Etihad flies Abu Dhabi–Red Sea route

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September 11, 2026

ABU DHABI, UAE, 11 September 2026: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will fly a weekly service to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast from 4 October 2026.

The year-round service to Red Sea International Airport puts a new holiday destination on the map just a three-hour flight from Abu Dhabi.

More than ninety islands lie off Saudi Arabia’s north-western coast in Tabuk Province, in shallow waters above reefs that form part of one of the world’s largest coral systems.

Turtles, dolphins and rays move through the lagoons, mangroves line the shore, and inland, where the desert of the Hejaz begins, lava fields and mountains rise within a short drive of the beach.

The resorts are small and spread along the coast rather than gathered in one place. For guests, that means diving, sailing, desert and an empty stretch of beach within minutes of where they are staying, in a destination where seclusion is by design rather than by chance.

The flight takes a little over three hours: leave Abu Dhabi mid-morning and be on the beach by early afternoon. Red Sea International Airport (RSI) sits inside the destination itself, so guests reach their hotel soon after landing rather than facing a long transfer at the end of the journey.

Guests across Etihad’s network can reach The Red Sea with a single connection in Abu Dhabi, including from across the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent, in any season as the route operates year-round.

For visitors from further afield, the new route also opens up a two-destination holiday. Through Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, guests can spend a few days discovering the UAE capital’s islands, beaches, culture and entertainment before continuing to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.

The Red Sea is Etihad’s sixth destination in Saudi Arabia, alongside Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina and Al Qassim. Saudi Arabia is among the airline’s largest markets in the region, carrying business, family and religious travel throughout the year, and the Red Sea adds a holiday destination to that mix.

Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, Antonoaldo Neves, said: “The kind of holiday people normally take a long-haul flight for – islands, reefs and relaxation – is now a short flight from Abu Dhabi and a single connection from anywhere across our network.

“We are always looking ahead to where our guests will want to travel next and making sure we are there early. The Red Sea is exactly that kind of destination, and it is an easy one to reach: the holiday starts on the day guests arrive, not the day after.”

The Abu Dhabi–Red Sea service begins on 4 October 2026 with one flight a week, rising to two a week from 25 October 2026. The Airbus A320 operates the route with eight business-class seats and 150 economy seats.

Flight schedule

EV621 departs Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 0945 and arrives at the Red Sea (RSI) at 1205
EV622 departs the Red Sea (RSI) at 1400 and arrives in Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 1805. (Flights on Thursday and Sunday, effective 25 October 2026).

You can book flights on the airline’s website.

(Source: Etihad)

Royal Cliff wins Trip.com Certification

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September 10, 2026

PATTAYA, 10 September 2026: Royal Cliff Hotels Group reports that all four of its award-winning hotels, Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, Royal Cliff Beach Terrace, Royal Cliff Grand Hotel and Royal Wing Suites & Spa, have been recognised with the Chinese Friendly Hotel Certificate by Trip.com.

This prestigious recognition reflects Royal Cliff’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and capturing travellers’ hearts.

The certification acknowledges the hotel group’s excellence in welcoming Chinese guests and meeting key criteria, including on-site Chinese-speaking staff, convenient Chinese payment options, thoughtfully selected in-room amenities, and a strong reputation among Chinese guests. Most importantly, this recognition is supported by outstanding guest feedback, with the hotel achieving a customer satisfaction score of over 90%.

While this certification highlights Royal Cliff’s dedication to understanding the needs and preferences of Chinese travellers, its commitment to exceptional hospitality extends far beyond any single market. Royal Cliff warmly welcomes guests from every corner of the world, creating memorable stays through genuine Thai hospitality, personalised service and a passion for exceeding expectations.

The Royal Cliff team extends its heartfelt gratitude to all valued guests worldwide for their continued trust, confidence, and support. The invaluable feedback and encouragement inspire the Royal Cliff team to continually raise the bar, enhance the hotel’s standards and create extraordinary, memorable experiences for every guest who walks through the resort’s doors.

At Royal Cliff, every guest is welcomed, every journey is valued, and every stay is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories.

Perched atop a 64-acre private estate with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group boasts four luxury hotels that welcome charming travellers from around the world. Unlock a world of magical experiences with Royal Cliff’s curated promotions and packages at the ultimate luxury destination. Staying at Royal Cliff, guests will have access to a plethora of facilities, including 7 swimming pools, including the longest and most spectacular infinity-edge pool in Thailand, a luxury sports club with Tennis, Squash and Pickleball Courts, an award-winning health spa, multi-cuisine restaurants, kids club and more.

