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StarDream Cruises takes home contributor’s honour

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HONG KONG, 30 July 2026: StarDream Cruises, operator of StarCruises and Dream Cruises, has been honoured with the “Special Contributor to Asia Cruise Industry Award” at the 2026 Asia Cruise Forum Jeju.

Presented as part of the 11th Asia Cruise Awards, the award recognises organisations that have played a significant role in advancing regional cruise tourism and strengthening collaboration across the industry.

(Left) Leem Bok Soon, Secretary-General of the Asia Cruise Leaders Network (ACLN), presents the Special Contributor to Asia Cruise Industry Award to Michael Goh (right), President of StarDream Cruises.

StarDream Cruises President Michael Goh commented: “We are honoured to receive this recognition from the Asia Cruise Leaders Network (ACLN). This award reflects the dedication of our team in helping pioneer cruise tourism in Asia and the strong collaboration we have built with governments, tourism organisations and industry partners across the region. As an Asian cruise brand with more than 30 years of experience, we remain committed to growing cruise tourism across Asia, including supporting SouthKorea’ss continued development as a leading cruise destination and an increasingly important source market for the fly-cruise segment.”

Its flagship, Genting Dream, under Dream Cruises, currently homeports in Singapore, with selected departures from Malaysia, offering a series of two-, three-, and five-night cruises to destinations across Southeast Asia.

Under StarCruises, Star Voyager continues its deployment from Hong Kong, offering two, three and five-night cruises to destinations across Northeast Asia before returning to Singapore and Malaysia for the year-end holiday season. 

Star Navigator continues to homeport in Keelung, operating two-, three-, five-, and seven-night itineraries to popular destinations in Japan and South Korea.

(Source: StarDream Cruises)

Amangati from dry dock to sea

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SINGAPORE, 30 July 2026: Aman at Sea announces the successful float-out of Amangati, its inaugural ocean-going yacht, at the T Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy. 

Following centuries of Italian shipbuilding tradition, the ceremony marks the completion of the exterior build and the transition of Amangati from dry dock to sea.

Amangati float-out.

The Float Out is one of the most significant milestones in the construction of an ocean-going vessel, signalling that the hull is complete, sealed, painted and watertight. Amangati now moves to the outfitting quay in Genoa, where the finishing of the interiors will unfold in the months ahead — including the yacht’s 47 expansive suites, the Aman Spa, four signature restaurants, Selora lounge and the Marina — ahead of sea trials, delivery and preparations for welcoming its first guests.

Amangati will depart Palma de Mallorca on a six-night voyage bound for Nice on 7 May 2027, opening its inaugural Mediterranean season with voyages of between five and eight nights across the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean seas. Reservations for the maiden season, along with its newly added Autumn 2027 Caribbean voyages, are now open.

Aman at Sea President and CEO Jonathan Wilson said: “Today is a defining moment in the story of Aman at Sea. To see Amangati painted, afloat, and taking shape for the first time is to see years of design, craftsmanship, and vision meeting the water. We are grateful to the T. Mariotti shipyard, Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, and to every hand that has brought Amangati to this milestone. Every step from here brings us closer to welcoming our first guests aboard next May.”

(Source: Aman at Sea)

Etihad and Africa World Airlines ink partnership

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ACCRA, Ghana 30 JUL 2026: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and Africa World Airlines, the Accra-based carrier, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a partnership spanning codeshare and interline cooperation, cargo collaboration, and frequent-flyer programmes.

The agreement, signed in Accra last week, sets out a framework for the two airlines to connect their networks. Once implemented, it will allow Etihad guests to travel on a single ticket beyond Accra onto Africa World Airlines’ network across Ghana and West Africa, and bring Africa World Airlines’ customers to Abu Dhabi and onwards across Etihad’s network of 118 destinations.

The two carriers intend to cooperate on cargo, connecting Ghanaian and West African exporters with Etihad Cargo’s global capacity, and on loyalty, giving members of both airlines’ programmes more ways to earn and redeem. 

The partnership takes shape as Ghana and the UAE draw closer, with growing trade, investment, and government engagement between the two countries, and travel between Accra and the UAE rising accordingly. A direct commercial link between the two capitals of these aviation markets is the natural next step.

