SINGAPORE, 17 July 2025: India’s budget airline, IndiGo, has sealed a codeshare agreement with Jetstar Airways, which gives it access to 14 Jetstar Airways destinations across Australia and New Zealand.
The agreement simplifies travel for customers of India’s largest airline by allowing them to create a single booking for journeys from India to Australia and New Zealand across IndiGo and Jetstar flights.
Photo credit: Jetstar. Jetstar A321neo LR
Placing IndiGo’s code on Jetstar-operated routes will enable convenient connections to Jetstar flights departing from Singapore, Bangkok, and Phuket for onward travel to cities such as Sydney, the Gold Coast, and Auckland.
Jetstar bookings can be made at IndiGo’s website starting on 21 July 2025 for travel from 1 September 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said the partnership between the two airlines will significantly boost inbound tourism from India.
“Australia and New Zealand’s unique attractions, world-class experiences and growing communities of Indian expats make both countries incredibly popular for travellers from the subcontinent,” she explained. “This new codeshare agreement will provide IndiGo customers with convenient access to our extensive network, allowing them to take off more for less down under.”
IndiGo Senior Vice President – Network Planning & Revenue Management Abhijit Dasgupta added: “We are pleased to expand the horizons and offer our customers convenient connections from India to Australia and New Zealand.
“This codeshare agreement with Jetstar will further strengthen business, trade and tourism-related travel between the countries while fostering cultural exchanges.
BANGKOK, 16 July 2025: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has expanded its global hospitality portfolio with the official launch of Dusit Hotels – its ninth hotel brand – designed to deliver tailored upper-upscale experiences that balance brand consistency with the unique needs of each market in strategic city and leisure destinations worldwide.
Already introduced at three operating hotels – Dusit Hotel Doha, Qatar; Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa, Hanoi, Vietnam; and Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu, China – with another distinctive property, Dusit Hotel Greenhills, Manila, Philippines, signed and set to open in 2026, the new brand has already marked its presence in key markets across Asia and the Middle East, laying a strong foundation for future growth.
Created in response to the growing demand from hotel owners and developers for distinctive properties that combine international standards with a strong sense of local identity, Dusit Hotels is positioned to deliver memorable guest experiences rooted in the unique cultural and physical context of each destination, all underpinned by Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality.
Defined by a timeless, warm, and welcoming aesthetic, and guided by the tagline “Distinctly Elevated, Perfected by Place,” Dusit Hotels are crafted with the soul of each location in mind and designed to offer superior levels of comfort for business and leisure travellers of all generations. Public spaces feature curated art and locally inspired details that enhance the sense of place, while integrated innovative technologies enrich the stay experience.
With a target range of 120 to 300 keys per property, Dusit Hotels is ideally suited for conversions and purpose-built developments that seek to balance refined comfort and contemporary design with market-relevant facilities, such as destination dining, multi-functional event spaces, and wellness offerings tailored to today’s travellers.
At each location, Dusit Hotels has demonstrated its ability to deliver refined, upper-upscale experiences rooted in local character and contemporary elegance.
Located by Hanoi’s West Lake, the 207-key Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa, Hanoi blends Thai-inspired gracious service with Vietnamese heritage, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Princess Từ Hoa, who famously left the royal court to teach silk weaving to the local people, to offer a unique cultural connection through its design, storytelling, and curated dining experiences.
In Chengdu, the 248-key Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu embraces its natural setting amidst the scenic surrounds of Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park with guided nature-based activities, farm-to-table dining, and sustainability-led programming aligned with Dusit’s group-wide sustainability initiative, Tree of Life, all contributing to a guest experience that’s both mindful and memorable.
Dusit Hotel Doha, meanwhile, with 261 well-appointed rooms and suites, plus 96 elegant apartments in the heart of Doha’s vibrant West Bay area, has carved a niche in the Qatari capital’s competitive hospitality landscape by offering warm, personalised service, a variety of international dining options, and wellness experiences delivered through Dusit’s signature Devarana Wellness concept. From in-room rituals to a full-floor spa, the hotel demonstrates how Dusit Hotels can thoughtfully integrate well-being into the guest journey in a way that is meaningful, accessible, and market-relevant.
The latest signing under the Dusit Hotels brand – Dusit Hotel Greenhills, Manila – is set to open in Q4 2026. Occupying the top 10 floors of Primex Tower, a landmark 50-storey mixed-use development in Metro Manila’s San Juan City, the 200-key hotel will feature premium facilities, including Benjarong Thai restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant, a rooftop bar, a rooftop swimming pool, and a ballroom with spectacular city views.
