HONG KONG, 15 September 2025: Hong Kong’s most significant annual cycling event, the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), is set to return on 30 November.
This year’s edition offers fresh activities and experiences for sports lovers to immerse in the city’s vibrant energy, focusing on professional races on new routes along city streets that will provide an iconic road-cycling experience against Hong Kong’s skyline, as well as a cycling-themed carnival with sports and entertainment experiences.
Photo credit: HKTB
Registration for the Hong Kong Cyclothon opened on 13 September.
HKTB Chairman Peter Lam commented: “The Hong Kong Cyclothon is a true highlight of our sporting calendar, offering locals and visitors an exceptional competitive cycling experience and showcasing the city’s ability to blend sport with tourism.”
50km and 32km rides open to 6,000 cyclists
This year’s event continues to place a strong emphasis on mass participation by hosting the most popular 50km ride, allowing cyclists to ride through four tunnels and over three bridges. There is also the 32km ride, which covers ‘two tunnels and two bridges’.
The City Cycling Challenge around the Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong) – Sun Hung Kai Properties Men’s and Women’s Open will feature new, more demanding routes to elevate the excitement of the competition. Looking ahead, the HKTB aims to expand the Hong Kong Cyclothon across the Greater Bay Area and work in partnership with neighbouring destinations to build a world-class tourism brand for the region.
HKTB to Host Cyclothon Carnival at West Kowloon
The sporting extravaganza extends to the West Kowloon Cultural District’s Art Park, where the HKTB will present an action-packed Cyclothon Carnival. From morning to dusk, the carnival will offer a dynamic mix of music and sports performances. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food booths, sports gear markets, interactive emerging sports experiences, face painting stalls, balloon art workshops, and other fun-filled activities.
PATTAYA, 15 September 2025: Leaving Bangkok behind, the road south to Pattaya is a journey familiar to many. But as you drive past the city centre and continue a little further down the coastline to Na Jomtien, a different environment emerges.
Here, the beaches are broader, the pace gentler, and the new Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa rises with confident elegance. It is Pattaya, but not as you know it.
The Sugar Palm design takes your eyes soaring skyward.
This striking resort, set along a golden stretch of sand, feels like a statement of intent. Marriott International and Asset World Corp (AWC) have come together to create something new: a resort that blends contemporary design, family-friendly leisure, and five-star style with an eco-conscious heart.
The most striking element of the resort is its architectural concept inspired by the sugar palm trees of the region. Step into the soaring lobby and you are surrounded by columns that twist upwards like towering palms, their canopies flaring into organic patterns that mimic fronds reaching for sunlight. It is a space that feels both dramatic and welcoming, a modern homage to nature that sets the tone for the rest of the resort.
Na Jomtien Beach.
Ownership and vision
The Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa is a flagship for AWC, one of Thailand’s most forward-looking real estate groups, and the first premium-branded Marriott resort in Pattaya. AWC has made sustainability a cornerstone of its projects, and this property follows suit, designed to meet LEED certification standards and reflecting a commitment to redefine Pattaya’s image.
The resort’s eco-inspired entrance is masterful.
For decades, Pattaya’s reputation was tied to nightlife and neon. This resort points in a different direction. Its focus is family, food, wellness, and experiences that reflect Thailand’s coastal beauty rather than overshadow it.
Rooms and suites
With 289 rooms and suites, the property offers a wide range of accommodation. Deluxe rooms, starting at 33 square metres, are light-filled, with clean lines, private balconies, and well-planned layouts that balance work and relaxation. Bathrooms are contemporary, fitted with rain showers and sleek finishes, while plush bedding and soft linens ensure a restful night’s sleep.
For those seeking more space, suites stretch to nearly 90 square metres. These provide living areas, expansive terraces, and sea views that stretch across the Gulf of Thailand. Families will find the interconnecting room options practical, while couples can opt for higher-floor suites where sunsets are best enjoyed with a glass of wine.
