KUALA LUMPUR, 1 October 2025: Tourism Malaysia hosted a pivotal strategic engagement session, bringing together its overseas directors from 29 full-fledged offices and four marketing representative offices, alongside key airline partners, to streamline and refine strategic action plans in gearing up for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
The three-day event, held from 28 to 30 September, facilitated discussions on aligning international marketing efforts and strategising tourism promotion initiatives in key global markets, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening global tourism ties and enhancing its international outreach.
Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, headed a special session where he imparted his strategic mandate and key expectations for efforts to amplify Malaysia’s tourism presence globally.
Other highlights include town hall sessions with all divisions in Tourism Malaysia and key tourism-related agencies, such as the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), the Policy Division (Culture) of MOTAC, and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), to enhance inter-agency cooperation in promoting tourism through more cohesive and integrated initiatives.
Breakout session with airlines featured engagement sessions with key airline partners and aviation stakeholders. Apart from three Malaysian-based carriers, 27 aviation industry players participated in the B2B session, fostering direct discussions between Tourism Malaysia’s overseas directors and their representatives.
Tourism Malaysia’s Director General, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, emphasised the need to consider the return on investment (ROI) and the strategic role that air connectivity plays in expanding route networks and promoting Malaysia on the global stage.
“Visitor arrivals to Malaysia have demonstrated encouraging signs of recovery across various global regions. Notably, we have achieved full recovery in key markets across all regions, except for West Asia, Northern Africa, Southern Africa, and Western Africa. We remain committed to intensifying our efforts to stimulate growth in these regions and to achieving full recovery across all markets.”
SINGAPORE 1 October 2025: Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced on Tuesday an organisational restructure to support the two brands’ growth in the Asia Pacific.
Effective immediately, Lisa Pile, vice president and general manager, Asia Pacific for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has assumed additional responsibility for Oceania Cruises in Asia. Pile, who has worked in various roles for Regent since 2016, brings extensive insight into Asia’s diverse luxury travel markets, having lived and worked in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Bangkok, and Singapore.
In addition, highly respected sales professional Constance Seck returns to the company as Director of Sales for Southeast Asia and Oceania Cruises, as well as Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
James Sitters will continue as director of sales, Australia & New Zealand, for Oceania Cruises.
Within the new sales structure, Pile will be supported by three regional leaders, who are experts in their respective markets:
Constance Seck, Director of Sales for Southeast Asia and Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, based in Singapore, has returned to the company to lead sales efforts for Southeast Asia. Seck brings over 20 years of extensive experience in these markets, having held senior leadership roles in luxury hotels, consortium management, and travel agencies.
Based in Hong Kong, Holly Kong, Director of Sales for North Asia and Oceania, will lead sales efforts for North Asia (excluding Japan) for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With more than seven years of experience with the company, Kong expands her remit to include Oceania Cruises once again, bringing deep knowledge of the luxury cruise segment.
Toshi Kurihara, General Manager, Japan, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Based in Tokyo, Kurihara has led Oceania Cruises and Regent’s sales efforts in Japan since 2023 with a strong background and established network in the luxury travel sector.
Oceania Cruises has recently launched its eighth ship, Oceania Allura, while Regent will welcome the ultra-luxurious Seven Seas Prestige in late 2026.
ROME, 1 October 2025: During its 25th Global Summit in Rome on Monday, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched its latest report, revealing that Europe remains the beating heart of international tourism, with five of the world’s top 10 most powerful travel and tourism markets by GDP.
The return of the WTTC Global Summit to Europe, for the first time since the Covid pandemic, reflects the region’s enduring global leadership.
Photo credit: WTTC. The iconic city of Rome, Italy, hosted the WTTC’s 25th Global Summit from 28 September to 30, 2025.
Italy’s position as a G7 nation and as host of this year’s Global Summit further underscores its leadership role, building on its hosting of last year’s first-ever G7 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting.
According to the latest data, Italy’s travel and tourism sector reached USD248.3 billion last year, underpinned by strong international visitor spend and a booming meetings and events industry.
Germany, the world’s third-largest travel and tourism market, contributed USD525 billion to its GDP in 2024.
Despite losing USDP2.2 billion in international visitor spending last year, the UK added USD367 billion to its economy, maintaining its position as one of the strongest and most dynamic markets worldwide.
