SINGAPORE, 2 March 2026: Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has named Andy Tan as General Manager, as the hotel advances towards its opening this April in the Selegie–Mount Sophia enclave.
With more than three decades of hospitality and travel experience, Tan brings a strong blend of operational leadership and commercial acumen, underpinned by a proven track record in pre-openings, brand positioning, and performance-led execution.
Photo credit: Varel Singapore. Andy Tan
As the Southeast Asia flagship of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, Varel Singapore marks a significant milestone for the brand in the region.
Positioned as an ‘urban oasis’ rooted in neighbourhood connection, the hotel aims to establish a distinct presence within Singapore’s evolving boutique hospitality landscape.
A forward-thinking business builder, Tan has held senior regional and global leadership roles across Asia Pacific, Europe, and international markets. These include Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Most recently, he served in a senior leadership capacity at Millennium Hotels & Resorts, supporting commercial performance and operational alignment across its global portfolio.
(Source: Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel)
BATAM, 2 March 2026: AirAsia Malaysia (AK) is set to boost trade and tourism in the Riau Islands Province with the launch of its new daily service from Kuala Lumpur to Batam, commencing 13 March 2026.
The new route will improve connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and Batam, a fast-growing hub for business and tourism, while strengthening links across key destinations in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Photo credit: AirAsia. AirAsia flies the KUL-BTH route on 13 March 2026.
Malaysia is Batam’s largest source market for tourists, accounting for over 25% of foreign tourist arrivals between January and August 2025. The new daily service is expected to stimulate cross-border travel further and support the continued growth of Batam’s tourism sector.
In 2025, international passenger arrivals at Hang Nadim International Airport reached nearly 140,000, a 64% increase compared to 2024. With the launch of this route, AirAsia anticipates a significant rise in passenger traffic, projecting more than 22,000 travellers to fly in and out of Batam within the first three months of operations.
This new service marks another important milestone for AirAsia, expanding its network to 19 routes and reinforcing its position as a key connector between Malaysia and Indonesia. In 2025 alone, AirAsia carried nearly three million guests between the two countries, underscoring its ongoing commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and strengthening bilateral ties.
AirAsia Malaysia General Manager Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “We are pleased to launch our new daily service from Kuala Lumpur to Batam, further strengthening connectivity between Malaysia and Indonesia. As one of our key markets, Indonesia continues to play an important role in our growth strategy, and this expansion reflects our commitment to supporting regional trade, tourism and economic development.
“Batam is not only a strategic gateway for business and investment, but also a vibrant destination shaped by rich cultural diversity and a variety of attractions from iconic architecture and beautiful beaches to historical sites and family-friendly experiences. With Malaysia as Batam’s largest source market, we are confident this route will drive stronger two-way travel and create greater opportunities for both communities. AirAsia remains committed to offering affordable fares and seamless connectivity to bring people and economies closer together.”
The routes will begin with daily flights starting 13 March 2026, from Kuala Lumpur to Batam with promotional fares starting from MYR169 all-in one-way*, while Batam to Kuala Lumpur starts from IDR899,000 all-in one-way*. The special fares are available for booking until 8 March 2026 for travel between 13 March 2026 and 24 October 2026, exclusively on the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com.
Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Batam (BTH)
KUCHING, 27 February 2026: After two years of uniting 1,700 participants, featuring more than 50 speakers, and engaging representatives from over 80 organisations across 37 countries, the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) returns in 2026 from 24 to 26 June 2026 for its third edition.
Hosted in Kuching, Sarawak — home to some of the world’s most significant rainforest carbon sinks — RAYS continues to ground climate dialogue within a landscape globally recognised for its ecological value.
From left: YBrs. Encik Dzulkornain Masron, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak; YB Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (Youth & Sports); YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; YBrs. Dr Sharzede Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board; YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak; YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak; YB Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (Entrepreneur Development); YB Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board; and YBrs. Encik Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, at the launch of the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) 2026.
Borneo’s intact forests and deep peatlands rank among the planet’s most effective natural carbon reservoirs, making Kuching a meaningful setting for youth-led conversations on climate action, governance, and the future of shared planetary stewardship.
