PATTAYA, 16 June 2026: Alexander Lopez, a seasoned professional with substantial hospitality experience in Europe and Asia, has been appointed general manager of Meliá Pattaya Hotel.
The 234-room hotel opened in February last year in the heart of Pattaya.
Alexander Lopez.
Lopez, of Swedish and Spanish heritage, joins Meliá Pattaya Hotel after serving as general manager of W Koh Samui in Thailand for more than two years.
Before his appointment at W Koh Samui, Lopez served as Interim General Manager at W Maldives after joining the property as resort manager.
After studying hotel and hospitality management at Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, he began his hospitality career in Sweden at the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel in 2009 before moving into senior roles in Spain, Switzerland, China, the Maldives and Thailand.
His experience in Thailand spans more than a decade. It includes senior leadership roles at W Koh Samui, Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort in Koh Samui, and The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa in Phuket. He was also part of the W Hotels Global Brand GM Advisory Board and Marriott International Rooms Advisory Board, APEC.
“His extensive luxury hospitality experience, particularly his deep familiarity with Thailand, makes him exceptionally well placed to lead Meliá Pattaya Hotel,” said Meliá Hotels International Managing Director Asia Pacific Ignacio Martin.
About Meliá Hotels & Resorts Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the best-known international brand in the portfolio of Meliá Hotels International; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
MACAO, 16 June 2026: Macao welcomed the 55th Skal International Asia Congress from 11 to 14 June, with 198 delegates from 18 countries and regions in attendance.
Under the theme “Celebrating Heritage – Empowering Innovation,” the congress convened at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macao. Officiating guests at the opening ceremony of the congress included MGTO Director, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, the acting President of Cultural Affairs Bureau, Choi Kin Long, the Director of the Board of Directors of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, Elaine Wong, the President-elect of Skal International, NSN Mohan, the President of Skal International Asia, Shekhar Divadkar, the President of Skal International Macao, Vinzenz Rosa de Pauli and the Chief Hospitality Officer of SJM Resorts, SA, Gerald Walker.
Skal International President-elect NSN Mohan highlighted in his remarks that the congress served as a shining example of what can be achieved through passion, collaboration, and vision, stating that the outstanding work of the organisers has not only strengthened partnerships among tourism leaders across Asia but also spotlighted Macao’s rich culture, heritage, and world-class hospitality to the international community.
The opening ceremony of the congress was followed by three panel discussions featuring around 10 national and international guest speakers that addressed topics such as forging the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a united tourism powerhouse, the vitality of regeneration in cultural tourism, and the impact of technology and AI in the development of tourism.
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes joined a panel discussion with the School of Hotel and Tourism Management of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Kam Hung, and the Chief Advisor of The Costa Advisory, representing Warner Bros. Discovery, Con Apostolopoulos.
The MGTO director elaborated on how Macao was working with Hong Kong and Guangdong to leverage the region’s increasing connectivity and favourable policies to implement initiatives that position the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a unified, world-class tourism destination brand for multi-destination travel.
During the four-day congress, in addition to attending Skal International Asia’s internal meetings, delegates explored Macao’s heritage and community districts.
MGTO organised in-depth cultural tours of Macao for delegates to visit the Historic Centre of Macao and community areas, with itineraries ranging from the Ruins of St Paul’s to Travessa da Paixão, Rua dos Ervanários, and Luís de Camões Garden, among other sites.
Founded in 1934, Skal International is a network of tourism professionals dedicated to promoting the industry and fostering friendship and contacts among its members. Currently, there are 294 Skal clubs in 75 countries and regions, including Macao, supported by approximately 12,500 members.
This is the fourth time Macao has hosted the Skal Asia Area Congress, following successful events in 1994, 2007, and 2018.
DOHA, 16 June 2026: Qatar Insurance (QIC), a leading insurer in Qatar and the MENA region, has announced the launch of new travel-related features on its QIC App to enhance the digital experience for travellers to and from Qatar.
QIC customers can now convert their loyalty Coins into Avios, the loyalty rewards currency of Qatar Airways Privilege Club, through the QIC App. The converted points can be redeemed across a wide range of travel services, including flight bookings, travel class upgrades, and purchases at Qatar Duty Free, with access to a global network spanning more than 150 destinations with Qatar Airways and its partners.
