LUANG PRABANG, Laos, 22 April 2025: The Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF), an annual signature event of the Greater Mekong Subregion’s seven country members, will convene in Luang Prabang from 25 to 27 June.
MTF is organised by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), representing the tourism interests of seven countries: Cambodia, China (two provinces, Yunnan and Guang Xi), Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Last year, MTF2024 was hosted in Lijiang, China, Yunnan, from 22 to 26 April, with approximately 200 delegates.
What to Expect at MTF 2025
The Mekong Tourism Forum 2025, hosted in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, will adopt the conference theme of “United Journey – Stronger Together.”
This theme underscores the critical importance of collaboration in tourism planning and development. It highlights the collective responsibility of stakeholders to implement the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030 as a roadmap for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Standout presentations
The GMS Tourism Strategy 2030 launch, a roadmap for tourism development that emphasises sustainability, digitalisation, resilience, and regional cooperation to drive regional tourism growth, will be presented to the forum.
A keynote speech will highlight collaboration’s transformative power and explore how working hand-in-hand across borders, sectors, and societal levels fosters a more resilient and thriving GMS tourism landscape.
A technical tour showcasing Luang Prabang through themed tracks, offering insights into cultural heritage, sustainability, and local craftsmanship.
Sessions are packed with 17 speakers.
Deniz Kucukusta, Assistant Dean and Associate Professor Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Chuwit Mitrchob Deputy Director General Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA.)
Mason Florence Author Louis Vuitton City Guide.
Sanchai Kiatsongchai Director of Research and Development Institute
Loei Rajabhat University.
Toune Sisouphanthavong Founder & Owner Manda de Laos Restaurant.
Steven Schipani Principal Tourism Sector Specialist Asian Development Bank.
Hanh Nguyen General Manager Intrepid Travel.
Premruethai Tosermkit Owner/CEO Harmony At Huai Lan.
Choub Rathana Director of Tourism Planning and Development.
Masaru Takayama Founding Chair Asian Ecotourism Network.
Inthy Danesavanh, President and Founder of Lao Tourism Association, Inthira Group.
Lee Choon Loong Owner Discovery MICE.
Jessica Mauer Programme Coordinator Wildlife Conversation Society (WCS), Lao PDR.
Jason Rolan Senior Partner / Editor in Chief
RDK Group / Champa Meuanglao Magazine.
Tara Gujadhur Co-Director Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre.
Soudaphone Khomthavong Director Luang Prabang’s Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism.
Veomanee Douangdala Co-Founder Ock Pop Tok.
Dates and Venue
25 to 27 June 2025 Pullman Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR (Pre-MTF sessions, including the GMS Tourism Associations Workshop, will occur on 25 June.)
Registration
Admission is free, as the event is hosted by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT) Lao PDR. Registration will close at 2359 (GMT+7) on 8 June 2025, or once all available spots are filled, whichever comes first. For more information visit: MEKONG Tourism FORUM 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, 22 April 2025: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is shining the spotlight on MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam 2025 (MPG 2025), due to take place in Kuching Sarawak this October.
The registration of players for the MPG2025 will officially open on 1 May 2025 at 1201 through its website www.mattampg.com.
Photo credit: MATTA. From left:Ruslan Bujang President Kuching Pickleball Association;Harmeet Singh Vice President Malaysia Pickleball Association;Nigel Wong President MATTA;Oscar Choo Organising Chairman MATTA Pickleball Grand Slam;Amelia Roziman Chief Executive Officer Business Events Sarawak;Delima Ibrahim President Sarawak Pickleball Association.
MATTA is supporting the inaugural pickleball tournament with the largest cash prize pool. The sporting event will held in Kuching, Sarawak, from 7 to 20 October 2025.
Malaysia’s fastest-growing sport is making waves; the numbers speak for themselves. Since surpassing 30 registered pickleball associations and clubs under the Sports Commissioner of Malaysia in July 2024, the sport has recently seen an incredible participation surge. What quickly evolved from a niche pastime has now transitioned into a national sporting sensation, firmly placing itself in the country’s sporting landscape.