Every detail feels thought-through, with a design ethos that is modern but softened by local touches, drawing inspiration from the sugar palm trees and coastal setting that surround the resort.
Meet the team: l-r Ekapoj (Dio) Yamlamai, Director of Operations, GM Michael Hogan and Rungkamol (Game) Kamolnithi, Cluster Director of Marcom & PR.
Culinary excellence
If there is one element that defines the Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa, it is food. Under the thoughtful guidance of General Manager Michael Hogan, a kind, softly spoken Australian with decades of experience in Asia, the resort has placed its culinary programme at the very heart of the guest experience. Hogan worked closely with the ownership and design teams to create not just a set of restaurants, but a food and beverage vision that sets a new benchmark for Pattaya.
The results are remarkable. Goji Kitchen & Bar, the resort’s all-day dining hub, is nothing short of extraordinary. Across more than forty years in travel and tourism, I have visited countless hotel buffets, yet the breakfast and dinner spreads here are amongst the best I have seen anywhere in Thailand. Every counter is alive with freshness and variety, offering a dazzling choice of Thai, Asian, and international dishes. The sense of abundance is matched by quality, and the execution is world-class.
The resort’s Italian credentials shine through two distinct venues. La Familiare – meaning “family” or “homely” in Italian – is a lively trattoria-style restaurant offering handmade pastas, freshly baked pizzas from the impressive pizza oven, and regional comfort dishes. It is the kind of place where families gather, laughter flows, and the atmosphere hums with energy. But for those seeking refinement, Executive Chef Marcello Piacentini raises the bar even further.
Executive Chef Marcello Piacentini and Pastry Chef Suparat ‘Ying’ Saenchai with the author.
Having honed his skills at the Ritz-Carlton in the Cayman Islands and Café del Mar in Malta, Marcello combines discipline with flair. His Italian fine dining restaurant is already becoming a destination in its own right. On my final evening before returning to Bangkok, I enjoyed one of the best Italian meals – a dinner that blended freshness, technique, and artistry in equal measure. It was the kind of experience that leaves you talking about individual dishes long after the plates have been cleared. And the service is a dream!
The sweet finish is equally impressive. The pastry kitchen for the resort is headed by Chef Ying and her talented team of eight, elevating the Goji buffet, the hotel’s bakery and all outlets. Their creations range from delicate pastries and decadent desserts to freshly baked breads, Thai specialities, and modern twists on classics. It is a showcase of skill, creativity, and presentation, supported by a beverage offering that includes shakes, coffees, and fresh juices. The result is a culinary programme that delivers not just sustenance, but surprise and delight, morning and night.
Leisure and wellness
With its variety of pools and leisure spaces, the resort is designed to keep both adults and children happily occupied. An infinity pool looks directly out to sea, a serene spot for couples or solo travellers. The family pool is lively, while the children’s splash zone and water slides add colour and excitement.
Families are truly at the heart of the design.
The children’s shaded pool and splash zone are alive with laughter each afternoon, while the children play, parents relax on shaded loungers or sip cocktails nearby. The kids’ club, bright and well-equipped, gives younger guests a world of their own, while La Familiare provides trattoria-style dining that makes everyone feel at home. For multi-generational travellers, the blend of fun, safety, and sophistication is ideal. Grandparents can enjoy the calm of the gardens or spa while children discover new adventures, and parents find the rare luxury of real downtime.
Wellness seekers are drawn to Quan Spa, where a menu of treatments seamlessly blends traditional Thai therapies with contemporary techniques. From herbal compress massages to soothing facials, the spa is a cocoon of calm. The 24-hour fitness centre caters to those who prefer treadmills to sun loungers, while couples will find quieter corners of the gardens ideal for peaceful moments together.
For events, weddings, or corporate gatherings, the resort will offer a variety of flexible meeting spaces. Each is equipped with the latest technology and tailored to everything from intimate ceremonies to larger conferences.