The Memorandum of Understanding took effect from 24 July 2026, with the individual areas of cooperation to be implemented in stages. The partnership lays the groundwork for Etihad’s own Abu Dhabi–Accra service, set to launch on 24 March 2027. Combined journeys will go on sale as soon as the interline cooperation takes effect.

Etihad Airways Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer, Arik De, said: “Ghana is one of West Africa’s most dynamic aviation markets, and Africa World Airlines is the natural partner there. This framework spans passenger services, cargo, and loyalty, and will connect Ghanaian travellers and businesses to Abu Dhabi and our network across the world’s fastest-growing markets. We are here to grow with Ghana.”

Africa World Airlines Chief Operating Officer Sohail Mahmood said: “Africa World Airlines has proudly connected Ghana and West Africa for more than a decade, with a network that includes Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Lagos, Abuja and Ouagadougou. This partnership with Etihad Airways across passenger, cargo and loyalty will give our customers a direct line to Abu Dhabi’s expansive network.” 

(Source: Etihad)

Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre lands in Lombok

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SINGAPORE, 30 July 2026: Samara Lombok has been selected as the home of the first Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Southeast Asia, bringing Rafa Nadal’s globally respected training methodology to the region for the first time.

The Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, which operates flagship academies in Mallorca and Kuwait, has chosen to establish its first Southeast Asian outpost at Samara Lombok.

Rendering of the Sports Pavilion

Located on Lombok’s south coast, just a 25-minute drive from Lombok International Airport, Samara Lombok is a 150-hectare integrated coastal destination set to open in Q1 2028 — the first “Destination by Hyatt” in Southeast Asia. The development will open with three boutique hotels and 150 of a planned 500 villas. It will also feature 12 dining concepts, a marine biology and watersports centre operated by luxury expedition company Rascal Voyages, and a football training centre.

The centre will feature four world-class tennis courts and four padel courts.

Sailing to wellness experiences

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SINGAPORE, 30 July 2026: From practising Tai Chi in Bangkok to dance therapy in Colombo, Oceania Cruises invites travellers to embark on new experiences through its Wellness Discovery Tours on its Asia sailings.

Responding to the growing interest in wellness experiences, Oceania Cruises offers more than 50 Wellness Discovery Tours in destinations throughout Asia, Europe and South America, as luxury travellers increasingly seek journeys that allow them to learn new skills and explore the world differently. 

Photo credit: Oceania Cruises.

Shoreside encounters are complemented by a wealth of enriching experiences on board Oceania Cruises’ intimate, luxurious ships. With culinary lectures, hands-on cooking classes, food-and-beverage pairing experiences, creative workshops in the Artist Loft, insightful guest speakers, and performances by local musicians, guests can enjoy a diverse programme designed to enhance their journey.

Asia’s wellness experiences

  • Ultimate Traditional Dance Therapy – Colombo, Sri Lanka.
  • Saigonese Organic Food Tasting – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
  • Tai Chi at Viharn Sien Park – Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine Experience – Hong Kong, China.
  • Tai Chi & Vegetarian Lunch at a Monastery – Hanoi, Vietnam.

(Source: Oceania Cruises)

Oneworld names chairman

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SINGAPORE, 30 July 2026: International Airlines Group (IAG) CEO Luis Gallego will assume the role of Chairman of the oneworld Governing Board, as voted on by member CEOs. 

The appointment becomes effective on 1 September 2026, enabling a smooth transition from current oneworld Chairman Robert Isom (also CEO of American Airlines), whose three-year term as Chairman ends this year. 

Photo credit: Oneworld. Luis Gallego.

“It is an honour to take on the role of Chair of oneworld’s Board of Governors,” said Gallego. “The alliance is making important progress in key areas including loyalty, innovation and sustainability and I look forward to working with Ole, the oneworld management team and the Board to build on that momentum and continue delivering value for members and customers.”

“On behalf of oneworld, we thank Robert for his thoughtful leadership and passionate belief in the many ways the alliance contributes meaningful and consistent value to its members,” said oneworld Alliance Chief Executive Officer Ole Orver.

(Source: Oneworld)

Air India direct flights to Toronto

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NEW DELHI, 30 July 2026: Air India will upgrade its Delhi-Toronto service, deploying its brand-new Boeing 787-9 aircraft on the route from 1 August 2026, enabling the airline to remove a fuel stop at Vienna and operate the service non-stop.

