SINGAPORE, 10 April 2026: Royal Brunei Airlines extends its current flight suspension between Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) and Dubai (DXB) until 2 July 2026.
The airline serves the route with three weekly flights, departing Brunei at 1845 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, using a Boeing 787-8 with 254 seats. Flight time is eight hours and 45 minutes.
Photo credit: Royal Brunei Airlines. Dubai.
Passengers can choose to rebook on the next available Royal Brunei Airlines flight (subject to operational approvals and seat availability) or reroute through another Royal Brunei Airlines-operated network, where applicable.
They can also convert the ticket to a Travel Voucher (TV) or request a full refund to the original form of payment.
Passengers who booked through a travel agent or third-party platform should contact their respective agents for assistance.
Royal Brunei Airlines says in the notification that it continues to monitor the situation closely. Depending on developments, further extensions to the suspension of Dubai services may be necessary.
In response to the current regional airspace situation, RB will continue to operate three times weekly direct services between Brunei Darussalam and London to maintain connectivity for passengers between the two destinations.
Asia: Flight suspensions to Dubai
Meanwhile, as of 8 April 2026, several major carriers across Asia have extended flight suspensions to Dubai (DXB) due to ongoing regional conflict and airspace closures over the Persian Gulf.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) remains open and operational, with a “reduced schedule” in place for local carriers such as Emirates and flydubai. However, many international airlines have chosen to suspend services entirely through late May to avoid the restricted airspace.
The following airlines have confirmed suspensions of their Dubai routes:
Airline
Origin Region
Suspension Status
Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong
Suspended until 31 May, 2026
Philippine Airlines
Manila
Suspended until 31 May, 2026
Singapore Airlines
Singapore
Suspended until 30 April, 2026
Air India
Multiple Cities
Suspended through May 2026 (includes UAE and Qatar)
IndiGo
India
Significant cancellations reported from Chennai, Mumbai, and Bengaluru
Japan Airlines
Tokyo
Suspended Doha/Dubai connections through April
US-Bangla Airlines
Dhaka
Reported cancellations as of early April
Emirates & flydubai: Both are operating but at reduced capacity. Flights are being rerouted to avoid conflict zones, resulting in longer flight times (up to two hours extra for some Asian routes).
Sarawak Welcomes You: Visit Malaysia 2026 Malaysia’s Hidden Wonder Awaits — Sarawak. Explore Mulu, Niah, Kuching Waterfront, Semenggoh, Laksa and the Borneo Cultures Museum. Culture, adventure, nature, food and festival, all in one unforgettable journey.
KUALA LUMPUR, 9 April 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PMJ AI Sdn Bhd, the developer of the MyTravelKaki platform, on the sidelines of the MATTA Fair held in Kuala Lumpur last week.
The collaboration reflects MATTA’s continued commitment to advancing digitalisation in the tourism industry by enhancing the visibility, accessibility, and online booking potential of its members’ travel packages.
Through this partnership, both parties will explore developing a digital booking ecosystem, including a mobile application to support seamless promotion and booking of travel products. The initiative also aims to strengthen digital marketing capabilities and encourage greater adoption of technology among MATTA members.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, MATTA President Nigel Wong said this collaboration underscores MATTA’s commitment to innovation and to helping its members adapt to an increasingly digital travel landscape. By working with MyTravelKaki, MATTA aims to enhance the way travel products are marketed and distributed, while improving accessibility for consumers through integrated digital platforms.
PMJ AI Sdn Bhd Chief Technology Officer Justin Tang expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting that the company’s MyTravelKaki platform will empower travel businesses with advanced digital tools while enhancing the overall user experience for travellers. He added that this partnership will accelerate the development of a comprehensive and user-friendly ecosystem that connects travellers directly with MATTA members.
Under the MOU, MATTA will provide industry insights and support to facilitate the development and adoption of the platform. At the same time, PMJ AI Sdn Bhd will lead the design, development, and operation of the digital infrastructure.
