SINGAPORE, 17 June 2026: Club Med has been officially listed in the 2026 TIME100 Most Influential Companies list, marking the first time the global all-inclusive pioneer has received this global accolade.
Featured in the Innovators category, Club Med is recognised for successfully reshaping the traditional all-inclusive travel sector into a highly sophisticated, premium global offering that spans sun, ski and unexpected new adventure destinations.
Photo credit: Club Med.
The annual TIME100 Most Influential Companies List highlights 100 extraordinary businesses that are actively shaping global industry standards. To assemble the annual list, TIME solicits nominations from across various sectors and polls its global network of contributors, correspondents and outside experts. TIME editors then evaluate each company on key metrics, including impact, innovation, ambition and success.
This prestigious recognition underscores Club Med’s successful strategic evolution, celebrating its position as a global leader that seamlessly balances premium hospitality innovation with environmental and social responsibility.
Originally founded in 1950 and once synonymous with simple beach escapes, Club Med has spent the past two decades phasing out its midscale portfolio. The French hospitality giant has shifted its entire focus to premium and luxury properties. A major part of this strategic shift involves complex geographic categories such as mountain resorts, which encompass lift tickets, gear, ski lessons, and dining, and now make up roughly 35% of Club Med’s global business across more than 20 resorts in the Alps, Japan, China, and North America.
Welcoming close to 1.5 million guests across nearly 70 resorts, Club Med continues to diversify its offerings. Key upcoming milestones include the highly anticipated 2026 launch of its first-ever resort in South Africa, a unique beach-and-safari concept on the Dolphin Coast, alongside a brand-new resort in Borneo, Malaysia, and Manado, Indonesia, and a new Exclusive Collection resort in Koh Samui, Thailand.
NEW DELHI, 17 June 2026: SriLankan Airlines has announced a partnership with Saudia (SV) and Flynas (XY), further strengthening air travel links between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.
The collaboration significantly expands SriLankan Airlines’ network reach, enabling travellers to access a wider range of destinations through convenient domestic and international connections.
Photo credit: SriLankan Airlines.
Under this arrangement, Saudia provides access to seven international and 13 domestic destinations. In comparison, Flynas adds eight international and six domestic destinations, offering passengers greater travel flexibility and improved accessibility across the Kingdom.
Through Saudia’s network, passengers can connect from destinations including Amman, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Cairo, Dubai, Kuwait City, and Los Angeles, as well as key domestic points such as Jeddah, Abha, Madinah, and Tabuk, among others across Saudi Arabia. Flynas further expands its network with international services from Addis Ababa, Karachi, Giza, Tashkent, and Sohag, alongside domestic connectivity from cities including Jizan, Najran, Dammam, and Jeddah.
Passengers travelling from across Saudi Arabia can now connect seamlessly via Riyadh and Dammam to SriLankan Airlines’ daily Colombo services, with onward access to destinations throughout the airline’s international network.
SriLankan Airlines currently operates daily flights from both Riyadh and Dammam to Colombo, catering to growing demand for business, leisure, and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel between the two countries.
Sri Lankan Airlines’ Head of Commercial Dimuthu Tennakoon said: “This partnership represents an important step in expanding SriLankan Airlines’ presence across Saudi Arabia while strengthening links to key destinations in the Middle East, Africa and North America. Working together with Saudia and Flynas enables us to offer customers smoother connections from multiple regional and international destinations into Sri Lanka and beyond.”
Commenting on the partnership, Saudia Manager Thusitha Wickramasinghe stated: “We are delighted to partner with Saudia and Flynas to strengthen further air travel links between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. This collaboration offers passengers greater convenience, expanded travel options and seamless journeys across our combined networks, while enhancing the overall travel experience through improved network integration.”
SriLankan Airlines connects passengers to 131 destinations across 63 countries through its own services and codeshare partnerships, while operating direct services to 34 destinations worldwide. Its network spans Europe, Australia, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and the Far East. The airline operates an all-Airbus fleet comprising state-of-the-art A330-200/300 and A320/321 aircraft.
SINGAPORE, 17 June 2026: Royal Caribbean celebrated a major construction milestone for the seventh Oasis Class ship with a keel laying ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, last week.
