BANGKOK, 26 September 2025: Central Pattana’s latest world-class mixed-use development, Central Park, has recently opened in the heart of Bangkok and is already drawing global attention as the city’s newest landmark.
The destination is rapidly becoming a focal point for urban life, seamlessly blending nature, culture, dining, and commerce into one integrated precinct.
Central Park blends urban life and nature with Thailand’s largest roof park.
Anchored by the 2.8-acre Roof Park, Central Park redefines urban placemaking in Asia by seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor experiences, setting a new benchmark for experiential retail, culinary excellence, and sustainable urban design. The development elevates Bangkok’s skyline while positioning the Thai capital more firmly among the world’s most liveable metropolises.
At its heart, the Roof Park extends the lush greenery of Lumpini Park into the city skyline as an elevated urban oasis. It offers panoramic 180-degree views, a 750-metre walking trail, an open-air amphitheatre, family- and pet-friendly zones, and curated lifestyle programming — a bold integration of park life and urban life that serves as Bangkok’s new community heart and a showcase of Thailand’s future-forward design.
Central Park has also swiftly emerged as Asia’s newest culinary landmark. Under the concept “Here for All of You”, it brings together legendary international debuts, exclusive new ideas, and global brands. Since opening, it has drawn intense public interest and steady crowds, with the Parkside Market — featuring Bangkok’s most extensive collection of Michelin Guide eateries and 70 street food legends—becoming one of the city’s most sought-after dining destinations and a must-visit for international visitors.
The retail precinct will also feature a dynamic lineup of high-street and bridge-line brands, complemented by a world-class sports destination. Many first-in-Thailand debuts are expected, further establishing Central Park as a global lifestyle hub where retail is reimagined as a platform for social connection, not just commerce.
Part of the USD1.25 billion Dusit Central Park project, the precinct integrates the Central Park shopping centre, Central Park Offices, Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel, Dusit Residences, and Dusit Parkside.
Designed under the philosophy “Design for the Future with Respect for Legacy”, the project harmonises Bangkok’s heritage with forward-looking architecture, anchoring the city’s global identity while shaping its next chapter.
With 25 million visitors expected annually and year-round cultural and lifestyle events, Central Park is poised to become a world-class placemaking landmark — symbolising Bangkok’s transformation into a modern, liveable, and globally celebrated metropolis. For more information, visit: Central Park Bangkok | Central Pattana (CPN).
SINGAPORE, 26 September 2025: More Singaporeans are seeking wellness breaks as a way to rest, recharge and prioritise well-being, according to new data from Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s speciality travel platform.
According to Traveloka’s 2024 ‘Travel Redefined APAC study of 12,000 respondents, 38% of Singaporeans travel to rest and recharge, a trend that continues during 2025.
Photo credit: Traveloka.
Resorts and villas ranked among Singaporeans’ top five most searched accommodation types on the platform.
Regional wellness hotspots, such as Bali, Penang, and Hanoi, have also emerged as top destination picks in 2025.
To encourage more travellers to embark on self-care holidays, Traveloka is launching its 10.10 Travel Sale, running from 1 to 10 October, featuring deals on flights, stays, and experiences.
“Travel is no longer just about sightseeing — it is increasingly a way to nurture well-being, build meaningful connections, and support local communities,” said Traveloka Vice President Commercial Baidi Li.
“Through our 10.10 Travel Sale, we want to make these restorative travel experiences more accessible and affordable, while also contributing to the growth of the tourism ecosystem across the Asia Pacific.”
Traveloka’s key insights on 2025 Wellness Travel Trends
Southeast Asia as a Top Wellness Region: Bali, Penang, and Hanoi are the most searched wellness hubs among Singaporean travellers in 2025.
Resorts & Villas Popularity: Resort stays are highly sought after by Singaporeans, ranking second only to hotels and apartments in accommodation searches.
Beyond Spas: While traditional offerings, such as massages, remain top draws, cultural rituals (onsens), reflexology, and medical aesthetic treatments are gaining traction in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia as go-to hotspots.
Emerging Wellness Spots: Yogyakarta and Da Nang are rising on the radar of Southeast Asian travellers who are seeking immersive cultural, sleep-focused, and nature-based wellness experiences.
