HO CHI MINH CITY, 24 September 2025: Pandaw Cruises, a pioneer of small-ship expeditions in Southeast Asia, has named Yves Van Kerrebroeck as its new commercial director.
Based in Ho Chi Minh City, he brings over 15 years of regional expertise and a proven record in the global travel industry, making him a key addition as Pandaw enters its 30th year of operations and looks to expand into new markets.
(From left) Director of Operations Antoni Strachan, Roser Strachan, Founder and CEO Paul Strachan and Commercial Director Yves Van Kerrebroeck.
Kerrebroeck joins Pandaw with extensive senior leadership experience across Southeast Asia’s travel and hospitality sector. He has a strong record of driving destination development and commercial growth in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, consistently championing culturally respectful, sustainable, and community-positive travel.
“Yves’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Pandaw,” said Pandaw Cruises CEO and Founder Paul Strachan. “As we expand our routes into India and explore opportunities in Southern Europe, his deep knowledge of Southeast Asia and sharp commercial insight will help us grow without losing sight of what makes Pandaw unique.”
As commercial director, Kerrebroeck will lead Pandaw’s global commercial strategy, including developing new itineraries, strengthening partnerships with agents and trade networks, and expanding market reach.
His immediate priorities will include the launch of the Kerala Backwaters expedition in October 2025 and assessing opportunities for future growth in Europe’s river cruise markets.
NEW DELHI, 24 September: AVIAREPS India successfully hosted the inaugural edition of its global “Around the World Roadshow”, bringing the roadshow series to Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad.
With over 200 travel agents in attendance, the three-city event provided a powerful platform for global partners to engage directly with the Indian travel trade.
Photo credit: AVIAREPS.
The roadshow brought together a lineup of international partners, including Scalo Milano and Trenitalia from Italy; Mini Europe, Atomium, Belgium Beer World, and Visit Brussels from Belgium; Sarova Hotels & Resorts from Kenya; and the Utah Office of Tourism, along with American Airlines from the US.
This diverse participation highlighted the strong interest of global tourism boards, attractions, and hospitality brands in the Indian outbound travel market.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to our first Around the World Roadshow in India”, commented AVIAREPS India General Manager, Ellona Pereira. “This platform allowed us to connect global partners with the right audience, creating strong opportunities for future business.”
Trenitalia Chief Sales Officer commented: “The AVIAREPS Roadshow proved to be a good choice for Trenitalia’s first visit to India: the team was able to connect with dozens of carefully selected new operators. Trenitalia is committed to expanding its network of partners, promoting Italy as a destination, and enhancing sustainable travel experiences with the comfort and quality of Trenitalia’s rail services.”
The successful launch underscores India’s growing significance as a key outbound market and reinforces AVIAREPS’ commitment to connecting global tourism brands with Indian travellers.
BANGKOK, 23 September 2025: Thai Airways International confirms additional flight cancellation between Bangkok and Hong Kong due to the impact of typhoon ‘Ragasa’.
23 September 2025
– Flight TG638 Bangkok – Hong Kong / TG639 Hong Kong – Bangkok
– Flight TG602 Bangkok – Hong Kong
24 September 2025
– Flight TG603 Hong Kong – Bangkok
– Flight TG600 Bangkok – Hong Kong / TG601 Hong Kong – Bangkok
– Flight TG628 Bangkok – Hong Kong / TG629 Hong Kong – Bangkok
– Flight TG638 Bangkok – Hong Kong / TG639 Hong Kong – Bangkok
– Flight TG602 Bangkok – Hong Kong
25 September 2025
– Flight TG603 Hong Kong – Bangkok
For further information, please visit the THAI Contact Centre at +66-2356-1111 (available 24 hours) or the Global Contact Centre at +852 2495 1115.
Super Typhoon Ragasa has caused significant disruption to airline flights across Southeast Asia, particularly in and around Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The storm’s high winds and torrential rain have led to widespread flight cancellations and delays.
Hong Kong
Airlines like Cathay Pacific and HK Express have cancelled hundreds of flights, with services expected to be heavily curtailed or suspended for an extended period. The airport authorities have advised that flight movements would be sharply reduced.
Taiwan
Airlines such as Thai Airways, China Airlines (CAL), and Tigerair Taiwan have either cancelled or rescheduled international and domestic flights due to the typhoon warnings.
Philippines
As the storm, locally known as “Nando,” has battered northern Luzon, authorities in the Philippines have suspended work and classes, and flights have been impacted as a result.
Airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status regularly through their official websites, apps, or customer service centres before heading to the airport. They are also offering rebooking options and waiving ticket change fees for affected travellers.