The event officially marked the start of assembly of the vacation brand’s new ship and kicks off the next two years of construction ahead of its anticipated 2028 debut.
Photo credit: Royal Caribbean.
During the ceremony, teams from Royal Caribbean and Chantiers de l’Atlantique placed a layer of freshly minted coins beneath the first steel block in the dry dock, known as the keel. The long-standing maritime tradition celebrates the beginning of the ship’s journey by wishing good fortune to the ship, its crew and future voyagers.
The soon-to-be-named ship will join the revolutionary Oasis Class lineup in 2028 and deliver new adventures, dining, entertainment and experiences designed for every type of vacationer.
SINGAPORE, 17 June 2026: Singapore Cruise Centre will relocate all ferry and cruise operations to its new Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront) terminal in two phases this July 2026.
Batam Fast Ferry will be the first operator to commence operations from the new terminal on 7 July 2026. All remaining ferry operators – Horizon Fast Ferry, Majestic Fast Ferry, Sindo Ferry and Indo Falcon Shipping & Travel, as well as cruise operations, will follow from 15 July 2026.
Photo credit: Singapore Cruise Centre.
There are no changes to ferry routes, destinations served and scheduling as a result of the move.
Ferry services to destinations including Batam Centre, Harbour Bay, Sekupang, Tanjung Balai (Karimun), Gold Coast and Nirup Island, as well as international cruise operations, will continue as usual. The ferry and cruise berth locations also remain unchanged.
New terminal adjacent to the current location
Location map of the new Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront) terminal.
The new Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront) terminal is located at 5 HarbourFront Avenue, Singapore 099549. The brand-new red terracotta building is on an adjacent site, just 70 metres from the existing terminal within Harbourfront Centre. It is also directly across the entrance of the Reef at King’s Dock condominium and behind Harbourfront Tower 2, facing the sea.
The new terminal continues to be served by public transport. Passengers can make their way to the new terminal via HarbourFront MRT Station (NE1/CC29) Exit B and existing public transport connections within the precinct. Passengers are encouraged to use public transport to the terminal as parking spaces are very limited.
There will be sheltered walkways serving the pedestrian route between the new terminal, the MRT station, and Vivocity.
Batam Fast Passengers travelling from 7 July 2026 will be served from this new terminal. As this is a new location and building, passengers are encouraged to arrive earlier to familiarise themselves with the new terminal and its services.
The new Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront) terminal features upgraded infrastructure and technology-enabled services designed to enhance the passenger experience. There will also be F&B, supporting convenience retail and money changers in the terminal.
Singapore Cruise Centre CEO Jacqueline Tan said: “Regional travel continues to play an important role in how people connect and conduct business across the region.
The new Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront) terminal is an opportunity to upgrade the passenger experience, and is a reflection of our commitment towards delivering a seamless and efficient travel experience.”
SINGAPORE, 17 June 2026: Celebrating the launch of its new direct service between Singapore and Nha Trang, one of Vietnam’s most popular coastal destinations, Vietjet offers promotional Eco fares from SGD86/one-way (inclusive of taxes and fees) across its Singapore–Vietnam network.
The new Singapore–Nha Trang route is scheduled to commence on 11 December 2026, further strengthening connectivity between Singapore and Vietnam while expanding travel options across the Asia-Pacific region.
Photo credit: Vietjet.
Until midnight on 21 June 2026 (GMT+8), travellers can enjoy promotional Eco fares by entering the promo code FLYVIETJET when booking, for flights across Vietjet’s Singapore–Vietnam network, which currently includes direct services to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc and the upcoming Singapore–Nha Trang route as well.
Passengers purchasing Deluxe, SkyBoss, and Business tickets can receive a 20% discount (excluding taxes and fees) by applying the code FLYVJ. Promotional fares are valid for travel between 18 August 2026 and 31 March 2027. (Travel periods may vary by route, and blackout dates may apply).
Alongside this new route, Vietjet will also launch the first-ever direct air link between Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 18 August 2026, while the Ho Chi Minh City – Cebu service is set to commence on 11 December 2026. These additions reinforce Vietjet’s growing presence across Southeast Asia and provide travellers with even more convenient access to key tourism, business and cultural destinations throughout the region.
The new Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo route will operate three round-trip flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with a flight time of around five hours.