About the 10.10 travel sale
From 1 to 10 October 2025, Traveloka users can enjoy limited-time offers:
Exclusive fares and SGD100 off flights through Airline Super Brand Days on Malaysia Airlines (2 & 3 October) and Singapore Airlines (8 and 9 October), with flights to popular wellness destinations such as Bali, Bangkok, Seoul, Da Nang, and more starting from SGD230.
Daily SGD10 Flash Deals on top attractions such as Legoland Malaysia, Singapore Zoo, and Mandai Rainforest at 1200. Score 50% off Flash Deals on flights and hotels, at 1700 and 2200 daily.
MANILA, 26 September 2025: The Philippines Department of Tourism plans to extend training and recruit more senior citizens as tour guides once the current group finishes their training, the Philippines News Agency reported earlier this week.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco met with the first batch of senior citizens on Wednesday, who are undergoing a seven-day training course. She confirmed to the national news agency that DOT intends to conduct more training for senior citizens to serve as guides.
The Philippines trains seniors to become tour guides and honours the profession with an inaugural Tour Guide Summit. (Photo credit: DOT).
PNA quoted the tourism chief saying: “This is the start of what we foresee will be an up-and-coming programme for our seniors”.
The Community Tour Guiding Seminar for Senior Citizens is the pilot programme established under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the DOT and the National Commission of Senior Citizens on 21 May 2025.
The first batch of 30 seniors, aged 60 to 79, will complete a 56-hour training course by 2 October 2025.
Reflecting the DOT’s commitment to inclusive tourism, September is designated as “Tourism Month” in the Philippines, culminating in World Tourism Day, on 27 September, themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”.
Programmes for senior citizens are among the key initiatives of the DOT through the Office of Special Concerns, which is tasked to address the needs of priority sectors in the country.
Meanwhile, 400 tour guides from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gathered for a one-day summit in Cebu City last week to recognise the positive role tour guides play in the nation’s tourism space through their exceptional storytelling and hospitality.
This first-ever summit adopted the theme “Love our Islands, Love our Stories,” and created a national platform for tour guides, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to converge, collaborate, and discuss the future of tour guiding in the Philippines.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasised that upgrading tour guide service standards is essential to enhance tourist satisfaction, elevate the destination’s image, and ensure a consistently high-quality and professional tourism experience.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco
As of 31 August 2025, a total of 4,598 regional and community tour guides are accredited by the DOT. The largest concentration of DOT-accredited tour guides is in central Visayas, comprising 2,020 tour guides.
The DOT and the National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last May, a significant move to recognise the role senior citizens can play in adding value to the country’s tourism story.
BANGKOK, 26 September 2025: Trip.com, a leading global travel service provider, launches its “Go Thailand” campaign, developed in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), offering travellers from 16 international markets discounts of up to 50% on hotels, flights, and local activities in Thailand.
The campaign runs until 31 October 2025, with special “Big Wednesday” deals refreshed weekly.
The Go Thailand campaign is available exclusively on Trip.com’s platform and mobile app, targeting travellers from key source markets across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and Europe.
Markets include Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and other strategic locations where demand for travel to Thailand remains strong.
Campaign highlights
Travellers can access special discounts of up to 50% on essential Thailand travel products, including hotel accommodations across all major Thai destinations, domestic and international flights to and within Thailand, as well as local activities, attractions, and experiences.
Every Wednesday throughout the campaign period, Trip.com releases new exclusive coupons and flash deals, providing multiple opportunities for travellers to secure maximum savings on their Thailand bookings.
The Go Thailand campaign is active across 16 outbound travel markets. Each market has been carefully curated with localised offers and culturally relevant messaging to maximise engagement and conversion.
This targeted approach ensures that whether travellers are seeking Bangkok’s urban excitement, Phuket’s pristine beaches, or Chiang Mai’s cultural treasures, they can access tailored deals that match their preferences and budgets.
Geo-markets — specific discount offers
Travellers can access the Go Thailand campaign offers through the Trip.com platform, including the mobile app, desktop website, and mobile website. To book a deal, visit trip.com.
SINGAPORE, 26 September 2025: Korean Air expands the use of a domestically produced SAF blend to include routes to Kobe and Osaka, Japan.
The airline first trialled locally produced SAF on its Incheon-Haneda route since August 2024, successfully verifying the fuel’s safety and performance.