The collaboration is expected to play a key role in strengthening Malaysia’s tourism digital ecosystem, in line with ongoing efforts to future-proof the industry and enhance its global competitiveness.
BANGKOK, 9 April 2026: As global travellers continue to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, Thailand stands out as a safe, stable and deeply rewarding destination for visitors from Europe and around the world.
Amid ongoing tensions around the world, the Kingdom continues to offer peace of mind, seamless accessibility, and meaningful travel experiences rooted in culture, wellness and connection.
At a time when travellers are prioritising reassurance alongside inspiration, Thailand’s consistent track record in tourism safety, service excellence, and warm hospitality reinforces its role as a trusted global destination. From first-time visitors to long-standing repeat guests, the country continues to provide a sense of ease, familiarity and genuine welcome that is increasingly valued in today’s travel environment.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, reaffirms its confidence in the country’s enduring appeal and commitment to welcome international guests seeking both reassurance and inspiration in their journeys.
A Destination Defined by Stability and Connectivity
Thailand’s geographic position, robust tourism infrastructure, and long-standing reputation for hospitality make it a preferred destination amid global uncertainty. With strong air connectivity from major European hubs and across the Asia-Pacific region, travellers can easily and efficiently reach Thailand.
The country’s well-established safety standards, reliable healthcare system, and diverse quality offerings further reinforce its position as a secure and dependable choice for leisure, family, and business travel.
A Shift Toward Meaningful Travel Experiences
Centara Hotels & Resorts Vice President – Sales, Jurairat Mongkolwongsiri.
Today’s travellers are increasingly seeking more than just a destination—they are looking for emotional connection, authenticity, and a sense of place. Thailand delivers this through its rich cultural heritage, world-renowned cuisine, and diverse landscapes, from vibrant cities to tranquil beaches. Centara Hotels & Resorts has seen growing demand for experiences that reflect these values, including wellness retreats, immersive cultural activities, and family-oriented stays that foster deeper connections.
“Thailand continues to demonstrate its strength as one of the world’s most trusted and versatile travel destinations. From seamless connectivity and high service standards to the diversity of experiences it offers, the country is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving expectations of global travellers.
At Centara, we see strong and sustained interest from key markets, particularly those seeking both reassurance and meaningful travel experiences,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts Vice President – Sales Jurairat Mongkolwongsiri.
A Trusted Name in Thai Hospitality Across Diverse Destinations
As a homegrown brand with decades of experience, Centara Hotels & Resorts embodies the essence of Thai hospitality—warm, gracious, and rooted in family values. The group’s philosophy is built on treating every guest as part of the extended family, creating a sense of comfort and belonging that resonates strongly with international travellers.
Centara’s diverse portfolio spans some of Thailand’s most sought-after destinations, each offering its own distinct appeal. In Bangkok, guests enjoy dynamic city experiences, world-class dining and cultural landmarks. Beachfront resorts in Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui provide idyllic escapes with pristine coastlines and vibrant marine life. At the same time, destinations such as Hua Hin and Pattaya cater to both relaxation and family-friendly leisure. In the north, locations like Chiang Mai offer a more tranquil, culturally immersive experience surrounded by nature and heritage.
A Commitment to Guest Confidence
Centara remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, hygiene, and service excellence across all its properties, ensuring guests can travel with confidence and peace of mind. Robust health and safety protocols are in place, supported by well-trained teams dedicated to guest wellbeing at every stage of the journey.
Flexible booking policies and attentive on-the-ground support provide additional reassurance. At the same time, the group’s family-driven approach to hospitality ensures every guest feels cared for, comfortable, and secure throughout their stay.
“Across our portfolio in Thailand and wider Asia, we are fully prepared to welcome international travellers with confidence. Our teams are well-trained, our operational standards are robust, and we continue to prioritise the safety, comfort and wellbeing of every guest.
This readiness, combined with our Thai hospitality ethos, ensures a consistent and high-quality experience across all Centara properties,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Operating Officer Michael Henssler.
