SINGAPORE, 20 February 2026: Radisson Rewards, the global loyalty programme for Radisson Hotel Group, has surpassed 27 million members within three years, reflecting its rapid growth and strong global appeal.
In 2025, the programme introduced a series of new and expanded partnerships across the banking, travel, and lifestyle sectors, strengthening its commitment to making earning and using points easier, more relevant, and more rewarding for members worldwide.
Photo credit: Radisson Hotel Group.
As part of Radisson Rewards’ expansion strategy across high-growth regions, including the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, the programme has significantly broadened its global banking network in 2025.
These partnerships form part of a broader expansion strategy in Radisson Hotel Group’s high-growth markets in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and India, and enable clients to seamlessly convert points from the bank’s loyalty programme to Radisson Rewards points.
As the largest bank in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, Al Rajhi Bank joins Radisson Hotel Group as a significant new partner, marking a major milestone in the group’s expansion across the Kingdom. A new partnership with HSBC Bank in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates further strengthens this momentum. Together with AI-enabled meetings and events solutions and culturally tailored F&B concepts, these initiatives deepen Radisson Hotel Group’s connection with guests and loyalty members throughout the region.
The group has achieved record growth in India, signing 33 new hotels and expanding into 11 new cities in 2025. It has now partnered with HDFC Bank, India’s largest private-sector bank, and Axis Bank, the third-largest private-sector bank, to offer guests and clients unrivalled access to hotels and rewards.
Further strengthening its travel ecosystem, Radisson Rewards has extended its partnership with GetYourGuide, a booking platform for tours, attractions, excursions, and activities worldwide.
SEPANG, 20 February 2025: In conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, Tourism Malaysia marked the Chinese New Year festive season with a series of celebratory engagements earlier this week for both domestic and international visitors at Malaysia’s main gateway, KLIA Terminals 1 and 2.
The initiatives highlighted Malaysia’s rich multicultural heritage while reaffirming the nation’s reputation for warm hospitality, vibrant festivities, and cultural inclusivity.
Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia. Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, welcomed Lunar New Year visitors by presenting VM2026 souvenirs.
The main welcoming event was held on Tuesday at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 and 2, one of the country’s primary international gateways.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing personally greeted arriving visitors by presenting Visit Malaysia 2026 souvenirs. The event was attended by representatives of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and key stakeholders from the Malaysian tourism industry, reflecting strong public–private collaboration to enhance visitor experiences.
The celebrations were further enlivened by a cultural highlight of the Chinese New Year that represents unity, abundance, and shared prosperity. Visitors were also treated to a vibrant showcase of Malaysian traditional attire reflecting the nation’s diverse cultural tapestry, followed by an energetic lion dance performance synonymous with the festive season. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the official Visit Malaysia 2026 mascots, Wira and Manja, appeared in specially designed festive-themed attire, delighting visitors and creating engaging photo opportunities that enhanced the overall arrival experience.
Celebrating the first day of the Chinese New Year today, Malaysia’s premier gateways welcomed visitors on 32 flights carrying a total of 8,840 passengers recorded during the peak arrival windows between 0700 and 1030 at KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, boosting international travel to the country during the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
The Chinese New Year airport welcome receptions at more than 13 international border entry points were part of Tourism Malaysia’s broader VM2026 strategy to elevate first-touch visitor experiences, strengthen destination branding, and showcase Malaysia as a welcoming, safe, and culturally rich destination year-round.
SINGAPORE, 20 February 2026: Research suggests the UK economy could lose at least UKP14 billion if daily visitor taxes are introduced, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports in its latest research paper.
Representing the private sector in the Travel & Tourism industry, WTTC highlights the damage that would be done to the UK economy if new visitor levies are introduced, saying: “Billions of UK pounds would ‘disappear from the economy’ as international visitor numbers dry up.”
Photo credit: WTTC. Proposed UK visitor tax could blow a hole in the UK economy.
