FARNBOROUGH, UK, 24 July 2026: Flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier based in Saudi Arabia, will acquire five additional A330-900 aircraft and 20 additional A321neo aircraft from Airbus.
The agreement further strengthens the partnership between Airbus and flynas and supports the airline’s continued expansion across domestic, regional and long-haul markets.
Photo credit: Flynas @Airbus. A321neo A330neo
The latest order increases flynas’ total commitment for the A330neo to 20 aircraft and brings its total commitment for the A321neo to 56 aircraft. With these additions, flynas continues to expand its all-Airbus fleet, bringing its total firm commitment to Airbus aircraft to 235.
Flynas currently operates a fleet of 67 Airbus aircraft, comprising two A330-300s, four A320ceos and 61 A320neos. The airline continues to expand its network in response to growing demand for air travel in Saudi Arabia and beyond, supporting the Kingdom’s aviation growth ambitions.
Flynas Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Bander Almohanna noted that increasing flynas’ confirmed Airbus orders to 235 aircraft out of a total orderbook of 280 aircraft will further strengthen the airline’s operational and expansion capabilities as Saudi Arabia looks forward to hosting Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
FARNBOROUGH, UK, 24 July 2026: Shohin Airlines, established in Dushanbe, Tajikistan as a private airline company, has disclosed an order for four Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, marking the first-ever Airbus order for the airline.
The agreement, which includes two A320neo and two A321neo aircraft, was included in Airbus’ end-of-June order book as an undisclosed order.
Photo credit: Airbus SAS 2026.
Registered in June 2025, the airline aims to expand a wide route network and build a brand that represents Tajikistan on the global aviation stage.
The A320neo aircraft will feature 176 seats and the A321neo will feature 196 seats in a dual-class layout. These new aircraft will help the airline launch services to regional and global markets.
“The signing of our first contract with Airbus marks a milestone not only for Shohin Airlines, but also for the entire civil aviation sector of Tajikistan. The A320neo Family aircraft will form the backbone of our airline’s modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable fleet. We are committed to providing our passengers with the highest standards of safety, comfort, and service quality while expanding Tajikistan’s international air connectivity. We are confident that our partnership with Airbus will provide a solid foundation for Shohin Airlines’ long-term growth and the successful implementation of our strategy to build a world-class airline,” said Shohin Airlines Chief Executive Officer Zafar Ahmadzoda.
“Welcoming a new customer to the Airbus family is always a proud moment, and we are honoured Shohin Airlines has chosen Airbus to power their historic launch,” said Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “We look forward to supporting Shohin Airlines’ vision to connect Tajikistan to the world. This agreement marks the beginning of a strong partnership, ensuring the airline sets a new regional standard for fleet optimisation, operational excellence, and passenger experience right from its start.”
SINGAPORE, 24 July 2026: More travellers are looking to escape rising temperatures, with searches for coolcations and cooler destinations up 74% year-on-year since the start of 2026, according to Trip.com.
Japan continues to top many wish lists, and while winter holidays have often centred around ski resorts such as Niseko and Hakuba, another side of Japan’s snow season unfolds beyond the slopes, as introduced by Walk Japan.
Onsen Gastronomy: Snowy Aizu
Across some of Japan’s snowiest regions, long winters have shaped distinctive local cultures — from steaming open-air onsen and preserved post towns to regional cuisines. These landscapes reveal a quieter side of Japan, where mountain villages and hot spring communities continue to follow rhythms passed down through generations.
Walk Japan presents lesser-known winter snow season journeys departing February 2027.
Set in Fukushima’s historic Aizu region, this leisurely 5D4N winter journey combines snowy walks through samurai towns and rural villages with regional cuisine, sake and restorative onsen. Travellers discover how generations of heavy snowfall have shaped Aizu’s distinctive food culture, craftsmanship and way of life.
Traversing Japan’s remote northeast, this journey links traditional hot spring towns set amid deep snow. Over seven days, travellers walk between villages, soak in open-air baths and discover winter customs unique to the Tohoku region.