Funded and organised by the State Government of Sarawak, and endorsed by ASEAN, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and UN Tourism, RAYS 2026 will attract over 700 youth participants from all 11 ASEAN countries.
The summit will feature 17 speakers from Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia, and around the world — including representatives from Panama, the UK, the US, Kenya, and other countries — contributing to a holistic and comprehensive programme.
From left: YBrs. Encik Dzulkornain Masron, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak; YB Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (Entrepreneur Development); YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak; YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak; YB Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (Youth & Sports); YB Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board; YBrs. Encik Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; and YBrs. Dr Sharzede Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board, gather for a group photo following the announcement of RAYS 2026 in Kuching, Sarawak.
Officiating the launch, Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts, YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, underscored the summit’s growing regional role.
“RAYS reflects Sarawak’s conviction that youth must not be placed at the edge of sustainability conversations, but firmly at the centre of them. Through this summit, Sarawak positions itself as a convening hub for youth-led climate leadership in the region. In this space, ASEAN’s diverse voices converge, where collaboration is nurtured, and where shared responsibility is strengthened.”
The 2026 programme brings together keynote dialogues, youth-led labs, and policy-focused sessions that centre lived experience, regional perspectives, and practical pathways to action.
Delegates will also take part in curated offsite excursions showcasing Sarawak’s protected rainforest sites and vibrant urban culture. The summit journey culminates with delegates attending the opening day of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2026, offering a cultural lens into how community, heritage, and conservation intersect within Sarawak’s responsible tourism model.
RAYS 2026 is anchored by the theme “Youth: Many Ways, One Planet”, reflecting the belief that while young people bring diverse perspectives, disciplines, and experiences, they share a collective responsibility — and opportunity — to shape sustainable futures. This theme guides the summit’s direction and reinforces its focus on inclusive, cross-cultural climate leadership.
New for RAYS 2026 is the Planet Futures Forum, a collaborative climate simulation designed to immerse youth in the realities of how climate decisions are made. Through scenario-based negotiation and systems thinking, participants will step into the roles, constraints, and trade-offs that shape real-world climate governance.
The Planet Futures Forum aims to build youth capacity in design thinking, negotiation, and collective decision-making, while producing a negotiated RAYS Youth Declaration that reflects the complexities of balancing environmental, social, and economic priorities.
Outcomes from the Planet Futures Forum will extend beyond the summit through the RAYS Fellowship Programme, a new 12-month leadership journey focused on collective climate governance and action.
The fellowship will bring together 10 to 15 young leaders ready to engage in real decision-making and shared governance. Rooted in the principle of “Many Ways, One Planet,” the programme creates space for diverse youth voices to co-design solutions, learn from indigenous and local knowledge holders, and contribute to governance proposals emerging from RAYS.
Over the course of a year, fellows will co-design governance structures grounded in community legitimacy, practise shared decision-making in real organisational or community contexts, strengthen their ability to lead across differences, and translate summit dialogue into applied action.
The fellowship begins at RAYS 2026 and continues through guided monthly online learning sessions, applied governance work, and collaborative cohort engagement.
Further details on the Planet Futures Forum and the RAYS Fellowship Programme will be announced in due course. Interested participants are encouraged to follow updates via the official RAYS website and social media channels.
Registration for RAYS 2026 is now open, with Early Bird passes available for purchase until 15 March 2026 via the official RAYS website.
Ticket Snapshot
• Early Bird Pass
MYR200: 15 March 2026
• General Pass
MYR350: First-time delegates
• Alumni Pass
MYR250: Returning delegates
• Group Pass
MYR250 per person — minimum 10 participants
(Schools, universities, and youth organisations)
• Kuching Group Pass
Kuching-based institutions or organisations interested in sending a group delegation of 20+ pax, should contact: [email protected]
KUCHING, 27 February 2026: Riding on its strongest performance to date, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) is leading a nationwide conversation to strengthen Malaysia’s business events ecosystem through a legacy-focused approach aligned with national development priorities.