Furthermore, customers can use their Coins to pay their outbound travel insurance premiums partially. By combining Coins with other electronic payment options available on the QIC App, travellers benefit from greater flexibility and choice in securing suitable coverage, bringing peace of mind while travelling abroad.
To make travel smoother, QIC has launched the Hotels feature through the QIC App, eliminating the need to navigate multiple platforms and providing a streamlined experience that combines ease of use with competitive rates. In partnership with leading service providers and top hospitality venues, the service offers a wide range of options and deals to suit every budget, all while maintaining high standards of service and hospitality.
QIC has also launched a calendar feature in its mobile application, an all-in-one gateway that lets visitors and residents of Qatar browse events year-round.
To improve the experience of international visitors, QIC has partnered with Ooredoo to offer complimentary eSIMs to all travellers who purchase Mandatory Visitors’ Health Insurance through QIC’s digital platforms. Upon completing their purchase, customers receive a dedicated activation link that enables them to download and set up their eSIM before arriving in Qatar, ensuring seamless connectivity and easy communication with family and friends.
QIC provides a wide range of insurance packages covering global destinations. These include the “Worldwide Travel” package, which covers medical emergencies, flight delays, and loss of baggage or passports worldwide, including in the US and Canada. For travellers heading to Schengen countries, QIC provides the “Fly Europe” package (Schengen Visa Travel Insurance), which includes medical coverage of up to USD 50,000, making it a compliant and widely accepted option for visa requirements.
NEW DELHI, 16 June 2026: Air India has opened bookings for its first flights under the Government of India’s hub-and-spoke model, introducing these as ‘Easy Connect’ flights, and enabling travellers from cities beyond major hubs to drop baggage and complete immigration at the origin airport and travel seamlessly to destinations across the world.
Air India’s new Easy Connect flights will commence from Varanasi on 25 June 2026. As the lead carrier spearheading the implementation of this transformative model, Air India will be driving a phased rollout of Easy Connect flights across multiple cities in the months ahead to operationalise seamless international connectivity from India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities at scale.
Photo credit: Air India.
What hub-and-spoke flights mean for travellers
Under the hub-and-spoke model, ‘spoke’ cities such as Varanasi are connected to major ‘hub’ airports like Delhi, from where passengers can seamlessly access Air India’s extensive global network. This coordinated structure allows passengers from non-metro cities to connect efficiently to multiple international destinations through a single hub, with optimised schedules and a smooth transit experience.
At the heart of the model, designed and implemented by Air India in close coordination with industry stakeholders, is a significantly simplified and more intuitive international travel experience:
From check-in to final destination: Travellers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, such as Varanasi, can check in at their home airport and continue all the way to their final international destination without needing to collect or recheck baggage at the hub airport (such as Delhi).
Immigration at origin: Travellers will complete international immigration formalities at their originating airport, avoiding queues and processing at the hub.
Seamless international transit via ‘hub’ airport: Passengers will transit through hub airports like Delhi as international travellers, making connections faster and more efficient.
Importantly, travellers also benefit from a familiar and comfortable transit environment within India, avoiding the complexity and unfamiliarity usually associated with transiting through foreign hub airports.
Easy Connect flights from Varanasi to the world
The designated Easy Connect flight from Varanasi to Delhi will operate daily as AI1111. Within four hours of arrival at Delhi, the flight is timed to provide seamless connections to 17 international destinations, including London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Milan, Rome, Zurich, Manila, Singapore, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Riyadh, and Dubai, among others.
Subsequent Easy Connect flights with hub-and-spoke operations from other ‘spoke’ airports will be numbered in the ‘AI11XX’ series, creating a distinct network identity for these services.
The rollout will expand to several additional cities in phases over the coming months, as Air India continues to anchor and lead the implementation of this next-generation connectivity model.
Bookings for Air India’s Easy Connect flights under the new hub-and-spoke model are now open across all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, contact centre, and travel agents.
MEXICO CITY, 16 June 2026: The FIFA World Cup tournament, spanning the US, Canada and Mexico, is set to drive a surge in international travel to North America this summer, right up to the final game on 19 July, according to Trip.com booking data.
Trip.com data reveals nearly 70% year-on-year growth across the 16 host cities.