“At MPG, Pickleball meets tourism, and at MATTA, the Association sees its great potential and strength in promoting and developing sports tourism and connecting communities across borders through shared passion and healthy competition. Tournaments like MPG2025 are designed to encourage both inbound and outbound travel, global friendships and cultural exchange through Pickleball,” said MATTA president Nigel Wong.
With a cash prize pool of MYR100,000, MPG2025 is set to attract over 1,350 players and more than 2,600 spectators, contributing an estimated MYR31.6 million in tourism revenue. The tournament aims to position Malaysia as Southeast Asia’s leading sports tourism destination.
MATTA calls out to all pickleball enthusiasts to register for both local and international participants in the following categories:
Team Event (Adult Open): October 7–13, 2025
Individual Event (Adult & Junior Open): October 15–20, 2025
Endorsed by the Malaysia Pickleball Association, Sarawak Pickleball Association, and Kuching Pickleball Association, and supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, the MPG2025 is set to kick start the further development of Pickleball as a competitive and recreational sport for the people and developing domestic and inbound tourism.
With MATTA spearheading the organisation and promotion, this event aligns with Malaysia’s vision of strengthening its tourism sector through innovative, high-impact programmes and activities.
KUALA LUMPUR, 22 April 2025: The 56th edition of the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents’ National MATTA Fair, held from 18 to 20 April 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Kuala Lumpur, delivered impressive performance data for the three-day travel show.
The MATTA Fair is recognised as the country’s largest International Travel Fair. The April edition drew over 210,000 visitors and generated a projected MYR270 million in sales, outperforming the previous fair, which had 190,000 visitors and MYR250 million in sales.
Photo credit: MATTA.
Encompassing over 37,000 sqm of exhibition space across eight halls, the MATTA Fair featured 1755 booths from 327 participating member organisations. The count surpassed the 1,590 booths recorded in the 55th edition in September 2024.
The breakdown included 204 tour and travel agencies, 10 National Tourism Offices, 11 State Tourism Offices, 58 participating Hotels and resorts, 11 theme parks, three airlines, and 31 other travel-related services.
Recognised as the largest consumer travel fair in Southeast Asia, the April edition attracted over 210,000 visitors. It generated a projected MYR270 million in sales, outperforming the previous fair (September 2024), which had 190,000 visitors and MYR250 million in sales.
Even the sponsor count for the 56th edition of the MATTA Fair reflected the show’s scope and reach. It is probably the largest consumer travel show in Southeast Asia.
4. Malaysia Aviation Group – Official Airline Partner & Premier Sponsor
5. High Commission of India – Sponsor
6. AmLeisure Media – Media Partner
7. Visit Malaysia 2026 – Strategic Partner
Additionally, MATTA continued to advocate for sustainability. Through its rebranded sustainable initiative, the MATTA Eco & Sustainable Tourism Initiative (MESTI), and its sustainable criteria, exhibitors participated in the MATTA Fair Booths Excellence Award 2025, judged on their contribution to a greener travel experience.
Award categories winners
BEST NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION (NTO) BOOTH AWARD – MACAO GOVERNMENT TOURISM OFFICE (received by Sammie Tam, Senior Marketing Executive, MGTO)
BEST STATE TOURISM ORGANISATION (STO) BOOTH AWARD – TOURISM SELANGOR (received by Puan Khuzaimah Jamaluddin, Promotion Manager at Tourism Selangor)
BEST TRAVEL AGENT BOOTH AWARD – STELLAR ECO VENTURE SDN BHD (received by Wendy Lai Wen Yin from Stellar Eco Venture Sdn Bhd)
BEST SUSTAINABLE BOOTH AWARD – ICE HOLIDAYS SDN BHD (received by Mr Mita Lim, Managing Director of ICE Holidays Sdn Bhd)
B2B sales on the sidelines
MATTA also staged the inaugural international B2B event, MATTA Connect, on 17 April 2025 at MITEC, a day before the National MATTA Fair opened. The event allowed international sellers from many different countries to connect with local Malaysian travel agents as buyers to explore new international destinations and establish new business partnerships.