Through its Ramadan engagement series themed Satu Meja, Seribu Cerita, Sarawak is bringing together government agencies, associations, academia, industry leaders and media across Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Bintulu, Kuala Lumpur and Penang to reinforce collaboration, expand future bid pipelines, and position business events as a strategic driver of long-term economic and social impact.
Photo credit: BESarawak. The Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak and BESarawak’s Board of Directors at BESarawak’s Ramadan engagement night in Kuching.
The initiative marks a significant step in aligning industry stakeholders at a critical juncture of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, ensuring that business events continue to deliver measurable value beyond the visitor economy and contribute meaningfully to Sarawak and Malaysia’s broader development agenda.
“As we enter the final phase of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, this is a critical window for us to strengthen alignment across the ecosystem and sustain collaboration at its highest level. At this stage, a cohesive industry moving in the same direction matters more than ever,” said Sarawak’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, at the first Ramadan engagement in Kuching. = “Through BESarawak, we will continue to actively support organisers in delivering impactful business events in Sarawak by refining concepts, strengthening innovation, and aligning programmes with our broader development priorities We remain committed to working hand in hand with the industry to ensure that every stakeholder is empowered to contribute meaningfully and generate lasting outcomes for industries, communities, and the wider economy”.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah urges government, associations, academia, industry and the media to continue driving impact together.
Deputy State Secretary (Operation) and BESarawak Chairman Datu Hii Chang Kee commented: Over the next four years, we will be guided by three pillars to transform Sarawak into a business events destination of strategic value: transformation and innovation, legacy and impact, and partnerships and people,” said “This means stronger bid support, designing events with built-in legacy outcomes and closer collaboration with government, academia and industry stakeholders who can strengthen the overall impact.”
BESarawak Acting CEO Jason Tan Chin Foo noted: “Legacy impact remains central to our strategy. To achieve lasting impact, our ecosystem — government, associations, academia, industry, and media — must remain cohesive and aligned. Our collaboration must continue beyond the event so that the true value is sustained long after the event is held.”
Sarawak’s focus on the ecosystem continues to deliver measurable results. In 2025, Sarawak recorded its strongest performance to date, with 160 business events scheduled through 2030, totalling a projected economic value of MYR483.5 million. Sarawak also hosted 159 business events in FY2025 alone, marking a 27% increase from the previous year and generating MYR491.4 million in total economic impact.
SINGAPORE, 26 February 2026: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Ant International renewed their multi-year strategic partnership to deepen tourism-led economic impact by strengthening Singapore’s position as a world-class destination.
Initially established in 2018, the partnership delivers seamless digital experiences for global travellers through Alipay+, Ant International’s unified wallet gateway, with the following standouts.
Photo credit: STB. Singapore Tourism Board Chief Executive Melissa Ow (left); Ant International CEO Peng Yang (right).
Amplifies the destination’s appeal amongst key markets through joint marketing initiatives leveraging Alipay+’s ecosystem, including a campaign with Chinese actor Dylan Wang for the Chinese New Year season.
Advances Singapore’s position in digital tourism by enabling seamless and secure mobile discovery and payments, ensuring visitors enjoy a frictionless experience.
Strengthens competitiveness by leveraging Ant International’s data and technology capabilities to deepen actionable insights sharing on travellers’ behaviours.
The partnership aims to unlock new growth opportunities for local businesses, in line with STB’s Tourism 2040 roadmap, focusing on cultivating future demand, enhancing Singapore’s appeal as a destination, and developing a future-ready tourism sector.
Singapore Tourism Board Chief Executive Melissa Ow commented: “We are pleased to renew our strategic partnership with Ant International and look forward to unlocking new opportunities across key markets through Alipay+’s extensive digital wallet network. By combining our destination expertise with their payment technology and data capabilities, we can respond to the evolving traveller demand more nimbly and create a more seamless experience for visitors whilst driving meaningful growth in tourism spending.”
Digital connectivity drives success
Building on a successful year for Singapore tourism, the partnership between STB and Alipay+ in 2025 drove record spending via Alipay+ across Singapore’s tourism sector, from major attractions to services and neighbourhood hawker stalls.
