Robot joins Adora Mediterranea crew

By

-

September 9, 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 September 2026: Following the announcement of Adora Mediterranea’s first overseas homeport deployment from Port Klang, Adora Cruises and Malaysia’s Hwajing Travel & Tours unveiled a new Robot Cultural Ambassador at Sea at last week’s MATTA Fair, in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia and Tourism Selangor.

Visitors were given a first look at how robotics and artificial intelligence can add a new dimension to cruising from Malaysia.

From left: Chua Yee Ling, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor; Kenny Cheong Ken Lee, Managing Director of Hwajing Travel & Tours; and Alvin Geoffrey, Chief Executive Officer of Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT).

The Unitree G1 EDU humanoid robot is an advanced, developer-focused version of the G1 humanoid robot built by Unitree Robotics. During Adora Mediterranea’s homeport season from Port Klang, it will take on the role of an interactive Robot Cultural Ambassador named Hwajing SeaMate — Master Hwa.

The robot will bring together artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, Malaysia’s multicultural heritage and cruise entertainment to create a more engaging journey for guests.

Designed to add a new dimension to onboard hospitality, Master Hwa will take part in selected guest moments, including embarkation welcomes, sail-away ceremonies, cultural showcases, family activities, entertainment, photo opportunities and farewell moments. Appearances and activities will be scheduled in accordance with operational and safety requirements.

Planned multilingual capabilities in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin will help Master Hwa engage local and international travellers. At the same time, its programming will introduce elements of Malaysia’s multicultural heritage, local customs and Muslim-friendly hospitality.

Hwajing Travel & Tours Managing Director Kenny Cheong said: “We are introducing more than a new technology; we hope to create a new dimension of the cruise experience. Master Hwa will complement our onboard service and entertainment offerings, bringing technological innovation together with the human touch of cruise hospitality.”

He added: “Malaysia is rich in cultures, languages and traditions. Through Master Hwa, our Robot Cultural Ambassador at Sea, we hope to showcase Malaysian culture in a more innovative, youthful and internationally engaging way, while creating cruise experiences that guests will genuinely want to capture and share.”

With years of expertise in cruise charter operations, Hwajing Travel has remained committed to its vision of being a “Cruise Holiday Designer Dedicated to Excellence”. Its experience in full-ship charters, itinerary planning and personalised travel services allows the company to create journeys around the moments that matter to its guests.

With Master Hwa joining Adora Mediterranea, Hwajing Travel is introducing a distinctive new way for guests to celebrate life’s special moments through personalised arrangements and interactions with its Robot Cultural Ambassador at Sea.

Offered through Hwajing Travel Signature Bespoke Experiences, the concept brings together personalised celebration arrangements and interactions with Master Hwa against an ocean backdrop. From romantic proposals and honeymoons to silver and golden wedding anniversaries and significant personal or professional milestones, each celebration will be tailored to the occasion, giving guests a unique and memorable way to mark life’s special moments at sea.

The collaboration between Hwajing Travel and Adora Cruises reflects a broader ambition to bring new dimensions of technology, culture, and experiential tourism into Malaysia’s cruise industry while creating opportunities across the wider tourism ecosystem, including ports, destinations, hotels, transportation, dining and retail. Together, these efforts aim to strengthen Port Klang’s appeal as a regional cruise homeport.

Hwajing Travel will operate eight sailings aboard Adora Mediterranea, departing from Port Klang between 24 November and 14 December 2026.

The sailings offer a choice of four itineraries for families, multi-generational travellers, first-time cruisers and returning guests:

3D2N Port Klang – Penang – Port Klang;
4D3N Port Klang – Penang – Langkawi – Port Klang;
4D3N Port Klang – Phuket – Port Klang;
6D5N Port Klang – Nha Trang – Guangzhou, departing 14 December 2026 (one-way).

Hwajing Travel will also operate an additional six-day, five-night one-way repositioning cruise, which is separate from the eight sailings above:

· 19 November 2026: Shenzhen – Nha Trang – Port Klang, bringing Adora Mediterranea to Port Klang ahead of its homeport season.