For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, visit www.royalcliff.com, www.facebook.com/royalcliff and www.instagram.com/royalcliff.

(Source: Your Stories — Royal Cliff Hotels Group)

Around the World travel: How to beat jet lag

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September 10, 2026

SINGAPORE, 10 September, 2026: The oneworld Alliance is helping customers adjust to new time zones faster and lose fewer days to jet lag on Round the World journeys through a new partnership with Timeshifter – a downloaded jet lag app with more than 1.7 million users.

Effective immediately, customers who purchase Round the World trips on oneworld.com will receive a complimentary Timeshifter subscription that covers their entire itinerary, accounting for every flight and time zone shift from departure to final return.

“Our partnership with Timeshifter will help Round the World customers arrive ready to enjoy each new destination by supporting better sleep and faster adjustment to new time zones,” said

Oneworld Vice President of Loyalty and Commercial Roger Blackburn commented: “Jet lag has a significant impact on health and wellbeing. This new partnership provides oneworld an opportunity to do what we do best: deliver a premium, elevated experience at every opportunity along the journey.”

Timeshifter is based on the latest circadian science, and advice is personalised to each customer’s flight itinerary, typical sleep pattern, chronotype and personal preferences.

“Timeshifter is trusted by astronauts, Formula One teams and professional athletes, and we are excited to be working with oneworld to provide this same circadian science to oneworld’s customers, improving their health and enjoyment when they cross time zones,” said Timeshiftern CEO Mickey Beyer-Clausen.

“Air travel has optimised nearly every part of flying except for what crossing multiple time zones can do to the traveller – a gap our partnership with oneworld will help to close.”

What is jet lag?

Jet lag is not a sleep problem but a temporary misalignment between a person’s internal circadian clock and local time at their destination. The circadian clock keeps sleep, alertness, digestion, immune function, and dozens of other systems synchronised to a 24-hour day, and takes its cues from light and darkness.

When travellers cross several time zones, the light-dark cycle shifts by hours, while the circadian clock moves only about an hour a day on its own. The only way to adjust to new time zones quickly is to time light exposure and avoidance precisely. If the timing is wrong, it will make jet lag worse.

“This is just the latest example of the creative ways we are engaging with premium partners who bring true value and an elevated experience to oneworld customers,” said Orvér.

About Timeshifter
Timeshifter is the global leader in circadian technology, translating circadian science into breakthrough products and solutions that improve human performance, safety, and health. In 2018, Timeshifter made jet lag history with its first product – now the most-downloaded jet lag app in the world.

(Source: oneworld Management Company)

Last day to catch a Vietnam fare bargain

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September 10, 2026

SINGAPORE, 10 September 2026: Autumn is calling, and Singaporean travellers have just one day left to grab Vietjet’s 9.9 sale bargain.

The airline is offering its 9.9 sale with eco tickets from just SGD86/one-way (including taxes and fees) and 22% off deluxe base fares, giving travellers even more reasons to plan their next adventure to Vietnam and beyond. But you will have to hurry, as the fares disappear at midnight on 10 September.

Passengers booking through Vietjet’s website and mobile app can enjoy promotional Eco tickets across the airline’s domestic and international routes, including direct routes between Singapore and Vietnam.

Passengers can also enjoy a special 22% discount on deluxe base fares with the promo code SALE99.

The promotion is valid for flights between 10 September 2026 and 10 September 2027 (flight periods vary by route; blackout dates apply), giving travellers plenty of flexibility to plan their next getaway, from a long-awaited escape to Vietnam to an adventure across Asia and beyond.

The sale celebrates the airline’s successes connecting travellers between Singapore and Vietnam’s popular destinations. The airline currently operates direct services from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc, giving travellers convenient access to Vietnam’s major cities, coastal destinations and island getaways.

From 11 December 2026, Vietjet will add Nha Trang to its Singapore network, with four round-trip flights weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, opening up another coastal escape for Singapore travellers. Nha Trang adds to the range of Vietnam getaways within easy reach of Singapore — city breaks or beach holidays.