Photo credit: Trip.com
As football fans across Asia-Pacific and Europe commit to their summer plans months in advance, the data paints a vivid picture of where travellers are going, how long they are staying, and exactly what sort of trip they are on.
Demand nearly doubles in June versus July
The scale of football-driven travel demand becomes clear when the two tournament windows are compared directly. During the group stage period, total international bookings to host cities are up almost 70% year-on-year. By the knockout rounds, that growth rate falls to around 40%, still substantial but a sharp contrast to the concentrated urgency of fans following their national teams during the opening weeks of competition.
The group stage is the must-travel moment. Fans are not waiting to see how their teams perform. They are booking early and decisively, around the fixtures that matter most to them.
Japan leads the world
No market tells the 2026 story more dramatically than Japan. Japanese fans are booking flights to host cities at +250% year-on-year for the group stage, more than two and a half times the previous year’s volume and more than double the growth rate of any European nation in the same period. Even for the knockout rounds, Japan records over 100% growth, the highest of any market analysed.
This is not a general holiday demand dressed up in football colours. It is fixture-following travel at its purest. Japan’s Group Stage matches are scheduled across Dallas and Monterrey, and the booking data mirrors this precisely.
Dallas is Japan’s single most-booked host city for flights in the Group Stage, a city that barely registered on the Japanese outbound travel map twelve months ago. By the Knockout Rounds, when fixtures shift, Los Angeles becomes Japan’s top destination.
The Japan story does not stop at flight bookings. Japanese travellers are also the most adventurous when it comes to itinerary planning. Over 30% of Japanese Group Stage travellers book more than one host city, the highest multi-city rate of any market by a significant margin. Close to 10% cross two or more host countries during the Group Stage, a direct consequence of Japan’s fixtures being distributed across North America.
Japan’s top multi-city pairings during the Group Stage tell the story clearly: Dallas + Los Angeles, Dallas + Monterrey and Mexico City + Monterrey. These are not sightseeing routes but carefully planned travel itineraries around match schedules.
The Mexican cities: The less talked about accommodation story
While US and Canadian host cities attract predictable attention, the Mexican venues Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey are generating some exciting booking results across the tournament.
Monterrey’s hotel bookings are up over 40 times year-on-year during the Group Stage. Guadalajara is up over 10 times. Mexico City is up over 150%. These are not incremental gains but represent a near-total transformation of international accommodation demand in cities that were barely on the inbound travel radar before.
The driver is fixture scheduling. Japan, South Korea, and Australia’s schedules are drawing fans into a North American travel corridor that extends deep into Mexico.
Dallas tells a complementary story from the US side. Hotel bookings in Dallas are up more than 1,400% during the group stage, driven overwhelmingly by demand from Japan and Korea.
The football road trip is a myth
Despite the romance of a cross-continental football adventure, the data tells a more pragmatic story. The majority of fans book travel to just one host destination per trip.
Multi-market travel is highest among Japanese fans in the group stage and lowest among South Korean fans in the Knockout Rounds.
In every other market and period, single-market trips dominate, with travellers focusing on 1 or more cities within a single North American country.
Lead times and loyalty: Forward planners vs the late deciders
The gap in booking behaviour between the Group Stage and the Knockout Round is fascinating. Travelling fans booking for July, the later, more uncertain tournament phase, are planning further in advance than those booking for June.
For the group stage, flight booking lead times across markets range from 80 to 95 days. For the knockout rounds, the same markets are booking 96 to 127 days out.
Germany leads both periods, booking hotels an average of 138 days before travel. That’s nearly five months in advance of a match whose participants are not yet confirmed.
This pattern suggests that knockout round travellers represent a highly committed segment, with fans hoping their team will advance. Attractions bookings tend to show the opposite trend, with shorter lead times across all markets, suggesting fans finalise their non-football plans on a wait-and-see basis.
Trip duration: From short breaks to extended holidays
Average trip lengths vary dramatically by market. Japanese travellers take the shortest trips, averaging just 8 days in the group stage and 11 days in the knockout rounds, reflecting a fixture-focused, time-efficient approach. Spanish fans take the longest, averaging 24 days in the group stage and 17 days in July.