After making landfall in China, the typhoon is expected to weaken significantly as it moves over land and interacts with a cold air mass moving south from the continent.
Reaching Vietnam
The storm is forecast to enter the Gulf of Tonkin and make landfall in northern Vietnam, with a predicted landfall around 25 Thursday, September 2025. The main impact will be felt in the coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Ha Tinh provinces, with heavy rain and strong winds.
NEW DELHI, 23 September 2025: Air India Express will start daily direct flights between Bengaluru and Bangkok on 18 October, offering travellers from Bengaluru and neighbouring regions convenient, non-stop connectivity to Thailand.
Photo credit: Air India Express.
To celebrate the launch, special introductory Xpress Value fares start at INR16,800 for a round trip. The one-way fare for Bengaluru – Bangkok is INR9,000 and Bangkok – Bengaluru is INR8,850. Bookings are now open on the airline’s website, mobile app, and primary booking channels.
This new direct route to the Thai capital provides greater choice and convenience for both leisure and business travellers, strengthening Air India Express’ presence in Thailand. The airline already connects Bangkok with Lucknow, Pune, and Surat in India, and operates direct flights between Hyderabad and Phuket.
Bengaluru is the largest domestic station of Air India Express, with 440 weekly flights directly connecting 30 domestic destinations and four international destinations. The airline has recently expanded its domestic network from Bengaluru, launching new direct services to Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun, enhancing connectivity between the tech capital and these cities.
Air India Express offers ‘Xpress Biz’ seats, the airline’s business-class equivalent, across more than 40 new aircraft, along with ‘Xpress Ahead’ priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.
NEW DELHI, 23 September 2025: Celebrated from 28 September to 5 October, Durga Puja in Bengal is not just a festival — it’s an emotion that sweeps through every street, courtyard, and community.
As the sound of dhak drums echoes and pandals glow with breathtaking artistry, the state transforms into a vibrant stage where devotion meets creativity.
Photo credit: Thomas Cook India. Siliguri, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, offers a unique Durga Puja experience.
As Bengal gears up for its grandest celebration, Durga Puja, the region comes alive with devotion, artistry, and community spirit. To help travellers plan their festive journey, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have curated a list of five destinations that capture the magic of Durga Puja in Bengal. From Kolkata’s bustling alleys to the serene towns of North Bengal, these places promise an unforgettable immersion into Bengal’s cultural soul.
1.Kolkata – The Heartbeat of Durga Puja
Kolkata* is the epicentre of Durga Puja celebrations, where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly. The city’s famous pandals—like Kumartuli Park, College Street, and Ballygunge Cultural—are known for their awe-inspiring themes and intricate idols. Bonedi bari (ancestral house) pujas in North Kolkata give a glimpse into centuries-old customs. Pandal-hopping on crisp autumn nights, while sampling street food like phuchkas and kathi rolls, is an experience that defines the season.
2.Shantiniketan – A Cultural and Artistic Escape
Shantiniketan, the land of Rabindranath Tagore, offers a more serene and artistic take on Durga Puja. The celebrations here are intertwined with Bengal’s literary and cultural heritage. Folk performances, baul music, and local handicrafts set the tone for a soulful festive experience. The peaceful ambience and open-air festivities make it perfect for travellers who want to soak in the spirit of Puja without the overwhelming crowds.
3.Durgapur – Community Spirit and Contemporary Pujas
In Durgapur, Durga Puja is celebrated with community warmth and vibrant modern themes. Its pandals showcase a blend of traditional rituals and contemporary artistry, making it an excellent choice for families. Cultural programs, local fairs, and food stalls add to the festive cheer, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors who want to experience Bengal’s communal spirit up close.
4.Siliguri – Festivities with Himalayan Backdrops
Siliguri, nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, offers a unique Durga Puja experience. The city’s pandals reflect both traditional motifs and innovative designs, all set against breathtaking mountain views. The cooler weather makes pandal-hopping a delight, and the location is ideal for travellers who wish to combine the festivities with a quick getaway to Darjeeling or Kalimpong.
5.Cooch Behar – Royal Traditions and Heritage Charm
Cooch Behar, with its palatial architecture and regal history, celebrates Durga Puja with a sense of grandeur and heritage. The festivities often take place in historic courtyards and royal settings, offering visitors a glimpse into Bengal’s aristocratic past. Its slightly offbeat location makes it a hidden gem for those seeking a distinctive cultural experience.