France, the world’s most visited destination, generated over USD289 billion from travel and tourism in 2024, whilst Spain, the second most visited country in the world, added USD270 billion.
This broad-based growth demonstrates Europe’s ability to blend heritage with innovation, maintain global competitiveness, and lead the way in sustainable tourism development.
WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara said: “These results tell a story of strength and opportunity. The US remains the world’s largest travel and tourism market, China is surging back, Europe is powering ahead, and destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa are delivering record growth. This year, we are forecasting that our sector will contribute a historic USD2.1 trillion in 2025, surpassing the previous high of USD1.9 trillion in 2019, by USD164 billion.
“As Italy hosts this year’s Global Summit, its role as a G7 leader showcases the importance of tourism in driving economies, creating jobs, and shaping our shared future.”
Around the World
The report also reveals that the US remains the world’s most powerful travel and tourism market, contributing USD2.6 trillion to GDP in 2024, with its domestic market remaining the strongest in the world, sustaining millions of jobs and underpinning sector resilience.
However, WTTC forecasts international visitor spending in the US will fall by USD12.5 billion in 2025, leaving growth at just +0.7%. WTTC has warned that without destination promotion, traveller-friendly policies, and reduced visa costs, it could lose its competitive edge.
China, the world’s second-largest travel and tourism market, contributed USD1.64 trillion to its economy in 2024, and is forecast to surge by 22.7% in 2025, adding USD260 billion to its economy, highlighting China’s rapid return to international prominence and its pivotal role in shaping global travel flows.
Japan, the world’s fifth-largest tourism economy with a USD310.5 billion contribution in 2024, is forecast to add a further USD13.8 billion to its GDP this year to reach almost USD325 billion.
Travel and tourism are now growing faster than the consumer goods sector, indicating that people are increasingly valuing experiences over material goods.
The Economic Impact Research Trends report indicates that travel and tourism are solidifying their position as a cornerstone of the global economy.
Middle East momentum
The Middle East remains one of the fastest-growing regions in the world for travel and tourism, with Saudi Arabia continuing to stand out as a global powerhouse, as inbound visitor spend surges and infrastructure investment reaches record levels.
Across the region, capital is flowing into airports, cruise terminals, and cutting-edge hospitality projects, signalling long-term confidence in its ambition to become a global tourism hub.
Jobs boom worldwide
According to the report, Travel & Tourism supported 357 million jobs in 2024 and is projected to rise to 371 million in 2025, accompanied by an increase in the sector’s share of global employment.
By 2035, one in eight jobs worldwide will be supported by travel and tourism, with an additional 91 million new jobs supported, the majority in the Asia-Pacific region, resulting in one in three new jobs globally endorsed by the sector.
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 October 2025: Preliminary August 2025 traffic figures released Tuesday by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) show continued growth in international passenger demand, on the back of strong business and leisure travel activity across the region and globally.
In August, Asia-Pacific airlines carried 34.3 million international passengers, an 8.8% increase compared to the same month last year. Traffic, as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), grew by 9.1% year-on-year, underpinned by strength in longer-haul markets. The average international passenger load factor remained elevated at 82.9%, with the 9.2% expansion in available seat capacity closely matching demand growth.
International air cargo markets also continued to expand in August, spurred by stockpiling activity as businesses sought to mitigate tariff-related price pressures. Alongside the sustained demand for e-commerce shipments, international air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne-kilometres (FTK), increased by 5.4% year-over-year. Offered freight capacity grew by 5.5% year-on-year, resulting in a marginal 0.1 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 59.5%.
Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General Subhas Menon said: “Both passenger and cargo markets have continued to demonstrate resilience in the face of global challenges, including protectionist trade measures and ongoing supply chain constraints. During the first eight months of the year, Asia Pacific airlines carried 258 million international passengers, a 10.8% increase compared to the same period last year, while international air cargo demand grew by 6.4%. Shifts in trade flows, driven by higher tariffs, also lent support to cargo traffic growth from the region’s major manufacturing hubs.”
Looking ahead, Menon commented, “The region’s carriers remain cautiously optimistic, with travel demand expected to stay resilient, underpinned by continued expansion in global economic activity, particularly in Asia. On the cargo front, the near-term outlook is likely to be shaped by further developments in global trade policy and inventory cycles.”