Australian fans average 23 days in the Group Stage, then 18 days in July. French fans remain consistent at 18 days across both periods. The relative stability of European trip durations across both windows suggests that these travellers are building fixed-length North American itineraries centred on football.
Hotel preferences: Budget dominates, but premium emerges in July
Across most markets, three- and four-star hotels account for the vast majority of bookings, while demand for five-star hotels shows single-digit growth. Japan is the most budget-conscious, with over 61% of Group Stage hotel bookings at the three-star level. South Korea is the most luxury-oriented among the group stage teams.
In the Knockout Rounds, five-star demand increases across almost every market compared to the Group Stage. France leads the way with the largest increase in five-star hotel bookings.
New York dominates as the preferred city for four-star and five-star bookings across the majority of markets in both periods, cementing its status as the tournament’s prestige destination.
BANGKOKI, 16 June 2026: The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Amazing Thailand: Feel All The Feelings’ campaign — anchored by BLACKPINK’s Lisa Lalisa Manoban as Thailand’s global tourism ambassador — is doing more than generating buzz. It’s moving travellers.
Traveloka’s latest platform data shows a direct correlation between the campaign featured destinations and growing search and booking interest, validating TAT’s strategy and reflecting a broader shift in how pop culture is reshaping travel decisions.
Udon Thani emerges as one of the campaign’s most notable breakout destinations: Home to the Red Lotus Sea.
TAT estimates the initiative could attract at least 5 to 10 million additional international visitors and generate between THB250 and 500 billion in tourism revenue — contributing to Thailand’s overall tourism revenue target of THB3 trillion in 2026.Traveloka’s data suggests that momentum is already building on the ground.
Thailand’s overall travel demand is strengthening
Traveloka platform data for 2026 shows domestic travel in Thailand growing 25%, while inbound travel demand has risen 10% — signalling sustained and broad-based interest in Thailand as a destination. The campaign is landing at a moment when traveller intent is already high, amplifying existing momentum rather than building from scratch.
Inbound demand is being driven primarily by regional Asian markets. Top booking nationalities on Traveloka include Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan, followed by the Philippines, China, Australia, Korea, and Taiwan. This diverse inbound mix reflects Thailand’s wide regional appeal and the global reach of the Lisa-led campaign.
Udon Thani, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Rayong emerge as global bucket list destinations. Traveloka data indicates that accommodation booking demand from SEA travellers to Thailand has grown by more than 30% compared to last year, and thecampaign’ss featured destinations are capturing a meaningful share of that momentum.
Search and booking interest across TAT’s spotlighted locations points to a direct link between the campaign’s storytelling and real traveller intent.
Udon Thani is emerging as one of the campaign’s most notable breakout destinations. Home to the Red Lotus Sea — a lake blanketed with blooming pink lotus flowers during the cooler months — the destination is attracting growing international interest, particularly for boat photography experiences.
In Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is also gaining traction among international travellers seeking immersive, slower-paced, and nature-rich experiences. Traveloka data shows increasing search interest in cultural landmarks such as Wat Chedi Luang, reflecting a broader shift toward experiential travel.
Meanwhile, Bangkok continues to anchor Thailand’s global appeal, with iconic landmarks like Wat Arun remaining among the most consistently searched cultural attractions on Traveloka.
Beyond major hubs, Thailand’s coastal charm is drawing attention to quieter destinations such as Koh Thalu in Rayong, appealing to travellers seeking serene beach escapes.
Traveloka Country Manager Thipaporn Daungmak said: “The data tells a clear story — when compelling storytelling meets the right platform, inspiration becomes action. We’re seeing travellers move beyond Thailand’s traditional hotspots and actively seek out destinations they’ve discovered through the campaign. Traveloka’s role is to make that journey from discovery to booking as seamless as possible.”
About Traveloka Traveloka is Southeast Asia’s leading all-in-one travel platform connecting millions globally with trusted, world-class experiences. Founded in 2012, Traveloka has operations in Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. With over 140 million app downloads and more than 40 million monthly active users, Traveloka stands as one of the most popular travel apps in the region.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, 16 June 2026: Fusion Hotel Group and Hotel Management Japan have entered into a partnership to shape the next chapter of hospitality excellence in Asia.