Sustainability and design
This “Sugar Palm Paradise” theme continues throughout the property, linking the interiors with the tropical gardens outside. The effect is to create a sense of flow: from lobby to lounge, from pool to pathways, every angle feels anchored in natural forms. It is a design that is more than decorative; it is a form of storytelling through architecture.
AWC’s commitment to sustainability is woven into this aesthetic. The resort is designed to meet LEED standards, incorporating energy-efficient systems, water-saving features, and eco-friendly materials. Landscaping has been carefully selected to blend seamlessly with the coastal environment, while the interiors showcase Thai craftsmanship interpreted in a modern idiom.
The result is an atmosphere that strikes a balance between scale and intimacy. Families can enjoy the vibrancy of water play and dining hubs, while couples find quiet corners in the gardens or spa. The towering sugar palm columns are not just a design flourish but a symbol: a reminder that Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa is rooted in the landscape it inhabits and seeks to honour.
A new chapter for Pattaya
The Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa is more than just another luxury hotel. It is part of a shift that is changing the city’s reputation, widening its appeal, and redefining what a Pattaya stay can be. With its balance of family fun, culinary excellence, sustainability, and five-star polish, it sets a new benchmark for Na Jomtien.
For Bangkok residents seeking a weekend escape or international travellers looking for a beach resort that offers more than nightlife, this property is a compelling choice. Pattaya is evolving, and this resort shows how bright that future can be.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer and former hotelier. A regular contributor to international travel and tourism publications, he brings more than 40 years of hospitality experience to his writing.
KUCHING, 15 September 2025: AirAsia (AK) launched two direct routes to Pontianak, Indonesia, last Friday, connecting the province of West Kalimantan with Malaysian cities of Kuala Lumpur and Kuching.
It ensures the airline has the widest network between Malaysia and Indonesia, reinforcing its commitment to improving regional connectivity and promoting shared economic growth.
Photo credit: AirAsia.
On its return leg, flight AK1782 from Pontianak arrived at Kuching International Airport to a warm welcome with a celebratory reception featuring cultural performances to mark the milestone. Arriving guests from Pontianak were greeted by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Senior Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia, Jamilah Binti Abdul Halim; AirAsia Malaysia CEO Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra and Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Mdm Sharzede Salleh Askor, together with representatives from Malaysia Airports, government departments and key private hospitals in Kuching.
AirAsia Malaysia CEO Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “Following the success of our recent route launches in Palembang and beyond, Indonesia remains one of our most important markets. We are proud to reconnect Pontianak with both Kuching and Kuala Lumpur.
These routes not only provide greater convenience for our guests but also open more opportunities for tourism and business between Malaysia and Indonesia. With our extensive network and affordable fares, AirAsia is committed to strengthening ties between neighbouring countries and driving regional growth.”
Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Salleh Askor said: “We are excited to see the reinstatement of direct air connectivity between Kuching and Pontianak, which has always been an important market for Sarawak. This route will not only make it more convenient for our neighbours in West Kalimantan to travel for leisure, medical, education and business purposes, but also further strengthen our role as the gateway to Borneo. With international arrivals to Sarawak continuing to grow steadily this year, this timely connectivity will help us attract more visitors from Pontianak and beyond, while showcasing our rich culture, pristine nature, and unique adventure offerings.
AirAsia Malaysia (AK) continues to strengthen its connectivity to Indonesia with flights to 18 destinations. From Kuala Lumpur, the airline currently serves Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar), Medan, Yogyakarta, Banda Aceh, Makassar, Padang, Pekanbaru, Balikpapan, Labuan Bajo, Lombok, Palembang, Semarang and Pontianak, with Banjarmasin set to commence on 20 October 2025. AirAsia connects Kuching to Pontianak, as well as Penang to Jakarta and Medan, further enhancing travel accessibility between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Flight Schedule between Kuching (KCH) and Pontianak (PNK):
Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Pontianak (PNK):
MUMBAI, 15 September 2025: SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company headquartered in Mumbai, India, has won the best Integrated Marketing Campaign award at the PATA Gold Awards 2025.