Together, these properties illustrate the brand’s versatility and appeal, bringing Dusit’s gracious hospitality and service excellence to life in distinctive ways, guided by a consistent upper-upscale positioning.
“Our latest brand has been carefully developed to meet the evolving needs of both hotel owners and modern travellers alike,” said Dusit International Chief Operating Officer, Gilles Cretallaz. “As we continue to reposition the Dusit Thani brand firmly within the luxury segment, Dusit Hotels marks a strategic expansion of our presence in the upper-upscale space, reinforcing our evolution across the lodging spectrum. This new brand enables us to bring our unique, Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to a broader range of properties, while giving owners the flexibility to tailor experiences to their specific markets, all backed by our proven systems, global distribution, and operational excellence. With a strong focus on comfort, character, and locality, each hotel will resonate deeply with domestic and international guests seeking purposeful, memorable stays.”
Dusit’s global portfolio currently comprises 294 properties across 18 countries, including 55 hotels and resorts and 239 luxury villa rentals. The company’s nine brands span the lodging spectrum from affordable lifestyle to bespoke luxury. Alongside Dusit Hotels, the group’s other brands comprise Devarana – Dusit Retreats (Wellness Luxury), Dusit Thani (Bespoke Luxury), Dusit Collection (Character Luxury), dusitD2 (Lifestyle Upscale), Dusit Princess (Upper Midscale), ASAI Hotels (Lifestyle Midscale), Dusit Suites (Lifestyle Long Stay), and Elite Havens (Luxury Villa Rentals).
Across its portfolio, Dusit has already signed 14 new properties this year and has over 60 in the pipeline, reflecting strong demand for its distinctive hospitality offerings worldwide. Dusit Hotels is expected to continue this momentum, with strong developer interest in key markets.
“With three Dusit Hotels already in operation and another distinctive property in the pipeline, our newest brand has already resonated strongly with our target market as well as development partners,” said Dusit International Vice President Development (Global) Siradej Donavanik. “Reflecting strong demand for this offering, we anticipate signing eight additional Dusit Hotels within the next two years, in key gateway destinations, both cities and resorts. For developers seeking a refined, versatile, and future-ready concept with proven performance and global support, Dusit Hotels presents a compelling opportunity.”
SINGAPORE, 16 July 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda revealed this week its list of the most budget-friendly summer destinations in Asia through July and August 2025, with Surabaya, Indonesia, topping the list with an average room rate of just SGD35 per night,
Surabaya is followed closely by Tirupati, India, and Hat Yai, Thailand, in the top three, with average room rates of SGD37 and SGD39 per night, respectively. These destinations offer the perfect summer escape, combining rich culture, diverse cuisine, and picturesque settings for an unforgettable getaway.
Agoda Chief Marketing Officer Matteo Frigerio shared: “When summer rolls around, it’s all about making memories — whether it’s a family getaway, a spontaneous adventure, or a much-needed mid-year break. Agoda’s got your back with deals that let you spend more time enjoying and less time worrying about your wallet.”
The Cheapest Summer Destinations ranking is based on average room rates in the nine popular destinations across Asia, highlighting the most wallet-friendly options for summer travellers.
1.Surabaya, Indonesia (SGD35 average room rate per night)
Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, Surabaya offers visitors a chance to explore its historic architecture, bustling markets, and delicious street food. The city is also a gateway to nearby attractions, such as Mount Bromo and Madura Island.
2. Tirupati, India (SGD37 average room rate per night)
Home to the renowned Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati is a spiritual haven for many. Beyond its religious significance, the city offers a rich cultural experience, featuring vibrant festivals, traditional music, and delectable South Indian cuisine.
3. Hat Yai, Thailand (SGD39 average room rate per night)
Famous for its lively markets and mouthwatering street food, Hat Yai is a versatile destination that also serves as a gateway to nearby beaches and islands. The city is ideal for those seeking a blend of urban and natural attractions.
4. Dalat, Vietnam (SGD45 average room rate per night)
Nestled in the Central Highlands, Dalat is known for its cool climate, beautiful landscapes, and charming French colonial architecture. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling, and exploring the city’s vibrant floral gardens.
5. Iloilo, Philippines (SGD47 average room rate per night)
Iloilo offers a blend of historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and a thriving food scene. Visitors can explore the city’s Spanish colonial churches, enjoy local delicacies, and relax on the pristine beaches of nearby islands.