Durga Puja in Bengal is more than a festival—it’s a living tapestry of devotion, art, music, and community. Whether you’re mesmerised by Kolkata’s dazzling pandals, enchanted by Shantiniketan’s artistic ambience, or drawn to the royal splendour of Cooch Behar, each destination offers a unique slice of Bengal’s festive spirit. Travelling through the state during Durga Puja means immersing yourself in its traditions, savouring its flavours, and witnessing a celebration that unites millions in joy.
With their curated list, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel invite travellers to embark on a journey through these incredible places and truly experience the heart of Bengal during Durga Puja.
*Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Sharadotsava, is a major Hindu festival honouring the goddess Durga and commemorating her victory over Mahishasura. In 2021, ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Source: Wikipedia).
DUBAI, UAE, 23 September 2025: Emirates is celebrating the German festival Oktoberfest with traditional Bavarian cuisine and an array of German entertainment onboard flights to and from Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt, as well as in German airport lounges until 5 October.
Oktoberfest onboard Emirates will see customers enjoy traditional treats and meals across all classes, bistro bites in the iconic A380 Onboard Lounge, a new Oktoberfest-style movie snack in First Class, and a variety of classic Oktoberfest dishes in the world-class airport lounges.
Across the airport lounges of Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Düsseldorf, an array of dishes and drinks will be offered to customers, including Oktoberfest beer, Käsepätzle with melted cheese and roasted onions, light bites of Obatzda and pretzel – a cheese delicacy, Wurstsalat sausage salad, essential pretzels and chicken sausages with sauerkraut, or chicken thighs with Bavarian potato salad.
Emirates will be celebrating Oktoberfest on board triple daily flights from Dubai to Frankfurt, and double daily flights to Munich, Düsseldorf and Hamburg. For more information on flights or to make a booking, visit www.emirates.com.
SINGAPORE, 23 September 2025: H World Group Limited, a leading Chinese hospitality group, announced the signing of three new JI Hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The milestone marks H World’s debut in Malaysia and further expands JI Hotel’s footprint in Southeast Asia, underscoring its commitment to building a diversified, asset-light portfolio across the region.
Rendering of JI Hotel Downtown Kuala Lumpur, the first JI Hotel in Malaysia.
“This is an exciting step in our Asia Pacific strategy,” said H World Asia Pacific President Murphy Zhu. “By introducing JI Hotel to Malaysia and deepening our presence in Cambodia, we are extending the international reach of one of our flagship brands.
“Beyond introducing a highly recognised Chinese brand, we are also bringing the strength of H World’s supply chain, development expertise, and digital capabilities to our partners across Southeast Asia.”
The new JI Hotel in Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, expected to open in Q4 2026, marks H World’s first hotel in Malaysia.
Zhu said H World is thrilled to introduce its flagship JI Hotel to Malaysia, as the hospitality leader is expanding its presence in Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.
Three JI Hotels will open in 2026
JI Hotel Downtown Kuala Lumpur: Developed in partnership with Saadiq Tri Venture, this 101-room hotel is expected to open in Q4 2026 in the Dang Wangi district of Kuala Lumpur. Featuring the latest JI Hotel 5.0 design, the property will blend oriental aesthetics with modern comfort.
JI Hotel Phnom Penh City Centre: Situated in the city’s central business and government district, this 130-room property will transform an existing building into a new benchmark for midscale hospitality. It is scheduled to open in Q2 2026.
JI Hotel Phnom Penh Mekong Riverside, a 110-room new-build property overlooking the Mekong River, is scheduled to open in Q3 2026. With direct access to Phnom Penh’s cultural landmarks, the hotel will combine river-view dining with local cultural experiences.
Murphy Zhu commented: “Beyond introducing a highly recognised Chinese hotel brand to international markets, we are also bringing the strength of H World’s supply chain, development expertise, and cost efficiency to our partners.”
Path to overseas expansion
In July 2025, H World International announced the signing of Steigenberger Phnom Penh, the brand’s first entry into Cambodia.
In May 2025, H World entered the Laotian market with four signings in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, introducing IntercityHotel, Orange, and JI Hotel to the country. Notably, the Orange Hotel project marked the brand’s global debut outside China.
H World opened its first hotel in Cambodia — MAXX Phnom Penh Downtown on 28 December 2024. It was MAXX’s first project in the Asia Pacific region.
The latest announcement on expansion coincided with the sixth anniversary of the JI Hotel Orchard Road, Singapore, the brand’s first overseas property.
About H World Group Limited Headquartered in China, H World Group Limited (NASDAQ: HTHT; HK: 01179) is a leading global hospitality company with a diversified portfolio including Steigenberger Icons, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, MAXX, HanTing, JI Hotel and Crystal Orange Hotel.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, 23 September: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, successfully concluded its ‘Experience Goa’ Roadshow in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, last week.