The research findings, conducted among 2,502 people by WTTC and research agency GSIQ between 7 and 11 February, have been released as the UK Government’s consultation on whether Mayoral Strategic Authorities should be given powers to introduce tourism levies across England.
The research found that, among those interviewed in the UK’s largest visitor source markets — the USA, France, and Germany — 29% would consider alternative destinations or decide not to visit the UK if a UKP10 tax was introduced.
A substantial drop in visitors to the UK would have a fundamental impact on the economy. In 2027, the reduction in visitor spend from all international source markets could amount to UKP14.4billion if the tax were set at UKP10.
WTTC’s President and CEO, Gloria Guevara, said: “Our research couldn’t be any clearer – proposed visitor taxes would lead to a slump in international visitor numbers to the UK, as well as far fewer domestic visitors to popular English destinations. Billions of pounds will be wiped from the UK economy, leading to much higher unemployment, especially among small shops, restaurants and suppliers to the hospitality sector.”
The proposed visitor tax would likely affect families the most. 42% of those interviewed said it would be “a big issue or very big issue” when travelling as a family and could have a serious impact on domestic tourism if applied to British nationals visiting cities in their own country.
Recent WTTC data show global Travel & Tourism GDP is forecast to grow by 6.7% in 2025, while the UK is expected to grow by just 4.3%, implying UK growth is 36% below the global average.
Travel & Tourism supports around 4.5 million jobs in the UK, equivalent to roughly one in eight jobs nationwide, underlining the importance of maintaining competitiveness in a sector that plays a critical role in employment and regional growth.
The future of the UK visitor tax is shifting from a theoretical debate to a possible rollout later in 2026. Because the UK is decentralised, the “tourist tax” is governed differently in the three nations — England, Scotland and Wales
England: The “Mayoral Levy” (in consultation). England does not yet have a national tourist tax, but the government is moving toward a discretionary model in which local mayors can choose to implement one.
Current Status: A major government consultation just closed on 18 February 2026. It explored giving Mayors (such as those in Manchester, Liverpool, or the West Midlands) the authority to charge for overnight stays.
The Proposal: Likely a flat fee (UKP1– UKP2) or a small percentage (2–5%) per night.
Future Outlook: If legislation is enacted, the first English cities could announce formal levies later in 2026, with a 2027 start date.
Scotland: Leads the way (launching July 2026). Scotland is the furthest ahead, having already passed the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act.
Edinburgh: The Scottish capital will be the first major UK city to launch a visitor tax. Starting 24 July 24, 2026, visitors will pay a 5% surcharge on their accommodation (capped at five nights).
Other cities, such as Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Stirling, have confirmed they will follow in 2027 with rates ranging from 3% to 7%.
Flexibility: New 2026 amendments now allow councils to choose between a percentage of the bill or a flat “per night” fee.
Wales: Launching April 2027. Wales has finalised its structure but is giving businesses more time to prepare.
Rates: Unlike Scotland’s percentage model, Wales uses a fixed fee:
UKP1.30 per person, per night for most hotels and Airbnbs. 75p per person, per night for hostels and campsites.
Key date: Local councils can officially activate the tax starting 1 April 1 2027.
POKHARA, Nepal, 20 February 2026: Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection, celebrated its grand opening on 6 February 2026 with a ceremony attended by senior leaders from the tourism and hospitality sector, industry partners, and media.
Located just 35 minutes from Pokhara, Centara’s debut property in Nepal seamlessly blends the beauty of the surrounding mountains with authentic local heritage and Thai-inspired hospitality, revealing a side of the destination beyond its iconic Lakeside.
Among the speakers were Mani Raj Lamichhanne, Chief of the Nepal Tourism Board; Gandaki Province resort owner and philanthropist Robert Kee; and Michael Henssler, Chief Operating Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts.
They each emphasised confidence in Nepal’s growing tourism landscape and the country’s appeal as a distinctive global destination. Traditional performances were also featured in the programme, reflecting the richness of Nepali culture and complementing Centara’s world-class service.
