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Kuching hosts healthcare event

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Your Stories
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KUCHING, 16 February 2026: As the world faces increasingly complex and interconnected crises, the World Society of Disaster Nursing is convening healthcare professionals and emergency disaster managers to advance more sustainable, human-centred approaches to disaster preparedness and response at the 9th International Research Conference of the World Society of Disaster Nursing (WSDN 2026).

Taking place from 17 to 19 September 2026 in Kuching at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), WSDN 2026 will welcome over 500 delegates from around the world. Under the theme “Accelerate Networking: A Catalyst to Go Over the Horizon”, the conference will serve as a platform for meaningful exchange on emerging technologies, innovative solutions, and practical strategies that enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery across diverse healthcare systems.

WSDN 2026 has attracted over 500 registered delegates from around the world to convene in Kuching this September.

Beyond knowledge sharing, the WSDN 2026 is expected to deliver strong economic value to Sarawak, generating an estimated RM4.1 million in Total Economic Impact and supporting over 300 jobs, benefiting the local tourism, hospitality, and services sectors.

“From natural disasters to public health emergencies, Sarawak understands the importance of preparedness and resilience. WSDN 2026 aligns closely with Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 by strengthening resilient, inclusive, and future-ready public health systems. While disaster response differs across regions, this conference allows us to build a common understanding of more sustainable ways to protect lives and support communities during disasters,” stated The Honourable Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Sarawak, who chaired today’s press conference.

“Beyond advancing the global medical and disaster nursing agenda, WSDN 2026 provides a platform to examine how local communities can play an active role in disaster preparedness and response. This emphasis on shared outcomes, capacity building, and long-term value reflects Sarawak’s commitment to collaborative, impact-focused business events that deliver meaningful benefits for people and communities,” said Jason Tan Chin Foo, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).

“This year, WSDN 2026 will integrate technology more deeply into its programme through the use of Augmented Reality in Tabletop Exercises (AR-TTX), a more realistic learning approach that simulates real-life disaster situations. AR-TTX allows participants to strengthen responses and facilitate better decision-making in real emergencies,” said Dr Nurul’Ain Ahayalimudin, Conference Chair of WSDN 2026. “We believe technology plays a critical role in strengthening how we prepare for and respond to emergencies, hence innovation and technology in disaster nursing and emergency response are one of the key focus areas of WSDN 2026.”

The conference will feature globally recognised experts in disaster nursing and emergency response, including Prof. Dr Aileen M. Marty from the University of Miami (USA), Prof. Dr Jamie Ranse from Griffith University (Australia), and Prof. Dr Sonoe Mashino from the University of Hyogo (Japan), alongside leading regional practitioners and researchers shaping the future of disaster healthcare worldwide.

The WSDN 2026 Conference is organised by the Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and supported by the World Society of Disaster Nursing (WSDN), Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), and the Association for Malaysian Emergency Nurses (AMEN). 

Emergency responders, disaster managers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers are encouraged to participate in WSDN 2026 and help strengthen disaster preparedness and response. 

For more information on conference highlights, registration, and participation opportunities, visit www.wsdn2026.com.

For more information on BESarawak, visit: Business Events Sarawak. 

(Source: Your Stories — BESarawak)

Sarawak joins ASTINDO Travel Fair

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Your Stories
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JAKARTA, 16 February 2026: Sarawak Tourism Board participated in the ASTINDO Travel Fair, one of Indonesia’s largest consumer travel fairs, held last week at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition, BSD City, Tangerang, followed by post-fair B2B travel sessions in Jakarta. 

STB’s engagement at the travel fair and the follow-up trade sessions underscored its ongoing commitment to sustaining market visibility and strengthening trade distribution in Indonesia, in line with STB’s EDGE Strategy and Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, while supporting Malaysia’s national target of 43 million visitor arrivals under VM2026.

Delegates from the Sarawak Tourism Board conduct post-fair B2B trade engagements with Jakarta-based travel agents on 9-10 February 2026.

“Indonesia remains a priority short-haul market for Sarawak, and ASTINDO Travel Fair provided a valuable platform for us to engage consumers while strengthening trade confidence through targeted follow-up engagements,” said Sarawak Tourism Board.

Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor. “By linking consumer interest with trade-ready products and long-term partnerships, we are positioning Sarawak to deliver sustained visitation in support of VisitMalaysia Year 2026.”

Throughout the four-day fair, STB engaged with Indonesian travellers at Tourism Malaysia’s pavilion, showcasing Sarawak’s diverse tourism offerings across its Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals (CANFF) pillars.

The engagement highlighted Sarawak as an immersive, experience-rich destination in Malaysia, appealing to Indonesian travellers seeking a short-haul escape.

Building on the momentum generated at the consumer-facing fair, STB conducted post-fair B2B trade engagements with selected Jakarta-based travel agents. These engagements focused on strengthening destination familiarity and reinforcing long-term collaboration, particularly among agents who had previously visited Sarawak on familiarisation programmes. 

https://youtu.be/o6KqUt4NGjg?si=o-SZXJa8nmaGmoD8For more information on Sarawak, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board. 

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

Anantara appoints Tangale resort’s GM

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 16 February 2026: Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, Sri Lanka, announces the appointment of Frederik Van den Borre as General Manager.

He will oversee the resort’s strategy and day-to-day operations, focusing on enhancing the guest experience, strengthening commercial performance, maintaining brand standards, and supporting team development across the property.

Photo credit: Anantara. Frederik Van den Borre.

After joining Minor Hotels in 2022 as Executive Assistant Manager at Anantara Mui Ne Resort, Frederik later served as Acting General Manager and led the property through a full refurbishment. He then assumed the role of General Manager at Avani Hai Phong Harbour View Hotel in mid-2022, before returning to Anantara Mui Ne Resort in August 2024 as General Manager.

Located on the rocky shores of southern Sri Lanka, 190 km from the capital Colombo, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is a beachfront property.

(Source: Anantara)

EVA flies Taipei-Washington DC route

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 16 February 2026: EVA Air will launch a new route from Taipei to Washington DC on 26 June, scheduling four weekly flights between the two capital cities. 

With this new route, EVA Air’s North American network will expand to 10 gateway cities in the US, offering 98 weekly flights from the Taiwanese capital. Ticket sales are now open at the airline’s website. 

Photo credit: Visit the USA.

The Taipei–Washington DC route will be operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring a three-class configuration: Royal Laurel Class, economy class, and the refreshed premium economy class. 

Flight schedule

Washington, DC, is the seventh-largest metropolitan area in the US and is located within the broader National Capital Region, one of the country’s three largest population centres. As the nation’s capital, the city is a hub of economic activity, serving as headquarters for numerous multinational corporations, non-governmental organisations, and international institutions, reflecting strong potential demand for premium air travel. 

Following the launch of the Washington DC route, passengers can connect through EVA Air’s 10 nonstop North American gateways> The other nine cities comprise Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, Vancouver, and Toronto. 

EVA Air has launched a new group tour service, “Nine-Day Eastern US. Highlights,” in collaboration with leading travel agencies, leveraging its exclusive Washington DC. route alongside its New York service. 

(Source: EVA Air)

Melbourne hotels enjoy tennis windfall

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 16 February 2026: Boosted by the Australian Open, Melbourne’s hotel industry posted its highest January average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) on record, according to preliminary data from CoStar, a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces and analytics in the property markets.

Photo credit: Australian Open. Hotels enjoy a bonus performance thanks to tennis fans. Australian Open 2026 by the numbers | AO.

January 2026 (year-over-year % change): 

Occupancy: 75.1% (+2.6%)

ADR: AUD261.74 (+5.9%)

RevPAR: AUD196.65 (+8.6%)

Each of the market’s key performance indicators peaked on Saturday, 24 January: occupancy (93.2%), ADR (AUD380.74) and RevPAR (AUD354.94). Each metric easily surpassed last year’s tournament peak on Saturday, 18 January. 

The market’s ADR remained above AUD200 throughout the tournament, except for the first three nights (12 to 14 January).

“The most pleasing performance factor was demand,” said STR regional director Matthew Burke. “The metric was up 4.9% for the month, more than doubling the year-over-year growth in new supply.”

For more information about the company, its products, and services, please visit www.costargroup.com.