Pickleball in the Spotlight
In addition the MATTA Fair ventured into sports tourism, by introducing interactive Pickleball Court to coincide with the promotion of Malaysia’s first-ever international pickleball competition, the MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam 2025.
For more information on the show, visit MATTA Fair KL on Facebook.
MUMBAI, 22 April 2025: SOTC Travel has announced its partnership with Shoppers Stop, India’s premier fashion, beauty, and gifting omnichannel destination, as the Travel partner for their summer campaign ‘Travel Edit’.
The partnership aims to bring the best of travel and lifestyle by inspiring customers and accelerating brand visibility by tapping into heightened travel intent during the summer holiday season.
Photo credit: SOTC Travel.
The partnership enables the brand to appeal to the consumer’s appetite for holidays and lifestyle upgrades, which is at an all-time high. Both brands aim to synergise their offerings to deliver an unmatched customer experience.
Leveraging Shoppers Stop’s pan-India retail network across metros and tier 1 cities, the campaign partnership will offer various benefits.
● SOTC Travel customers booking holidays worth INR100,000 or more will receive Shopper’s Stop Platinum Membership and benefits worth INR10,000+, including complimentary makeup services, skin consultations, hair styling and sessions with a personal styling service and exclusive offers on select brands.
● Shoppers Stop customers spending above INR10,000 will receive SOTC Travel vouchers offering substantial discounts across all holiday packages: INR5,000 off on Long-Haul Holidays, INR3,000 off on Short-Haul Holidays, and INR2,500 off on India & Indian subcontinent holidays (per family). Vouchers can be redeemed at SOTC outlets or by calling their toll-free number.
● Top three spenders at Shoppers Stop will win a free holiday from SOTC to Switzerland and Phuket for their family (2 adults + 1 child)
The campaign will run until 11 May 2025, across 110 Shoppers Stop stores in 68 cities across India and digital platforms. It will offer curated fashion capsules and travel offerings to help Indian consumers pack and plan their perfect summer vacation. Customers will benefit from a SOTC Travel dedicated kiosk at all Shoppers Stop outlets, where holiday experts will co-curate their holidays.
The campaign launched with an exclusive fashion show unveiling the collection at the Shoppers Stop marquee store in R-City Mall, Mumbai.
SOTC Travel Limited President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours SD Nandakumar said, “With a legacy of over 75 years in pioneering holidays, we believe that nobody understands Indian travellers better than SOTC Travel.
We’re witnessing a growing trend — today’s Indian traveller are the protagonist in their travel story and are keen to showcase their travel experiences over social media platforms. Travellers are curating fresh wardrobe styles inspired by the destination, whether it’s a concert, a beach getaway, poolside party or even airport transit looks.
With summer being the peak holiday season, we seized this strategic opportunity to connect with this new-age, style-conscious traveller. Hence, our partnership with Shoppers Stop strategically tapped into their consumer reach and expansive pan-India retail network across metros and tier 1 cities. By integrating destination-inspired style with personalised holiday experiences, we’re not just enhancing the travel journey — we’re unlocking a high-potential segment of fashion-forward travellers.”
SINGAPORE, 22 April 2025: Eastern & Oriental Express Belmond Train, Southeast Asia, has named Win Min its General Manager, effective immediately.
Win Min joins E&O from Residence Phou Vao as the interim General Manager. He began his career with Belmond in 2013 in Myanmar, where he served as Hotel Manager on Orcaella, a former Belmond river cruise.
In 2017, he took on the role of Hotel Manager, overseeing The Governor’s Residence hotel and Road to Mandalay river cruise, also previous Belmond properties.
Belmond Senior Vice President of Trains and Cruises Gary Franklin shared: “We welcome Win to his next step with Belmond. Win has had a long-standing career at Belmond, and we look forward to him bringing his expertise and leadership to the Eastern & Oriental Express.”