“The launch of Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara marks an important milestone as Centara Hotel & Resorts’ first property in this breathtaking destination. We are proud to introduce a resort experience that celebrates Nepali culture while delivering the Thai-inspired service and hospitality for which Centara is known. We aim to create meaningful stays that connect guests with the stunning landscape, vibrant traditions, and local communities that make Pokhara so special,” said Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection General Manager Prapaijit Thongma.
Perched high in the hills of Kaskikot, this secluded sanctuary offers sweeping views of the Annapurna Range and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). It features 42 rooms, suites, and villas that blend contemporary comfort with authentic Nepali charm. A collection of dining venues, including a bar and lounge and a scenic tea house, is complemented by an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, and Cense by Spa Cenvaree, where rejuvenating holistic therapies, yoga, and sound-healing sessions restore the mind, body, and spirit. Beyond the resort, excursions feature guided village walks and scenic hikes along the Sarangkot Loop, paragliding over Phewa Lake, and trekking to Annapurna Base Camp.
Guided by a strong social enterprise ethos, Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara actively supports local livelihoods and sustainable tourism initiatives, contributing to long-term socio-economic development in the region. With its striking natural surroundings, culturally rooted experiences, and warm hospitality, the resort introduces a distinctive new retreat, inviting travellers to connect to the spirit of the Himalayas through authentic experiences, wellness, and adventure.
To mark the opening, Centara is introducing Spirit of the Himalayas, an exclusive offer inviting guests to be among the first to experience this breathtaking mountain hideaway.
The offer includes ‘Stay 3, Pay 2’, complimentary airport transfers, and exclusive CentaraThe1 member privileges, including an additional 15% savings and triple CentaraThe1 points.
The offer is available for bookings from now until 31 March 2026, for stays until 30 April 2026.
BANGKOK, 19 February 2026: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, proudly supported Reignwood Icons of Football 2026, a unique international golf tournament that brought together 24 legendary football superstars from around the world to compete at Robinswood Golf Club, Bangkok.
During the event, CentaraThe1 members enjoyed an unforgettable sports weekend, combining exclusive accommodation experiences at five participating Centara properties in Bangkok with privileged access to Reignwood Icons of Football 2026 Bangkok. Guests were treated to a front-row experience of the global golfing showdown between Team England and Team World, featuring 24 football legends including Teddy Sheringham, Robbie Fowler, Ryan Giggs, Gareth Bale, John Terry, Joe Hart, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Jimmy Bullard, David Ginola, Dwight Yorke, Gabriel Batistuta, Luís Figo, and many more.
In addition to the exceptional stay experience, Centara brought its signature hospitality to the event through curated lifestyle offerings for CentaraThe1 members and attendees. Highlights included refined Spanish cuisine—both traditional and contemporary—from UNO MAS, as well as moments of relaxation and rejuvenation from SPA Cenvaree, Centara’s wellness and sustainable wellbeing brand, both presented by Centara Grand at CentralWorld.
BANGKOK, 19 February 2026: Dusit Thani Kyoto, a refined urban sanctuary that blends Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with Japan’s deep-rooted culture of omotenashi — the wholehearted art of looking after guests — has earned two four-star ratings in the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards.
The two awards recognise both the hotel experience and its integrated wellness offering in the same evaluation cycle.
The hotel received a four-star rating for the second consecutive year, following its initial recognition in 2025, while its wellness experience, Devarana Wellness, earned a four-star rating for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the hotel’s continued evolution and commitment to refined, experience-led luxury.
Opened in September 2023 as Dusit’s first luxury hotel in Japan, Dusit Thani Kyoto offers guests a serene urban retreat shaped by thoughtful design and careful detailing, where calm confidence, cultural sensitivity, and personalised service are underpinned by an approach that places well-being and sustainability at the heart of the guest journey.
Alongside its integrated wellness offering, which blends traditional Thai therapies with Japanese healing rituals, the same philosophy extends to the hotel’s culinary experiences. Here, seasonality, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange shape dining journeys, including the omakase experience at Kōyō, inspired by Kyoto’s micro-seasons, and the hotel’s signature Thai restaurant, Ayatana, which subtly reflects Dusit’s culinary heritage.