Through the mountains of Nagano, travellers explore one of Japan’s iconic snow country regions over 7D6N, walking between historic villages, cedar forests and onsen settlements while experiencing the rhythms of daily life shaped by long winters.
Beyond Hokkaido’s ski resorts, this 8D7N journey explores the island’s vast winter wilderness, combining snowy coastal landscapes, forests and rural communities with fresh seasonal cuisine and local wildlife.
*Departing January / February 2027
Walk Japan’s annual snow-season guided tours run during the winter months ( December through March). If you are looking ahead to Winter 2027, their core snow-focused offerings generally open for bookings 12 to 18 months in advance.
Instead of traditional downhill skiing, Walk Japan’s snow season tours focus on snowshoeing, winter cultural immersion, and walking through snow-draped landscapes.
What to expect on a Walk Japan snow tour
Accessibility: You don’t need prior snowshoe experience. Walk Japan provides snowshoes/kanjiki and basic poles, leading you at a comfortable, manageable pace.
Small group size: Typically capped at 10 to 12 guests to keep the atmosphere personal and group movement nimble in snowy conditions.
Accommodations and dining: Expect a heavy emphasis on authentic Japanese hospitality—staying in traditional ryokan or shukubo, sleeping on futons on tatami mats, enjoying multi-course kaiseki or regional winter hot-pot dishes, and bathing in natural hot springs.
Essential Tips for Winter 2027 Bookings
Book early: Winter/snow tours are among Walk Japan’s most sought-after departures because group sizes are small and the window (Jan–Mar) is short. Winter 2027 dates typically fill up quickly once published on their site.
Layering is essential: Walk Japan provides technical gear like snowshoes, but you’ll need high-quality waterproof outerwear, thermal base layers, waterproof winter boots, and solid gloves/goggles.
Private Tours: If you are travelling with family or a group of friends, Walk Japan also offers self-guided options or custom private departures for their snow routes.
About Walk Japan Established in 1992, Walk Japan is an independently owned and managed company that pioneers innovative walking tours throughout Japan. Walk Japan operates through a few main entities and office locations across Japan, Hong Kong, and the UK.
Corporate location: Hong Kong, Unit 59, Level 24, Lee Garden One, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
SINGAPORE, 24 July 2026: As part of the preparations for the launch of ITB Americas, taking place 10–12 November in Guadalajara, Mexico, show organiser Messe Berlin Americas joins the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as a Regional Member.
By joining WTTC as a Regional Member, Messe Berlin Americas reinforces its commitment to working alongside the industry’s leading organisations to shape the future of travel and tourism in the Americas.
Photo credit: Messe Berlin. Landscapes from the Americas.
As the first travel trade show bringing together North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean under a single B2B platform, ITB Americas connects the region’s travel and tourism ecosystem, driving business opportunities, knowledge exchange and industry collaboration.
The inaugural edition of ITB Americas will bring together destinations, tourism boards, buyers, travel companies, hotel brands, airlines, technology providers, MICE professionals and industry leaders from across the Americas and beyond. Trade visitors can register now to attend ITB Americas 2026 and connect with leading players from across the travel and tourism industry. The event is expected to welcome more than 5,000 attendees and participants from more than 42 countries and regions.
Organised by Messe Berlin Americas, the regional subsidiary of Messe Berlin, ITB Americas builds on the global ITB portfolio of travel trade shows and is designed to become the leading gateway to the travel and tourism industry across the Pan-American region.
WTTC President & CEO, Gloria Guevara said: “We are delighted to welcome Messe Berlin Americas as a Regional Member. Through its focus on fostering business connections, knowledge exchange and collaboration, the organisation plays an important role in strengthening engagement across the Travel & Tourism sector in the Americas. We look forward to working together to connect industry leaders, support regional growth and advance opportunities for the sector throughout the continent.”
Messe Berlin Vice President and Managing Director Americas, Vicente Salas Hesselbach added: “Joining WTTC as a Regional Member marks an important milestone for Messe Berlin Americas and, above all, for ITB Americas. As we prepare to launch the inaugural edition of ITB Americas, we are committed to building a platform that brings together the travel industry across the entire continent, fostering meaningful business connections, knowledge exchange, and long-term collaboration. This achievement reinforces our commitment to shaping a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable future for travel and tourism in the Americas.”