Celebrating excellence and innovation in travel marketing, the PATA Gold Awards recognise outstanding campaigns that shape traveller engagement and industry growth. This accolade marks a significant achievement for the Company, highlighting its leadership in the Indian market and its exceptional tourism promotions through creative storytelling and impactful brand experiences.
SOTC’s award-winning campaign, Saare Jahan Se Achha India Humara, was launched last year, as a tribute to the country’s diversity, heritage and soulful charm. Designed to inspire Indians to rediscover the country’s spectacular locales and experiences, the campaign inspired national pride and connection through evocative narratives and a distinctive postage stamp visual theme. It has successfully positioned SOTC Travel as the go-to brand for premium domestic travel while engaging with younger, experience-driven travellers.
The campaign featured curated travel categories celebrating India’s multifaceted identity—ranging from the verdant forests and rich traditions to iconic monuments and coastal escapades, fostering deeper emotional engagement among SOTC’s customers.
SOTC Travel President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours SD Nandakumar said: “We are honoured to receive the Best Integrated Marketing Campaign award at the PATA Gold Awards 2025. ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha India Humara’ reflects our passion for India – and we’ve done well in showcasing India’s unparalleled diversity and stories through travel. As a homegrown, made-in-India brand with a legacy of over 75 years, we truly believe that no one understands the Indian traveller better than SOTC. PATA’s recognition is a tribute to our dedicated team and a reaffirmation of our commitment to inspire Indians to explore and cherish their own country.”
21n78e Creative Labs CEO & Founder, Sudhir Nair, added: “We are elated to see ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha India Humara’ earn this prestigious recognition. India is in the spotlight on a global stage, and our strategy was to celebrate India’s vibrant diversity through a contemporary lens. Reimagining the classic postage stamp as a nostalgic yet modern tribute to India’s myriad landscapes, cultures and traditions. By weaving compelling stories with this evocative visual theme, we sought to spark pride and wanderlust, inviting today’s Indian travellers to rediscover the beauty of their homeland.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 September 2025: Tourism Malaysia welcomed China Eastern Airlines on its successful launch of flights last week, connecting Taiyuan, China, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, with a transit stop in Wuhan.
As one of China’s major cities rich in cultural heritage and economic potential, Taiyuan’s connection to Kuala Lumpur is expected to encourage greater visitor flows and boost Malaysia’s visibility as a preferred destination in Asia.
Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion Il) of Tourism Malaysia, alongside Xiang, General Manager of China Eastern Airlines (Malaysia Branch), joined representatives from MAHB, Tourism Malaysia, and the China Eastern Airlines cabin crew at KLIA to celebrate the arrival of the inaugural flight from Taiyuan.
A new chapter in regional connectivity unfolded last Thursday as Flight MU859 touched down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at approximately 0430 (Malaysia time), marking the inaugural arrival from Taiyuan, famously known as the “Dragon City” (Lóngchéng.
This historic flight symbolises a pivotal milestone in enhancing air links between Malaysia and northern China, laying the foundation for deeper bilateral cooperation in tourism alongside trade exchange.
“The introduction of this new air connectivity marks a significant step forward in strengthening the dynamic alongside growing tourism ties between Malaysia and China. Beyond enhancing travel convenience, it also underscores our continued commitment to positioning Malaysia as a premier travel destination within the region. We look forward to welcoming a greater number of Chinese visitors to explore Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and the diverse, memorable experiences our country proudly offers,” said Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director General (Promotion II) Lee Thai Hung.
China Eastern Airlines is set to operate the new route four times weekly, with a scheduled transit stop at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport. The service utilises Boeing 737-800 aircraft, configured with 175 seats, to enhance air connectivity between Malaysia and the northern provinces of China.
From January to June 2025, Malaysia welcomed an impressive 2.2 million visitor arrivals from China, marking a notable 35.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This remarkable growth comes at a time of renewed global travel confidence and reflects the strengthening appeal of Malaysia as a preferred destination among Chinese travellers. Thus, Malaysia continues to warmly welcome Chinese visitors, offering seamless travel experiences and a rich tapestry of attractions from vibrant cities and culinary adventures to serene islands and heritage-rich towns.