By bringing together Fusion’s wellness‑driven approach and strong presence in Vietnam and Southeast Asia with HMJ’s proven operational expertise in Japan, the collaboration lays the groundwork for greater scale, stronger brand impact, and accelerated regional growth.
(From left to right: Shinya Shimabukuro, David Roberts, Junichi Araki, Christopher Hur, Tanya Chiaranussati, Suchad Chiaranussati.
The partnership will focus on three core areas: Sales and Marketing, Brand and Design, and Human Resources. By aligning resources and expertise, both groups aim to expand market reach, elevate guest experience, and strengthen operational consistency across their combined portfolio.
Key initiatives include sharing customer insights, harmonising sales and marketing systems, integrating Fusion’s signature wellness‑driven brand elements into selected HMJ properties, and developing cross‑border training programs for employees in Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan.
HMJ Chief Operating Officer of Hotel Management Japan, Junichi Araki, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Fusion Hotel Group. As a leading operator in Japan, HMJ sees tremendous potential in combining our operational strengths with Fusion’s growing influence in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. This collaboration enhances our collective scale and positions both organisations to pursue new opportunities across the region.”
Fusion Hotel Group Chief Executive Officer Christopher Hur added: “Japan is one of the most important markets in our regional vision, and HMJ has long been a benchmark for operational excellence in the country. By pairing HMJ’s scale and expertise with Fusion’s strong presence in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, we are creating a more robust regional platform with greater reach and capability. This partnership marks an important step in our long‑term strategy to expand our footprint and elevate hospitality standards across Asia.”
BANGKOK, 16 June 2026: Bangkok Airways has activated its “Low Carbon Skies” campaign to reduce environmental impact while creating shared value for communities, society, and stakeholders through its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework.
From Samui Island to Trat, and from in-house organic gardens to low-carbon skies, Bangkok Airways brings this concept to life through its “Four Ways to Restore. One Change for Nature” initiative, which combines five key projects that demonstrate a tangible sustainability ecosystem.
Photo credit: Bangkok Airways.
These initiatives integrate aviation, airports, communities, society, and the environment to drive balanced and long-term growth.
“Four Ways to Restore” – Restoring ecosystems and creating shared value with communities
Nature plays a vital role in absorbing and storing carbon dioxide. Ecosystem restoration and conservation are therefore essential in addressing climate change, while also enhancing quality of life and strengthening local communities.
Planting Coconut Trees: Revitalising Samui Island
Coconut trees are a symbol of Samui Island and an integral part of local livelihoods. To preserve both environmental and cultural sustainability, Bangkok Airways has continued the “Love Earth, Save Earth: Love Samui, Save the Coconut Tree” project for the eighth consecutive year.
The airline monitors the growth of planted coconut trees, which are expected to sequester more than 8,216 kg CO₂e when fully grown. Beyond environmental benefits, the project also supports the local economy and helps preserve the island’s identity as a world-class destination.
Planting Seagrass: Restoring marine balance
Marine ecosystems play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, particularly seagrass, which is recognised as a highly efficient Blue Carbon ecosystem.
Through its employee volunteer group, “Blue Volunteers,” Bangkok Airways has partnered with the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre of the Gulf of Thailand to plant over 13,000 seagrass seedlings across more than 10 rai of coastal area.
This initiative helps restore coastal ecosystems, create nursery grounds for marine life, enhance biodiversity, and increase the natural capacity for carbon absorption, reflecting the airline’s commitment to “passing on care to the sea” for sustainable community value.
Mangrove forests are vital ecosystems that provide coastal protection, serve as breeding grounds for marine species, and act as significant carbon sinks.
Bangkok Airways has continued its mangrove reforestation project in Trat Province for the sixth consecutive year by planting mangrove trees, reinforcing coastal seedlings, dispersing local seeds, and releasing marine animals back into the wild.
These efforts contribute to ecosystem restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and long-term balance of natural resources, while fostering community and employee participation in environmental conservation.
Photo credit: Bangkok Airways.
Planting Organic Gardens: Turning food waste into value
Sustainability begins within the organisation. Bangkok Airways has launched the “GROW Together Farm” initiative, transforming food waste from its headquarters and passenger lounges into organic fertiliser through waste management systems.