(Source: CoStar)

Air Astana flies to Guangzhou

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 15 February 2026: Air Astana will boost services to Guangzhou in southern China, with the launch of new twice-weekly flights from Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, on 2nd June 2026. 

The airline has operated four flights per week from Almaty to Guangzhou since March 2025. Air Astana also operates scheduled flights to China’s capital, Beijing, and to Urumqi in western China. It will launch a new service between Almaty and Shanghai at the end of March 2026.

Photo credit: Air Astana.

Flights from Astana to Guangzhou are scheduled to operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with departures at 1845 and arrivals at 0430 next day. 

The return flight will operate on Wednesdays and Fridays, departing from Guangzhou at 0545 and arriving in Astana at 1010. All times local.  The airline will deploy its latest-generation 166-seat A321LR aircraft, configured with 16 lie-flat business-class seats and 150 economy seats. Flight time is six hours and 45 minutes from Astana to Guangzhou.

The cost of a round-trip ticket from Astana to Guangzhou, including fees/taxes, starts from USD508 in economy class and USD1,688 in business class.

The launch of the new route strengthens business, tourism, and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and China and expands opportunities for travel and transit through Air Astana hubs in Astana and Almaty.

(Source: Air Astana Group).

LOT Polish Dreamliner flies to BKK this year

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 16 February 2026: LOT Polish Airlines describes 2025 as a record-breaking operational year, having launched nine new destinations and announced new routes to be inaugurated in 2026.

Outlining its 2026 expansion plans, the airline announced it will launch long-haul routes using the newly acquired Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

Photo credit: LOT Polish Airlines.

They include a service to San Francisco that will commence in May 2026, followed by a Bangkok service during the winter timetable at the end of the year.

In addition, the carrier has already launched flights to Malaga and connected Gdańsk with Istanbul. Bologna, Porto, Heraklion, Palma de Mallorca, and Almaty will soon be added to the connection network as well. 

In line with the carrier’s expansion at regional airports, LOT Polish Airlines will soon add flights to Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome from Kraków. At the same time, passengers departing from Gdańsk will be able to fly with Lot Polish to Istanbul, Brussels, Oslo, and Bergen.

LOT Polish Airlines has ordered 55 new aircraft, with an option to purchase 44 more planes. Deliveries of the Boeing 737 MAX-8 commenced at the turn of the year; 13 jets will enter service by mid-2026. In the last quarter of 2026, two Boeing 787-8 aircraft will join the long-haul fleet.

LOT Polish Airlines has recently commissioned refurbished business lounges in Warsaw. Their interiors are consistent with the design trend pioneered by the LOT Business Lounge in Chicago. 

In 2025, the carrier launched nine new routes from Kraków: to Lisbon, Thessaloniki, Reykjavik, Marrakech, Stavanger, Rovaniemi, Malta, and Paris-Orly; and from Radom: to Barcelona.

LOT Polish Airlines offers direct long-haul flights to airports in the US, Canada, India, Japan, and South Korea. It operates long-haul flights using Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

(Source: Lot Polish Airlines)

Hong Kong rejoins Skål International Asia

By
Andrew Wood
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HONG KONG, 16 February 2026: Against the celebratory backdrop of its 75th anniversary gala at the Cordis Hong Kong, Skål International Hong Kong marked a defining moment in its history by formally signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to rejoin the Skål International Asia Area. 

It was a move that blended heritage with strategy and ceremony with clear commercial intent.

For Jason Kelly (front left), the agreement is about turning goodwill into action. Also with HK Skålleagues is Vinzenz Rosa de Pauli, President of Skål Macau (back row left), the host of this year’s Skål Asia Congress, 11 to 14 June 2026.

The MoU was signed by Skål International East Asia Vice President Brian Harris and Skål International Hong Kong President Jason Kelly, in the presence of senior leaders from across the travel and hospitality sector. The agreement restores Hong Kong’s formal alignment with the Asia Area Committee and establishes a practical framework for regional collaboration, coordinated programmes and shared priorities across borders.

The timing was both symbolic and smart. In today’s travel economy, strong networks consistently outperform isolated excellence. Re-entering the Skål Asia platform gives members wider market access, closer institutional cooperation and a more efficient channel for professional exchange across one of the world’s most dynamic tourism regions.