Looking Ahead
While global challenges may influence travel decisions, Thailand’s enduring strengths—its safety, accessibility, and heartfelt hospitality—ensure it remains a destination of choice. For travellers seeking both escape and enrichment, the country offers a compelling balance of security and soul.
As travel continues to evolve, Centara Hotels & Resorts remains dedicated to welcoming guests from Europe and beyond with experiences that are not only memorable but meaningful. By combining trusted standards with a deeply human approach to hospitality, the group invites travellers to rediscover the joy of travel in a destination that feels both exciting and reassuring—now more than ever.
About Centara Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 90 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Nepal, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said: “The Sanya Tourism Board has been an active and valued PATA member, and we have had the privilege of working closely together to deliver several regional initiatives successfully.
Photo credit: PATA.
“Building on this strong track record, combined with world-class facilities and a diverse destination offering spanning culture, wellness, community-based tourism, and year-round sunshine, Sanya is exceptionally well-positioned to host the PATA Annual Summit. We look forward to collaborating closely with Sanya to bring the 2027 Summit to life.”
“Hosting the PATA Annual Summit 2027 in Sanya is a great honour and a significant opportunity to showcase our city’s unique tropical coastal charm to the global travel community,” said a spokesperson from the Sanya Tourism Board. “As a premier destination offering pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and world-class facilities, we are committed to promoting sustainable tourism development. We look forward to welcoming delegates from around the world to experience Sanya’s warm hospitality and to fostering meaningful collaborations that will drive the future of travel in the Asia Pacific region.”
Located in the southern part of China’s Hainan Province, Sanya is a tropical coastal destination covering approximately 1,921 square kilometres and offering a diverse range of attractions. The city is recognised as a major modern tourism destination, known for its tropical climate and luxury resorts with world-class amenities. Sanya’s natural landscapes range from the white-sand beaches of Haitang and Yalong bays to the Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park and Wuzhizhou Island.
Moreover, Sanya boasts a culturally rich and charming urban scene, where visitors can experience its delightful gastronomy and rich cultural heritage.
In recent years, STB has observed growing travel demand from visitors from Central Asia, alongside continued efforts to expand air connectivity and strengthen partnerships. In November 2025 alone, Sanya recorded over 2.24 million overnight domestic and international visitors, underscoring its strong potential to contribute to the sustained growth of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry.
BANGKOK, 9 April 2026: AirAsia MOVE welcomes Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya as Country Representative for AirAsia MOVE in Thailand.
Chattan previously served as Deputy Governor at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), where he played a pivotal role in shaping Thailand’s tourism strategies across key global markets.
Photo credit: AirAsia Move.
Widely recognised as one of Thailand’s most respected tourism leaders, he brings deep policy-level experience, strategic market insight, and a strong international network that will further strengthen AirAsia MOVE’s leadership and partnerships in Thailand and the region.
Chattan is best known for his long and distinguished career at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which ended with his retirement in September 2024. He spent 37 years at TAT, where he was a key architect of Thailand’s global tourism strategy.
His notable positions included:
Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and South Pacific): In his final role at TAT, he focused on recovering and growing markets across the Asia-Pacific region post-pandemic.
Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications: Responsible for overseeing the “Amazing Thailand” branding and global PR campaigns.
Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Americas): He led the strategy for long-haul markets, positioning Thailand as a top-tier destination for Western travellers.
Regional Leadership: Earlier in his career, he led TAT offices in Thailand’s critical tourism source markets, including India and Australia.
He is recognised for his “straight-talking” and candid approach to industry challenges and has been a frequent speaker at major regional forums like the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
BANGKOK, 9 April 2026: Anurak Lodge, a 19-key nature-based ecolodge located on the edge of Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand, has published its 2025 Impact Report.
The report outlines Anurak’s progress towards regenerative tourism principles guided by the ‘4Cs’ of conservation, community, culture and commerce, a framework developed by sustainable tourism advocacy body, The Long Run.