Tourism Malaysia remains committed to working closely with international carriers, airport authorities, and industry stakeholders to strengthen Malaysia’s connectivity and global tourism presence. This initiative is also timely in supporting Malaysia’s ramp-up efforts for the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
DUBAI, UAE, 12 September 2025: Emirates Skywards has officially unlocked flight rewards for Premium Economy travel — a move welcomed by its more than 35 million members worldwide.
The award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai is now offering members a chance to redeem Skywards Miles on Classic Rewards and Upgrade Rewards on all Emirates’ Premium Economy cabins. The highly anticipated offering underscores Skywards’ commitment to redefine the loyalty experience and always offer members more rewards, benefits, and greater travel options.
Emirates Skywards Divisional Senior Vice President Dr Nejib Ben Khedher said: “We’re thrilled to announce the introduction of flight rewards on Emirates’ highly coveted Premium Economy cabin. This has been in development for some time and comes following the huge success, positive feedback, and strong demand by members to utilise Miles on Premium Economy – especially on popular long-haul destinations such as London, Sydney, Melbourne, and New York. The offer will initially be available exclusively to our Skywards members, with plans to extend to other airline partners in the future.
“We are confident this enhancement will further enrich the travel experience, staying true to our brand promise of always flying customers better. We look forward to more of our members now having the opportunity to experience Emirates’ newest, luxurious cabin with a service that rivals many airlines’ Business Class.”
Starting from 7,000 Skywards Miles
Members can now redeem Skywards Miles to purchase a full flight ticket on the Emirates Premium Economy cabin, starting from 15,000 Miles (one-way).
Passengers can also request an upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy starting from 7,020 Miles (one-way). Upgrade requests can be booked prior to a flight and will also be offered at the Emirates’ check-in counter, subject to availability.
The loyalty programme has also recently rolled out Classic Rewards on all flydubai flights starting at 5,000 Miles, in addition to revised Cash+Miles rates. Skywards Miles redemptions continue to be a popular loyalty offering with close to 500,000 flight tickets purchased with Classic Rewards, Cash Miles, and Upgrade Rewards over the summer period (June to August 2025) to popular destinations such as London, Paris, New York and Bangkok.
Fly better with Emirates’ Premium Economy
Emirates is the only airline in the region to offer Premium Economy, with a signature experience unmatched in the industry. The airline’s newest cabin has been recognised by multiple global recognitions, including ‘Best Premium Economy’ by AirlineRatings.com and Airline Excellence Awards 2024.
Emirates Skywards members travelling in Premium Economy can look forward to dedicated check-in desks at the airport; luxurious cream-coloured leather seats with a generous pitch of up to 40 inches, calf rests, and footrests for additional comfort; generous meals and a premium wine selection; and the airline’s latest upgraded inflight entertainment system, ice, with a 13.3 inch screen – one of the largest in its class – to watch more than 6,500 channels of music, movies, TV, news and more.
Click here to tour the Emirates Premium Economy cabin, which is currently available on flights to more than 66 cities worldwide.
Emirates’ USD5 billion retrofit programme
As part of its multi-billion-dollar investment to fully refurbish 219 of its aircraft, Emirates has so far rolled out 67 fully refurbished aircraft (32 A380s and 35 Boeing 777s) with new cabin interiors, including the Premium Economy cabin. The airline also welcomed 9 A350 aircraft featuring Premium Economy, with 56 more units to join its fleet.
By March 2026, the airline will serve 68 cities with aircraft fitted with its Premium Economy product, offering close to 2 million Premium Economy seats in its network each year, and a doubling of that capacity to 4 million seats per year by the end of 2026.
Emirates Airbus A380: 56 Premium Economy seats are located at the front of the main deck, and seats are laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration.