These experiences are supported by a strong focus on mindful sourcing, including fresh herbs and vegetables from a collaboration with Ohara Farm and organic tea leaves from the hotel’s own tea farm in Wazuka, both of which guests can visit as part of immersive nature experiences.
The Forbes Travel Guide recognition builds on a growing body of international acclaim for Dusit Thani Kyoto, including Michelin Key distinctions in 2025 and 2026, as well as a ranking among Japan’s Best City Hotels at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, reinforcing the hotel’s standing within Japan’s luxury hospitality landscape.
“This latest recognition reflects the steady progress our team has made in delivering service that feels thoughtful and personal across both the hotel stay and our integrated well-being experience,” said Dusit Thani Kyoto and ASAI Kyoto Shijo. Cluster General Manager, Makoto Yamashita. “For us, modern luxury is not about excess. It is about care, cultural understanding, and the confidence to act with intention. Our sense of luxury comes from creating experiences that feel effortless and genuinely welcoming, guided by the same sense of care and responsibility that underpins Dusit’s approach to Thai-inspired gracious hospitality around the world.”
In Japan, in addition to Dusit Thani Kyoto, Dusit operates ASAI Kyoto Shijo, a lifestyle hotel in the city’s Shijo-Karasuma area, near the historic Nishiki Market. Dusit’s presence in the country is set to expand further with the upcoming opening of WE Hotel Lake Toya — Dusit Collection, which will mark the group’s first property in Japan under the luxury Dusit Collection brand and offer a design-led retreat centred on nature, wellness, and understated luxury overlooking Lake Toya in Hokkaido.
About Dusit Thani Kyoto Opened on 1 September 2023, Dusit Thani Kyoto is Dusit’s first luxury hotel in Japan, located in a historic district near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nishi Hongwan-ji Temple, approximately 850 metres from Kyoto Station. The hotel features 147 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, designed with a thoughtful blend of Japanese sensibility and Thai-inspired gracious hospitality. The integrated Devarana Wellness experience offers restorative therapies for the mind and body, while curated programmes provide immersive encounters with Kyoto’s cultural and natural richness.
BANGKOK, 19 February 2026: Minor Hotels delivered a disciplined and well-balanced performance in 2025, reporting a 32% increase in core profit to THB6.84 billion, approximately USD217 million.
The result reflects stable demand, a consistent pricing strategy, and improved financial management, rather than volume-driven expansion.
Screenshot
Core revenue for the year stood at THB133.2 billion, marginally lower year on year, while operating expenses declined by around 1%. Profit growth was driven primarily by lower net finance costs and improvements below the operating line, including lease accounting and foreign exchange movements. This points to tighter control of both capital structure and cost base.
Total System Sales increased by 3% on a like-for-like basis to THB140.36 billion and by 4% overall to THB166.1 billion, supported by demand across owned, managed and franchised properties. Performance was achieved despite inventory constraints stemming from major renovations at several owned assets, including the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
Operating metrics improved steadily. System-wide occupancy increased to 68% average daily rate rose by 3%, and revenue per available room increased by 4%. The figures reflect a continued focus on rate management rather than occupancy-led growth, supporting margin improvement across regions.
CEO commentary
Commenting on the results, Minor International Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier said the performance reflected a deliberate focus on quality-led growth.
“The quality of our growth is as important as the pace. By expanding primarily through management and franchise partnerships while remaining disciplined in our owned-asset strategy, we are building a more resilient earnings base. Combined with strong system-wide demand, this approach delivered a record profit in 2025 and positions us well for continued progress in 2026.”
Regional performance
Europe and the Americas remained the group’s largest contributors to earnings in 2025, accounting for more than half of the global portfolio. The region delivered double-digit profit growth, supported by resilient leisure demand and a recovery in corporate and MICE activity. Occupancy increased by two percentage points, ADR rose by 2%, and RevPAR grew by 4%, with Spain and Italy among the strongest markets.