(Source: Hwajing Travel)

Air Astana highlights summer results

By

Newsdesk

-

September 9, 2026

SINGAPORE, 9 September 2026: The Air Astana Group (Air Astana and FlyArystan) summarises the results of the summer season, which saw the airlines operate 525 domestic flights per week across Kazakhstan (75 per day), 57 flights to the Caucasus and 49 flights to China.

“This past summer demonstrated strong demand for air travel. We delivered a record flight programme, significantly increasing flight frequencies and expanding our route network. said the Air Astana Group Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Сanliel.

“The flexibility of our network allowed us to redeploy aircraft to meet strong customer demand in alternative markets, underscoring the countercyclical nature of our operations in this ‘New Normal’.

“With an on-time performance of 86%, a top-class performance, I would like to thank all operational and supporting teams for achieving this excellent outcome.”

Key results and plans

Capacity to China increased by 81% compared with summer 2025, reaching 49 flights per week across seven destinations. New routes were launched from Almaty to Shanghai and Xi’an, from Astana to Guangzhou, and from Aktau to Urumqi.

Flights from Almaty to Guangzhou became daily as of 1 September 2026, while on 23 September, FlyArystan will launch flights from Almaty to Chongqing twice a week.

Central Asia and the Caucasus: The frequency of flights between Almaty and Tashkent increased to three times daily for the first time. Flight frequencies to Georgia and Azerbaijan were also increased. FlyArystan launched new services to Samarkand, Issyk-Kul and Batumi.

Europe and Türkiye: The frequency of flights between Almaty and London increased to four per week, while Frankfurt was served with up to 11 flights per week from Almaty, Astana and Uralsk. Flights to Istanbul increased to 25 per week, and to Bodrum to five per week. In addition to the seasonal service to Podgorica, the group launched a new route from Almaty to Larnaca, Cyprus, which will operate through 4 October.

Asia: Flights to Delhi operate twice daily, while Mumbai is served three times a week. Flights to Nha Trang operate daily, and flights to Da Nang operate five times a week. The group also operates regular services to Thailand (12 flights per week) and South Korea (11 flights per week).

The group’s on-time performance for the three summer months of 2026 reached 86%, up 12.5 percentage points from the same period last year. Compared with European carriers, the group’s current on-time performance is 16% higher (June–July 2026). By international standards, an on-time performance above 80% is considered a high level of operational efficiency.

(Source: Air Astana Group)

PATA members mobilise to support Nepal’s recovery

By

Newsdesk

-

September 9, 2026

BANGKOK, 9 September 2026: Pacific Asia Travel Association chairman Henry Oh presents an impassioned plea for the travel industry to stand alongside families and communities in Nepal, while also helping ensure that Nepal’s tourism economy can continue to support livelihoods and contribute to recovery.

*PATA Chair Henry Oh at the recent PTM event in Kuching, Sarawak.*

In a message to the association’s global membership, Oh said:

“Our thoughts are with Nepal following the devastating flash floods of 26 August, which have caused significant loss of life and widespread damage along specific river corridors in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli areas, particularly in Rasuwa district and downstream communities.

“Our deepest condolences go to the families who have lost loved ones, and our solidarity goes to our colleagues, their families, local communities, guides, drivers, porters, and tourism businesses directly affected by the disaster. We also extend our respect to the first responders, search and rescue teams, and all those working in extremely difficult conditions.”

“At the same time, as the situation continues to develop, it is important that we provide travellers and tourism stakeholders with an accurate picture of what has been affected — and what has not.

“The impact of the floods is significant, but it is geographically concentrated. The vast majority of Nepal remains unaffected and continues to welcome visitors. Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and the Annapurna region, the Everest and Khumbu region, Chitwan, Bardiya, Lumbini and the Terai, as well as Nepal’s airports and major tourism infrastructure, continue to operate. The affected areas are concentrated along specific corridors, including parts of Rasuwa, Langtang and the Bhote Koshi, where search and rescue and recovery operations are ongoing.

“For international travellers and the tourism industry, this distinction matters. Nepal is a country of extraordinary geographic and cultural diversity, and conditions in one river corridor should not be taken to represent the situation across the entire country. We therefore encourage travel businesses, media, travellers and other tourism stakeholders to rely on verified information and to assess travel plans based on the specific destination or route concerned.