Eastern & Oriental Express Trains offer two itineraries on board the iconic 16 dark green carriages: The Essence of Malaysia (November to February) and Wild Malaysia (March to October).
Departing from Singapore (Woodlands), the luxury train trip visits destinations like Penang, Langkawi, and the Taman Negara National Park before returning to Singapore.
The Eastern & Oriental Express runs three-night itineraries year-round, with the “Wild Malaysia” itinerary from March to October and the “Essence of Malaysia” from November to February.
Accommodation prices start from USD5,800 per person in a Pullman cabin, including all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, onboard entertainment and onboard and offboard activities.
SINGAPORE, 22 April 2025: Vietjet launched two new direct routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao on 19 April from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
It marks another step in expanding the airline’s domestic network and cuts travel time to Con Dao. Singaporeans, for example, can fly directly to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and then connect with a domestic flight to Con Dao.
Photo credit: Vietjet.
The new routes will operate with a total of 28 roundtrip flights weekly. Vietjet offers two daily morning departures from Hanoi to Con Dao, with a flight time of two hours and 10 minutes. Two daily morning flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao will have a flight time of 40 minutes.
Vietjet operates direct flights to Singapore from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Danang. As part of its strong flight network growth, the airline will launch a new direct service between Singapore and Phu Quoc — Vietnam’s largest island — beginning 30 May 2025. This will mark Vietjet’s fourth route to Singapore, further enhancing regional connectivity.
Vietnam Airlines flies to Con Dao from Ho Chi Minh City (around 25 flights daily) and Can Tho (five weekly). Both routes are flown by ATR72s. The roundtrip fare averages USD180.
Why visit Con Dao
Con Dao is located in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Vietnam. It is the largest archipelago island, famed for its beaches and tragic history as a former penal colony under French and Vietnamese administrations. Con Dao is accessible by ferries and domestic flights.
The island boasts some of Vietnam’s most beautiful and unspoiled beaches, with soft white sand and clear turquoise waters.
Bai Dat Doc is often cited as the best beach on Con Son Island, a long crescent of sand surrounded by green hills.
Dam Trau Beach, close to the airport, offers stunning sunsets and the unique experience of watching planes land.
For a more secluded experience, Bai Nhat Beach appears at low tide and is perfect for sunset views, while Ong Dung Beach requires a hike through the National Park. The Con Dao National Park protects a significant portion of the archipelago, known for its lush tropical forests, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails.
Harsh penal history
Con Dao’s was a former penal colony, earning it the grim nickname “Hell on Earth.” Visitors can explore the Con Dao Prison, including the infamous “tiger cages,” to understand the harsh realities faced by political prisoners during the French colonial era and the Vietnam War.
The Con Dao Museum provides valuable context and displays artefacts and photographs detailing the island’s history and biodiversity.
The Hang Duong Cemetery is a significant memorial site where thousands of prisoners are buried.
Marine Life and activities
The waters surrounding Con Dao are home to coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Island hopping tours allow you to discover hidden beaches, bays, and underwater caves around the archipelago.
Bay Canh Island is particularly known for its well-preserved reefs and turtle conservation projects.
From July to September, you can witness the moving sight of sea turtles laying eggs, and later in the season, baby turtles hatching and making their way to the sea.
Tranquility and escape
With a relatively small population, Con Dao offers a secluded and peaceful atmosphere, a welcome contrast to the bustling mainland.
It’s an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation, allowing you to escape the stresses of everyday life.
The coastal roads are ideal for scenic drives or motorbike rides, offering stunning coastline views and lush landscapes.
Photo credit: Google Maps. Can Dao’s location; a 40-minute flight from HCMC.
BANGKOK, 21 April 2025: Thailand’s sun-kissed beaches, misty northern hills and vibrant cities are best known through digital postcards and travel blogs — but to truly feel the rhythm of the country, hop aboard a train.