“This signing represents both a homecoming and a springboard,” said Harris. “Skål International Hong Kong has long been one of the great standard-bearers of our organisation in Asia. Its return strengthens regional cohesion and positions both the club and the wider network for more integrated growth and meaningful professional exchange.”

“Rejoining the Skål International Asia Area through this MoU is both a return to our regional family and a clear commitment to delivery,” he said. “We were delighted to welcome Vinzenz Rosa de Pauli, President of Skål Macau, to the signing, a fitting reflection of the partnerships that Skål Asia can foster. With the upcoming Skål Asia Congress in Macau, we have an immediate platform to connect Hong Kong, Macau and the wider region, and to advance practical Greater Bay Area tourism initiatives through the trusted Skål framework.”

Founded in 1949, Skål International Hong Kong has long held a respected place within the global Skål community. The anniversary programme was designed not only to honour that legacy, but to position the club firmly for its next chapter, one defined by stronger regional integration, deeper knowledge exchange, and enhanced member value.

With the MoU now in place, Skål International Hong Kong and Skål International Asia leadership will move forward with joint initiatives spanning industry forums, membership development and sustainability-focused tourism programmes. This cooperation aims to deliver lasting value to the professional community they serve.

About Skål International Hong Kong
Skål International Hong Kong is part of the global Skål network, an international association of travel and tourism executives dedicated to promoting trust, friendship and responsible industry growth. Established in 1950, the club connects senior leaders across hospitality, aviation, travel services and destination management.

About Skål International Asia
The Skål International Asia Area Committee supports and coordinates Skål clubs across the region, advancing collaboration, professional development and regional initiatives that strengthen the Asia-Pacific travel and tourism ecosystem.

(Source: Andrew J Wood)

Thomas Cook and SOTC present Bhutan charters

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Newsdesk
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MUMBAI, 16 February 2026: Thomas Cook (India) Limited, a leading multi-channel travel services company, and its group company, SOTC Travel, have announced their Summer 2026 charter flights to Bhutan from Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. 

It gives travellers direct, seamless connectivity to the Himalayan kingdom during India’s peak holiday season. 

Photo credit Bhutan Travel.

Building on the strong success of the last two years, Thomas Cook India & SOTC’s 2026 charter programme offers a range of air charter-inclusive tour products to deliver value for Indian consumers across key markets of South and West India. 

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel are the only travel service providers in India operating charter flights to Bhutan from Bengaluru, offering non-stop access for travellers from South India.

To maximise travel options during the key Indian summer vacation season, multiple departures have been scheduled: from Bengaluru on 24 April and 1, 8 and 15 May 2026, and from Ahmedabad on 3, 10 and 17 May 2026. 

The charter flights establish a direct air connection from Bengaluru and Ahmedabad to Bhutan, addressing a long-standing market gap and reinforcing Thomas Cook India and SOTC’s leadership in driving innovation within India’s travel sector. 

The travel route to Bhutan currently involves multi-leg journeys via metro hubs such as Delhi or Kolkata, which entail layovers and the inconvenience of multiple flights, airport/terminal transfers and several check-ins. The charter flights significantly simplify the journey, offering travellers a more seamless, time-efficient and comfortable travel experience.

Thomas Cook & SOTC’s Summer 2026 Charters enable travellers to select holidays aligned with their preferences and budgets, in the following price categories: Budget, Standard, Value, Extravaganza, and Premium.

In addition to all-inclusive, escorted group tours from Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, customers can opt for customised itineraries tailored to their preferences. Pricing has been structured to enhance affordability, with a Special Saver Programme starting at ₹76,000 per person* for a seven-day, six-night itinerary from Bengaluru and ₹79,000 per person* from Ahmedabad.

Bhutan continues to captivate Indian travellers, renowned as one of the world’s happiest nations, celebrated for its natural beauty and warm people. From breathtaking Himalayan vistas and vibrant prayer-flag-lined valleys to historic monasteries perched along cliffs, scenic river valleys and charming towns, the destination offers an immersive experience enriched by warm local hospitality and deeply rooted traditions. Further enriching the offering this year, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s portfolio includes Gangtey, one of Bhutan’s most scenic valleys, known for its monasteries, wetlands and pristine natural beauty, adding depth to the overall Bhutan experience.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Rajeev Kale said: “ We are proud to be the only travel service providers in India operating charter flights to Bhutan from Bengaluru, strengthening direct access for customers across South India. For Summer 2026, we have enhanced our offering with multiple departures, an attractively priced Special Saver Programme and the inclusion of Gangtey. 

