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Agoda monitors Asian Games travel searches

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SINGAPORE, 4 September 2026: Agoda has analysed accommodation search data for the period of one of Asia’s leading sporting events to be held in Japan from 19 September to 4 October, revealing growing travel interest in the Aichi-Nagoya area.

Japan will host the 2026 Asian Games (20th Asian Games, official name Aichi–Nagoya 2026) from 19 September to 4 October, prompting a surge in accommodation searches made on Agoda.

 Nagoya City emerges as the most popular host city in Aichi Prefecture, followed by Toyota City, Toyohashi City, Okazaki City, and Ichinomiya City. Among the host cities, Toyota City recorded the highest increase in travel interest during the event period compared to three weeks prior at 715%, followed by Ichinomiya City at 504%, Kariya City at 324%, and Okazaki City at 237%, indicating travel interest is expanding beyond Nagoya City to cities across Aichi Prefecture where the sporting events will be held.

Nagoya City tops accommodation searches, while travel interest expands to surrounding host cities.

Top 10 cities by search volume during the Asian Games

  • 1 Nagoya City
  • 2 Toyota City
  • 3 Toyohashi City
  • 4 Okazaki City
  • 5 Ichinomiya City
  • 6 Kariya City
  • 7 Kasugai City
  • 8 Komaki City
  • 9 Nishio City
  • 10 Shinshiro City

Nagoya City recorded the highest accommodation searches for stays during the sporting event period, with a wide range of sports scheduled, including water polo, athletics, basketball, judo, football, rugby sevens, gymnastics, and tennis. In addition to being a central area where visitors can watch a variety of sporting events, the opportunity to combine sports spectating with Nagoya’s unique food, shopping, and sightseeing experiences makes it a highly appealing travel destination during the fall season.

Fast-rising travel interest in surrounding host cities: Toyota City up 715%, Ichinomiya City up 504%.

Agoda reports a rise in travel interest not only in the main host city of Nagoya, but also in cities across Aichi Prefecture where a wide variety of sporting events will take place, suggesting that the event is expanding travellers’ interest across the prefecture. 

Among the cities hosting sporting events, Toyota City recorded the highest growth in travel interest, with a 715% increase in accommodation searches compared to three weeks before the event period. 

Additionally, Ichinomiya City and Kariya City ranked as the second- and third-fastest-growing destinations during the sporting event, based on accommodation searches, at 504% and 324%, respectively. With Ichinomiya scheduled to host badminton and Kariya scheduled to host football, fans can expect unforgettable competitions that make the trip worthwhile.

Growing interest in the Aichi-Nagoya area from across Asia

The sporting event in fall 2026 is likely to be driving growing interest in the Aichi-Nagoya area not only among travellers in Japan, but also among travellers across Asia. Among international markets, Taiwan recorded the highest number of searches to the event host cities, followed by South Korea, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and China.

Top 5 international markets by search volume

  • 1 Taiwan
  • 2 South Korea
  • 3 Hong Kong
  • 4 Philippines
  • 5 China

Meanwhile, the host cities saw the biggest increases in travel interest from China (724%) and the Philippines (249%).

The high interest from China may be driven by strong awareness of the sporting event following the previous edition held in Hangzhou, expectations surrounding the national team, and the timing of the event, which coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday periods.

For the Philippines, meanwhile, anticipation surrounding the men’s basketball team’s bid to defend its title – following its first gold medal in 61 years at the previous edition of the sporting event – may also be contributing to increased travel interest.

Agoda International Japan Senior Country Director Tadashi Ikai commented: “One of Asia’s leading sporting events to be held in Japan in fall 2026 is allowing both domestic and international travellers not only to watch sports, but also to visit different areas across Aichi and Nagoya. It’s especially exciting to see heightened interest in lesser-known cities like Toyota City, Ichinomiya City, and Kariya City in Aichi Prefecture.”

(Source: Agoda)

ITE on course for 2027 show dates

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Newsdesk
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HONG KONG, 4 September 2026: The 41st ITE (Leisure) and 22nd ITE-MICE will take place from 10 to 13 June 2027 at Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, with separate B2B and B2C days, connecting global exhibitors with serious buyers and affluent travellers from the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and beyond.

With core cities like Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, the GBA remains an economic powerhouse. Its GDP of USD2.15 trillion makes it the world’s 10th-largest economy. At the same time, Hong Kong, home to 40% of the GBA’s high-net-worth families (RMB10 million+), alone spent USD30.3 billion on outbound travel in 2025, with residents making 15.7 departures per capita annually.