“Persistent supply chain constraints and associated pressures on operating costs will continue to pose challenges, underscoring the need for airlines to remain agile in responding to market demand, and for continued vigilance in cost management. Overall, Asia Pacific airlines are well-positioned to navigate the wider economic and operational challenges that present themselves in the coming months.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 October 2025: The Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF) is urging the government to allocate a comprehensive tourism budget ahead of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026, ensuring effective incentives, digital support, human resource development, infrastructure enhancement, and resources for tourism players, including hotels, travel operators, guides, spas, concert organisers and related service providers.
MTF President Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel highlighted that while the Geran Sokongan Sektor Kebudayaan (GSSK) and the Geran Sokongan Sektor Pelancongan (GSSP) under Tourism Malaysia play an essential role in supporting participation in domestic or international exhibitions and cultural promotion programmes, they cannot stand alone in guaranteeing industry readiness.
“Organising or joining fairs is good, but these platforms cannot succeed if players do not have the promotional materials, digital content, or quality products to showcase. Smaller operators, such as budget hotels and local tour agents, often lack the funds to prepare effectively. Without direct assistance, their potential remains underutilised,” he said.
Direct Promotion Grant for Registered Players
MTF proposes the introduction of a Direct Promotion Grant for registered and licensed tourism operators. This grant would provide much-needed funding and guidance to prepare promotional materials, strengthen branding, and increase visibility in both domestic and international markets.
Digital Exposure & Modern Marketing
MTF stressed the urgent need for digital exposure of Malaysian tourism products, including funding for online marketing, social media campaigns, and e-marketplace visibility. In today’s travel landscape, digital presence is no longer optional but essential to reach global travellers.
Stakeholder & Association Incentives
To maximise industry impact, MTF also calls for special incentives or grants for associations, recognising their role as frontline mobilisers of members. Associations ensure compliance, coordinate collective promotions, and drive nationwide participation in tourism campaigns.
Enforcement & Revenue Protection
MTF further urges the government to: Take strict enforcement action against illegal and unlicensed providers; Prevent revenue leakage (ketirisan hasil) by ensuring transparent collection of Tourism Tax at all airports and international entry/exit points; Ensure that all tourist contributions are fully channelled back into the tourism ecosystem.
Stronger Media Collaboration
MTF also calls for a Media Promotion Grant, covering both traditional and digital platforms, to empower media partners as key allies in promoting Malaysia’s image worldwide, building international awareness, and ensuring the success of VMY 2026.
Human Resource & Infrastructure Development
MTF emphasises that VMY 2026 must also be supported with substantial investment in human capital and infrastructure:
Human Resource Development: Training, certification, and upskilling programs for frontline workers, including hotel staff, tour guides, tour bus drivers and service providers to ensure world-class hospitality standards.
Infrastructure Support: Upgrading airports, transport systems, tourism facilities, and accessibility in key destinations to create a seamless visitor experience while enhancing Malaysia’s competitiveness on the global stage.
“The GSSK and GSSP are valuable, but they are not enough on their own. Malaysia must go further by empowering registered players, associations, media, and workforce with direct support, digital exposure, infrastructure development, and incentives. Only with this comprehensive approach can Visit Malaysia Year 2026 achieve its full potential as a landmark success,” Dr Sri Ganesh concluded.
MUMBAI, 30 September 2025: Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company SOTC Travel have announced a collaboration with Disney Cruise Line to offer magical Disney holidays at sea in Australia and New Zealand.
Cruise holidays are witnessing strong and growing demand from Indian consumers, according to the E&Y & Economic Times Great Indian Traveller Report.
Photo credit: Disney Cruise Line> Disney Wonder.
The report revealed that 52% respondents included cruising in their bucket list of desired experiences. This is reiterated in the Thomas Cook & SOTC India Holiday Report 2025, with 45% of respondents displaying a strong interest in exploring new experiences/formats, such as cruises.
Leveraging this market opportunity, Thomas Cook and SOTC have launched a range of innovative tours that offer an enchanting experience aboard Disney Wonder sailings, bringing world-class cruising to both their group and customised holiday products. The companies’ 16-day Australian Extravaganza group tour will include a four-night sailing, with scheduled departures from India in November 2025 and January 2026.