Beyond Singapore, Vietjet is also expanding its wider international network with new services connecting Vietnam to destinations including Cebu, Clark, Chiang Mai, Osaka, Almaty and Prague. The airline will also launch a new service between Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney via Western Sydney International Airport in January 2027.

Separately, Vietjet will launch direct flights between Hanoi and Tainan from 25 October, operating four round trips per week and offering travellers greater convenience between the two destinations.

(Source: Vietjet)

Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas floats out

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September 10, 2026

SINGAPORE, 10 September 2026: Royal Caribbean’s next Icon Class cruise ship, Hero of the Seas, has officially floated for the first time.

The milestone, achieved at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, marks the latest phase of construction for the newest ship ahead of its August 2027 debut in Miami.

*Photo credit: Royal Caribbean. Hero of the Seas celebrates its float-out.*

As part of the float-out, the ship’s dry dock was filled with more than 90 million gallons of water overnight before Hero moved into the outfitting pier, where it will continue to take shape over the next year.

Hero of the Seas is the next evolution of the revolutionary Icon Class lineup, combining signature favourites with new experiences designed for every type of guest.

Across eight zones, vacationers can explore nine pools, 28 dining spots — including the brand-new Orleans Parrish Supper Club — and a range of accommodations like the three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse.

From thrills like Crown’s Edge — part skywalk, part zip line experience 154 feet above the ocean — to ways to kick back at the new Coconut Cove pool and adults-only The Hideaway, plus an unmatched lineup of dining, bars and entertainment, families of all kinds can make lifelong memories together.

Hero will take vacationers on seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures from Miami, with every vacation visiting Royal Caribbean’s top-rated destination, Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Vacations on Hero are now open to book on Royal Caribbean’s website.

(Source: Royal Caribbean)

Cameras champion Pacific Asia: Content with Purpose

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September 10, 2026

BANGKOK, 10 September 2026: The Pacific Asia Travel Association, in partnership with strategic content creator Content With Purpose (CWP), has launched Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose, a new digital film series that examines how tourism can create meaningful, lasting value for destinations.

Launched during PATA’s 75^th anniversary year, the series looks ahead to the next era of tourism in the Asia Pacific region. Through documentary films, expert interviews and real-world case studies, it explores how the sector can respond to climate pressures, changing traveller expectations, rapid technological development and the need for more inclusive and resilient growth.

Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose moves beyond aspiration to spotlight organisations and people already putting these principles into practice. The films examine approaches to destination stewardship, climate action, community participation, responsible innovation, workforce development and regional cooperation.

Produced by CWP in partnership with PATA, the series features contributions from destinations, tourism organisations, educational institutions and businesses operating across the region and wider visitor economy.

Content partners featured in the series include: Hainan University-Arizona State University International Tourism College, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Hong Kong Metropolitan University Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration, Marianas Visitor Authority, Song Saa, The Luxury Signature, and Travelife.

The series also brings together perspectives from tourism leaders, policymakers, academics, entrepreneurs and practitioners, such as: Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA; Insook Lee, Executive Director for the Americas, Korea Tourism Organisation; Karen Yu, Group Editor, TTG Asia Media; Deepak Joshi, Advisor, PATA Nepal Chapter; Soon-Hwa Wong, PATA Ambassador for Greater China; and Yang Li, Head of Public Affairs, Asia Pacific, Booking.com.

Featured stories include community-led responses to overtourism in Hawaii, tourism enterprises in Lao PDR that connect conservation with local livelihoods, and destination models in the Philippines and Thailand that rethink the relationship between people, place, and prosperity. The series also follows students and educators examining how tourism can preserve cultural identity, explores how Indigenous knowledge continues to shape stewardship in the Marianas, and looks at how hospitality businesses are redefining sustainability, luxury and long-term value. Together, these films offer a glimpse into the people and ideas shaping a more thoughtful future for tourism across the Asia Pacific region.

The series reflects PATA’s commitment to advancing a meaningful Pacific Asia tourism economy – one in which tourism supports long-term social, cultural, environmental and economic outcomes.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “As PATA celebrates its 75th anniversary, Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose reflects our ongoing commitment to sharing knowledge and showcasing practical solutions that support the future of tourism across the region. Through inspiring stories from destinations, businesses and communities, this series highlights how collaboration, innovation and responsible leadership can create lasting benefits for both people and places. We are proud to partner with Content With Purpose on this initiative and hope it inspires others to help shape a stronger, more resilient visitor economy.”