SOTC Travel Limited, President & Country Head Holidays and Corporate Tours, SD Nandakumar added: “By combining direct charter connectivity, thoughtfully crafted itineraries, regional cuisine preferences and our experienced tour managers, we are focused on delivering exceptional value and a differentiated holiday experience to our customers.”

(Source: Thomas Cook India)

Emirates World extends retail footprint

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Your Stories
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DUBAI, UAE, 13 February 2026: Emirates is doubling down on its strategy to redefine travel retail, hitting a key expansion milestone with the opening of its 10th flagship’ Emirates World’ store in Abidjan, bringing the current store count to 10 Emirates World Stores and 9 travel retail outlets globally.  

The airline has invested AED174 million (USD47.4 million) to expand its travel retail footprint. It is building on this momentum, with plans to introduce 29 additional travel retail concepts in 2026, bringing the total store count to 48 by the end of this year.

Delivering personalisation and expert support, blended with an incredible lineup of its iconic onboard products and the latest immersive technologies, Emirates World retail stores meet customers where they are, in a modern, welcoming environment, in key cities across its network. As a result, Emirates travel retail concept stores have attracted over 1.4 million walk-in customers since 2024, underscoring their appeal and growing role in the travel planning journey.

Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim reflects: “As we accelerate the global rollout of our Emirates World Stores concept, we are cultivating opportunities for travellers and our travel partners to engage with our brand, immerse themselves in our iconic products and experiment with cutting-edge tech to imagine what their journeys could look like, as they effortlessly orchestrate their journeys with our expert consultants. With more travel retail concept stores coming online in cities around the world this year, we’re proud to welcome customers to these beautiful spaces designed for discovery, provide exceptional service and help everyone get the most out of Emirates’ latest products and services so they can truly ‘fly better’.”

The first Emirates World Store debuted in November 2022: a 3,000-square-foot space delivering the airline’s signature products and the latest experiential technologies, nestled within one of Dubai’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, Jumeirah.

The flagship Emirates World Store in Dubai became the blueprint for accelerating the airline’s retail expansion, with global flagship store openings in London, Nairobi, Casablanca, Manila, Cairo, Singapore, Bangkok, and Riyadh. In parallel, Emirates has opened similar mid-sized concept travel stores in Paris, Karachi, Hong Kong, Accra, Geneva, Mauritius and Jakarta with plans to expand these travel retail concepts across its global network to Athens, Rome, Madrid, Istanbul, Amman, New Delhi, Mumbai, Shenzhen, Tokyo and Cape Town this year.

No two stores are exactly alike.

For instance, Dubai features a dedicated hub for industry networking and engagement, while Singapore, Riyadh, Cairo, and London showcase a First-Class cabin seat display. Casablanca, Hong Kong, and London offer a Premium Economy seat display, giving visitors a first-hand look at the airline’s latest cabin. Cairo and London also feature the iconic A380 onboard lounge, bringing the onboard experience to the ground.

The newest store in Abidjan features an A380 onboard lounge and a Business Class seat, reinforcing Emirates’ premium positioning and commitment to immersive retail experiences.

The airline will continue to roll out its travel retail concepts to new locations, showcasing its latest travel experiences and exceptional service from knowledgeable team members.

Emirates World stores also offer digital aficionados self-service kiosks and other digital touchpoints to streamline transactions, as well as interactive features such as a selfie mirror that offers travel inspiration to visitors as they capture mementoes against stunning destination backdrops.

Every location features curated, destination-specific Emirates-branded collections and premium travel accessories, offering discerning travellers sophisticated essentials that elevate their travel experience. For example, the London store carries Emirates Official Store merchandise and travel accessories inspired by in-market Emirates sponsorships, including Wimbledon, the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, and Arsenal.

 Visitors to Emirates travel retail stores across its network can enrol in Emirates Skywards, the airline’s award-winning loyalty programme, via the in-store self-service kiosk. 

Learn more about Emirates Skywards here

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

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