About ITB Americas The first edition of ITB Americas will be held from November 10-12, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico. As the premier B2B travel trade show for the entire American continent, ITB Americas unites industry professionals from North, Central, and South America as well as the Caribbean. With a strong focus on regional and international market potential, ITB Americas features a curated Hosted Buyer programme and a high-level conference showcasing thought leaders and industry experts.
LONDON, 24 July 2026: Hilton Hotels & Resorts remains the world’s most valuable luxury hotel brand, while Taj Hotels retains its position as the world’s strongest luxury hotel brand, according to the Hotels 50 2026 report from Brand Finance, a brand valuation consultancy.
Brand Finance’s latest luxury hotels ranking shows no change among the top 10 brands, reinforcing the sector’s resilience amid evolving market conditions
Hilton Hotels & Resorts (brand value up 28% to USD19.2 billion) has seen growth supported by its strong premium positioning, global reputation for high-quality hospitality, and continued investment in its luxury portfolio, including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and NoMad Hotels.
Expansion into high-demand luxury destinations has further strengthened Hilton’s global presence and reinforced its appeal among affluent travellers.
Hyatt (brand value down 6% to USD7.5 billion) retains its position as the world’s second most valuable luxury hotel brand. The brand continues to strengthen its luxury positioning through the expansion of its premium portfolio, including Park Hyatt, Alila, Miraval, and Andaz, which cater to growing demand for personalised and experience-led stays. Hyatt’s record development pipeline of 148,000 rooms and continued growth of its World of Hyatt loyalty programme to approximately 63 million members further support its long-term growth prospects, as the brand expands its presence across key luxury travel markets.
Marriott (brand value up 23% to USD4.6 billion) ranks as the world’s third most valuable luxury hotel brand, supported by continued portfolio expansion and strong global brand equity. The group’s luxury offering, spanning brands such as Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, and EDITION, continues to benefit from rising demand for premium experiences and personalised hospitality.
Growth initiatives, including expanding its luxury portfolio and launching new concepts such as Series by Marriott, have strengthened Marriott’s ability to cater to evolving luxury traveller preferences. Its Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem, with 271 million members globally, further reinforces customer loyalty and supports sustained brand growth across international markets.
Meanwhile, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.5/100 and an AAA+ brand strength rating, Taj Hotels (brand value up 32% to USD878 million) retains its position as the world’s strongest luxury hotel brand. As luxury travellers increasingly seek authentic and experience-led stays, Taj continues to differentiate itself through its distinctive blend of Indian heritage, personalised hospitality, and timeless luxury. Its strong brand equity reflects its ability to deliver meaningful guest experiences while preserving its unique cultural identity on the global hospitality stage.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts ranks as the world’s second strongest luxury hotel brand, achieving a BSI score of 87.1/100 and an AAA-brand strength rating, underpinned by its premium positioning, extensive global luxury portfolio, and reputation for delivering high-quality hospitality across international markets. Marriott ranks third strongest, with a BSI score of 83.4/100 and an AAA brand strength rating, reflecting the strength of its diverse luxury brand portfolio, global reach, and continued investment in premium guest experiences.
As part of the Hotels 50 2026 report, Brand Finance has separately ranked the world’s 10 leading luxury hotel brands by brand value and brand strength.
SINGAPORE, 24 July 2026: Allianz Partners, a B2B2C insurance and assistance services provider, and Singapore-based Travelgoogoo join forces to deliver connectivity to Allianz customers across Asia Pacific.
Through this collaboration, eligible Allianz travel insurance customers will gain access to the Travelgoogoo365 Annual Plan, which includes membership to the Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club.
Photo credit: Allianz Partners.
Allianz Partners, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Vinay Surana said: “Today’s travellers expect a seamless, end-to-end travel experience. Partnering with Travelgoogoo allows us to address the growing expectation for always-on connectivity, enhancing our travel insurance offering to give customers greater confidence and convenience wherever they go.”
The Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club is a membership ecosystem designed to provide travellers with always-on connectivity and exclusive travel benefits. Members enjoy unlimited messaging and data voice calls across popular messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, LINE, Telegram, WeChat, Viber, and Zalo, without needing to purchase a data plan in 123 destinations. They can also purchase high-speed travel data at member-exclusive rates whenever needed.
As part of the launch offer, Allianz customers will also receive a complimentary 1GB Global Starter Data Pack for a limited period, enabling them to enjoy high-speed connectivity from the start of their journey.
Travelgoogoo enables a more seamless travel experience by removing the need for SIM swaps, reducing connectivity challenges associated with roaming, and eliminating the hassle of searching for Wi-Fi. Members can also access support via WhatsApp to check usage or purchase additional data plans at their convenience.
Travelgoogoo Founder and CEO Richard Bok commented: “Connectivity has become a fundamental part of how people travel, from staying in touch with loved ones to accessing essential services on the go. It’s what keeps people close, informed, and moving with confidence across borders.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 23 July 2026: Travel continues to be a priority for consumers across ASEAN, with travellers becoming increasingly intentional about how they plan and spend on their journeys.
As economic and global conditions evolve, they are making smarter choices on where they go, how much they spend and when they book.
According to AirAsia MOVE’s insights from forward bookings for travel between 1 July and 31 December 2026, travellers are increasingly prioritising value, convenience and thoughtful planning over volume alone.
The findings indicate that travellers are moving away from spontaneous decision-making towards more intentional travel in 2026, prioritising destinations that offer greater value, shorter travel times and meaningful experiences without compromising affordability.
Travellers are spending smarter, not less
One of the clearest shifts is not whether people are travelling, but how they are allocating their travel budgets. Average flight spending for the second half of 2026 is currently around 35% higher than the average hotel spend. The data suggests that travellers remain willing to invest in reaching their preferred destinations, while becoming more selective about where they stay.
Rather than choosing premium luxury accommodation, travellers are increasingly opting for hotels that provide the right balance of comfort, convenience and affordability.
This is reflected across the more than one million hotels available on MOVE worldwide, where 76% of bookings are for three- and four-star properties, demonstrating a clear preference for quality accommodation that delivers greater value.
Payday is when travellers turn plans into bookings
MOVE’s booking intelligence shows that nearly 40% of flight bookings are made for travel taking place between the 25th and 5th of each month, closely aligning with salary cycles across many ASEAN markets.
The pattern suggests that while travellers often begin researching and planning earlier, many choose to make the trip closer to the payday period, reflecting a more disciplined approach to discretionary spending.
As affordability becomes increasingly important, financial planning is becoming an integral part of the travel decision-making process.
Convenience is driving destination choices
Travellers continue to favour destinations that are easier and quicker to reach.
While domestic travel remains resilient across the region, international demand continues to be concentrated on destinations within four hours’ flying time, where travellers can maximise both their time and travel budgets.
Bookings for international flights under four hours increased by 14% in the second half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The trend reflects growing demand for destinations that offer convenience, accessibility and strong overall value, making shorter regional getaways increasingly attractive.
International travel is expected to strengthen in H2
Travellers are also planning holidays earlier, with a growing proportion of bookings now being made more than 120 days before departure. The trend points to renewed confidence in longer-term travel planning after a period characterised by shorter booking windows.
Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines are expected to remain among the strongest destination markets during the remainder of the year, reflecting continued demand for regional travel supported by strong connectivity and competitive value.
Millennials and Gen Z continue to power travel demand
Millennials remain the largest travelling generation on MOVE, accounting for 43% of all bookings, followed by Gen Z at 23%. Together, they represent almost two-thirds of bookings across the platform, reinforcing that younger travellers continue to shape the region’s travel economy.
SINGAPORE, 23 July 2026: Turkish Airlines carried 7.9 million passengers in May 2026, delivering an International load factor of 84% while domestic load factor reached 84.4%.
Available seat kilometres (ASK) increased by 2.5% to 23.2 billion during May 2026 from USD22.6 billion for the same period of 2025.