In a land where modernity meets tradition, Thailand’s railways offer a unique, nostalgic, and surprisingly luxurious way to traverse its diverse landscapes.
Rail travel in Thailand is not only affordable and practical — it’s an experience in itself. With colonial-era stations, panoramic countryside views, and local life on full display, the journey is often just as rewarding as the destination. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a luxury seeker, there’s something magical about the chug of the engine, the rattle of the tracks, and the wide-open windows offering glimpses of rice paddies, mountain passes, and fishing villages.
Photo: SRT Royal Blossom, a luxury tourist train operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). It is refurbished from Japan’s Hamanasu train cars and designed for premium travel experiences.
Thailand’s Rail Network: A Snapshot
Operated primarily by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the country’s rail system spans over 4,345 kilometres, with four main lines — Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, and Southern — radiating from Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong Station, a heritage gem in its own right.
• Network length: 4,345 km
• Number of main lines: 4
• Longest route: Bangkok to Sungai Kolok (over 1,100 km)
• Popular train types: Ordinary, Rapid, Express and Special Express (including overnight sleepers)
• Luxury trains: Yes — most notably the SRT Royal Blossom
• Electrified rail: Limited (expanding via the urban SRT Red Line and upcoming high-speed projects)
• Average ticket cost: From THB15 (UKP0.36) to THB6,000+ (UKP144.50+)
Key features of the SRT Royal Blossom:
• Design: The exterior is bright red with gold accents, while the interior features comfortable seating and scenic viewing areas.
• Facilities: Equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and private restrooms.
• Services: Offers meals, beverages, and a café car.
• Routes: Operates on short-haul routes, including day trips to destinations like Hua Hin.
• Schedule: Runs every Saturday and Sunday in April and May 2025.
• Purpose: Aim to promote domestic tourism and provide unique travel experiences.
Currently operating as part of the State Railway’s tourism promotion initiative. As of April 2025, the Royal Blossom offers weekend journeys to various destinations, including Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, Lopburi, and Phetchaburi. These trips provide passengers with a luxurious experience, featuring refurbished carriages originally from Japan’s Hokkaido Railway Company. The train’s interior boasts plush velvet seats, cedar wood accents, and large panoramic windows for scenic views. Tickets for these excursions can be booked through SRT’s D-Ticket online platform or at train stations nationwide.
Bangkok’s Central Rail Terminal
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (often shortened to Krung Thep Aphiwat or Bangkok Central Station), also known by its former name Bang Sue Grand Station, is the central station of Thailand and the capital’s primary rail hub.
Location: In the Chatuchak district, about 10 km north of Hua Lamphong Station, adjacent to the former Bang Sue Junction it replaced in 2023.
How to Get There
•MRT (Subway): Take the MRT Blue Line to Bang Sue Station, then a short walk or escalator.
•Taxi/Grab: Readily accessible by car or ride-share apps.
• Bus: Multiple city bus routes stop nearby.
Quick Facts
•The largest railway station in Southeast Asia
• 26 platforms serving long-distance, commuter and future high-speed lines
• Connects most northern, northeastern and southern intercity routes
Photo: Thailand’s railways offer a unique, nostalgic and surprisingly luxurious way to traverse its diverse landscapes
Top Five Rail Journeys in Thailand
Here are five must-do routes that promise unforgettable scenery, cultural immersion, and a touch of rail romance.
1. SRT Royal Blossom: Bangkok → Kanchanaburi (Luxury Day Journey)
• USP: Cross into Laos via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
Highlights
• Sunrise over the rice fields of Isan
• Cultural stops in Udon Thani and Nong Khai
• Border crossing to Vientiane, Laos’s capital
• Price: 1,200 THB (£28.90) – 1,600 THB (£38.56)
• Popularity: Loved by backpackers, expats and off-the-beaten-track explorers
The Allure of Exploring Thailand by Train
• Authentic Encounters: Share cabins with locals, sample Thai street food on station platforms, and watch landscapes evolve in real time
• Budget-Friendly: One of the most economical ways to cover vast distances in comfort
• Spectacular Scenery: From tropical beaches and dense jungles to golden rice paddies and sheer mountain gorges
• Greener Footprint: Trains emit far less carbon than planes or long-haul coaches
•Rich Heritage: Many stations date back over a century, and some lines carry profound historical significance
Thailand’s railways don’t just take you to your destination—they invite you to experience the very soul of the kingdom. Pack light, keep your camera close, and let the rails lead you on an unforgettable adventure.