The Middle East and Africa recorded RevPAR growth of 10%, driven primarily by rate increases in the luxury segment. Asia and the Indian Ocean saw RevPAR rise by 12%, supported by rate-led performance in resort destinations, particularly the Maldives.
Fourth quarter performance
The final quarter of the year delivered strong bottom-line growth. Core profit increased 32% year on year to THB2.73 billion, supported by peak seasonal demand and improved operating leverage across both resort and city hotels.
Photo: Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences in Brisbane, Australia.
Core revenue rose 5% to THB35.6 billion, and EBITDA increased by 7%. System-wide occupancy reached 70% while ADR rose by 4% and RevPAR increased by 8% compared with the same period in 2024.
What drove the 32% profit growth
Profit growth in 2025 was underpinned by consistent pricing discipline, active management of finance costs and a continued shift toward fee-based income. Expansion focused on management and franchise contracts, limited capital exposure while preserving earnings quality and brand presence. Together, these factors delivered a material improvement in profitability without increasing operational risk.
Outlook for 2026 and 2027
Minor Hotels enters 2026 with positive booking trends and a strong development pipeline. Trading conditions are expected to remain supportive across key leisure and urban markets.
Based on the current pipeline, the portfolio is projected to reach approximately 720 to 750 properties by 2027, with most additions coming from management and franchise agreements. Assuming moderate RevPAR growth and stable cost ratios, further profit growth is expected over the medium term, supported by lower finance costs and a more balanced portfolio.
Plans are also progressing for a hotel real estate investment trust, targeted for a 2026 listing, designed to recycle capital from mature assets while retaining long-term operating and brand relationships.
Minor Hotels’ 2025 results demonstrate the benefits of disciplined expansion, pricing control and financial focus. The emphasis now is on consistent execution as the portfolio continues to scale.
At the end of 2025, Minor Hotels operated more than 640 properties across over 55 countries. Europe and the Americas account for just over half of the portfolio, Asia and the Indian Ocean for around one third, with the remainder in the Middle East and Africa. More than 70% of properties are managed or franchised, reflecting the group’s asset-right strategy.
About the Author Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer, former hotelier and tourism consultant who has lived in Thailand since 1991. With more than four decades of experience in international hospitality and tourism, he is a former Director of Skål International and a past President of Skål International Asia, Thailand and Bangkok. He writes extensively on tourism trends, sustainability, aviation and destination strategy across the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to travel and hospitality publications worldwide. His work reflects a long-standing commitment to responsible tourism, cross-cultural understanding and the evolving role of travel in a changing global economy.
MELBOURNE, 19 February 2026: A&K marked a milestone with the keel laying ceremony for its second newbuild luxury riverboat on the Nile.
The ceremony took place last week at The Arab Contractors shipyard in Egypt, formally commencing construction of the sister vessel to Nile Seray, an A&K Sanctuary.
Photo credit: A&K. Keel-laying ceremony marks the start of construction of the group’s second Nile riverboat.
The keel-laying ceremony, a centuries-old maritime tradition marking the joining of a vessel’s first structural components, signals the start of construction for the as-yet-unnamed riverboat, scheduled for launch in 2028. The vessel will mirror the design and spacious accommodations of Nile Seray, which features 32 suites for 64 guests.
Like its sister ship, the new vessel will offer suites with a minimum of 33 square metres, floor-to-ceiling windows, and waterside Juliet balconies as standard.
Two suites will boast full private balconies with outdoor spa pools overlooking the River Nile. The vessel will feature two restaurants, a spa with two treatment rooms, a well-equipped gymnasium, and a stunning top deck with canopied daybeds, a swimming pool, and an outdoor bar with wraparound views of the Nile Valley.