Photo credit: Turkish Airlines.
Cargo/Mail carried during May 2026 increased by 8.6% from May 2025, totalling 203.1 thousand tons.
January-May 2026 traffic results
Passengers increased by 7.3% to 36.4 million compared to the same period of 2025.
Total load factor recorded 83.6%. International load factor reached 83.5% and the domestic load factor 84.3%.
Available seat kilometres (ASK) increased by 6.5% to 112.1 billion from 105.3 billion for the same period of 2025.
Cargo/Mail carried during this period increased by 13.5% to 954.6 thousand tons from 840.7 thousand tons in the same period of 2025.
By the end of May 2026, the number of aircraft in the fleet reached 542.
Traffic results are consolidated and include Turkish Airlines’ main brand and AJet data.
LONDON, 23 July 2026: The average passport now provides visa-free access to 108 destinations worldwide — up from just 58 when the index was first launched in 2006, according to the 20th anniversary edition of the Henley Passport Index
It demonstrates how dramatically global mobility has expanded over the past two decades. Findings stand in stark contrast to the latest Global Peace Index, which also marks its 20th edition and paints its bleakest picture yet.
Photo credit: Henley & Partners.
According to the Institute for Economics & Peace, the world is experiencing the highest number of state-based conflicts since the Second World War, with global peacefulness declining for the 12th consecutive year.
Today, 119 of the 163 countries measured are less peaceful than they were in 2008, while 103 countries have been involved in an external conflict during the past five years — almost double the number recorded when the index began.
As millions of travellers prepare to cross borders for the peak Northern Hemisphere summer holiday season, the July 2026 Henley Passport Index — based on exclusive Timatic data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) — shows that international mobility continues to evolve despite an increasingly complex and conflicted geopolitical landscape.
Singapore retains its position as the world’s most powerful passport with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates is the biggest mover since January, climbing three places to join Japan and South Korea in second place with access to 188 destinations.
The UK has climbed one place to 6th since the start of the year after securing visa-free access to China and Malawi, while Canada has risen to 7th following similar gains. The US remains in 10th place and is now one of the few top-ranked passports whose citizens still require a visa to visit China.
UAE — the making of a mobility superpower
The UAE’s latest rise is particularly significant in this anniversary year, recording the greatest improvement of any passport in the index’s history, adding 153 visa-free destinations over 20 years and rising from the middle of the rankings to become one of the world’s most powerful passports — a striking example of how sustained diplomatic engagement and international cooperation can transform global mobility.
Henley & Partners Chairman and creator of the Henley Passport Index, Dr Christian H Kaelin, says the two historic datasets reveal a profound shift in global power.
“Twenty years of data show that passport power is one of the clearest expressions of a country’s geopolitical capital. It reflects far more than peace or prosperity alone. The world’s strongest passports belong to nations that other countries want as partners — for trade, investment, security, or cooperation. Mobility is ultimately a measure of the value other countries place on their relationship with you.”
The winners, the losers, and the growing gap
Over the past 20 years, global travel freedom has expanded dramatically. In 2006, the most powerful passports — held by citizens of the USA, Denmark, and Finland — provided visa-free access to 130 destinations. Today, Singapore sits at the top of the index with access to 192 destinations.
Yet the gap between the most and least mobile citizens has widened sharply. In 2006, Afghanistan ranked last with access to just 12 destinations, creating an 118-destination gap between the top and bottom of the index. Today, Afghanistan remains at the bottom with access to only 22 destinations, while Singapore’s score of 192 creates a record-breaking 170-destination global mobility gap.
Remarkably, Bolivia is the only passport in the world to have recorded a net loss in visa-free access over the past two decades, reducing its score by six destinations. Every other passport has become more powerful.
The waning power of the Atlantic alliance
The composition of the world’s mobility elite has changed significantly since the Henley Passport Index was launched. In 2006, the US enjoyed first place and the UK ranked third. Twenty years later, the US sits in 10th place, and the UK ranks sixth, underscoring a longer-term shift in mobility power away from the traditional transatlantic leaders.