Insider Tips for Rail Travel in Thailand
• Book early for overnight and luxury trains — especially during festivals and long weekends
•Pack layers: Trains can be surprisingly cold when the air-con is on full blast
•Tuck into local fare: Vendors at each stop serve fresh, inexpensive Thai dishes
• Use the SRT app or website for live timetables and online bookings
• Savour the pace: In Thailand, the journey is every bit as rewarding as the destination
About the author Andrew J Wood is a respected travel writer, hotelier, and tourism lecturer with over four decades of experience in Southeast Asia’s hospitality and tourism sectors. A former general manager of several leading hotels in Thailand and a regular speaker at international tourism forums, he is widely recognised for his insight into emerging travel trends and his passionate advocacy for Thailand as a world-class destination.
SANDAKAN, Sabah, 21 April 2025: Trade experts, industry leaders, and tourism entrepreneurs explored business expansion opportunities in Singapore at the Market Readiness: Singapore Market seminar, held on 15 April 2025 at Sabah Hotel, Sandakan.
Organised by the Sabah Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STTOS) and Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE), the seminar was made possible with the support of MATRADE Sabah, Sandakan Tourist Association, and the Sabah Young Business & Industry Leaders Network (SYBIL), whose contributions helped ensure its success.
The seminar delivered targeted insights into market access, F&B export potential, and trade regulations relevant to Sabahan businesses aiming to tap into the Singaporean market.
Speakers included Wee Chin Chuan (Consultant, Singapore Cooperation Enterprise), Adli Haikal (Director of MATRADE Sabah), David Tan (Emeritus President of the Singapore Food Manufacturer’s Association) and Kane McGuinn (CEO and Founder of Atlas Aquaculture), who shared practical strategies on export procedures, seafood industry opportunities, and business expansion in Singapore.
Participants — comprising exporters, SMEs, and entrepreneurs — actively engaged in valuable opportunities for attendees to consult directly with experts and seek tailored advice relevant to their export goals. The event also highlighted available support schemes and potential areas for business collaboration.
A key highlight was the attendance of YB Puan Vivian Wong Shir Yee, Member of Parliament for Sandakan, who joined the networking lunch with stakeholders and speakers. Her presence underscored the role of the government in supporting local businesses. YB Vivian Wong encouraged stronger economic ties between Sabah and Singapore and highlighted the need for more collaboration between the private sector and government.
This initiative was further supported by the Ministry of Industrial Development & Entrepreneurship (MIDE), reinforcing the state government’s commitment to creating more opportunities for local entrepreneurs to collaborate, grow, and pursue business matching with Singaporean companies.
STTOS Managing Director Wendy Clare Stephen commented: “We are proud to provide the platform and support to help Sabah’s entrepreneurs thrive beyond our borders”.
About Sabah Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STTOS) Established in 2022, the Sabah Trade and Tourism Office Singapore operates under the directive of the Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship (MIDE). The primary mission is to promote Sabah, showcasing its vast potential for trade, investment, and tourism.
LANGKAWI 21 April 2025: Malaysia’s premier holiday island will boost air services with a direct flight from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, starting in June and weekly roundtrip charters resuming from Poland this November.
The New Strait Times reported that Malaysia’s low-cost airline Batik Air will commence weekly flights between Tashkent and Langkawi on 1 June.
Photo credit: GCA Private Travel & Event Langkawi #GCAPrivateLangkawi. Langkawi Tourism Engagement B2B event, held with Batik Air’s fam trip hosted at Pelangi Beach Resort Langkawi.