The series is intended for tourism professionals, destination management organisations, government and public-sector leaders, businesses, educators, researchers, students, investors and communities with a role in shaping the visitor economy.

It also supports PATA’s wider work to share knowledge, enable networking and protect tourism economy assets through innovation, collaboration and adaptability.

The digital launch follows a preview of the series at the recent PATA Travel Mart 2026, where members of the regional tourism community were given an early look at the stories and perspectives featured in the films.

Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose is now available to watch for free here

(Source: PATA)

New Zealand targets 3.9m visits in 2027

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September 10, 2026

SINGAPORE, 10 September 2026: Tourism New Zealand forecasts international visitor arrivals will reach 3.9 million and international visitor spend will grow to AUD14.4 billion by June 2027.

New insights from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) for the year to June 2026 show tourism remains one of New Zealand’s most important export industries, with international visitor spend continuing to support businesses, jobs and communities across the country.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy says the results highlight the role tourism plays in strengthening New Zealand’s economy.

“Tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export earner, and these results show the value international visitors bring to the country,” says de Monchy. “Visitor spending flows through our regions, supporting accommodation providers, tourism operators, restaurants, retailers and communities right across Aotearoa New Zealand.”

The year-to-June result provides a solid base for the year ahead, with Tourism New Zealand focused on growing tourism value to AUD14.4 billion this fiscal year.

*Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy*

“International visitor spend and arrivals are both moving in the right direction, giving us a good platform to keep building value for New Zealand, but it’s particularly good to see that visitor value has continued to grow, with the average spend per visit up 10.2% yoy to AUD4537,” says de Monchy.

Spend growth has been particularly strong from New Zealand’s top three visitor markets: Australia up 25%yoy to AUD4.4 billion, the United States up 20% yoy to AUD2.2 billion and China growing 26% yoy to AUD1.5 billion. New Zealand’s top 15 visitor markets, where Tourism New Zealand undertakes marketing activity, contribute 85% of visitor value to New Zealand.

Tourism New Zealand’s audience research also shows a record 183 million people are considering a trip to New Zealand. The larger pool of potential visitors gives Tourism New Zealand more opportunity to reach high-intent audiences and encourage them to book.

“People who are thinking about a trip to New Zealand are telling us they feel confident about international travel,” says de Monchy. “That confidence, combined with a favourable exchange rate for visitors, strong demand for the experiences New Zealand offers and projected growth in airline capacity of 5% in the next six months, puts us in a good position for tourism to contribute more to New Zealand this fiscal year.”

Tourism New Zealand will use three themes — food and beverage, active escapes and wellness — to connect potential visitors with experiences across the regions and help create urgency to book.

Active escapes will show New Zealand as a great place for outdoor holidays, from walking and cycling to other ways visitors can enjoy our landscapes. Wellness will show New Zealand as a place to slow down, spend time in nature and feel refreshed, with te ao Māori helping shape the story. Food and beverage will highlight New Zealand’s unique food story, including our landscapes, seasons, local produce, culture and the New Zealand Michelin Guide.

Visitor spending on dining has increased year on year to AUD2.07 billion, showing strong interest in New Zealand’s food and beverage scene. This aligns with Tourism New Zealand insights showing 84% of potential visitors want to try local cuisine.

The IVS also showed visitor satisfaction remained high, with 91.3% of visitors saying New Zealand met or exceeded their expectations, illustrating that New Zealand and the tourism businesses that deliver visitor experiences provide a high-quality experience that visitors will return home to recommend.

“New Zealand’s tourism businesses, from hotel brands that deliver a consistent experience around the country to the unique visitor experiences offered by families from Northland to Rakiura, Stewart Island, are what drives the success of this sector, and I thank them for making our job of promoting Aotearoa New Zealand to the world so rewarding.”

Regional growth remains a key part of the opportunity. International visitor spend is up across 27 of 31 regions according to MBIE’s Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates.

(Source: Tourism New Zealand)

Extraordinary Travel Fest returns to Bangkok

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September 10, 2026

BANGKOK, 10 September 2026: Award-winning travel photographer, podcaster, blogger, and filmmaker Ric Gazarian announces the return of the Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF III) to Bangkok, Thailand.