Part of Anurak Lodges’ commitment to regenerative tourism: planting indigenous tree species, garden-to-table tastes and immersion in nature.
The impact statement demonstrates how the lodge is embedding sustainability in all aspects of its operations. A key milestone in 2025 was the completion of a full year of consistent measurement of electricity, water and waste. The ecolodge also maintained its Travelife Gold Certification, reflecting adherence to internationally recognised sustainability standards.
The report shows that Anurak Lodge advanced its “Rainforest Rising” initiative, restoring land previously used for oil palm cultivation at the lodge. For food and pollination purposes, birds and insects prefer indigenous plant species such as black plum, Burmese grape tree, and cowa mangosteen. In 2025, 30 native trees were planted by guests staying at Anurak Lodge as part of Rainforest Rising.
Over the last 16 months, the lodge expanded its on-site gardens with 18 herb and vegetable varieties for garden-to-table guest dining. The vegetables and herbs are nourished by compost from a newly purchased HASS Food Waste Composter. The machine processes 10 kg of kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost within 24 hours.
Community impact remains central to operations. Some 82% of staff are hired locally. The lodge invests in ongoing training and development, covering topics from regenerative tourism to environmental management. In addition, Anurak Lodge supported five community initiatives in 2025, contributing to education, conservation and local cultural activities in surrounding villages.
There is more to be done. “Challenges remain, especially with soil health, water retention and reducing waste, such as plastics. We are measuring inputs and outcomes, which helps us advance our regenerative tourism goals,” said Newling-Ward.
Regenerative tourism aims to enhance or improve a place through tourism, not just mitigate negative impacts.
In 2026 and beyond, Anurak Lodge plans to focus on improving soil moisture through drip irrigation and composting, expanding forest restoration efforts, and deepening engagement with both guests and the community.
Guest activities at Anurak Lodge include guided forest hikes, bamboo rafting, cycling, and relaxing at the ecolodge’s Hornbill restaurant, which offers spectacular mountain views.
The Anurak Lodge 2025 Impact Report is available here.
About Anurak Community Lodge Located a 75-minute drive from Surat Thani airport, a two-hour 30-minute drive from Phuket airport, and two hours from Krabi airport, Anurak Community Lodge is an award-winning eco-retreat for active lifestyle visitors who respect nature and local community traditions. The 19-key lodge offers Deluxe Green Double, Eco Double, Eco Twin options, plus one Superior Bungalow. Surrounded by spectacular limestone karst scenery, the lodge is an ideal base for exploring the adjacent Khao Sok National Park and the majestic Chiew Larn Lake.
SINGAPORE, 9 April 2026: SalamAir, Oman’s Low-Cost Carrier, has announced its On-Time Performance (OTP) results for the first quarter of 2026, which reflected a decline due to the impact of the US-Israel-Iran war during March.
OTP is an internationally recognised measure of punctuality, calculated as the percentage of flights that depart within 15 minutes of their scheduled departure time.
Photo credit: SalamAir.
During the first quarter of 2026, SalamAir operated 5520 flights and carried 778,410 passengers across its network, achieving an On-Time Performance of 65.6%, down 26% from the fourth quarter of 2025.
Performance in the first quarter of 2026 was affected by several extraordinary challenges, including regional airspace restrictions and airport closures resulting from the rerouting or diversion of aircraft during the outbreak of hostilities in the Persian Gulf.
All these events led to schedule adjustments and disruptions across parts of the network, which impacted OTP.
SalamAir’s OTP for the fourth quarter of 2025 was 89%, and the drop to 65.6% in Q1 2026 represents a 26% decrease in On Time Performance.
Commenting on the results, SalamAir’s Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hamilton-Manns said: “On-time performance is a core measure of our operational delivery and reliability. In the first quarter of 2026, we recorded an OTP of 65.6%. While we acknowledge that it was a complex period with extraordinary factors affecting flight schedules and operational performance, we apologise to all our customers who did not reach their destinations on time. We have previously been among the Top-5 airlines in the region for OTP, so today’s results are below our target. We shall focus on strengthening operational resilience and improving schedule reliability to ensure we deliver a consistent and dependable experience for our passengers.”