Employees actively cultivate a variety of vegetables, including basil, holy basil, kale, coriander, Chinese cabbage, and morning glory. This reflects the principles of the circular economy, maximising resource utilisation, reducing landfill waste, and fostering a culture of sustainability through employee engagement at all levels.
Transitioning to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
In addition to ecosystem restoration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from flight operations is a key mission. Bangkok Airways has therefore advanced its transition to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for commercial flights, a process that officially began in July 2025.
SAF is produced from renewable feedstocks and recycled waste such as used cooking oil and agricultural residues. Currently, the airline uses a 1% SAF blend with 99% Jet A-1 fuel.
This initiative helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 128 kilograms per flight, marking a significant step toward a low-carbon aviation industry and aligning with the global aviation sector’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality.
LANGKAWI, 15 June 2026: When Langkawi was recognised as Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark in 2007, it marked a defining moment for the island.
Beyond international recognition, it represented a long-term commitment towards protecting natural heritage, empowering communities, and building a more sustainable future through tourism.
Today, Langkawi’s UNESCO Global Geopark status continues to shape the island through five interconnected pillars: Geoconservation, Geoeducation, Geotourism, Sustainable Development, and Community Participation.
Together, these pillars not only guide conservation and tourism efforts on the island, but also continue to influence how Langkawi positions itself to the world.
As Langkawi celebrates another milestone in its UNESCO Global Geopark journey, the anniversary serves as a reminder that the recognition has never simply been about status but about building a destination where nature, people, culture and tourism can thrive together.
Langkawi’s geological landscapes tell stories that stretch back over 500 million years. Ancient rock formations, limestone karsts, caves, mangrove ecosystems, and unique biodiversity are among the reasons the island earned UNESCO recognition in the first place.
Since becoming a UNESCO Global Geopark, conservation efforts across Langkawi have continued to evolve with a stronger emphasis on protecting these natural assets for future generations. Key areas such as Kilim Karst Geoforest, Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest, and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest remain important conservation zones where environmental protection and tourism coexist in a careful balance.
Mangrove conservation within Kilim Karst Geoforest, for example, plays an important role in protecting wildlife habitats, marine ecosystems, and natural coastal resilience.
Meanwhile, Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest preserves some of the oldest geological formations in Southeast Asia, making it not only environmentally significant but globally valuable from a geological perspective.
Today, geoconservation remains one of the strongest foundations of Langkawi’s tourism identity — reinforcing the idea that preserving nature is essential to preserving the island itself.
Geoeducation: Turning Langkawi Into A Living Classroom
Education has become another key pillar of the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark story. Over the years, Langkawi has evolved into a living classroom for students, researchers, local communities, tourism operators, and visitors from around the world. Geological heritage is no longer viewed purely through a scientific lens, but as something people can experience through storytelling, guided tours, interactive learning, and nature-based exploration. Initiatives such as the Geopark Discovery Centre and “Geopark to School” programmes have helped raise awareness of geology, biodiversity, conservation, and environmental responsibility.
Guided mangrove tours within the Kilim Karst Geoforest often incorporate educational storytelling about the ecosystem, wildlife, and the landscape’s geological history.
This emphasis on geoeducation has encouraged a more meaningful tourism experience, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the island’s ecological and cultural significance.
Geotourism: Experiencing Langkawi Through Nature And Heritage
As a UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi’s tourism approach goes beyond sightseeing alone. Geotourism focuses on experiences that connect visitors more meaningfully with the island’s landscapes, heritage, culture, and local communities.
Today, many of Langkawi’s tourism experiences are closely tied to its geopark identity — from mangrove kayaking and cave explorations to geological site visits, eco-cruises, island-hopping experiences, and guided nature trails.
Rather than positioning nature simply as a backdrop, geotourism encourages visitors to understand better the stories, ecosystems, and heritage behind the places they explore.
This approach has also helped strengthen Langkawi’s destination positioning internationally, particularly among travellers seeking more sustainable, educational, and nature-connected travel experiences.
Sustainable Development: Building A Tourism Future That Lasts
The UNESCO Global Geopark recognition has helped encourage tourism models that support local livelihoods, preserve environmental integrity, and create long-term economic opportunities without compromising the island’s natural and cultural assets.