Scheduled for October 22-25, 2026, at the Ambassador Hotel on Bangkok’s Soi Sukhumvit 11, the third iteration of the festival promises to be an unparalleled convergence of the world’s most accomplished and adventurous travellers.

“The Extraordinary Travel Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of global exploration and human connection,” says Gazarian, whose website, GlobalGaz, features stories and images from his extensive travels. “Following the tremendous success of our previous gatherings, we are excited to bring together this unique community once again in a city that truly embodies the spirit of adventure.”

ETF III is designed for both seasoned mega-travellers (those who have visited many countries, including all 193 UN sovereign nations) and passionate individuals aspiring to push their own travel boundaries.

Attendees will gain invaluable insights, share captivating stories, and learn practical strategies from those who have truly gone the distance. While many speakers and attendees have achieved the rare feat of visiting all 193 sovereign countries — an accomplishment that about 500 people can claim — the festival aims to inspire and inform everyone who shares a deep love of travel, regardless of their current country count.

The festival will feature over 40 dynamic speakers, delivering engaging keynotes, insightful breakout sessions, and lively panel discussions.

This year’s lineup

Jamie Aleman: Travelled to every country in the world, both the North and South Pole, and has travelled to outer space.

Jason Wang: Recently completed summiting Mount Everest, completing all Seven Summits.

Kach Medina Umandap: Has visited every country in the world, being the first to complete this quest on a Filipino Passport.

Thor Pedersen: Travelled to every country on an unbroken 10-year journey without ever flying.

“Imagine the world’s modern-day Marco Polos gathered in a single location,” Gazarian adds. “The energy, enthusiasm, and vast knowledge exchanged about travel and country-collecting at our previous events were truly transformative.”

The largest mega-travel clubs will be prominently represented, including Every Passport Stamp (40,000 members), Travel Massive (80,000 members), Pangea, Most Travelled People (40,000 members), and NomadMania (50,000 members), fostering an unparalleled networking environment.

Building on the success of past festivals, ETF III will offer attendees a robust speaker schedule, complemented by parties and a gala dinner.

Ticket Information: Attendees wishing to reserve a spot can now purchase tickets online at: https://extraordinarytravelfest.com/tickets/

Use code BANGKOK to save on your ticket to this event.

(Source: ETF)

Marriott teams up with MyCEB to promote events

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September 10, 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 10 September 2026: Marriott International is working with Malaysia’s convention bureaus to present the country as a connected, multi-destination proposition for regional planners.

The company has launched Destination Convention Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and Sabah Convention Bureau.

From L to R: Joyce Wong, Country Director of Sales and Distribution, Malaysia, Jason Tan Chin Foo, Chief Executive Officer, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and Chair, ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter (2026–2028), George Varughese, Market Vice President – Malaysia, Marriott International, Tan Mei Phing, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Noredah Othman, Chief Executive Officer, Sabah Convention Bureau; and Zhamir Faris Zulkifli, Director, Field Marketing, Malaysia at the launch of Destination Convention Malaysia.

The new platform brings together Malaysia’s convention infrastructure, hospitality capabilities and destination experiences, giving organisers a broader view of what the country can offer across different locations and event formats.

Rather than focusing on a single city or venue, the initiative pairs Kuala Lumpur’s international connectivity and established convention infrastructure with the cultural, natural and incentive experiences available across Sarawak, Sabah and other destinations in Malaysia.

More choice within a single market

Destination Convention Malaysia makes it easier for regional organisers to identify locations and experiences suited to different event objectives and delegate profiles.

Malaysia’s offering spans major urban convention centres, resort and leisure destinations, nature-based experiences and locations with distinctive cultural identities. This gives planners the flexibility to host large-scale conventions, corporate meetings, incentive programmes and experience-led events within one national market.

“Regional planners increasingly want destinations that can provide strong infrastructure while also giving delegates a meaningful experience outside the formal programme,” said Marriott International Market Vice President Malaysia George Varughese. “Malaysia can offer both. It combines international connectivity and established convention capabilities with an extraordinary variety of cultures, landscapes and experiences. Through Destination Convention Malaysia, we want to make that full proposition more visible and accessible to planners across Asia-Pacific.”

The initiative was unveiled during Malaysia Means Business, an industry forum convened by Marriott International at the St Regis Kuala Lumpur. The event brought together leaders from the country’s business events, destination and hospitality sectors to examine how Malaysia could capture a greater share of the regional meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions market.