Photo credit: Korean Air.
SAF, which can reduce life-cycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, is considered a key component of the aviation industry’s decarbonization strategy.
Korean Air is now using a 1% SAF blend on flights from Incheon to Kobe (KE731) and Gimpo to Osaka (KE2117) since 19 September 2025. The programme will cover approximately 90 flights on the Kobe route and 26 flights on the Osaka route until 31 December 2026.
The airline’s SAF is sourced from domestic suppliers HD Hyundai Oilbank and GS Caltex. Produced from used cooking oil (UCO), the fuel is certified under the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
This initiative reflects Korean Air’s commitment to driving sustainable aviation in Korea and supporting global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.
BANGKOK, 26 September 2025: Bangkok Airways and Air France-KLM have confirmed a new partnership, offering the crossover of loyalty programme benefits for award ticket redemptions, effective 1 October 2025.
Under the partnership, members of Bangkok Airways’ FlyerBonus and Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue programme will be able to redeem accumulated points or miles for award tickets in both economy class and business class across the networks of both airlines.
Photo credit: Bangkok Airways.
FlyerBonus members will be able to redeem award tickets on Air France-KLM flights, enjoying extensive global connectivity via Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol hubs.
Meanwhile, Flying Blue members can redeem miles to secure Bangkok Airways award tickets on flights to Thailand’s most popular destinations, such as Samui Island, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Trat, and Phuket, as well as key routes in the ASEAN region served by Bangkok Airways.
BANGKOK, 26 September 2025: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau reaffirms Thailand’s readiness to host the 2026 edition of Gastech from 15 to 18 September 2026 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) venue.
As the successful bidder for Gastech 2026, TCEB, with the Ministry of Energy and DMG Events, a Dubai-headquartered event organiser, attended the official opening of Gastech 2025 in Milan, Italy, for the host destination handover ceremony.
TCEB team work delivers Gastech 2026 to Bangkok’s BITEC.
TCEB President Supawan Teerarat commented that the successful bid to host Gastech 2026 showcased the country’s public-private collaboration in driving world-class events to Thailand’s shores.
“This partnership has been a key factor in Thailand earning the trust to take over from Italy as the host of Gastech 2026, underscoring the country’s readiness as a premier international event destination in Asia.”
It represents a significant opportunity for TCEB to propel the national economy by leveraging events to promote trade and investment, foster business opportunities, and advance industrial development toward sustainability, particularly within the strategic energy sector.
“Thailand’s winning bid to host Gastech 2026 highlights the country’s role in the global energy industry and reinforces its position as a leader in Asia’s energy sector and an international exhibition hub in the Southeast Asian region, or ASEAN. The event also offers wide-ranging benefits, supporting economic growth and industrial development.”
Gastech 2026 is expected to attract over 50,000 attendees from 150 countries, featuring more than 1,000 exhibiting companies and over 1,000 energy experts. The event is projected to generate an economic impact of EUR385 million, including EUR198 million in revenue for Thailand and EUR26.9 million in tax receipts. Thailand’s
Thailand’s Ministry of Energy pavilion at Gastech 2025 in Milan, Italy.
BANGKOK, 25 September 2025: Could the future of healthcare involve a boarding pass as well as a prescription pad? Across the world, a quiet revolution is brewing as doctors, insurers, and tourism authorities begin to see outdoor tourism not only as leisure but as medicine.
The notion is simple yet profound: travel, particularly wellness-oriented travel, can support mental health, lower blood pressure, and improve longevity.
A quiet revolution is brewing….
From City Clinic to Nature’s Healing Countryside
The medical fraternity is increasingly aware of the therapeutic benefits of outdoor activity. Studies show that time spent in nature reduces stress, elevates mood, and encourages physical activity.
The face of modern hospital care?
Something as basic as increasing one’s daily step count by exploring new destinations can strengthen the heart and reduce the risk of chronic disease. For patients struggling with mental health, anxiety, or hypertension, travel is proving to be more than a holiday indulgence. It is a tool of prevention and recovery.
Countries such as the UK and New Zealand are leading the way. The UK’s National Health Service has piloted “green prescriptions” that encourage patients to walk in parks or participate in guided outdoor activities. New Zealand has taken it a step further, actively integrating nature prescriptions into its national healthcare strategy, with doctors issuing formal recommendations for activities such as hiking, cycling, and coastal walks.