Asia has become far more prominent at the top of the index. Singapore, which ranked 8th in 2006, now holds first place, while Japan and South Korea share second place with the UAE.
Europe still dominates the upper ranks, but the balance has changed. The top 10 now includes 38 passports, compared with 26 in 2006, with more countries competing within a narrower bandwidth of high mobility. This reflects a broader trend: passport power has expanded globally, but relative advantage has become harder to maintain.
When peace predicts passport power
New analysis by Henley & Partners comparing the Henley Passport Index (HPI) and the Global Peace Index (GPI) over the past two decades reveals a strong positive relationship between peacefulness and passport power (Spearman rank correlation ρ = 0.65, p < 0.001). At both ends of the spectrum, the pattern is remarkably consistent. Many of the world’s most peaceful countries also hold the world’s strongest passports. Singapore ranks 8th on the GPI and 1st on the HPI, while Japan, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Denmark, New Zealand, Canada, Czechia, and Malaysia all feature among the global leaders on both indexes.
The same pattern is evident at the opposite end of the rankings. Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen sit among the world’s least peaceful nations and have the world’s weakest passports, illustrating the impact that conflict, instability, and state fragility have on international mobility.
When diplomacy and geopolitical power trump peace
The most revealing findings emerge from the exceptions. Countries whose passports significantly outperform what their peace rankings alone would predict include Israel (159th on GPI, 18th on HPI), the US (134th on GPI, 10th on HPI), France (99th on GPI, 4th on HPI), Ukraine (160th on GPI, 31st on HPI), the UAE (73rd on GPI, 2nd on HPI), South Korea (57th on GPI, 2nd on HPI), Brazil (124th on GPI, 16th on HPI), Mexico (139th on GPI, 22nd on HPI), and Russia (163rd on GPI, 47th on HPI). Their positions demonstrate that while peace provides the foundation for international mobility, diplomacy, geopolitical influence, economic strength, and regional integration can all have an even greater impact.
America and Israel are the clearest statistical outliers. Despite the USA sitting in the bottom fifth of the GPI rankings and Israel among the five least peaceful nations in the world, both continue to enjoy exceptionally powerful passports.
Their positions reflect decades of accumulated diplomatic capital, geopolitical influence, economic importance, and international confidence in the integrity of their institutions and travel documents. At a time when tensions with Iran and instability across the Middle East once again dominate headlines, their mobility strength illustrates that passport power is shaped by far more than peacefulness alone.
BERLIN, 23 July 2026: ITB exhibitors will tread unfamiliar ground at ITB Berlin 2027 as their longstanding venue, Hall 9, closes for long-term modernisation of the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.
ITB Berlin scheduled for 16 to 18 March 2027) is adapting its hall layout to allow for the construction of dock9, the new multi-purpose convention and event venue, on the site of the former Hall 9.
During the construction of dock9, the exhibition grounds will undergo forward-looking development, and the hall layout will be individually optimised.
Exhibitors from Halls 7.1c, 8.1, 9 and 10.1 will find a new home in the CityCube Berlin. The new layout creates theme-oriented clusters and short distances between halls.
The CityCube Berlin will be even more closely integrated into ITB Berlin, expanding the exhibition grounds with state-of-the-art, high-quality floor space. As an integral part of the new hall layout, it will play a pivotal and effective role in enhancing the trade show concept.
“The adapted hall layout is more than just a response to the construction of dock9. It allows us to align ITB Berlin even more closely with the requirements of our international exhibitors and trade visitors and make thematic focal points more visible“, said ITB Berlin Director Deborah Rothe.
Dock9 is a new multi-purpose conference and event centre being built on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds and replaces the existing Hall 9. From October 2026, Hall 9 will be demolished to make way for the new building. ITB Berlin is using this change to adapt its hall layout and organise the available space even more efficiently.
ITB Berlin 2027 is in contact with the exhibitors affected by the relocation plans. Through close coordination, individual and, wherever possible, suitable reallocation solutions are being developed. This process is purposely being carried out in stages, as exhibitor reallocation is still undergoing final coordination.
The final assignment of stand space will be completed later this year.