“For Nepal’s tourism community, continued responsible travel to unaffected destinations is also an important way of standing with the country at this difficult time. Tourism provides livelihoods for millions of people, and continued visitor activity in destinations that remain operational can help sustain businesses, workers and communities. At the same time, recovery efforts focus on the areas most directly affected.

“Nepal has been part of the PATA family since our earliest years. The PATA Nepal Chapter and Student Chapter are among the most active in our network, and our connections across the country extend far beyond our membership. At a time like this, our responsibility is to stand alongside our colleagues, their families and communities, while also helping ensure that Nepal’s tourism economy can continue to support livelihoods and contribute to recovery.”

OH’s message identifies two support paths

Give to the Nepal Tourism Recovery Fund

The PATA Foundation’s Nepal Tourism Recovery Fund will be live shortly, focused on recovering tourism livelihoods — the guides, drivers and porters, and the families running the homestays, lodges, teahouses and small hotels along the affected corridor. Many of these families have lost their premises and their equipment as well as their homes, and with them the income they would have earned this season. Helping them rebuild is how income returns to the affected communities, and it is work our industry is well placed to support.

“This is where we are asking members, their customers and their networks to direct support.”

Oh confirmed the association will share the donation route through PATA’s channels and on patafoundation.org, which he asked members to be ready to pass it on to their own customers and networks.

“If your organisation would like to contribute directly, or discuss a larger commitment, write to [email protected] now, and we will come back to you.”

Check what you are telling travellers about Nepal

“As set out above, the effects of the floods are concentrated along one river corridor. International coverage has not consistently made that distinction, and trips are being cancelled to parts of Nepal that were not affected. This is also the main planning and booking season for travel to the country, which makes the accuracy of published information particularly important at this moment,” Oh concluded

Where to get accurate information

NepalNow — the Nepal Tourism Board’s live travel information page, updated daily, with destination-by-destination status, a corridor map, traveller FAQs and emergency contacts: nepalnow.travel

Rely on figures issued by Nepal Police and the NDRRMA, and do not repeat unverified numbers.

PATA Nepal Chapter — www.pata.org.np

The Chapter will confirm operating conditions in the affected region as the situation stabilises. Chairman

Contact PATA Foundation

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)Foundation enquiries: [email protected]

(Source: PATA)

ACI releases air connectivity index

By

Newsdesk

-

September 9, 2026

HONG KONG, 9 September 2026: Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East, the trade association representing over 600 airports across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, has released its flagship Air Connectivity Index, recording an average growth of 11% in 2025 across the two regions.

The ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Air Connectivity Index is a passenger-centric analytical tool that measures airport connectivity through network scale and frequency, the economic weight of destinations, and connection quality and efficiency by aircraft type, domestic/international status, number of stops, and alliance membership.

The Middle East posted 21% growth in air connectivity, driven by the expanding reach of Gulf-based carriers, while Asia-Pacific grew 10%, reflecting continued network expansion.

The growth reflects expanding international networks, stronger hub connectivity, and the continued recovery of city-pair connections. As the regions enter the next phase of growth, the focus will be on ensuring that airport and airspace capacity, infrastructure, and the wider policy environment keep pace.

The first half of 2026, however, highlights the importance of resilience: Asia-Pacific connectivity remained positive amid a challenging global environment, while in the Middle East, the region’s strategic geographic position and strong underlying aviation market continue to support its role as a major global connectivity hub, even as geopolitical developments have created short-term challenges for airline schedules, airspace, and connectivity.

Key findings

Across the 315 airports covered by the index, 74% recorded positive connectivity growth in 2025, with the overall index up 11%, moderating from 14% in 2024 as growth settled into a more sustainable trajectory.

Major hub airports continued to lead, with 83-97% recording growth, benefiting from continued airline network expansion and sustained international travel demand.

Chinese airports recorded a significant increase in connectivity, with Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) ranking in the top 10 for total air connectivity in 2025, alongside Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata, India), Sharjah International Airport and Sanya Phoenix International Airport (Hainan province, China) recorded the strongest improvements among airports handling 15–25 million passengers a year, driven by international network recovery, airline expansion, and rising regional demand.

Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), Abu Dhabi International Airport, and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) were the biggest improvers among airports handling 25–40 million passengers a year.

Among airports handling 1 to 5 million passengers a year, Surabaya and Phu Quoc stood out. At the same time, Da Nang, Medina and Muscat led the 5 to 15 million category, all showing notable improvements in connectivity rankings and growing potential as emerging gateways, driven by strategic route expansion, tourism recovery, and regional development.

Only 51% of the smallest airports (under 1 million passengers a year) recorded increased connectivity in 2025, partly reflecting airline route rationalisation and the closure of several connections.

Intra-regional flows still account for 91% of departing passenger traffic in Asia-Pacific, up 5% from 2024 and 5% above 2019 levels.

Intercontinental traffic from Asia-Pacific grew 7% year on year, reaching 12% above pre-pandemic levels. From the Middle East, intercontinental traffic grew 9% year on year and is now 27% above pre-pandemic levels.

Traffic from Asia-Pacific to Europe, the Middle East, Central & South America, and Africa has exceeded pre-pandemic levels, driven by resurgent demand and improved connectivity, especially via Gulf hubs. North America is the exception, still 9% below 2019 levels.

International city pairs grew 10% on average in 2025, moderating from 17% in 2024, while domestic city pairs turned positive at 0.8%, recovering from a 1% decline in 2024.

Movers and shakers

Dubai International Airport continues to rank at the top in 2025, followed by Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Incheon International Airport. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport ranks fourth, followed by Hamad International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Tokyo Haneda Airport and Hong Kong International Airport, completing the top 10 most connected airports across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The three airports recording the greatest improvements in connectivity in 2025 were Shanghai Pudong International Airport (+32%), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (+30%), and Hong Kong International Airport (+28%).

ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Director General Stefano Baronci said: “The growth in air connectivity is encouraging. With post-pandemic recovery behind us, 2025 marked a shift from rebuilding capacity to preparing for sustained growth. With passenger volumes across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East projected to reach 11 billion within the next three decades, it is increasingly important that we continue to strengthen connectivity so that aviation can deliver greater choice for passengers and wider economic benefits.”

Hub connectivity

Dubai International Airport once again emerged as the region’s leading hub, with a hub connectivity score close to 40% higher than its nearest competitor. Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Incheon International Airport, Hamad International Airport, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport follow.

Early momentum for 2026: a complex year marked by geopolitical instability and economic challenges

Despite economic shocks from conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and changes in US trade policy, Asia-Pacific direct connectivity remained positive, with modest growth of 0.5% in H1 2026 compared to H1 2025. The Middle East, by contrast, contracted sharply, down 23% as geopolitical conflict in the region forced airlines to cut schedules and reroute around affected airspace.

(Source: ACI)

PHIST 2026 puts sustainability centre stage

By

Andrew Wood

-

September 9, 2026

PHUKET, 9 September 2026: Phuket’s hotel industry has put sustainability firmly centre stage today as more than 1,000 delegates gather at Angsana Laguna Phuket for PHIST 2026, one of Southeast Asia’s leading hotel sustainability events.

Now in its ninth year, Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism, or PHIST, is calling for a “Whole Village” approach to sustainability, arguing that environmental responsibility must become a fundamental requirement for Thailand’s long-term tourism competitiveness, not simply a collection of corporate pledges.

*The author is on location in Phuket for PHIST 2026.*

Organised by the Phuket Hotels Association, PHIST 2026 brings together hotel owners, operators, developers, architects, suppliers, government representatives, environmental organisations and tourism leaders.

This year’s programme features 93 speakers across 26 panel sessions, workshops and masterclasses, together with 43 exhibitors and 13 non-profit organisations.

Among the speakers are KP Ho, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Group, Dr Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and Phil Smith, General Manager of Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore.

Phuket provides an increasingly important test case for sustainable tourism. The island continues to experience rapid hotel and property development alongside infrastructure pressures, traffic congestion, water and waste challenges and continued expansion at the luxury end of the hospitality market.

The industry’s challenge is therefore changing.

The question is no longer whether hotels have sustainability policies. Most now do. The more difficult question is what those policies are actually achieving and how results are being measured.