Disney Wonder blends Disney’s signature entertainment across all age groups with exceptional dining and family-friendly amenities. Guests can enjoy Broadway-style shows, lively deck parties, poolside movies and fireworks at sea. The ship features rotational dining at themed restaurants, including Tiana’s Place and Animator’s Palate. Complimentary offerings include unlimited soft-serve ice cream, sodas, in-room movies, youth clubs for various age groups, fitness areas, character meet-and-greets and scheduled entertainment. On-board offerings include multiple pools, like the adult-only Quiet Cove Pool. Concierge services, seasonal celebrations and immersive play zones create an unforgettable journey.
Thomas Cook & SOTC’s joint marketing campaign with Disney Cruise Line will extend across key media platforms — aimed at inspiring discerning Indian customers.
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Rajeev Kale said: “Our pioneering legacy drives us in designing innovative and exciting travel experiences! I am delighted with yet another first-mover from the Thomas Cook India Group, with the introduction of special Disney Cruise Line experiences into our group tours, also customised holidays for the upcoming winter season.”
SOTC Travel Limited President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours SD Nandakumar added: “Cruising is seen as a niche… it is fast emerging as Indian consumers’ holiday choice. What’s encouraging is seeing strong demand not just from India’s most popular cities, but also from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with families, honeymooners and groups of friends embracing cruising as an aspirational way to holiday.”
SINGAPORE, 30 September 2025: Club Med is set to make its debut in South Africa with the launch of Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari, located on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
Scheduled to open in July 2026, with sales commencing in October 2025, this project is the country’s first high-end all-inclusive resort, combining the best of beachside relaxation and exclusive ‘Big Five’ safari adventure.
Club Med East, South Asia and Pacific (ESAP) CEO Rachael Harding said: “The launch of Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari marks an exciting first for our brand – our very first footprint in South Africa. This project not only celebrates the extraordinary beauty of KwaZulu-Natal but also offers a unique blend of beach and safari experiences. It’s a truly unique offering that we believe will deeply appeal to our clients in ESAP and beyond, who are consistently seeking new and immersive travel experiences.”
This landmark opening will reinforce Club Med’s pioneering spirit by bringing its unique brand of premium all-inclusive holidays to a region still relatively untouched by international tourism. The resort will be situated just 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport and developed across 32 hectares of unspoilt natural surroundings.
It will feature 411 accommodations, including Superior and Deluxe rooms as well as an Exclusive Collection Ilanga section with 66 suites. Designed in collaboration with South African architects Craft of Architecture and supported by interior designers Mobius and MHNA of Paris, the resort will blend harmoniously into its natural environment while paying homage to Zulu culture through the use of locally sourced materials, authentic design motifs and a natural palette.
For the first time in Club Med’s history, a resort experience will be paired with an exclusive private safari adventure. Located within an 18,000-hectare game reserve, Mpilo Safari Lodge will be reserved for Club Med guests, offering premium tented accommodation with panoramic views and a full range of amenities. Daily guided drives, led by experienced rangers, will allow guests to encounter the “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalo – in their natural habitat.
Families will also be able to enjoy specially adapted drives designed for younger children. Evenings will feature traditional Boma gatherings with barbecues and storytelling around the fire, bringing the authentic magic of the African savannah to life.
The opening of Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari also carries significant economic and social benefits for the region. Representing an investment of more than 2 billion rand (approximately EUR100 million), the project is being developed in partnership with Collins Residential and a South African Investment Consortium. It is expected to generate over 800 direct and 1,500 indirect jobs, with 1,200 construction workers already employed from neighbouring communities.
Bookings for Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari will open in October 2025, ahead of its grand opening in July 2026.
SINGAPORE, 30 September 2025: Star Alliance welcomes Lufthansa City Airlines as the newest member through the alliance’s founding member airline, Lufthansa Group
Commenting on the newest member, Star Alliance Vice President – Corporate Strategy, Renato Ramos said: “Lufthansa City Airlines joins us at a time when our collective focus is sharper than ever — building a world effortlessly connected and delivering journeys that feel seamless at every step. With this addition, Star Alliance continues to enable members to go above and beyond, creating more value and better experiences for our customers.”
The youngest airline in Lufthansa Group, Lufthansa City Airlines, is based in Munich and Frankfurt, connecting cities across Europe with Lufthansa’s hubs and feeding the Group’s long-haul network through its short-haul services. The inclusion of Lufthansa City Airlines expands the Star Alliance network to over 18,000 daily flights to more than 1,150 destinations in over 190 countries.