The event marked another milestone in Goa Tourism’s global outreach initiative aimed at positioning Goa as a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable destination far beyond its beaches.
(Left) Kedar Naik, Director Tourism, Government of Goa, met with Alok Pandey, Minister/PR to SCO-RATS (Right) at the Goa Roadshow in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said: “Our roadshow in Tashkent opened new avenues for collaboration and connectivity with the Uzbek travel trade. We are excited to welcome more travellers from Uzbekistan to experience Goa’s heritage, festivals, wellness, and adventure offerings.”
Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Kedar Naik added: “The Tashkent Roadshow has reinforced Goa’s image as a year-round destination offering authentic and memorable experiences. Our engagement with Uzbekistan’s travel trade has laid a strong foundation for future partnerships and growth.”
The roadshow targeted leading tour operators, travel agents, airline partners, and dignitaries from Uzbekistan, who engaged in one-on-one interactions with Goa Tourism to explore potential collaboration opportunities. The showcase highlighted Goa’s diverse offerings — heritage, culture, wellness, adventure and festivals and introduced campaigns, ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ and ‘Regenerative Tourism’.
KOTA KINABALU, 23 September 2025: Tourism Malaysia ramped up domestic promotions through the Sabah & Labuan Meet East Coast Roadshow held from 21 to 23 September.
This year’s roadshow, organised in collaboration with Sabah Tourism Board and Labuan Corporation, targeted travel trade partners in Kelantan and Pahang, aiming to strengthen ties and boost travel from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Labuan.
Sabah and Labuan travel sellers join Tourism Malaysia roadshow.
Taking place in Kota Bharu and Kuantan, the roadshow comprised 15 tourism and hospitality players from Sabah and Labuan — travel agencies, tour operators, tourism associations, and a hotelier engaged with their East Coast counterparts, exploring new collaborations and partnerships during business-to-business (B2B) sessions.
Beyond networking, the programme featured two inspirational speakers offering comprehensive insights into the attractions and experiences of Sabah and Labuan, inviting visitors to discover their diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
With the support of the Kelantan and Pahang state governments, more than 100 travel content buyers from East Coast Malaysia joined the roadshow presentations.
Tourism Malaysia Sabah Director Haryanty Abu Bakar emphasised the strategic importance of the roadshow: “In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), we are adopting a more aggressive approach to diversify tourism package offerings and enhance promotional activities across all states to boost interstate travel.
AirAsia supports accessibility between Sabah and East Coast Peninsular Malaysia via three flights weekly. With the increased network collaboration and growing two-way domestic tourism demand, we hope this will encourage other airlines to expand into this vital sector.”
According to the latest data released by the Sabah Tourism Board, Sabah welcomed 2,119,813 visitor arrivals from January to July 2025, representing a 20.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. International visitor arrivals reached 854,648, while domestic arrivals totalled 1,265,165.
SINGAPORE, 23 September 2025: Munich Airport has kicked off the Oktoberfest season with traditional costume groups from the Isargau Trachtenverband e. V. and Lufthansa’s famous traditional costume crew set the festive mood for the 190th ‘Wiesn’ (Oktoberfest) that runs from 20 September to 5 October.
This year, the Lufthansa traditional costume crew flew to Shanghai, China, on 20 September. A visit to Seoul, South Korea, is scheduled for 29 September. As in previous years, there will be further traditional costume flights to selected destinations in Europe.
Photo credit: Munich Airport.
The Lufthansa traditional costume flights at Munich Airport began in 2006. The first crew in Bavarian attire took off from Munich to New York on 1 September 2006. Since then, they have visited over 30 destinations worldwide. This brought back an idea that had already delighted guests on board in 1957. During Oktoberfest, the airline serves Bavarian specialities in business class, and similar delicacies are offered in the Lufthansa lounges in Munich Airport’s Terminal 2.
During the 16 days of Oktoberfest, the airport expects more than 16,000 takeoffs and landings with approximately 2.3 million passengers — that’s a passenger increase of 4% compared to the same period last year. Due to the high volume of traffic, passengers should allow more time for their journey, baggage check-in, and security checks at the airport.
Throughout the 16 days of Oktoberfest, Munich Airport welcomes arriving guests in Terminal 2 with gingerbread hearts and roasted almonds. Traditional costume groups perform in the public area and behind the security checkpoints on selected days. In addition, pop-up stores from ‘Trachtendealer’ and ‘Bavarian Caps’ open with special offers for the festive season. Starting on 20 September, Airbräu invites visitors to celebrate on the weekends with live music and the 20th tapping of the festival beer ‘Gaudium’.