Increasingly, attention is shifting toward operational key performance indicators, including energy consumption per occupied room, water usage, food waste, single-use plastics, local purchasing, staff accommodation, transport emissions, and coastal protection.

This moves the sustainability conversation beyond awards, pledges and good intentions towards measurable performance and accountability.

PHIST 2026: Phil Smith, General Manager of Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay Singapore; Bjorn Courage, President of the Phuket Hotels Association (PHA), the principal organisers of PHIST; Jayne MacDougall, Executive Director Phuket Hotel Association; Bill Barnett, Founder of PHIST and Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks.

PHIST’s organisers believe collaboration is essential. Sustainability cannot be delivered by hotels acting independently when many of the pressures affecting destinations, from waste management and infrastructure to coastal protection and transport, extend far beyond individual properties.

The “Whole Village” approach therefore calls for hotels, government, communities, suppliers, developers and environmental organisations to work collectively rather than in isolation.

For Phuket, the stakes are particularly high. Tourism underpins the island’s economy, but continued growth also puts increasing pressure on the environment and quality of life that make the destination attractive.

PHIST has developed significantly since its launch nine years ago. What began primarily as an annual industry gathering is evolving into a year-round platform designed to encourage collaboration, share practical solutions and turn sustainability commitments into measurable action.

The message from PHIST 2026 is increasingly clear: sustainability is no longer simply about protecting the environment. It is about protecting the long-term competitiveness of Thailand’s tourism industry itself.

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand since 1991. A graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, he has more than four decades of experience in international hospitality and tourism. A long-standing member of Skål International, he is a former Director and Past President of Skål International Asia, Thailand and Bangkok. Currently, he serves as Vice President of Skål International Bangkok. He writes regularly on travel, tourism, hospitality and Asia-Pacific industry developments.

Thailand reverts to 30-day visa exemption rule

By

Newsdesk

-

September 9, 2026

BANGKOK, 9 September 2026: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) advises foreign visitors that new 30-day and 15-day visa exemption categories, together with updated Visa on Arrival eligibility, will take effect on 15 September 2026.

The new framework will replace Thailand’s 60-day visa exemption measure, which will end on the same date. The Ministry of Interior published the related announcements in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026.

From 15 September 2026, travellers previously covered by the 60-day visa exemption will instead be subject to the applicable 30-day visa exemption, 15-day visa exemption, Visa on Arrival, or other relevant entry arrangements, depending on nationality.

Under the new framework, passport and travel document holders from 60 countries and territories will be eligible for visa exemption for tourism, with a permitted stay of up to 30 days.

Royal Gazette list: 30-day visa exemption nationalities

Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Bulgaria
Bhutan
Brunei Darussalam
Canada
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Fiji
Finland
France

Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
India
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Liechtenstein

Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Malaysia
Maldives
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Saudi Arabia
Singapore

Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Türkiye
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America

For entry through land-border immigration checkpoints, travellers using the 30-day visa exemption may generally enter Thailand under this exemption no more than twice per calendar year. This limit does not apply to nationals of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Singapore, or to other nationalities as may be designated by the Minister.

A 15-day visa exemption will apply to holders of passports or travel documents from Seychelles and Mauritius. Travellers entering through land-border immigration checkpoints under this exemption may generally do so no more than twice per calendar year, except for nationalities designated by the Minister.

Visa on Arrival will apply to holders of passports or travel documents from Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia.

Separate bilateral and related entry arrangements will continue to apply where relevant, providing visa exemption periods of 90, 30 or 14 days, depending on the applicable agreement or arrangement. Travellers should check the entry conditions for their nationality before travelling.

(Source: TAT)

Dusit Princess Ipoh to open on 1 October

By

Your Stories

-

September 8, 2026

BANGKOK, 8 September 2026: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, will open Dusit Princess Ipoh on 1 October 2026, bringing its distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to Ipoh, the capital of Malaysia’s Perak state.

Located approximately 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur and shaped by the late-19th-century tin-mining boom that transformed the city into an important commercial hub, Ipoh is home to a historic centre where colonial-era shophouses, traditional kopitiams, and small local businesses preserve the city’s past.