According to Alipay+ data, Singapore is among the top five most popular global travel destinations, with transactions increasing 36% year-on-year. In line with travellers’ demand for local experiences, spending via SGQR almost tripled from the year before, bringing tangible economic impact to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Via Alipay+, merchants across Singapore can accept 25 international e-wallets and bank apps, enabling travellers from 17 countries and regions to use their familiar home payment apps to make payments locally.
Asian travellers remain key drivers of Singapore’s tourism industry. According to Alipay+ data, the top five inbound markets are Mainland China, Malaysia, Hong Kong SAR, the Philippines, and South Korea.
Transactions by Chinese travellers — Singapore’s largest pool of visitors — increased 26% year-on-year in 2025, alongside significant growth from new markets like Kazakhstan and Italy.
While retail remains the most popular activity, travellers are spending more on food and beverage, accommodation, and day-to-day services like transportation, as Singapore caters to a more diverse range of visitors.
“Destinations are dynamic digital ecosystems that connect culture and commerce across borders, driving economic impact and inclusion,” said Ant International CEO Peng Yang. “The Singapore Tourism Board has set the benchmark for how innovation, trust and public-private collaboration can power a world-class tourism economy. Together, we will support Singapore’s ambition to inspire not just as a place to visit, but one that shapes the future of travel and its shared value to communities.”
AI shapes tourism’s next chapter.
The partnership also aims to enhance Singapore’s global leadership in travel innovation. Both parties will leverage Ant International’s data capabilities to forecast trends, build a future-ready tourism sector, and enhance visitors’ experience.
Alipay+ drives innovation
Alipay+ Voyager: An in-app AI travel agent launched in six of Asia’s largest superapps, that can offer personalised recommendations, deals, essential services like transportation, translation and more, for travellers visiting Singapore.
In-app rewards: Spotlighting Singapore attractions and offering exclusive vouchers directly within leading e-wallets; merchants can leverage Alipay+’s AI-powered marketing services for deeper, more relevant engagements.
Mobile engagement: Collaborating with Fairprice Group to launch the first-of-its-kind Cheers mini-programme directly within Alipay for Chinese travellers.
Enhancing Singapore’s global appeal
In 2025, STB and Alipay+ rolled out high-profile marketing campaigns with global celebrities Dylan Wang and Stefanie Sun to promote Singapore to regional travellers. These campaigns amplified top attractions and digital connectivity in Singapore across multiple channels, including Alipay+’s partner e-wallets to reach travellers directly within the apps they use most, translating inspiration into visits and spending.
The first campaign to roll out for 2026 featured Dylan Wang showcasing shopping, attractions and local food spots, ahead of the Chinese New Year, a peak travel season for Asian travellers.
BANGKOK, 27 February 2026: Asia Aviation PLC (AAV), the majority shareholder of Thai AirAsia (TAA), reported operating results for 2025, with total revenue from sales and services of THB45,690.9 million, a 8% decrease from the previous year.
The decline was primarily due to a 9% decrease in average fares amid a tourism environment challenged by the slowdown in Chinese tourist markets.
However, due to efficient cost management — particularly a 10% reduction in fuel costs following global oil prices — the cost per available seat kilometre (CASK) decreased by 5% to THB1.76.
Consequently, the company reported Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) of THB7,835.1 million and a net profit of THB2,336.2 million. This was significantly supported by a foreign exchange gain of THB2,541.9 million due to the appreciation of the Thai Baht throughout the year. Excluding this item, the company’s core profit was THB302.7 million.
In 2025, TAA transported 21 million passengers, a 1% increase, with an average load factor of 83% from 25.2 million available seats, a 10% increase. At year-end, the total fleet consisted of 62 aircraft, of which 59 were in operation.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, TAA recorded total revenue of THB14,259.1 million, a 6% increase from the previous year, and net profit of THB1,609.5 million, a 351% increase. Core profit was THB 1,087.5 million, down 25%. TAA held a record-high domestic market share of 43% in the final quarter, with positive signs from the
Chinese market stabilising, with load factor for Chinese routes rising to 85%. During the quarter, the airline launched new routes from Suvarnabhumi to Nakhon Si Thammarat and Chiang Rai, as well as a cross-regional route from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani. Routes from Phuket to Khon Kaen and Phuket to Udon Thani were also reopened for the travel season.