Emirates Boeing 777: Up to 24 Premium Economy seats are laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration.
Emirates Airbus A350: Up to 28 Premium Economy seats are located at the front of the aircraft, and seats are laid out in a 2-3-2 configuration.
Customers can book tickets on emirates.com, or visit the Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.
Bangkok, 12 September 2025: Tripla Inc, a leading hospitality technology company from Japan, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a product launch and industry gathering on 10 October 2025 at Hotel Nikko Bangkok.
Under the theme Hospitality Reimagined: 10 Years of Innovation, A New Era of Hospitality, the event will bring together 100 senior hoteliers and industry leaders.
New Product Launches
Tripla will introduce three new solutions. TriplaBook – a booking engine to increase direct hotel reservations. TriplaBot – an AI chatbot that makes instant bookings via LINE, WhatsApp, Messenger, and web. TriplaConnect – a customer relationship platform to build loyalty and personalise service.
Programme Highlights
Opening by Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President, Thai Hotels Association. Keynote by Kazuhisa Takahashi, CEO of Tripla Inc. Panel discussion: Next-Gen Hotels – Innovation through AI and Travel Tech with executives from Cross Hotels & Resorts, Fusion, and Kokotel. Partner sessions by Comanche Gogoji, Worldpay, and Capillary Technologies. The event closes with networking, interactive showcases, and partner exhibitions.
“This 10-year milestone is more than a celebration. It is an opportunity to explore how AI will shape the future of hospitality,” said Tripla Inc CEO Kazuhisa Takahashi.
Event Details Date: Friday, 10 October 2025. Time: 1300 – 1700. Venue: Hotel Nikko Bangkok. Entry: Free, invitation-only (100 seats).
About Tripla Founded in 2015, Tripla provides AI-powered hospitality SaaS services to more than 8,600 properties in nine countries. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market in 2022.
About the author A former President of Skål International Asia, Skål International Thailand and Skål International Bangkok, Andrew J Wood is a past hotel general manager and regular contributor to the region’s travel and tourism media.
MACAO, 12 September 2025: The Macao Grand Prix Museum partners with Pirelli, the Italian tyre manufacturer, to create the “Macao Grand Prix Museum X The Pirelli Legend” — Racing Tyres Theme Exhibition that opened to the public on 10 September and closes on 2 March 2026.
The theme exhibition was officially inaugurated at the basement of the Museum by MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes.
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes visited the exhibition on 10 September for the official opening ceremony.
She highlighted in her speech that the Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli has been dedicated to tire manufacturing for over a century, noting that museum visitors can gain new insights into the sophisticated techniques behind motor races from a fresh angle offered by the theme exhibition.
“It represents MGTO and Pirelli’s concerted effort to spread and carry on the motorsport culture as MGTO brands Macao as a destination that offers a fascinating blend of trip experiences in sports events”
The opening of the exhibition was attended by Pirelli APAC CEO Andrea Maganzani, who described it as a showcase of Pirelli’s motorsport journey; a “celebration of the passion and innovation that defines the future of racing.”
The theme exhibition displays nine types of tyres, including the special-edition tyre imprinted with the dragon pattern – donated by Pirelli to the Macao Grand Prix Organising Committee last year, one Formula One tyre and seven motorsport tyre models used in the Macau Grand Prix. This theme exhibition offers motorsport enthusiasts a close encounter with Pirelli’s exquisite art of tyre design, a window onto the core technique behind the unparalleled speed of racing cars. Exhibition visitors can also embark on a video journey from the intricate moulding and assembly of top-notch tyres in Pirelli’s factory in Milan, to the top gear moments on Macao’s Guia Circuit.
Founded in 1872, Pirelli is one of the world’s largest tyre manufacturers with a strong presence in over 350 two/four-wheel motor and motorcycle races worldwide annually, including being the global tyre partner of the Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 World Championships organised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Formula Regional European Championship and GT World Challenge.