Its multicultural culinary traditions – from longstanding dim sum restaurants to celebrated Ipoh white coffee, whose distinctive flavour comes from beans traditionally roasted with margarine – have also made the city a draw for food-focused travellers. Meanwhile, the dramatic limestone formations and cave temples of the surrounding Kinta Valley invite visitors to combine cultural discovery with nature excursions and outdoor exploration.

Under its new identity as Dusit Princess Ipoh, the established 268-room property — owned by Plenitude Berhad, a Bursa Malaysia-listed group with interests in property development, property investment, and hospitality — is ideally positioned to help travellers discover the city’s heritage, culinary scene, and natural attractions, while offering the comfort and flexibility required for city breaks, extended stays, business travel, and events.

Set beside the Perak Turf Club, a long-established centre for thoroughbred racing, the hotel is less than five minutes by car from Ipoh city centre. Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is approximately 10 minutes away and offers direct flights from Singapore.

Reflecting the practical, welcoming character of Dusit’s upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand, accommodation spans five room categories, ranging from 25 sq m Superior Rooms to 58 sq m Family Suites.

Rooms offer views across the Perak Turf Club or city skyline and include high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, quality bedding, in-room safes, and dedicated workspaces. To support longer stays and give families greater flexibility, Family Rooms and Family Suites also include kitchenettes.

Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, Kids Club, self-service laundry, accessible rooms, a prayer room, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Guests also have access to a 6,580 sq ft fitness centre offering extensive workout facilities and extended opening hours.

The Atrium, the hotel’s naturally lit all-day dining restaurant, offers sweeping views of Ipoh’s limestone hills and cityscape. It serves a buffet breakfast featuring local and regional favourites such as nasi lemak, roti canai, kway teow goreng, and dim sum, alongside continental options. Local and international dishes are available throughout the day. The lobby coffee shop, meanwhile, serves speciality teas, coffees, and juices, along with a selection of pastries and desserts.

For meetings, conferences, weddings, and social occasions, the hotel offers three flexible venues providing approximately 964 sq m of event space.

The principal venue is the 496.8 sq m Kinta Ballroom, which can host up to 400 guests theatre-style or 300 guests for round-table events. Equipped with an LED screen, dynamic sound system, and adjustable lighting, it is supported by the 383 sq m Kampar Hall and 84 sq m Gopeng Room, which provide additional options for smaller gatherings.

“With accommodation and facilities designed to meet the needs of leisure travellers, families, business guests, government delegations, and event groups, Dusit Princess Ipoh represents a compelling opportunity to introduce the welcoming character of the Dusit Princess brand to a city with such a strong identity and well-established appeal,” said Chanin Donavanik, Group Chief Executive Officer, Dusit International. “Perak welcomed 23.6 million domestic visitors in 2025, making it one of Malaysia’s three most visited states. This strong demand, together with Ipoh’s convenient access from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, gives the city considerable potential to attract more international visitors. Working with Plenitude Berhad, we are building on the strengths of an established property to support that growth while helping guests connect more deeply with the destination.”

Madam Elsie Chua, Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Plenitude Berhad, said, “Dusit Princess Ipoh marks a new chapter for this established property and for Plenitude’s hospitality portfolio. Building on the property’s longstanding presence in Ipoh, we are delighted to bring the distinctive warmth of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the city through a recognised international brand, while embracing the character, culture, and local flavours that make Ipoh unique. We look forward to creating a welcoming gateway for guests to experience Ipoh – combining the qualities and standards associated with the Dusit Princess brand with the authentic spirit of the destination.”

From the hotel, guests can easily reach Ipoh Old Town, including Concubine Lane, a lively historic alley lined with small shops and stalls, and Kong Heng Square, a restored heritage enclave housing independent businesses. Local dining districts and commercial areas are also within easy reach.

To help guests explore further, the hotel’s Discover the Soul of Ipoh programme brings together locally led activities spanning heritage, food, nature, well-being, and family experiences.

Highlights include photographic walks through Ipoh’s heritage streets, visits to Tambun pomelo orchards and limestone cave temples, food trails featuring Ipoh white coffee and traditional desserts, and workshops in Labu Sayong pottery, a traditional Perak craft. Family cooking classes and evening wildlife adventures are also available.