Expanding A&K’s Nile legacy
“Celebrating this keel laying represents another important step in our commitment to Egypt,” said AKTG CEO Cristina Levis. The construction of this second vessel reflects both the tremendous interest we’ve seen from travellers and our confidence in Egypt’s enduring appeal as a destination.”
Nile Seray is scheduled for delivery in late 2026, with its sister ship to follow in 2028.
Designed for authentic discovery
Expert Egyptologists will accompany every excursion aboard the new vessel, bringing thousands of years of history to life through expert storytelling.
As is the case with Nile Seray, every booking on the second vessel will include access to Egypt’s most coveted archaeological sites as standard: the magnificent tombs of Nefertari, Seti I, Ramses VI, and King Tutankhamun on the West Bank of the Nile.
The new riverboat will sail four-night voyages between Aswan and Luxor, visiting the magnificent temples of Luxor and Aswan, along with authentic cultural experiences such as felucca sailing, Egyptian cooking classes, and traditional entertainment.
HONG KONG, 19 February 2026: Fliggy, a leading online travel platform and wholly owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group* and Qwen App, Alibaba’s latest consumer-facing AI application, have recently partnered with over 40 leading travel brands.
The collaboration offers exclusive subsidies and benefits for AI users who book and pay for travel services on the Qwen App, which can be stacked with the App’s Spring Festival vouchers for additional savings, marking a significant step in applying AI to consumer travel services.
Photo credit: Alibaba*. Fliggy, a leading online travel platform, is a fully owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group and Qwen App.
The participating brands include major carriers such as Emirates, United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air New Zealand, with hotel partners and theme park operators completing the roster. Together, these brands are among the first to integrate consumer-facing AI into their distribution strategies.
Partner brands are offering AI-specific benefits through the Qwen App, including exclusive discounts, vouchers, complimentary hotel breakfasts, and flexible checkout options. Through Fliggy’s AI Agent capabilities, they can now deliver a complete end-to-end experience – from initial consultation and itinerary planning to one-click booking – providing simpler, more intelligent travel services than traditional booking flows.
Qwen App’s recent integration with Fliggy enables users to book flights and hotels through conversational prompts. The system interprets natural language requests, accesses Fliggy’s real-time inventory, and generates itinerary recommendations with direct booking links. Users can complete purchases without switching platforms or navigating traditional search interfaces.
This addresses a fundamental challenge in travel: matching complex intent to dynamic inventory and pricing. For an industry characterised by multifaceted decision-making and extended purchase journeys, AI’s ability to move users through the booking journey – from identifying needs to autonomous execution – represents a meaningful shift in how services reach consumers.
Generative AI is reshaping how travellers discover and book trips, with AI-enabled platforms emerging as new channels for travel purchases. As agentic AI applications such as Qwen App move from understanding to action, platforms with robust AI infrastructure are well-positioned to deepen partnerships and help hotel and airline companies diversify their distribution strategies.
ABU DHABI, 19 February 2026: Etihad Airways released its traffic statistics for January 2026 earlier this week, which continues the strong momentum that defined a record-breaking 2025.
The airline served 2.2 million passengers in January, a 29% increase compared with January 2025, when 1.7 million guests flew with Etihad.
Photo credit: Etihad.
Passenger load factor reached 89.9% for the month, up from 89.1% a year earlier, reflecting sustained demand across the network and continued efficiency in capacity management.
Etihad’s operating fleet stood at 127 aircraft at the start of 2026, serving a network of 110 destinations worldwide.
Etihad Airways, Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said: “January has been a strong start to 2026, maintaining load factors above 89% while growing capacity at this pace is something we are proud of. It reflects the strength of our network and Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as both a destination and a gateway for travellers across the region and beyond.”
In January, the airline announced new services to Luxembourg and Calgary – two cities that, for the first time, have a direct connection to Abu Dhabi.
Rounded figures
[1] Including short-term aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (“ACMI”) leases. The operating fleet includes freighters.
[2] Including seasonal and cargo routes, as well as destinations scheduled to begin operation within the next 12 months. Excluding charter destinations. Of these, 93 were operated in January.