AAV and TAA CEO Phairat Pornpathananangoon stated: “2025 was an extremely challenging year due to external factors, particularly the slowdown in the overall Chinese market. However, the airline adjusted its strategy to focus on domestic market leadership, achieving a record-high market share of 41%.
“We also continued expanding routes to South Asia, particularly India, which reached a new passenger record of 1.2 million, an increase of 22%. Additionally, we expanded our operations base at Suvarnabhumi Airport to connect quality tourists from Europe and America to our flight network.”
Regarding the international market, although the airline reduced seat capacity by 5% to match travel demand, routes in the CLMV market (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam) and Fifth Freedom routes — such as Don Mueang-Taipei-Okinawa and Don Mueang-Luang Prabang-Hanoi — still performed well and received positive feedback.
“For the outlook in 2026, we are confident that the tourism industry will begin to recover. We are targeting high-single-digit revenue growth from sales and services and passenger traffic of 23.5 million, supported by our strategy to expand the fleet by an additional five aircraft in the second half of the year.”
SINGAPORE, 27 February 2026: S4BT — Solutions for Business Travel, the European group comprising CDS, Goelett, CRC, TMS, SIAP, Methodica and Trevium, expands its footprint to become the largest global corporate hotel booking platform with the acquisition of Travel Centric Technology, the London-headquartered parent company of HotelHub, a hotel technology platform serving global travel management companies (TMCs).
The transaction marks a new phase of scale and ambition for S4BT Group, expanding its geographical reach, deepening engagement across major travel markets, and enhancing its technological capacity.
Photo credit: S4BT. S4BT Founder and Group CEO Ziad Minkara (left); HotelHub CEO Jay Virdee (right).
With the addition of HotelHub, S4BT now represents:
Eight specialised corporate travel brands
More than USD5 billion in annual hotel booking value (HBV)
Over 60,000 hotel bookings per day
Access to more than 2 million properties worldwide
700 employees globally, with 50% dedicated to technology and product development
S4BT was conceived to provide TMCs, corporate clients, and the wider business travel ecosystem with a single, trusted technology partner that covers sourcing, booking, customer care, payment, invoicing, and financial control within a coherent framework.
The acquisition of HotelHub allows the group to deliver a fully integrated corporate hotel offering to TMCs.
Built on interoperable platforms and open APIs, S4BT offers TMCs and corporates a powerful alternative to closed, vertically integrated hotel platforms. Its open architecture enables partners to retain control of distribution, economics and client relationships while accessing global content and advanced transaction capabilities.
“Our ambition is clear: to build the most integrated and technologically advanced business travel platform,” said S4BT Founder and Group CEO Ziad Minkara. “The acquisition of HotelHub is a decisive step in that direction. It takes S4BT into a new league, strengthens our position and establishes a solid presence in the UK. This is not an endpoint, but a foundation on which we will continue to invest, integrate and execute.”
HotelHub CEO Jay Virdee added: “Joining S4BT allows HotelHub to accelerate its mission at a new scale. By combining our distribution technology with S4BT’s operational expertise and financial capabilities, we can deliver greater value to TMCs and their corporate clients across the globe.”
The group now delivers a fully integrated corporate hotel offering that enables TMCs to challenge closed platforms while improving efficiency, transparency and performance. It also strengthens S4BT’s distribution reach and ability to manage hotel flows at scale across the US and key European markets, while covering sourcing and financial controls within a single, coherent framework.
BANGKOK, 27 February 2026: Visama Explorer Nan Tented Camp, located in a scenic hillside setting in northern Thailand, is now open, offering a two-night stay for THB6970, including dinner and breakfast for two.