ITE Hong Kong 2026 in Action – (Top Left) Trade Buyers & Visitors register for free admission on trade days (Top Right) Business Matching facilitates buyers meeting sellers (Bottom Left) Trade Delegation from a GBA city in Guangdong (Bottom Right) Seminar on Public Day packed with audiences

ITE2026 – the 40th anniversary edition – featured 602 exhibitors from 69 countries/regions and drew 8,442 trade buyers (20% from Guangdong, 16% from other Chinese provinces and 17% from other Asian markets). Trade visitors included 54% travel agents and 22% MICE professionals. Public attendance exceeded 74,000 frequent and affluent travellers: 75% took multiple holidays in 2025 and 63% plan higher travel budgets in 2026.

Pre- and post-show online interest was strong: 881,102 visits to ITE’s trade website www.itehk.com from March to July 2026 – peaking at 290,670 in June.

ITE’s B2B programme includes Business Matching (buyers seated by markets, exhibitors come to them), KOL networking sessions, and rentable in-hall meeting rooms for hosting workshops or presentations. The B2C programme features over 100 seminars and themed displays.

(Source: ITE Hong Kong)

Preferred Hotels expands in Bali

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SINGAPORE, 4 September 2026: Preferred Hotels & Resorts, representing more than 625 luxury hotels, resorts, and residences across 80 countries, welcomes four new member hotels in Bali, Indonesia, further strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia.

The four Bali additions further expand Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ footprint in Indonesia, joining AYANA Midplaza Jakarta and bringing the brand’s portfolio in the country to five member hotels. 

Photo credit: Preferred Hotels.

With these additions, Preferred Hotels & Resorts now represents 25 member properties across seven countries in Southeast Asia, including prominent hotels such as Dusit Thani Bangkok, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, Artyzen Singapore, and The RuMa Hotel & Residences in Kuala Lumpur.

“We are pleased to strengthen our presence in Indonesia with the addition of four distinctive independent hotels in Bali,” said Preferred Hotels & Resorts Area Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Christine Tan. “As demand for authentic, experience-driven luxury travel continues to grow in the region, these new member properties enhance the diversity and competitiveness of our regional portfolio while providing travellers and our industry partners with greater choice in one of Asia Pacific’s most sought-after destinations. Their addition reflects our long-term commitment to expanding our footprint across key growth markets in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.”

New member hotels in Bali

· Ametis Villa Bali (Canggu, Bali) – LVX Collection: Located in Canggu, Bali’s laidback coastal enclave known for its rice fields, black sand beaches and surf culture, this luxury retreat offers  14 residential-style private villas. Each villa features a spacious private swimming pool, open-plan living areas and contemporary interiors that showcase locally inspired design.  

· Nuju Uluwatu (Uluwatu, Bali) – LVX Collection: Nestled in Bali’s sought-after Bingin neighbourhood, this new opening is an adults-only boutique retreat offering a tranquil base across 17 private pool villas within one of the island’s most desirable coastal destinations.  

· Samsara Ubud (Ubud, Bali) – LVX Collection: Set amid the quiet highlands of Bali’s Kelusa Village, this One-Michelin Key resort comprises 17 villas within a rainforest landscape just north of central Ubud. Each villa boasts a heated infinity pool, outdoor living areas, and views of the surrounding valley. Guests can indulge in the Chakra Spa, which focuses on holistic wellness.

· The Meru Sanur (Sanur, Bali) – LVX Collection: Located on Sanur Beach, this oceanfront 184 all-suite resort sits within ‘The Sanur’, Indonesia’s first special economic zone dedicated to health and wellness tourism. The property features contemporary suites with Balinese design elements, while guests can enjoy amenities ranging from beachfront pools to a spa, fitness centre, and kids’ club. 

 Ametis Villa Bali

(Source: Preferred Hotels)

Air passenger demand grows 0.2% in July

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 4 September 2026: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for July 2026 showing global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), improved 0.2% compared to July 2025.

Excluding the Middle East, demand grew by 1.2%. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), increased 0.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.2% (-0.1 ppt compared to July 2025).

International demand fell 0.1% compared to July 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand grew by 1.5%. Capacity was up 0.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.2% (-0.3 ppt compared to July 2025).

Domestic demand grew 0.6% compared to July 2025. Capacity increased 0.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.3% (+0.3 ppt during the same reference period).

“The peak Northern summer travel season is a mostly positive story for air travel. Overall growth of 0.2% in July was achieved despite year-on-year collective declines by carriers in North America and the Middle East.  Notably, traffic through the Gulf hubs continues its recovery trajectory. Although high fuel costs, economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions continue, carriers are expressing confidence in demand for the last part of the year with an almost 3% expansion of seat capacity in September,” said IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist, Marie Owens Thomsen.

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets 

International RPK fell 0.1%, with capacity rising 0.3%. However, excluding the Middle East carriers, total demand rose 1.5%.

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 0.7% year-on-year decrease in demand. Capacity decreased 1.7% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.5% (+0.9 ppt compared to July 2025).