The Economics of Prescribing Travel
At first glance, paying for a patient to go on holiday might seem extravagant. Yet insurers are beginning to ask whether such approaches could, in the long term, save money. The rationale is clear. If doctors can prevent costly hospitalisations for stress-related illnesses or cardiovascular conditions by encouraging active holidays, then the economics turn in favour of travel as medicine.
Cost comparisons are startling.
Health insurers traditionally focus on reducing claims and costs. Supporting wellness tourism fits neatly into that mission. For forward-thinking companies, covering part of the cost of a medically-advised trip could be less expensive than long-term pharmaceutical prescriptions or recurring hospital visits. Spending less money while improving outcomes is the holy grail of healthcare finance.
Hospital accommodations in Thailand are increasingly comparable to those of five-star hotels.
Why Your Doctor Might Send You to Thailand Instead of the Pharmacy
Thailand is increasingly positioned as the world’s favourite medical tourism hub, not only for hospital procedures but also for wellness journeys that improve daily health. Doctors may recommend active travel as an alternative to medication because time spent in Thailand’s tropical climate, with spa treatments, yoga retreats, and daily exercise, can lower blood pressure and ease stress more naturally than taking a pill.
Instead of refilling prescriptions, patients could be encouraged to spend two weeks at a wellness retreat in Hua Hin, a meditation centre in Chiang Mai, or on a beach walk in Phuket. For many conditions — particularly hypertension, anxiety, and mild depression — such programmes can achieve measurable health benefits. What was once seen as indulgence is now being recognised by medics as a legitimate and cost-effective form of therapy.
Insurance and Medical Tourism: Following the Money
Insurance companies are also beginning to authorise treatment abroad, especially when major procedures can be done at a fraction of the cost in Asia. The United States remains the most expensive country for healthcare. By comparison:
Such stark differences explain why US and European insurers are increasingly willing to cover patients who opt for accredited hospitals overseas. Thailand, India, and Mexico have all reported growth in partnerships with foreign insurers, who recognise that authorising a USD15,000 heart bypass in Bangkok is more cost-effective than paying over USD100,000 in Boston.
Top Countries for Medical and Wellness Tourism
According to recent surveys, the top five destinations for medical tourism are Thailand, India, Mexico, Turkey, and Singapore. Thailand stands out as a favoured destination. Renowned for its excellent hospitals, English-speaking doctors, and lower costs, Thailand attracts more than 3 million medical tourists annually. Beyond procedures, the country’s wellness resorts in Hua Hin, Phuket, and Chiang Mai combine spa treatments, fitness programmes, and traditional Thai therapies with sun-drenched beaches and cultural immersion.
Medical tourism authorities, especially in Thailand, are now aligning their marketing campaigns with wellness and longevity. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has emphasised medical and wellness travel as a core pillar of its 2026 “Value Over Volume” strategy, positioning the country as the ultimate destination for healing body and mind.
The Future: Travel as Prescription
The evidence is mounting. Wellness and longevity are trending, supported by medical research that shows improved recovery times, reduced stress markers, and healthier lifestyles following immersive travel. Tourism authorities are beginning to promote these benefits alongside their beaches and temples. And for doctors, the idea of prescribing travel is shifting from radical to reasonable.
If insurers see the same potential for long-term savings, tomorrow’s prescription may read: “Two weeks in Thailand, daily meditation, and at least 10,000 steps a day.”
About the author
Andrew J. Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer, hotelier, and tourism lecturer with over four decades of experience in Southeast Asia’s hospitality sector. Born in Yorkshire, he is a former Director of Skål International and President of Skål International Asia, Skål International Thailand, and twice President of Skål Bangkok. A regular contributor to the region’s travel and tourism publications, Andrew is recognised as a respected voice in tourism, hospitality, and investment circles. He has lived in Thailand since 1991.
SYDNEY, 25 September 2025: Booking.com’s ‘Taste of Home Asia Pacific’ research reveals that food is playing a central role in shaping the holiday home experience in 2025.
Travellers across the region are increasingly selecting holiday homes that offer accessibility and freedom to dine, host and/or cook in unique, authentic spaces and destinations.