HANOI, 16 June 2026: Vietnam Airlines has inaugurated a nonstop service between Hanoi and Amsterdam, becoming the first Vietnamese carrier to operate a direct route connecting Vietnam and the Netherlands.
The new service marks a significant milestone in the airline’s international network expansion strategy and further strengthens air links between Vietnam and Europe.
Photo credit: Vietnam Airlines. Vietnam Airlines becomes the first Vietnamese carrier to operate a direct route connecting Vietnam and the Netherlands.
The inaugural flight, VN83, departed Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport at 0350 on 16 June, carrying 300 passengers aboard an Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft.
After a flight time of 12 hours and 10 minutes, the aircraft landed at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. In the opposite direction, flight VN82 departed Amsterdam for Hanoi at 1400 (local time) on the same day.
Vietnam Airlines will operate three round-trip flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays using Airbus A350 aircraft configured with 304 seats.
Flight schedule
VN83 departs Hanoi (HAN) at 0350 and arrives in Amsterdam (AMS) at 1100. Flight time is 12 hours and 10 minutes. VN82 departs Amsterdam (AMS) at 1400 and arrives in Hanoi (HAN) at 0600 plus a day. Flight time 11 hours.
Vietnam Airlines Executive Vice President Nguyen Quang Trung commented: “The inauguration of the Hanoi–Amsterdam service reflects Vietnam Airlines’ continued commitment to expanding its international network and strengthening Vietnam’s connectivity with key global markets. This new route not only offers Vietnamese travellers more convenient access to Europe, but also facilitates greater travel to Vietnam for international visitors. As the national flag carrier, we will continue investing in service excellence and network development to meet evolving customer demand and further reinforce our role as an air bridge linking Vietnam with the world.”
Amsterdam serves as a major hub for finance, trade, logistics and commerce in Europe. Through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, passengers can access hundreds of destinations across Europe and beyond, further enhancing Vietnam’s connectivity with international markets.
The new route also strengthens Vietnam Airlines’ presence in Europe. With the addition of Amsterdam, Vietnam Airlines now operates 12 nonstop routes linking Vietnam’s major gateway cities with eight major European destinations — Paris, London, Frankfurt, Munich, Milan, Copenhagen, Moscow and Amsterdam.
In related news, as of 1 July 2026, Vietnam Airlines will increase the frequency of its Hanoi–Moscow service from three to four round-trip flights per week to accommodate growing travel demand between Vietnam and Russia.
Together, the launch of the Amsterdam route and the expanded Moscow schedule reflect the airline’s ongoing efforts to align capacity with market demand and support Vietnam’s increasing integration with the global economy.
BANGKOK, 16 June 2026: Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld continues to strengthen their position as one of Bangkok’s leading integrated MICE destinations, combining more than 10,000 square metres of event space, 505 guestrooms and suites, and direct access to Bangkok’s commercial, retail, and transportation networks within the heart of the city.
Located above CentralWorld, one of Asia’s largest lifestyle and shopping destinations, the integrated venue accommodates events ranging from executive meetings and incentive programmes to international conventions, exhibitions, product launches, gala dinners, and large-scale corporate gatherings. With capacities ranging from 10 to 6,000 attendees, the destination offers organisers a single venue capable of supporting events of virtually every scale and format.
“Today’s event organisers are looking beyond meeting space alone. They want destinations that can deliver convenience, connectivity, accommodation, dining, and memorable experiences within a single location,” said Robert Maurer Loeffler, General Manager of Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld and Vice President of Operations for Centara Hotel & Resort. “Our integrated platform allows us to host events ranging from board meetings to conventions for 6,000 delegates while providing direct access to one of Bangkok’s most dynamic business and lifestyle districts. As international demand for Bangkok continues to grow, we remain committed to supporting organisers with the infrastructure, expertise, and flexibility required to deliver successful events of every scale.”
Recent international congresses have further reinforced the venue’s standing within the global meetings industry. In 2024, the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld hosted the 18th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Asia Pacific Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology (APSCVIR), welcoming leading specialists from across the Asia-Pacific region.
The venue also hosted the Global Spine Congress 2024, one of the world’s leading gatherings for spine surgeons, researchers, and healthcare professionals. The congress welcomed more than 2,000 participants, featured over 600 speakers from 59 countries, and included more than 120 scientific sessions, as well as a sold-out exhibition showcasing the latest innovations in spine care.