The removal of the fuel stop will reduce the current flying time from Delhi to Toronto by nearly three hours, from about 20 hours (including the fuel stop) to 17 hours. The return Toronto-Delhi service will continue to operate non-stop, with a flying time of up to 16 hours.

Photo credit: Air India. Dreamliner 787-9 delivers brand-new premium cabin interiors.

From 1 August, Air India will operate daily flights between Delhi and Toronto, up from the current five weekly flights. The airline had temporarily reduced frequency on the route between June and July 2026 due to unprecedented fuel price increases and broader geopolitical developments that affected flight operating conditions.

Air India  Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Campbell Wilson said: “Canada is home to one of the world’s largest Indian diaspora communities, and Toronto has long been one of Air India’s most important international gateways. The introduction of our new Boeing 787-9 on the Delhi-Toronto route marks another important milestone, bringing a significantly enhanced travel experience to customers between India and Canada.”

Air India’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature a three-class cabin configuration, offering customers the choice of business, premium economy, and economy.

The new aircraft feature 30 private suites in business class, 28 premium economy seats, and 238 economy seats.

Air India flights between Delhi and Toronto on the new aircraft are available for booking across channels, including Air India’s website and mobile app, customer contact centre, and through travel agents worldwide.

Schedule of flights between Delhi and Toronto (effective 1 August 2026):

(Source: Air India)

Travel Massive community meets in Da Nang

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DA NANG, 30 July 2026: Travel Massive, a global travel networking community, has announced the full speaker lineup for its second annual Asia conference to be hosted in Da Nang, Vietnam, 21-22 August.

The two-day event will connect tourism operators and entrepreneurs, creators and key opinion leaders, and industry experts and media. Spaces to attend can be booked at this registration link.

Photo credit: Travel Massive Asia Conference.

Day one will be hosted at Furama Resort as part of the final day of the HorecFex convention, where Sean Mulhern, co-founder of One Life Adventures, will take the stage to discuss his founder journey and learnings. Panel discussions will cover topics such as SEO and AI Search Visibility for Travel Brands, The Creator Economy in Southeast Asia, and Top Travel Trends for 2027.

Attendees will also observe the Travel Startup Pitch Competition, where five entrepreneurial businesses operating in Southeast Asia’s tourism sector pitch their companies to a panel of judges as they compete for the top spot.

Travel Massive founder Ian Cummings says he’s looking forward to bringing the networking community’s Asia conference back to Da Nang, this time with the extended programme of facilitated masterclasses on day two.

“This is our second year partnering with HorecFex to offer our thought leadership sessions to their guests as well as to our own community members. The focus remains on connecting travel leaders operating in Southeast Asia, and this year we’re adding a programme of interactive masterclasses to nurture more innovation and collaboration,” says Cumming.

The new masterclass sessions will take place on day two at the five-star Namia River Retreat in Hoi An. Experts from Travel Massive’s network will lead the classes and share their expertise in small-group tourism and creator spaces. Topics for discussion include: How to Build a Tour Company People Can’t Stop Talking About, How to Become the Source Everyone Cites, and How to Monetise Your Social Media Audience.

Travel Massive Asia Conference 2026 speaker lineup 

Brian Letwin – co-founder, CEO, Saigoneer and Urbanist Travel.

Ivy Nhi Chau – founder, Ivy+Partners.

Garth Adams – founder, I Want That Flight, and I Know The Pilot.

Keith Van – community and partnerships, Seats Aero.

Mandy Nguyen – operations director, Startup Vietnam Foundation.

Michelle Ford – general manager, Namia Wellness Resort.

Natalya Wissink – co-founder and CEO, Secret Experiences.

Paul Hewett – CEO, In Marketing We Trust.

Pei Shyuan Yeo – founder, Everyday Tour Company.

Ric Gazarian – founder, Counting Countries.

Samuel Walter – founder, Heads on Pillows.

The second day will conclude with an exclusive after-party to celebrate two days of building knowledge and forging new connections.

For more information and to register, visit: travelmassive.com/asia.

(Source: Travel Massive).