Hungry for Travel: How Food is Shaping Holiday Home Stays in the Asia Pacific. (Photo credit: Booking.com.)
The study indicated that 82% of Australians surveyed chose destinations based on their culinary preferences. Holiday homes are a preferred accommodation type for this kind of trip, with 97% of Australians saying they adjust their cooking and eating habits while travelling. They frequently visit local markets (85%), cook local dishes (34%), try out new appliances (33%), and experiment with new recipes (34%).
As travellers seek more meaningful and personalised stays, the research identified four ‘taste trends’ shaping the culinary holiday home travel experience.
New head chef in the holiday home
The “chef” role in holiday homes is shifting. Only 13% of Australian travellers reported mum as the holiday cook. Younger generations are now confidently taking the lead, blending family recipes with new ideas; Gen Z (38%) cooks family recipes most often.
Holiday kitchen personas
Four distinct holiday kitchen personalities emerged in the research for travellers booking holiday homes and foodie stays: The comfort-driven traditionalist, the bold experimenter, the laid-back minimalist and the ever-entertaining socialite.
Trolley tourism
Across the Asia Pacific, holiday homes are driving a surge in “trolley tourism,” where visits to local food markets, seasonal foodie festivals, and trendy supermarkets are becoming an integral part of the travel experience. (88% of Australian travellers enjoy visiting local food markets on holiday, a figure that rises to 96% among frequent holiday-home bookers.)
Portable pantry
Travellers are bringing their favourite kitchen items with them when booking homes. This makes holiday kitchens familiar while allowing for destination exploration; 80% of Australians pack food or cooking utensils in their luggage. They include: Tea/coffee (38%); wine (25%); sauces (24%); coffee machines (13%), and BBQ tools (13%).
RAJA AMPAT, Indonesia, 25 September 2025: Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the maritime industry, hosted an Introductory Familiarisation Trip for diving tour companies in Europe and Canada earlier this month.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism Deputy for Marketing, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, explained that a familiarisation trip for diving tourism businesses in the European and Canadian outbound tourism markets was held in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, from 6 to 17 September 2025 to strengthen Indonesia’s marine tourism sector in international markets.
Photo credit: Ministry of Tourism Indonesia. Liveaboard on a modern ‘Phinisi’ boat.
Four dive travel agents participated in the event: Faces of the Sea from Canada, Dive Worldwide from the UK, Tropical Seas Tauch und Fernreisen from Austria, and The Wild Blue from Italy.
“Raja Ampat is a priority tourism destination with world-class underwater beauty. In line with the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to promote marine tourism as a leading special interest tourism segment, this introductory tour is expected to provide international dive travel agents with comprehensive education and experience about the destination,” said the marketing deputy.
Ministry of Tourism, Assistant Deputy for International Tourism Marketing III Wisnu Sindhutrisno said: “The dive tourism segment attracts special-interest tourists who tend to stay longer. Furthermore, Indonesia boasts unique diving spots spread across the archipelago, worthy of being sought after by divers worldwide, particularly those in the European and American markets”.
Wisnu explained that the Raja Ampat famtrip offered two diving experiences: a liveaboard on a modern ‘Phinisi’ boat, in collaboration with La Galigo Liveaboard, and a stay at a dive resort, in partnership with Katembe Private Island.
Surveying various accommodation options, dive travel agents gained first-hand knowledge to assist them in creating tour packages that cater to the markets they serve.
In Raja Ampat, participants checked out several popular dive sites, including Blue Magic, Citrus Ridge, Melissa’s Garden, Manta Sandy, and Arborek Jetty.
Various coral species and marine life are endemic to Raja Ampat, including pygmy seahorses and numerous nudibranchs. Participants also joined night dives to encounter other unique endemic species, such as the Kalabia shark, also known as the walking shark due to its ability to use its fins to walk, and the frilled Wobbegong carpet shark, which inhabits the seabed.
In addition to diving, the famtrip participants were also invited to visit inhabited villages in the Raja Ampat Islands, namely Sauwandarek and Arborek. They also trekked in the Piaynemo area to view the karst or limestone formations, one of Raja Ampat’s iconic sights and explored Warsambin Village and the Kalibiru River, famed for its clear, blue-green water.