To celebrate its opening, Dusit Princess Ipoh is offering stays from MYR230 (approximately USD57) per room per night, including MYR50 (approximately USD12) in daily food and beverage credit. The offer is valid for stays from 1 October through 31 December 2026.

For more information, visit dusit.com/dpim.

(Source: Your Stories — Dusit International)

Holland America Line opens 2028 Alaska sailings

By

Newsdesk

-

September 8, 2026

SINGAPORE, 8 September 2026: Holland America Line has opened bookings for its 2028 Alaska season, introducing several new reasons to explore the Great Land and the arrival of the reimagined cruise ship Oosterdam.

The 2028 season features cruises ranging from seven to 18 days aboard Oosterdam, Noordam, Eurodam, Koningsdam, Westerdam and Zaandam, sailing roundtrip from Seattle and Vancouver, between Vancouver and Whittier, and on a new voyage from San Diego to Vancouver.

Whether watching glaciers calve icebergs into the sea, spotting whales and bears in the wild, learning from local experts on board or discovering Alaska’s cultures ashore, guests can experience the destination through crafted itineraries.

Building on an already robust Alaska programme, the 2028 season adds several distinctive experiences for guests looking to see the destination from a different perspective. Highlights include a rare 11-day California to Alaska: Shores, Fjords & Glaciers voyage, first-time scenic cruising through Nootka Sound on select Great Alaska Explorer and Great Bear Rainforest itineraries, and the Alaska debut of the reimagined Oosterdam following her Evolution transformation.

As part of the 2028 Alaska season, guests will have the opportunity to sail aboard Oosterdam following her transformation as the first ship to debut Holland America Evolution, the cruise line’s largest fleet investment in its 153-year history. Oosterdam will also serve as the primary ship for Holland America Line’s Alaska Cruisetours, allowing guests to seamlessly pair their cruise with overland exploration into Denali and the Yukon.

Details and availability for 2028 Cruisetours will be announced at a later date, while 2027 Alaska Cruisetours are available for booking now.

Among the additions debuting on Oosterdam are purpose-built Solo Verandah staterooms, expansive new Bridgeview Suites with panoramic forward-facing views, and the Grand Dutch Café, a guest favourite inspired by Holland America Line’s Dutch heritage. The transformation also includes refreshed staterooms and suites, updated guest spaces and enhancements inspired by the line’s Pinnacle Class ships.

Select Great Alaska Explorer and Great Bear Rainforest voyages will include scenic cruising through Nootka Sound for the first time in Holland America Line history. Known as the birthplace of British Columbia, the remote waterway on Vancouver Island’s west coast is rarely featured on ocean cruise itineraries and offers a distinctly different perspective on the Pacific Northwest, with rugged coastlines, forested shores and stunning natural scenery.

NEW: 16-Day Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer, sails aboard Oosterdam roundtrip from Vancouver, departing 28 April 2028.

Highlights: the Great Bear Rainforest, Hubbard Glacier, Prince Rupert, Kodiak, Anchorage and Valdez, plus scenic cruising through Johnstone Strait, Grenville Channel and Princess Royal Channel.

(Source: Holland America Line)

ClubMed applies to the HK Stock Exchange

By

Newsdesk

-

September 8, 2026

HONG KONG, 8 September 2026: Fosun International Limited’s subsidiary ClubMed Lifestyle Group has submitted a listing application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for its proposed separate listing on the Main Board.

According to the listing application materials, ClubMed Lifestyle Group operates premium all-inclusive resorts under the Club Med brand.

It also expands its vacation offerings, including Integrated Vacation Destinations and Cultural-Tourism Complexes through an asset-light model, as it continues to build diversified vacation lifestyles.

Club Med is the core brand of ClubMed Lifestyle Group. According to the listing application materials, Club Med was the world’s largest all-inclusive resort brand by revenue in 2025, ranking first in both Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific. By number of resorts in 2025, Club Med is also the world’s largest mountain and ski resort brand.

To date, Club Med has established a global sales network spanning six continents and more than 40 countries and regions. It operates 69 premium resorts worldwide across a diverse range of destinations, including mountain and ski locations and sun-and-beach destinations. It is also the only resort brand with a presence in all four of the world’s major ski destinations.