Since the third quarter of 2024, SalamAir has published its OTP results quarterly, reflecting the airline’s commitment to transparency and accountability. This approach enables passengers to make informed travel decisions while supporting best practices in operational reporting within the regional aviation sector.
SalamAir, Oman’s Low-Cost Carrier, commenced operations in 2017 and currently operates a fleet of 15 Airbus A320/A321 aircraft, with over 80 daily flights to 38 destinations.
SINGAPORE, 9 April 2026: Nepal has reinforced its presence in Japan’s tourism market with the successful completion of the Nepal Tourism Promotion and B2B Exchange Programme 2026, held in two sessions hosted in Tokyo and Osaka last week.
The first session took place at the Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo on 2 April, followed by the second event on 5 April at the Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka, attended by 60 participants from Osaka and Nepal.
Photo credit: PATA Nepal Chapter.
Jointly organised by the PATA Nepal Chapter and the Nepal Tourism Board, in collaboration with the Nepal Airlines Corporation, the PATA Japan Chapter, and the PATA Chinese Taipei Chapter, the programme strengthened bilateral tourism cooperation. The initiative also coincided with the celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan.
The Tokyo event attracted 90 participants, including a 23-member delegation from Nepal representing 12 leading tourism and hospitality companies. Across both sessions, Nepal showcased a diverse range of tourism offerings, including adventure, nature, culture, spirituality, and luxury experiences.
A notable highlight was the strong participation from Japan’s travel trade industry. Leading organisations such as JTB and the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), along with prominent tour operators and travel professionals, participated in the events — reflecting growing interest in Nepal as a destination for Japanese travellers.
The Destination Nepal presentation by the Nepal Tourism Board highlighted the country’s positioning as a destination offering authentic and diverse travel experiences. Additional presentations on the upcoming 6th Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2026) and Nepal Airlines Corporation emphasised improved connectivity and expanding opportunities for tourism and trade.
A cultural showcase, along with presentations of Nepal’s diverse tourism products, further enriched the programmes — offering participants deeper insights into the destination.
The B2B exchange sessions in both Tokyo and Osaka provided direct engagement between Nepalese travel sellers and Japanese outbound tour operators.
PATA Nepal General Secretary and NTB Executive Committee Member, Narendra Bhatta, commented: “Japan remains a highly valued source market for Nepal, and initiatives like these play a crucial role in building trust, strengthening partnerships, and creating meaningful business linkages. We are encouraged by the strong interest and engagement from the Japanese travel trade and look forward to further expanding our collaboration in the years ahead.”
BANGKOK, 9 April 2026: China is a tourism dynamo. Its true power lies in the billions of journeys made within its own borders. To understand China’s dominance, it helps to compare it directly with other major tourism markets. The gap is not marginal. It is structural.
International travellers at the Great Wall, while inbound tourism is rising, China’s true power lies in the billions of journeys made within its own borders.
China is the world’s largest tourism market. Not marginally bigger. Not competitively ahead. Overwhelmingly dominant.
Every year, it generates around 6 billion domestic trips, a level of movement no other country has ever come close to achieving.
To put that into perspective:
• Around three times the size of the United States (2.4 billion)
• Roughly 15 times larger than France
• Close to 20 times larger than Spain
This is not growth. This is on a completely different scale.
What China has built is not simply a tourism sector. It is a vast, continuous system of movement, driven internally and operating at a magnitude that redefines global benchmarks.
Global tourism snapshot
China leads overwhelmingly in total movement. The US leads in revenue. Europe leads on inbound tourism density.
But no country combines population, frequency and scale the way China does.
A market powered from within
Unlike most major destinations, China is not dependent on international arrivals to sustain its tourism economy.