The Museum is open from 1000 to 1800 daily except on Tuesdays. For more information and ticketing for the Macao Grand Prix Museum, visit the official website: mgpm.macaotourism.gov.mo/en.
SINGAPORE, 12 September 2025: Ponant Explorations Group launches its new commercial brand, Ponant Yachting, which showcases the group’s ultra-intimate experiences, combining sailing and bespoke service.
The group is also adding to its fleet, ordering a new catamaran, the Spirit of Ponant II. Built by Lagoon, the world leader in sailing catamarans, the vessel will join the fleet in late 2026. She will be based in French Polynesia. Spirit of Ponant II will be the 22nd ship in the Ponant fleet.
Photo credit: Ponant.
In 2024, the group introduced a new range of sea voyages aboard luxury catamarans with a crew of four (captain, first mate, chef, hostess)
By late 2026, Ponant Yachting will operate a fleet of three catamarans, the Spirit of Ponant, La Désirade and the Spirit of Ponant II, each with a capacity of nine to 12 guests, offering destinations in the Mediterranean, the Seychelles, the Caribbean and Polynesia.
Built in France, the Spirit of Ponant II is a catamaran in the brand-new Lagoon EIGHTY 2 series, a top-of-the-range yacht measuring 24.97m long and 11m wide.
Accommodating up to 10 guests, the yacht will feature five double staterooms and 427 m² of living space. She will be available exclusively for full private charter, from EUR64,000 (excludes flights and variable costs — mainly fuel, dining and drinks).
The maiden voyage will take place in late 2026, sailing to Polynesia.
SINGAPORE, 12 September 2025: RateHawk, a B2B booking platform, reveals that one in five travel professionals considers technology, including AI and automation, as an ultimate solution to overcome daily challenges.
The report, based on a survey of 1300+ worldwide respondents, highlights the specific tech needs of the global travel professionals community, mapping out new opportunities for travel tech players.
RateHawk Managing Director Astid Kastberg.
Report takeaways
What’s Next in B2B Travel Tech? RateHawk Survey maps out the industry’s most wanted solutions.
Asian travel professionals cite managing high competition as their primary challenge, while searching for the best deals is their main time-consuming task.
To work more efficiently, 31% would like to integrate more technology solutions into their daily routine.
Among various innovation options, 50% of respondents opt for advanced analytics tools, while 47% are interested in automation.
There is also high demand for work on the go, with 44% of respondents wishing to have greater access to mobile tools.
The biggest hurdles are intense competition, rising client expectations, and the time-consuming process of manually searching for the best deals.
Three key challenges
A quarter of travel professionals worldwide cited intense competition as their top challenge, with increasing pressure in fast-growing markets like the GCC (49%) and Asia (30%).
Rising client expectations challenge 24% of travel professionals who admit they struggle to keep up. In open responses, many specialists shared frustrations about travellers expecting pre-pandemic prices, making budgets unrealistic.
Maintaining the desired level of income is the third most challenging aspect for travel professionals, with 15% of respondents worldwide identifying it as a key concern. Additionally, 33% say that achieving higher commission levels is the most desired change.
“The travel industry is known for its low margins, and, with constantly rising travel costs, every opportunity to earn additional commission is crucial. Technology platforms can give this flexibility to support partners’ sustainable development. For instance, our users can set up their own commission levels, as well as loyalty points and other rewards,” says RateHawk Managing Director Astid Kastberg.
Nearly half of respondents identified searching for competitive travel offers as their most time-consuming task — a figure that is exceptionally high in the GCC region (52%) and Asia (49%), but also significant in Europe (40%), Latin America (44%), and North America (39%). Other top global time-sinks include managing booking changes (17%) and repetitive administrative work (16%).
About RateHawk RateHawk is a subsidiary of Emerging Travel Group, which is a global travel company. Emerging Travel Group is headquartered in Dubai, UAE. RateHawk has offices in several cities worldwide, including London, Berlin, Milan, Lisbon, Warsaw, Dubai, Limassol (Cyprus), and Singapore (Asian headquarters).