6. Kuching, Malaysia (SGD53 average room rate per night)
Kuching is a cultural gem, offering a blend of heritage sites, local cuisine, and access to natural attractions, including Bako National Park. Its laid-back vibe makes it an excellent choice for a summer getaway.
7. Nagoya, Japan (SGD90 average room rate per night)
Nagoya offers a wealth of experiences for travellers, from the iconic Nagoya Castle to the Toyota Commemorative Museum. Food enthusiasts can savour the city’s renowned hitsumabushi (grilled eel), while shoppers can enjoy unique finds in its bustling shopping districts.
8. Kaohsiung, Taiwan (SGD90 average room rate per night)
Kaohsiung is a vibrant port city featuring a mix of cultural landmarks, night markets, and scenic spots, including Lotus Pond. It’s an excellent destination for those looking to experience the charm of southern Taiwan.
9. Daejeon, South Korea (SGD93 average room rate per night)
Daejeon offers a mix of modern attractions and natural beauty, with highlights like the Expo Science Park and Yuseong Hot Springs. Its parks and museums make it an excellent destination for families and solo travellers alike.
SINGAPORE, 16 July 2025: The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has changed its name to Visit Maldives Corporation Limited as part of the government’s strategic efforts to promote the tourism industry in the Maldives.
In a statement issued by the President’s Office, President Dr Mohammed Muizzu noted that the name of the company has been changed under the policy of consolidating similar types of work in a single location.
MMPRC rebrands and refreshes its logo.
“This name change reflects the importance of prioritising destination branding, tourism marketing, and global engagement under a unified identity, he explained, saying the company had also made changes to its articles of association and bylaws while adopting a new logo and tagline.
“With this change, the company will continue to work towards promoting and strengthening the Maldives as a world-class tourist destination, maintaining that position in a direct and sustainable manner.”
ROME, 16 July 2025: Air Canada and ITA Airways announced on Tuesday a significant milestone in their partnership with a codeshare agreement, providing customers with more convenient travel options when flying between Canada and Italy, and beyond.
“We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with ITA Airways through our new codeshare agreement, which complements our robust network to Italy. This deepening of ties will allow customers travelling on Air Canada to Rome-Fiumicino to conveniently book and seamlessly connect to ten popular destinations across Italy, Africa, Israel and Albania. Likewise, ITA Airways customers arriving in Toronto will benefit from access to 10 key Canadian and U.S. cities across our network,” said Air Canada Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer and President of Cargo, Mark Galardo.
Photo credit: Air Canada.
“With work underway to facilitate its entry into Star Alliance, we are developing significant partnership synergies. This will form the foundation for a strong, long-term relationship between our two flag-carrying airlines”.
“The codeshare agreement with Air Canada is a great step forward for our growth strategy,” said ITA Airways CEO and General Manager Joerg Eberhart. “This partnership improves connectivity for our passengers travelling between Italy and North America, our first market beyond Italy, serving both leisure and business travellers. Moreover, it enables us to offer seamless connections for passengers of Italian origin residing in Canada and the United States, facilitating their journeys to Italy and beyond.”
Under the agreement, Air Canada will place its AC code on select routes operated by ITA Airways from Rome-Fiumicino. These include five popular destinations in Italy: Lamezia Terme, Palermo, Catania, Florence and Bari; three points in Africa, including Cairo, Tunis and Algiers (subject to governmental approval); as well as Tirana and Tel Aviv (the latter temporarily suspended). ITA Airways will place its AZ code on selected routes operated by Air Canada from Toronto Pearson, including Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and St. John’s; as well as on selected services from Canada to the United States: Boston, Orlando, Dallas, and Fort Lauderdale.
Sales of codeshare tickets are now available for travel starting 21 July.
The airlines are working towards implementing reciprocal earning and redemption capabilities for their respective loyalty programs. ITA Airways is also in the process of joining the Star Alliance network as a full member, with work underway to facilitate full membership, which is expected to be achieved in early 2026.
This partnership complements Air Canada’s growing network to Italy. This summer, Air Canada will operate up to 39 weekly flights and over 13,000 weekly seats to Italy. In May, it launched a new route between Montreal and Naples, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Naples is the airline’s fourth nonstop connection between Canada and Italy, in addition to Rome, Milan, and Venice. Additionally, Air Canada offers intermodal rail connections with Trenitalia, Italy’s largest train operator, featuring high-speed, regional, overnight, and international train routes. Through these intermodal connections, customers will be able to travel to up to 30 onward destinations within Italy.