According to the listing application materials, ClubMed Lifestyle Group’s revenue increased from EUR1.86 billion in 2023 to EUR1.95 billion in 2025, while gross profit rose from EUR540 million to EUR590 million. Adjusted EBITDA reached EUR390 million in 2025, with the adjusted EBITDA margin rising to 20.2% in 2025.

In 2026, Club Med was named to TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential Companies in the world, becoming the only hotel and resort brand included that year.

ClubMed Lifestyle Group is expanding its vacation offerings through an asset-light model as it continues to build diversified vacation lifestyles. In terms of market size, the global vacation lifestyle market is expected to grow from USD2.5 trillion in 2025 to USD3.5 trillion in 2030.

Proceeds from the proposed listing will fund the expansion and upgrade of its global resort business.

(Source: Fosun)

Beyond Taipei: Discover more of Taiwan

By

Newsdesk

-

September 8, 2026

SINGAPORE, 8 September 2026: Taipei is the popular starting point for travellers visiting Taiwan, but more travellers are exploring coastal landscapes and mountain sunrises, historic streets, hot springs and local food that offer a different way to experience Taiwan.

With destinations across the country easy to combine in one trip, the Taiwan Tourism Administration is encouraging visitors to go beyond the capital, stay longer and discover more of what Taiwan has to offer.

*Photo credit: Taiwan Tourism Administration. Danjiang Bridge.*

Interest in travelling further is already growing. In data used for its 2026 Travel Trends report, Skyscanner found that flight searches for Kaohsiung increased 122% compared with the previous year, highlighting growing interest in exploring destinations beyond Taipei.

Go beyond the capital

In northern Taiwan, travellers can head to Keelung for the dramatic coastal scenery of Heping Island, followed by an evening tasting local favourites at Miaokou Night Market. In nearby Yilan, the journey can slow down with a soak in the hot springs of Jiaoxi and a visit to the National Centre for Traditional Arts.

Central Taiwan offers another side of the Taiwan experience. In Taichung, travellers can take in the striking architecture of the National Taichung Theatre and explore the colourful Rainbow Village. Further south in Chiayi, the forests and famous sunrise views of Alishan can be paired with local flavours at Wenhua Road Night Market.

In Southern Taiwan, visitors can step into Taiwan’s historic heart in Tainan, wandering the old streets of Anping before exploring one of the country’s most celebrated local food scenes. Continue to Kaohsiung to discover the converted warehouses and public art of Pier-2 Art Centre, then cross over to Qijin for seafood and seaside views.

For an entirely different pace, eastern Taiwan offers some of the country’s most memorable landscapes. Travellers can take the train along the Pacific coastline to Taitung, then continue to Green Island for a soak in the saltwater Zhaori Hot Spring overlooking the ocean.

Together, these destinations show just a few of the 100 Ways to Experience Taiwan, with each region offering its own combination of food, culture, nature, scenery and local lifestyles.

Exploring more of Taiwan is also easy to build into a single vacation. Taiwan High Speed Rail, Taiwan Rail, local public transportation and TaiwanPASS help connect cities and regions across the country, making multi-destination journeys convenient for international visitors.

A trip might start with a few days in Taipei before heading north to Keelung or Yilan, travelling through Taichung and Chiayi, continuing south to Tainan and Kaohsiung, or taking Taiwan Rail along the Pacific coast toward Taitung.

About Taiwan Tourism Administration
The Taiwan Tourism Administration is the official government agency of Taiwan (ROC) responsible for tourism policy development, destination marketing and international visitor promotion.

(Source: Taiwan Tourism Administration)

Robot joins Adora Mediterranea crew

Air Astana highlights summer results

PATA members mobilise to support Nepal’s recovery

ACI releases air connectivity index

PHIST 2026 puts sustainability centre stage

Thailand reverts to 30-day visa exemption rule

Dusit Princess Ipoh to open on 1 October

Holland America Line opens 2028 Alaska sailings

ClubMed applies to the HK Stock Exchange

Beyond Taipei: Discover more of Taiwan

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now

Stay ahead with the latest travel news on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.