Credit for the additional airline routes goes to the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), which leads the drive to bring more airlines to the holiday island off the coast of northern Malaysia.
LADA chief executive officer, Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid said the route development initiative should support the agency’s efforts to attract 3.5 million visitors to the island this year.
Advance flight information sourced by OAG indicates Batik Air will introduce a weekly service every Sunday between Tashkent and Langkawi, deploying a 162-seat Boeing 737-800.
The LADA CEO also confirmed the air service between Poland and Langkawi will resume this November following the completion of the inaugural charter series of 22 flights that operated on the Warsaw – Langkawi route from November 2024 to March 2025 winter season. Flights were operated by LOT Polish Airlines.
Batik Air’s Tashkent – Langkawi weekly flight departs every Sunday. The flight timetable information shows the service is direct one-way on the TAS-LGK sector effective 1 June 2025, but the return flight from LGK includes a stop in KUL to connect with a Batik Air KUL-TAS service.
Flight schedule
OD755 will depart Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1700 and arrive in Tashkent (TAS) at 2150. OD756 will depart Tashkent (TAS) at 2310 and arrive in Langkawi (LGK) at 0955 plus a day (Direct flight).
Pre-flight promotions
GCA Private Travel & Event Langkawi attending the Langkawi Tourism Engagement B2B event, which was held in conjunction with Batik Air’s 16 April familiarisation trip at the Pelangi Beach Resort Langkawi posted on its Facebook page: “Thanks to LADA and all tourism partners from Langkawi and Tashkent for the warm hospitality and valuable networking opportunity. Looking forward to future collaborations and continued success in building two-way tourism between the destinations.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 April 2025: The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) hosted its inaugural business-to-business (B2B) travel and tourism exchange matching event, MATTA Connect 2025, a day before the MATTA Fair from 18 to 20 April 2025.
Hosted at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), MATTA Connect delivered a business platform to connect Malaysian travel agents with international tourism suppliers and industry players. It provided an exclusive space to start discussions and build business opportunities across the travel and tourism industry.
From Left:Michiko Watanabe, ASEAN marketing manager, Atout France;Kashful Azim Shaharuddin, Market Manager Saudi Tourism Authority;Chong Yu Ken, Vice President Outbound and Organising Chairman of MATTA Connect;Balquis Engku Mokhsin, Acting Country Manager, Saudi Tourism Authority;Sammie, Senior Marketing Executive, Macao Government Tourism Office;Nguyen Son, CEO of Visit Indochina Corporate Limited – Vietnam.
MATTA Connect welcomed 186 sellers representing 93 organisations from 27 countries. Each showcased its destinations, products, and services to meet the growing demand of Malaysian travellers and business partners.
Together with these sellers, 145 registered member buyers from across the ASEAN region joined the event, all eager to explore new offerings and build strategic business partnerships.
MATTA Connect also featured insightful ‘Pitch Stage’ presentations from the sponsors, key global tourism authorities and organisations, including: Visit Indochina from Vietnam; Macao Global Tourism; Saudi Tourism Authority; Atout France.
Sponsor presentations provided attendees with first-hand insights into emerging markets, destination highlights, and strategic updates, further adding to the knowledge-sharing and commercial appeal of the event. The business matchmaking sessions, which facilitated hundreds of productive discussions, further reinforced the importance of in-person meetings and building trust and long-term business relationships.
“Our goal is to provide value to our members and the travel community at large, and this is reflected in the success of MATTA Connect,” said MATTA president Nigel Wong. “These initiatives are essential for elevating the travel and tourism industry and promoting long-term collaboration between parties.”
The MATTA Connect complemented MATTA’s broader member-focused initiatives, which aim to support travel agents in a rapidly changing industry through innovation, sustainability, and knowledge-sharing.
As MATTA celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, initiatives like MATTA Connect showcase the association’s enduring role in supporting and connecting all the parties in the travel and tourism industry.