During the current summer season, ITA Airways operates a total of 59 destinations, comprising 16 intercontinental, 27 international, and 16 domestic routes. During the summer peak, the airline flies to 12 additional seasonal destinations in the Mediterranean — three domestic and nine international — from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate. These seasonal destinations include the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca), several Greek islands (Rhodes, Heraklion, Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia), as well as the Italian islands of Lampedusa and Pantelleria. Furthermore, in addition to seasonal routes, ITA Airways has recently enhanced its offering to passengers, providing them with connections to over 100 additional destinations — both across Europe and on intercontinental routes — through codeshare agreements with five Lufthansa Group airlines: Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Air Dolomiti.
BANGKOK, 16 July 2025: Vietjet Thailand unrolls ‘It’s Time to Vietjet!’ promotion, featuring fares starting from THB zero (before taxes and fees).
The zero fare is applicable for travel to popular domestic destinations, including Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Hat Yai, as well as international destinations such as Taipei, Fukuoka, Phu Quoc, Beijing, and Shanghai.
The zero-fare deal launched on 14 July and closes at midnight on 17 July 2025 for travel from 20 August 2025 to 28 March 2026 (excluding public holidays).
The special promotion applies to Vietjet Thailand’s entire international network, including routes from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Fukuoka, known for its historic charm; Chiang Mai to Osaka, a city full of energy; and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Tokyo and Osaka, two of Japan’s most iconic towns celebrated for their culture and shopping.
Other international destinations include Seoul in South Korea; Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou in China, each offering a fascinating urban experience; Phu Quoc and Da Nang in Vietnam, ideal for island escapes and beach getaways; Taipei in Taiwan, famous for its street food and night markets; Phnom Penh in Cambodia, rich in cultural heritage; and Mumbai in India, the heart of business and the Bollywood scene. The promotion also covers flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Okinawa and Hokkaido, offering a tropical escape and winter wonderland in Japan via a quick connection in Taipei.
On the domestic network, promotional fares are available on all routes from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, reflecting the charm of northern Thailand; Phuket and Krabi, loved for their stunning beaches; Hat Yai and Surat Thani, representing the vibrant southern lifestyle; and Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani, rich in northeastern culture. Cross-country routes such as Phuket to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are also included in the promotion.
SINGAPORE, 16 July 2025: Cathay Pacific cuts SGD160 off economy class tickets to destinations worldwide via its home hub, Hong Kong, to celebrate its second consecutive win as World’s Best Economy Class Airline by Skytrax.
To thank customers for their continued support, Cathay Pacific is celebrating this achievement with a special offer, exclusive to Cathay members.
Photo credit: Cathay Pacific.
Travellers can enjoy SGD160 off when they book before 22 July 2025 using the discount code BESTECONSG. The economy class special discount applies to all destinations beyond Hong Kong except Tokyo (Narita), Osaka and Taipei, for travel between 15 September 2025 and 31 March 2026. A minimum of two persons is required per booking.
Terms and conditions apply. The offer is on a first-come, first-served basis.
BANGKOK, 16 July 2025: Condor has announced expansion plans for its air services from Frankfurt to Asian destinations during the northern hemisphere winter timetable for 2025 and 2026, which kicks in October and closes on 31 March or early April.
Condor confirmed in a recent press statement that flights to Thailand, South Africa, and Panama will increase in winter, driven by strong demand for long-haul travel. The airline deploys Airbus A330neo on long-haul routes and a mix of A320s and A321s on European routes served from its home base in Frankfurt, Germany.
Photo credit: Condor. A321 flies European routes.
Starting 1 November, the airline will offer daily flights to Bangkok (BKK) and Phuket (HKT). In addition, the airline will offer three weekly flights to Cape Town (CPT), South Africa, and Johannesburg (JNB), as well as Panama City (PTY) during this summer season. They will also be included in the winter season with two weekly flights.
Flights to Thailand
From 1 November 2025, Condor will increase flights from Frankfurt to Bangkok from five weekly to daily. The daily service will extend into the Summer 2026 schedule.
Condor will also offer daily direct flights from Frankfurt to Phuket starting in the Winter 2025/2026 season, an increase from the current four weekly flights.
Flights to both destinations are scheduled on A330-900neo aircraft with a capacity of 310 seats.
Bangkok schedule
DE2362 departs Frankfurt (FRA) at 2010 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1230 plus a day. DE2363 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 2150 and arrives in Frankfurt (FRA) at 0515 plus a day.
Phuket schedule
DE2368 departs Frankfurt (FRA) at 1455 and arrives in Phuket at 1810. DE2369 departs Phuket (HKT) at 1015 and arrives in Frankfurt at 1705.