The new responsible tourism project with eight four-star tents officially opened its doors to its first guests on 23 February, following a grand opening party for travel trade guests from 20 to 22 February.
Photo credit: Visma Explorer Nan. The new Visama Explorer Nan in northern Thailand: glamping comfort in a serene off-the-beaten-track location.
The new ecolodge, the latest project by VHG Hospitality Asia, has been conceived, developed and inspired by the company’s commitment to the 4Cs of regenerative travel: conservation, community, culture and responsible commerce.
The camp aims to work closely with local staff, artisans and suppliers, embedding community involvement into daily operations. Guests are being invited to participate in experiences beyond the tents, such as tree planting, workshops, hiking, cycling and visits to nearby temples and waterfalls.
“Our aim at Visama Explorer Nan is that every journey leaves a positive impact,” says VHG CEO and co-founder Willem Niemeijer.
Mountain and creek view tents
For accommodation, the new property features eight spacious, air-conditioned tented suites, each with plush bedding, an ensuite bathroom, and a private deck. All safari tents are 36 sqm (388 sq ft) plus an additional 12 sqm (129 sq ft) covered veranda. There are two categories: Mountain View and Creek View.
Tents are fitted with king-sized beds, hot-water rain showers, safe deposit boxes, refrigerators/mini bars, toiletries, French press coffee, kettles, and Wi-Fi.
Outside the tents, teakwood, bamboo, and orchids line the property’s paths. Nearby hiking trails offer mountain and river views juxtaposed by mature indigenous forests. Waterfalls offer refreshing swims after hikes. Further afield, Nan is known for its unique temple aesthetic.
“We want to protect the forests and wildlife of Nan Province,” says Niemeijer. “Beyond the environment, Visama Explorer Nan is committed to respecting local Thai Lue hilltribe traditions and supporting artisans and producers. We believe travel should deliver social and community value for both guests and hosts,” he says.
Visama Explorer Nan is an 80-minute flight from Bangkok, followed by a two-hour road transfer through impressive hill scenery. Guests can choose direct, nonstop transfers from Nan Airport. Or a Transfer Plus option with a guide offering pre-defined stops and alternative routing on the return leg to the airport at Nan. There are two AirAsia flights and one Nok Air flight daily to Nan from Don Muang International Airport (DMK) in the Thai capital.
Opening Promotional Rates
For bookings from 1 March 2026 for stays up to 31 October 2026, there is a “Tent & Taste” two-night-plus offer at THB6970 (USD220/EUR187/UKP161) per night, including dinner and breakfast for two. For travel agents, contracts commence on 10 April.
Visama Explorer Nan is an eco-luxury tented camp nestled in northern Thailand’s Nan province, just 30 minutes north of Bo Kluea district, around two hours from Nan airport.
About VHG Hospitality Asia
VHG Hospitality Asia is a leading developer and operator of luxury tented camps in Asia. It offers a turnkey solution for investors who want to own a luxury tented camp in some of the region’s most captivating wilderness areas and customised beach destinations. VHG Hospitality Asia’s business and operations model is designed to be capital-efficient and low-risk, while still delivering strong financial returns.
SINGAPORE, 27 February 2026: Regent Hotels & Resorts announce the appointment of Juan Losada as general manager of Regent Phu Quoc.
The resort was recognised in 2025 with various awards, including MICHELIN Key List, Travel+Leisure, Tatler Asia, and Robb Report, as one of Vietnam’s finest hotels and dining destinations.
Photo credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts: Juan Losada, general manager of Regent Phu Quoc.
The appointment is a homecoming of sorts for Losada, who was part of the opening executive team as pre-opening and opening general manager at Regent Phu Quoc from early 2019 to late 2022.
During this former role, he was responsible for developing the hotel strategy, shaping the product, and positioning the resort as an ultra-luxury brand in the Vietnamese and Asian markets.
Returning to Regent Phu Quoc as general manager, he brings extensive international experience in managing luxury hotels across destinations, including Dubai and Barcelona. Properties under his leadership have consistently earned industry accolades, reflecting his commitment to excellence. He has also been personally recognised with multiple awards for his contributions to hotel performance and guest experience.