At the centre of the destination is the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, the largest convention venue within Bangkok’s central business district. Designed to accommodate large-scale international events, the venue combines flexible configurations, advanced event technology, and dedicated support teams experienced in delivering regional and global programmes.
The Convention Hall serves as the venue’s flagship event space, offering a pillar-less configuration with seating for more than 5,000 guests. Flexible staging, professional audio-visual systems, and integrated lighting capabilities allow the space to be adapted for conventions, exhibitions, concerts, product launches, and corporate assemblies. The hall is complemented by 1,291 square metres of pre-function space, with an additional 385 square metres available through the convention centre’s open atrium, creating opportunities for exhibitions, networking functions, registrations, and sponsor activations.
For gala events, conferences, and high-profile corporate occasions, the World Ballroom provides a pillar-less setting with high ceilings, soundproof partition walls, large-format projection systems, and professional lighting and production capabilities. A dedicated 706-square-metre pre-function area overlooking the Bangkok skyline further enhances its suitability for receptions, award ceremonies, product presentations, and celebrations.
The venue’s Lotus Suites comprise 15 meeting rooms ranging from 58 to 412 square metres, accommodating between 10 and 400 guests. Equipped with integrated audio-visual facilities and natural daylight in selected rooms, the suites are designed for seminars, breakout sessions, training programmes, executive meetings, and private functions. An adjoining 809-square-metre pre-function area provides additional flexibility for registrations, product displays, exhibitions, and networking breaks.
For smaller corporate gatherings, M23 offers a dedicated executive meeting environment featuring four naturally lit boardrooms designed for groups of 18 to 50 participants. The contemporary venue is well-suited to board meetings, strategy sessions, workshops, and leadership retreats that require greater privacy and a more focused working environment.
Beyond its event facilities, Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld offer 505 guestrooms and suites alongside a collection of dining destinations including Red Sky, CRU Champagne Bar, UNO MAS, COCOA XO, Ventisi, Tea & Tipple, and Mill & Co. These venues allow organisers to extend programmes through networking receptions, client entertainment, executive dinners, and incentive experiences within the same destination.
Connected directly to CentralWorld and accessible via a covered Skywalk linked to Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain network, with convenient connections to the Airport Rail Link, the venue offers seamless access between accommodation, meetings, dining, shopping, entertainment, and both Suvarnabhumi Airport and key business districts across Bangkok
Supported by internationally recognised event standards, including the ISO 20121 Sustainable Event Management certification, Centara Grand at CentralWorld and the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld continue to strengthen their position as leading destinations for international meetings, conventions, exhibitions, and corporate events in Asia.
PATTAYA, 16 June 2026: Alexander Lopez, a seasoned professional with substantial hospitality experience in Europe and Asia, has been appointed general manager of Meliá Pattaya Hotel.
The 234-room hotel opened in February last year in the heart of Pattaya.
Alexander Lopez.
Lopez, of Swedish and Spanish heritage, joins Meliá Pattaya Hotel after serving as general manager of W Koh Samui in Thailand for more than two years.
Before his appointment at W Koh Samui, Lopez served as Interim General Manager at W Maldives after joining the property as resort manager.
After studying hotel and hospitality management at Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, he began his hospitality career in Sweden at the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel in 2009 before moving into senior roles in Spain, Switzerland, China, the Maldives and Thailand.
His experience in Thailand spans more than a decade. It includes senior leadership roles at W Koh Samui, Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort in Koh Samui, and The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa in Phuket. He was also part of the W Hotels Global Brand GM Advisory Board and Marriott International Rooms Advisory Board, APEC.
“His extensive luxury hospitality experience, particularly his deep familiarity with Thailand, makes him exceptionally well placed to lead Meliá Pattaya Hotel,” said Meliá Hotels International Managing Director Asia Pacific Ignacio Martin.
About Meliá Hotels & Resorts Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the best-known international brand in the portfolio of Meliá Hotels International; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
MACAO, 16 June 2026: Macao welcomed the 55th Skal International Asia Congress from 11 to 14 June, with 198 delegates from 18 countries and regions in attendance.