“With these adjustments to the winter flight schedule, we are responding to the high demand and the popularity of the destinations among our guests,” says Condor CEO Peter Gerber.
Other Asian destinations
Malé (MLE), Maldives: Flights to Malé are scheduled five times per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday) during the winter 2025/2026 timetable.
Expanding its European network
The airline is strengthening its feeder network in Europe by adding new short-haul routes from Frankfurt to Barcelona, Budapest, and Venice starting in May 2026, and increasing frequencies on existing domestic and European routes, to improve connectivity for passengers travelling to their long-haul destinations.
Popular newcomers
Since May 2025, the European cities of Milan and Prague have been part of Condor’s route network. Following their successful launch in the summer schedule, the Italian fashion metropolis and the Czech capital will now also be part of Condor’s winter flight schedule 2025/26. Beginning in late October, Condor will operate up to two daily flights to both Milan and Prague.
“Milan and Prague have already proven to be highly popular not only among business and city travellers but also as connecting flights to Condor’s long-haul network from Frankfurt,” said Gerber. “By incorporating these destinations into our winter schedule, we are responding to customer demand while strengthening our presence in our new city markets.”
In addition to these two European city destinations, Condor guests will also benefit from the city flights in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) during the winter timetable. Berlin (BER), Hamburg (HAM), Munich (MUC), Vienna (VIE) and Zurich (ZRH) will be connected to Frankfurt (FRA) three times daily.
KUCHING, 15 July 2025: Sarawak Tourism Board monitors the green credentials of its Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 held last month, 20 to 22 June, reporting a highly successful waste management effort and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
Held at the iconic Sarawak Cultural Village, with a beach and rainforest backdrop, the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025 generated a total of 3,543.3 kilogrammes of waste, with 1,550.0 kilogrammes — or 31.3% — successfully diverted thanks to robust waste management systems.
Our Green Warriors in action — keeping the festival grounds clean and green, one piece of rubbish at a time.
In comparison, the 2024 edition recorded a higher volume of waste at 4,581.72 kilogrammes, with 1,712.7 kilogrammes — over 37% — diverted. While the figures vary year to year, with 2025 welcoming 22,000 attendees, the festival successfully
maintained a waste diversion rate above 30%, underscoring consistent efforts toward environmental sustainability regardless of scale.
Breakdown as follows:
• OCC / Paper: 215.7 kg recycled
• Plastic: 410.8 kg recycled
• Metal: 271.0 kg recycled
• Glass: 225.0 kg recycled
• Used cooking oil: 21.9 kg recycled
• Food waste: 413.6 kg composted
• General waste: 1,976.3 kg
“This outcome is directly in line with the Sarawak Tourism Board’s vision of making RWMF 2025 a truly sustainable and eco-friendly festival in the region,” said Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor.
Puan Sharzede also highly commended the festival-goers for their increased environmental consciousness this year. “The festival’s success in maintaining a pristine environment over the three days wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from our attendees,” she stated.
“Furthermore, we extend our gratitude to Trienekens Sarawak for providing the crucial waste segregation bins, which were instrumental in diverting waste from landfills. It was a fantastic demonstration of community and collaboration for a greener festival!”
The RWMF 2025, themed ‘Connections: One Earth, One Love,’ not only celebrated diverse music and cultures but also reinforced a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship. The successful waste management programme is a testament to this overarching mission.
For more information on Sarawak’s attractions visit:
SINGAPORE, 15 July 2025: Marriott International appoints Cristiano Rinaldi as Chief of Lodging Product & Services Officer for the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region.
This new role represents a milestone for Marriott’s APEC organisation, coinciding with the introduction of the Lodging Product & Services structure. The integrated team, comprising operations, brand and global design, will serve as a unified function that drives operational excellence, enhances service delivery, and fosters innovation across Marriott’s portfolio of over 635 operating properties spanning 25 brands in 22 countries and territories in the region.
Cristiano Renaldi
Rinaldi brings to this role over two decades of experience with Marriott and within the luxury hospitality sector globally. Beginning his career at The Ritz-Carlton Doha in 2001, he has held numerous key leadership positions across Asia Pacific and beyond. His career highlights include serving as Area Director of Operations, Asia Pacific, overseeing luxury operations for The Ritz-Carlton, Bulgari, and EDITION brands.
He will be based at Marriott’s APEC regional headquarters in Singapore, where he will be instrumental in advancing the company’s sustained growth and market leadership.