MUMBAI, 27 February 2026: Thomas Cook (India) Limited, and its group company, SOTC Travel, have released the inaugural edition of their Business Travel Report 2026, offering insights into the evolving priorities, patterns and pressures shaping business travel across India.
The survey, conducted over two months, is based on responses received from 25 leading enterprises across sectors, including BFSI, manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, conglomerates and professional services, along with insights from internal booking and transactional data. The report highlights a strong revival in business travel demand, alongside a heightened focus on cost optimisation, policy discipline, traveller experience and compliance.
Key takeaways
Business travel demand remains resilient: Nearly 65% of corporates expect their business travel volumes to increase over the next 12 months, while 30% expect it to remain stable. Only 5% anticipate a decline. This translates to 95% of respondents projecting stable-to-growth spend, underlining travel’s continued role in driving growth, client engagement and business continuity. Client meetings, sales-related travel and internal business-critical movement continue to dominate business travel demand.
Technology and data-led decision-making on the rise: More than 70% of corporates are increasing their reliance on digital tools for booking, approvals, expense management and MIS reporting, enabling improved visibility, policy compliance and data-backed decision-making across business travel programs.
Shift towards value-driven travel management: While cost optimisation remains critical, over 62% of respondents highlighted a move towards value-led travel decisions — balancing cost efficiency with safety, reliability, compliance and traveller well-being. This has elevated the role of managed travel programs and strategic travel partners.
Traveller experience, flexibility and duty of care gain prominence: Alongside business objectives, over 56% of respondents acknowledged the growing importance of these factors — particularly for frequent flyers and senior leadership. The findings point to a clear trade-off between traveller convenience and policy compliance, underscoring the need for smarter, more flexible travel policies supported by technology and data-led controls to reduce friction while maintaining governance.
Policy tightening and supplier renegotiations gain momentum: Close to 60% of corporates have tightened or are revisiting their travel policies. Renegotiation of airline and hotel contracts, rationalisation of preferred suppliers and stricter approval workflows have emerged as key levers to offset rising costs and tax-related pressures.
B-Leisure travel on the rise: 68% of corporates report that employees are increasingly extending business trips to include personal leisure time — blending work and downtime. This growing shift is prompting organisations to reassess travel policies, clarify cost‑sharing norms and offer greater flexibility to support work‑plus‑leisure travel.
Domestic hubs dominate: 72% of corporate travel continues to be domestic, led by key business hubs such as Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune. These cities remain critical for client meetings, internal reviews and project-based travel. On the international front, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, the Maldives, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, the US, South Africa, and Australia remain preferred destinations for leadership meetings, supplier engagements, and strategic business expansion — with China and Japan emerging strongly on the radar.
Rising airfares and costs driving sharper controls: A sharp 80% of respondents reported an increase in Average Ticket Prices (ATP) over the past year — with over 36% witnessing a significant rise of more than 15%, and 45% reporting a moderate increase of 5–15%, highlighting tighter controls, booking mandates, and closer monitoring of travel spends.
GST and input tax credit challenges add pressure to travel budgets: GST-related complexities continue to weigh on business travel programs. Over 55% of respondents highlighted challenges around GST applicability, compliance and input tax credit (ITC) optimisation — particularly for air travel and hotel stays. This has led corporates to increasingly seek structured invoicing, compliant supplier ecosystems and expert support to minimise leakage and improve tax efficiency.
Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel President & Group Head, Global Business Travel Indiver Rastogi said: “We are pleased to launch the Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel Business Travel Report 2026, which presents a comprehensive view of how leading Indian corporates are recalibrating travel strategies in an increasingly dynamic environment. The findings highlight a clear shift towards value-driven programmes, accelerated technology adoption and tighter governance.
“At Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel, our sustained engagement with customers and deep market understanding have enabled us to anticipate shifts early and introduce innovations such as Dhruv.ai, our voice-enabled AI advisor, and TravelOne, our integrated booking and management platform — helping create smarter, policy-aligned and technology-enabled travel ecosystems”.