One example can be seen in Pulau Tuba, where community-based tourism initiatives have helped spotlight local culture, traditional lifestyles, and low-impact tourism experiences.
Homestays, fishing village experiences, local craft-making, and community-led tourism activities demonstrate how tourism can directly benefit local communities while preserving the island’s identity and environment.
At the same time, eco-tourism initiatives across Langkawi continue to promote more responsible ways to experience the island through lower-impact, conservation-conscious activities.
As global tourism continues to evolve, Langkawi’s geopark philosophy positions sustainability not as a trend but as a long-term commitment.
Community Participation: The People Behind The Geopark
At the heart of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark is its people. Community participation remains one of the most important elements behind the geopark’s continued success.
From local guides and fishermen to tourism operators, schools, small businesses, and village communities, many stakeholders play an active role in preserving and sharing Langkawi’s natural and cultural heritage.
Communities such as those in Pulau Tuba have increasingly become part of the geopark experience itself — helping visitors connect not only with landscapes, but also with the traditions, livelihoods, and stories that shape life on the island.
Looking Ahead
As Langkawi celebrates its UNESCO Global Geopark anniversary, the recognition continues to serve as both an achievement and an ongoing responsibility.
The anniversary also arrives ahead of the upcoming symposium in September, where Langkawi is expected to welcome delegates, researchers, policymakers, and geopark representatives from around the world. The event will further reinforce Langkawi’s position as a globally recognised geopark destination and an important voice in conversations surrounding conservation, education, sustainability, and responsible tourism.
More importantly, it reflects how the geopark journey continues to evolve — not only through policy and tourism development, but through the shared efforts of communities, conservationists, educators and industry players working together to protect what makes Langkawi unique.
Ultimately, Langkawi’s UNESCO Global Geopark status represents a continuing commitment to ensuring that nature, heritage, tourism and community can grow hand in hand for generations to come.
KUCHING, 15 June 2026: As AI continues to reshape newsrooms around the world, 35 media practitioners from across Sarawak are building the skills needed to harness the technology through the “AI Masterclass: Strategic Usage, Productivity & Efficiency”, a training initiative by Business Events Sarawak’s (BESarawak) in collaboration with the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) and Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) Sarawak Branch.
The masterclass equips practitioners with the knowledge and tools to use AI responsibly and effectively, strengthening the quality, accuracy, and impact of business events journalism.
Through this collaboration, BESarawak, KDJA, and CJA are promoting continuous professional development to support a future-ready media industry and enhance journalists’ ability to report on issues that matter to Sarawak’s development, including the impact of business events.
“The masterclass reflects our commitment to our core value of driving impact together. Continuous learning and knowledge-sharing are essential in building a stronger media ecosystem that supports the growth of the business events industry,” said BESarawak’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Jason Tan Chin Foo.
“Equipping media practitioners with emerging technologies is important to ensure stories about business events continue to create meaningful outcomes for communities. It also helps stakeholders better understand the role business events play in advancing Sarawak’s economic growth, knowledge development and long-term aspirations.”
KDJA President Ronnie Teo said journalists should embrace AI as a tool that supports, rather than replaces, professional judgement.
“We need the media community to move beyond ‘churnalism’ and leverage AI to support deeper research, stronger storytelling and more meaningful journalism. AI literacy will help journalists uncover important issues, tell compelling stories, and serve the public interest more effectively,” said Teo.
“We are pleased to collaborate with BESarawak and CJA in providing opportunities for Sarawak’s media practitioners to upskill and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.”
Meanwhile, CJA Sarawak Branch President Nancy Nais said the masterclass was designed to help journalists use AI strategically in their daily work.
“Beyond the technology itself, this masterclass is about investing in the future of our media community. As the industry evolves, journalists need the confidence and skills to use AI effectively while upholding the principles of accuracy, credibility and public trust,” she said.
“By building AI literacy, we are helping media practitioners remain relevant, competitive and better equipped to deliver quality journalism that serves communities across Sarawak.”
With the media playing a vital role in Sarawak’s business events ecosystem, this masterclass forms part of BESarawak’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and enhance journalistic capacity among industry stakeholders. It also supports Sarawak’s aspiration to become a knowledge-driven destination that embraces innovation and delivers long-term impact through business events.