Under the theme “Celebrating Heritage – Empowering Innovation,” the congress convened at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macao. Officiating guests at the opening ceremony of the congress included MGTO Director, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, the acting President of Cultural Affairs Bureau, Choi Kin Long, the Director of the Board of Directors of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, Elaine Wong, the President-elect of Skal International, NSN Mohan, the President of Skal International Asia, Shekhar Divadkar, the President of Skal International Macao, Vinzenz Rosa de Pauli and the Chief Hospitality Officer of SJM Resorts, SA, Gerald Walker.
Skal International President-elect NSN Mohan highlighted in his remarks that the congress served as a shining example of what can be achieved through passion, collaboration, and vision, stating that the outstanding work of the organisers has not only strengthened partnerships among tourism leaders across Asia but also spotlighted Macao’s rich culture, heritage, and world-class hospitality to the international community.
The opening ceremony of the congress was followed by three panel discussions featuring around 10 national and international guest speakers that addressed topics such as forging the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a united tourism powerhouse, the vitality of regeneration in cultural tourism, and the impact of technology and AI in the development of tourism.
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes joined a panel discussion with the School of Hotel and Tourism Management of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Kam Hung, and the Chief Advisor of The Costa Advisory, representing Warner Bros. Discovery, Con Apostolopoulos.
The MGTO director elaborated on how Macao was working with Hong Kong and Guangdong to leverage the region’s increasing connectivity and favourable policies to implement initiatives that position the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a unified, world-class tourism destination brand for multi-destination travel.
During the four-day congress, in addition to attending Skal International Asia’s internal meetings, delegates explored Macao’s heritage and community districts.
MGTO organised in-depth cultural tours of Macao for delegates to visit the Historic Centre of Macao and community areas, with itineraries ranging from the Ruins of St Paul’s to Travessa da Paixão, Rua dos Ervanários, and Luís de Camões Garden, among other sites.
Founded in 1934, Skal International is a network of tourism professionals dedicated to promoting the industry and fostering friendship and contacts among its members. Currently, there are 294 Skal clubs in 75 countries and regions, including Macao, supported by approximately 12,500 members.
This is the fourth time Macao has hosted the Skal Asia Area Congress, following successful events in 1994, 2007, and 2018.
DOHA, 16 June 2026: Qatar Insurance (QIC), a leading insurer in Qatar and the MENA region, has announced the launch of new travel-related features on its QIC App to enhance the digital experience for travellers to and from Qatar.
QIC customers can now convert their loyalty Coins into Avios, the loyalty rewards currency of Qatar Airways Privilege Club, through the QIC App. The converted points can be redeemed across a wide range of travel services, including flight bookings, travel class upgrades, and purchases at Qatar Duty Free, with access to a global network spanning more than 150 destinations with Qatar Airways and its partners.
Furthermore, customers can use their Coins to pay their outbound travel insurance premiums partially. By combining Coins with other electronic payment options available on the QIC App, travellers benefit from greater flexibility and choice in securing suitable coverage, bringing peace of mind while travelling abroad.
To make travel smoother, QIC has launched the Hotels feature through the QIC App, eliminating the need to navigate multiple platforms and providing a streamlined experience that combines ease of use with competitive rates. In partnership with leading service providers and top hospitality venues, the service offers a wide range of options and deals to suit every budget, all while maintaining high standards of service and hospitality.
QIC has also launched a calendar feature in its mobile application, an all-in-one gateway that lets visitors and residents of Qatar browse events year-round.
To improve the experience of international visitors, QIC has partnered with Ooredoo to offer complimentary eSIMs to all travellers who purchase Mandatory Visitors’ Health Insurance through QIC’s digital platforms. Upon completing their purchase, customers receive a dedicated activation link that enables them to download and set up their eSIM before arriving in Qatar, ensuring seamless connectivity and easy communication with family and friends.
QIC provides a wide range of insurance packages covering global destinations. These include the “Worldwide Travel” package, which covers medical emergencies, flight delays, and loss of baggage or passports worldwide, including in the US and Canada. For travellers heading to Schengen countries, QIC provides the “Fly Europe” package (Schengen Visa Travel Insurance), which includes medical coverage of up to USD 50,000, making it a compliant and widely accepted option for visa requirements.
