 2026 at Aeon Mall Sen Sok City, the three-day expo represents a significant milestone in Malaysia Healthcare’s efforts to deepen engagement with Cambodian healthcare tourists and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a preferred healthcare destination in the region. 

Organised under the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT 2026) campaign themed Healing Meets Hospitality, the event reflects Malaysia Healthcare’s commitment to bringing Malaysia’s excellent healthcare facilities closer to international patients through direct engagement, meaningful conversations and greater accessibility to quality care.

Speaking at the launch, MHTC’s Chief Executive Officer Suriaghandi Suppiah said the inaugural expo reflected Malaysia Healthcare’s growing commitment to the Cambodian market.

“As MHX Phnom Penh brings hospitals and specialists directly to Cambodian families, we hope to provide trusted, quality care that is easier to access and understand. This is what the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 is about: meeting patients where they are and building lasting relationships across the region,” he said.

MHX Phnom Penh featured leading Malaysian healthcare providers, including MHTC’s Flagship Medical Tourism Hospitals, namely Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) and Subang Jaya Medical Centre. Other participating institutions included Alpha IVF & Women’s Specialists Centre; KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital; KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital; KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital 2; MSU Medical Centre; Sunway Medical Centre Penang; Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City; and Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara. The expo also featured Asia OneHealthcare, represented by Beacon Hospital and Subang Jaya Medical Centre, as well as IHH Healthcare Malaysia, represented by Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Prince Court Medical Centre.

About Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), established in 2009 under the purview of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, is entrusted with developing and nurturing the “Malaysia Healthcare” brand. With 82 member hospitals nationwide, MHTC continues to elevate the healthcare travel ecosystem through strong branding, seamless patient experiences, and strategic market initiatives. In line with these efforts, MHTC is spearheading the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, the nation’s first dedicated year to celebrate and advance healthcare travel. 

More information can be found at https://www.mhtc.org.my/.  

(Source: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

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