A panel discussion featuring senior representatives from Marriott International, MyCEB, BESarawak and Sabah Convention Bureau explored how Malaysia could capture a greater share of the Asia-Pacific MICE market.

Panellists explored how organiser and delegate expectations are changing. Personalised programmes, wellness, sustainability, technology and experiences connected to the host destination are playing a greater role in event planning, alongside practical considerations such as accessibility, accommodation and venue capacity.

“Malaysia’s strong business events pipeline reflects the confidence organisers have in our capabilities, and our opportunity now is to build even greater awareness of the diversity we can offer across the country,” said MyCEB Chief Executive Officer Tan Mei Phing.

“By bringing destinations together through Destination Convention Malaysia, we can showcase the collective strength of Malaysia’s business events ecosystem and present an even more compelling proposition to regional and international organisers.”

Marriott International currently operates 65 hotels across Malaysia, giving regional planners access to accommodation and event facilities across key business and leisure destinations. Its portfolio provides access to major convention and event facilities including Marriott Putrajaya International Convention Centre, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre, Courtyard by Marriott Kuala Lumpur South, Desaru Coast Conference Centre and Langkawi International Convention Centre.

(Source: Marriott International)

TransNusa launches Bali-Phuket route

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September 10, 2026

BALI, Indonesia, 10 September 2026: TransNusa officially launched its maiden nonstop flight between Bali and Phuket on 9 September.

Flight 8B 541 departed I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at 1130 for Phuket on 9 September, linking two of Southeast Asia’s most iconic beach destinations.

The airline said in its launch promotions that the new route eliminates tedious layovers, turning a previously long travel day into a smooth four-hour flight.

“Today we celebrate more than just a new flight; we are bridging two world-class tourism capitals,” said TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Bernard Francis. “As Bali’s International Premium Airline, our goal is to design ultimate island experiences that bring the best of sun, sea and healing straight to our passengers.

“This route was established to boost tourism in the region, create new economic opportunities, and further strengthen TransNusa’s hub in Bali. By providing a direct link, we make it easier than ever for global travellers to experience the unique cultures of Phuket, Bali and beyond Bali in a single itinerary”.

TransNusa has recently launched new services connecting island destinations directly with Bali, giving travellers direct access to Indonesia’s hidden gems such as Wakatobi, Lombok, Manado, and Bima.

Wakatobi: Home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, this remote marine haven is a top spot for world-class diving and pristine underwater ecosystems.

Lombok: A premier leisure escape featuring holistic health retreats, oceanside yoga, and traditional Sasak healing therapies. In addition, Lombok is also known for its pristine coastal and volcanic adventures and high-octane sports tourism, including world-class surfing and the Mandalika international racing circuit.

Manado: Located in North Sulawesi, this diving destination is framed by dramatic volcanic beauty and serves as the gateway to the world-renowned Bunaken National Marine Park.

Bima: Situated on Sumbawa Island, Bima offers rugged landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and serves as an ideal entry point for surfers and adventure seekers looking for raw natural beauty.

Expanding Horizons: Gateway to Singapore and Perth

TransNusa also bridges Bali with major international hubs beyond Thailand. The airline operates routes from Bali to Singapore and Perth, marking a successful expansion that connects Western Australia.

Flight schedule: Bali-Phuket

The new Bali–Phuket route operates four times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and will expand to daily service on 3 October 2026.

8B541 departs Denpasar (DPS) at 1130 and arrives in Phuket (HKT) at 1435.
8B542 departs Phuket (HKT) at 1535 and arrives in Denpasar (DPS) at 2035.

For the four-hour scheduled flight from Bali to Phuket, TransNusa deploys an Airbus A320 with 174 seats.

To celebrate the Bali-Phuket launch, TransNusa offers an introductory promotional fare starting from IDR2,399,000 (USD135) one-way, bookable via the airline’s website.

(Source: TransNusa)

Etihad flies Abu Dhabi–Red Sea route

Royal Cliff wins Trip.com Certification

Around the World travel: How to beat jet lag

Last day to catch a Vietnam fare bargain

Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas floats out

Cameras champion Pacific Asia: Content with Purpose

New Zealand targets 3.9m visits in 2027

Extraordinary Travel Fest returns to Bangkok

Marriott teams up with MyCEB to promote events

TransNusa launches Bali-Phuket route

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