Its strength lies in its domestic engine:
• A population of over 1.4 billion
• A rapidly expanding middle class
• High-speed rail networks connecting cities across vast distances
• Digital ecosystems that make travel planning, booking and payment seamless
From weekend urban breaks to long-distance heritage journeys, Chinese travellers travel frequently and in large numbers.
This creates a tourism system that is self-sustaining, resilient and far less exposed to global shocks than markets reliant on inbound flows.
Infrastructure at scale
China’s infrastructure is a defining competitive advantage.
The country’s high-speed rail network, the largest in the world, connects major cities and regional centres with speed and efficiency. Airports continue to expand, while domestic aviation remains highly active.
Layered onto this is a fully integrated digital ecosystem, where mobile payments, super apps and real-time booking platforms have removed friction from the travel experience.
The result is simple. Travel within China is easy, fast, and accessible, which drives frequency.
Inbound tourism, rising but not defining
International visitors among the crowds at Tiananmen Square highlight the recovery of inbound travel in the world’s largest domestic tourism market.
International arrivals to China are recovering, but they remain a secondary component of the overall tourism picture.
Even as global visitors return to landmarks such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, inbound tourism accounts for only a small proportion of total travel activity.
This is the defining difference. While most countries compete aggressively for international visitors, China’s tourism strength is fundamentally internal. China may be the world’s largest tourism market by total movement, but it is not yet the leading destination for international visitors. Official figures show around 130 to 150 million inbound trips annually, although a large share comes from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
Strip those out, and China receives roughly 80 million foreign visitors a year, still behind Europe’s top destinations such as France and Spain. Long-haul arrivals from Western markets remain far smaller, typically around 25 to 30 million, highlighting the gap China must close to become a truly global inbound powerhouse. Inbound growth matters, but it does not define the market.
Economic power, measured in trillions
Tourism in China is not just about volume. It is about economic impact.
By comparison, the US generates higher overall tourism revenue, but through a different model that combines domestic strength with strong inbound spending. China’s model is unique. It is built on internal demand.
Global comparison: The gap is structural
Other leading tourism markets rely far more heavily on inbound travel.
France and Spain depend on international arrivals for economic impact.
Thailand balances inbound tourism with a solid domestic base.
The US benefits from both strong domestic travel and high-value international visitors.
China stands apart. Its tourism system is not driven by external demand. Its own population powers it. This makes its dominance structural rather than cyclical.
Behavioural shift and travel patterns
Chinese travellers are evolving. There is a growing preference for experiential travel, cultural immersion and shorter, more frequent trips. Secondary cities and regional destinations are seeing increased demand as travellers seek new experiences beyond traditional hotspots.
At the same time, value, convenience and accessibility remain critical drivers. This behavioural shift further reinforces domestic travel.
What happens next
China’s tourism leadership is secure, but the next phase of growth will be shaped by direction rather than volume.
Rising fuel costs, economic uncertainty and shifting consumer priorities are expected to reinforce domestic travel patterns.
Short-haul and regional travel will continue to dominate, supported by infrastructure and convenience.
International travel will recover steadily, but the gap between domestic and inbound tourism will remain significant.
China will continue to generate billions of trips internally, while gradually rebuilding its position in global inbound tourism.
The bottom line
China is already the world’s No 1 tourism giant. Not because it attracts the most international visitors. But because it moves more people, more often, than any country in history.
Measured in billions, not millions, China has redefined the scale of travel.
It is not simply leading the global tourism industry – it is operating at a level no other market can match.
About the Author Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based media executive, travel writer and former hotel executive specialising in Asian tourism. A resident of Thailand since 1991, he brings over four decades of international hospitality experience, including senior roles with leading hotel groups such as Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Minor Hotels and the Royal Cliff Hotels Group.
A former Director of Skål International, he also served as President of Skål Asia and National President of Skål Thailand, and twice as President of Skål International Bangkok. He writes widely on tourism and aviation trends across Asia.