Lufthansa Group Vice President, Head of Partnership Management, Roy Lease said: “I am happy to see the number of Lufthansa Group Star Alliance members growing with the addition of Lufthansa City Airlines. Being a Star Alliance member will not only enhance Lufthansa City Airlines’ growth and ensure an even more seamless experience for Star Alliance customers, but also further strengthen Star Alliance’s leading position in Europe.”
KRABI, Thailand, 30 September 2025: The spa at Banyan Tree Krabi resort in southern Thailand scooped two major accolades at the Thailand Tourism Awards last week.
Banyan Tree Spa Krabi was presented with the Thailand Tourism Outstanding Award in the Hotel and Resort category and the Thailand Tourism Sustainability Award in the Health and Wellness Tourism category.
While Banyan Tree Spa Krabi was awarded second prize in both categories, its sister venue in Koh Samui, Banyan Tree Spa Samui, was also listed in the Top 5 for the Outstanding Award, and made the top 10 in the Sustainability list, underscoring the Banyan Tree brand’s ascendancy in the fields of sustainability and wellbeing.
The Thailand Tourism Awards, often referred to as the “Kinnaree Awards,” are organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and recognised as Thailand’s Hallmark of Excellence in the spa industry.
Many of its therapists have undergone intensive training at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy in Phuket. Since its inception in 2001, the Academy has trained more than 2,000 spa therapists.
Nestled along the Andaman coastline, Banyan Tree Spa Krabi offers eight treatment suites, accompanied by a private garden. The venue also boasts Krabi’s first hydrotherapy spa, The Rainforest, a holistic and innovative wellness experience designed to heal and soothe. Guests are invited to embark on an experiential journey with a sophisticated hydrothermal circuit comprising a Rain Walk, Steam, Sauna, Ice Fountain, Vitality Pool, Outdoor Cold Plunge Pool, Outdoor Hot Plunge Pool, Jet Pool, and Heated Bed.
The prestigious MICHELIN Guide recently singled out Banyan Tree Spa Krabi as one of the seven most luxurious spas in Thailand. MICHELIN also accredited the hotel with Two Keys in its inaugural hotel listings for Thailand.
DUBAI, UAE, 30 September 2025: Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), a global alliance of independent hotel brands, has announced two senior leadership appointments that reinforce the organisation’s commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence.
Steve AvaloMatthew Lloyd
Steve Ayalo has been promoted to Vice President, IT Governance, Risk & Compliance and Matthew Lloyd to Vice President, Marketing Technology & CRM, recognising their exceptional contributions and leadership within the business.
Steve Ayalo joined GHA in 2015 and consistently demonstrated a strategic understanding of how IT impacts both performance and risk. Ayalo has been instrumental in building GHA’s robust cybersecurity and compliance frameworks, leading the establishment of the cybersecurity operations centre, threat intelligence services, and scalable IT, all while establishing governance around emerging technologies like AI.
In his new role as Vice President IT Governance, Risk & Compliance, Ayalo will oversee ISO certification efforts, continue to drive GHA’s enterprise IT strategy, and lead the company’s information security risk management function. He will ensure regulatory compliance across all business units and manage cybersecurity, incident response planning & testing, as well as overall organisational cyber resilience efforts.
Matthew Lloyd has been appointed to an expanded leadership role within GHA’s marketing department, continuing his trajectory as a key driver of the company’s marketing technology and customer engagement strategies. Lloyd joined GHA in 2018, bringing 10 years of experience in the travel industry from his previous roles at Hilton and Southwest Airlines. Over the past seven years, he has led the development and implementation of GHA’s global CRM initiatives, driven data-led innovation across digital platforms, overseen D$ promotions, and played a critical role in rolling out the company’s customer data platform.
His passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and finding innovative solutions has helped position GHA at the forefront of loyalty marketing and MarTech integration in the hospitality sector. In his new role as Vice President of Marketing Technology & CRM, he will assume a broader leadership role in shaping departmental culture, championing cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring emerging talent to enhance GHA’s overall marketing capabilities.
“These appointments reflect the highly skilled team we have at GHA and our continued investment in strengthening our technology and loyalty marketing leadership,” said Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance. “Both Matt and Steve have consistently demonstrated vision, expertise, and leadership that are critical to our success as we scale and innovate.”