WorldHotels expansion underway in Asia

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Your Stories
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SINGAPORE, 30 July 2026: WorldHotels, a global brand of independent luxury and lifestyle hotels within BWH Hotels, continues to grow its footprint with more than 40 hotels currently in development, building on the momentum of adding approximately 100 hotels in 2025. 

As demand for premium travel continues to rise, with the market projected to grow from an estimated USD1.6 trillion in 2025 to USD3 trillion by 2033, WorldHotels is strengthening its network through branded residences, immersive outdoor hospitality, wellness retreats and distinctive independent hotels in sought-after destinations worldwide.

Photo credit: WorldHotels. Essensia Sky and Parkway Saigon, WorldHotels Residences

“Every addition to the WorldHotels portfolio represents more than growth; it represents a shared commitment to excellence,” said Ron Pohl, President of WorldHotels. “Independent hotel owners are increasingly seeking partners to help them compete without compromising the character and authenticity that sets their properties apart.

Spotlight: WorldHotels’ developments in Asia

Essensia Sky and Parkway Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: This project marks WorldHotels’ inaugural entry into high-end residential living, featuring 74 villas and 424 apartment units set to open in September. It’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering elevated living experiences in bustling urban areas.

WorldHotels Long Beach Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam: This beachfront resort offers a luxurious island experience amid the stunning landscape of Phu Quoc. It reflects the brand’s focus on combining leisure with natural beauty.

Ecoland Hotel, WorldHotels Elite, Jeju Island, South Korea: Marking WorldHotels’ debut in South Korea, this contemporary luxury retreat emphasises nature-inspired design and premium amenities. It’s aimed at travellers seeking relaxation and immersion in their surroundings.

Resort Country Club, WorldHotels Distinctive, near Manesar, India: Positioned just outside New Delhi, this resort blends upscale leisure with recreational activities, including championship golf, introducing WorldHotels to India’s burgeoning premium hospitality market.

To support its expanding luxury portfolio, BWH Hotels continues to strengthen commercial resources for WorldHotels properties through its dedicated Upscale & Luxury Worldwide Sales division, connecting independent hotels with high-value corporate and leisure travel opportunities.

For more information about WorldHotels, visit WorldHotels’ development website.

About WorldHotels
WorldHotels is a privately held hotel soft brand within the BWH Hotels global enterprise. Founded by independent hoteliers dedicated to the art of hospitality, WorldHotels offers one of the finest portfolios of independent hotels and resorts worldwide, expertly curated to inspire unique, life-enriching experiences that connect people and places. WorldHotels comprises five unique collections, each with its own personality and style to appeal to the needs of today’s traveller, from elevated oceanfront resorts and upscale city hotels to wellness retreats and glamping accommodations. The collections include: WorldHotels Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Crafted, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Backdrop. For more information, visit WorldHotels.com. 

About BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels is a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising three hotel companies — WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories, with 18 brands across every chain-scale segment, from luxury to economy. BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. 

For more information, visit bwhhotels.com. 

(Source: Your Stories — WorldHotels)

Radisson expands Phuket footprint

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BANGKOK, 27 July 2026: Radisson Resort Layan Phuket welcomes guests to experience Phuket’s Layan Beach and the protected landscapes of Sirinat National Park.

The 300-room resort opened this month adjacent to Layan Beach and offers access to many of the destination’s attractions, such as Laguna Phuket, Boat Avenue, Porto de Phuket, championship golf courses, and stylish beach clubs, all within a 15-minute drive. Phuket International Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive away.

Photo credit: Radisson Hotel Group.

Designed around wellbeing and relaxation, the resort offers a range of facilities for guests seeking restorative experiences.

The Malai Spa provides a peaceful space inspired by traditional Thai wellness, offering signature massages and aromatherapy treatments. Guests can also maintain their fitness routines in the fully equipped 24-hour fitness centre, complete with dedicated yoga facilities and modern cardio and strength-training equipment.

 Visitors can uncover Phuket’s rich cultural heritage in Old Phuket Town, visit the historic Wat Phra Thong temple, experience authentic local life in Bang Rong Community or discover hidden coastal gems including Banana Beach and Leam Son Beach.

Fast facts

(Source: Radisson Hotel Group)

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