European carriers saw a 3.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity rose 3.2% year-on-year, and the load factor was 87.1% (-0.1 ppt compared to July 2025). Passenger traffic between Europe and Asia grew 12.1%, representing the strongest expansion of any major international corridor.

North American carriers saw a 2.3% year-on-year decrease in demand. Capacity decreased a similar 2.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 88.2% (0.0 ppt compared to July 2025). The key transatlantic corridor fell by 2.2%, with notable declines in traffic from the UK, France, and Spain.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 9.5% year-on-year decrease in demand. Capacity fell 5.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 80.9% (-3.3 ppt compared to July 2025). The decline in traffic continues to moderate after the double-digit fall earlier in the year.

Latin American airlines achieved a 7.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 7.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.7% (-0.1 ppt compared to July 2025).

African airlines saw a 6.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 9.0% year-on-year. The load factor was 74.1% (-1.8 ppt compared to July 2025).

(Source: IATA)

StarCruises sets sail in Southeast Asia

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 4 September 2026: StarCruises is offering travellers more ways to experience Southeast Asia aboard Star Voyager, with two-, three- and four-night cruises from 25 September 2026 to 1 January 2027, departing from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Melaka. 

Photo credit: StarCruises. Star Voyager.

Selected sailings also call at Penang, Langkawi, Pangkor, Phuket and Krabi, bringing even more cities, heritage and island escapes within reach.

“With Star Voyager offering a growing range of itineraries across Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, travellers can choose the experience that best suits their interests and make the most of their journey,” said StarDream Cruises President, Michael Goh.

Sail from Singapore: A gateway to Malaysia 25 September 2026 to 1 January 2027.

Singapore is an ideal starting point for a cruise getaway, with strong air connectivity that makes it easy for international fly-cruise travellers to combine a city stay with a Star Voyager cruise. Take in Singapore’s sights, flavours and cultural experiences before setting sail, with a choice of two, three and four-night cruises.

Set Sail from Malaysia: More ways to experience the region 28 September to 29 December 2026.

Travellers can also set sail from Kuala Lumpur or Melaka with a choice of two- and three-night cruises to Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor, as well as selected sailings to Phuket and Krabi in Thailand.

(Source: StarCruises)

Air India releases Easy Connect flights

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Newsdesk
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DELHI, 4 September 2026: Air India has announced the launch of ‘Easy Connect’ services from Ahmedabad, marking a significant milestone in the Government of India’s transformative hub-and-spoke initiative. 

Ahmedabad joins Amritsar and Varanasi in the growing Easy Connect network, extending seamless international connectivity to travellers across Gujarat while supporting India’s ambition of becoming a leading global aviation hub.

Photo credit: Air India.

Through this initiative, more travellers across India can access Air India’s global network through Indian hubs, strengthening the country’s connectivity with destinations around the world.

As part of the Easy Connect programme, international travellers from Ahmedabad can check in for their final destinations, clear immigration formalities at Ahmedabad airport, and enjoy seamless transfers through Delhi without rechecking baggage or changing terminals.

This enables travellers to fly via Delhi as international transit passengers, avoiding repeated procedures and making international travel significantly simpler and more convenient. By connecting through an Indian hub rather than a foreign airport, travellers can enjoy a more familiar and seamless transit experience.

Air India has designated the following two daily flights from Ahmedabad to Delhi as ‘Easy Connect’ services:

AI1121, departing Ahmedabad at 2015 and arriving in Delhi at 2200 (starting 1 September)
AI1117, departing Ahmedabad at 0825 and arriving in Delhi at 1015 (starting 2 September)

Together, these flights provide seamless onward connectivity to 26 international destinations within four hours of arrival in Delhi, including destinations across the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia and the Gulf.

Air India will also soon begin inbound Easy Connect operations, enabling seamless international-to-domestic transfers via Delhi for passengers travelling onwards to Ahmedabad.

Commenting at the launch, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, said: “The expansion of hub-and-spoke operations to Ahmedabad is another step forward in our vision towards building a more connected, inclusive and globally competitive aviation ecosystem. India’s aviation growth must extend beyond the major metropolitan centres and ensure that the benefits of air connectivity reach every region of the country. By linking Ahmedabad with global destinations through Indian hubs, this initiative will support trade, tourism and mobility, while advancing our vision of strengthening India’s role in global aviation.”

Connecting Gujarat to 26 destinations

Flight AI1117, the morning Easy Connect service from Ahmedabad, provides onward connectivity via Delhi to destinations such as Shanghai, Kathmandu, Dubai, Amsterdam, Manila, Paris, Colombo, Ho Chi Minh City, Frankfurt, Vienna, London, Milan, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Riyadh, Birmingham, Copenhagen, Rome and Zurich.

Flight AI1121, the evening Easy Connect service, provides onward connectivity to destinations such as Singapore, Seoul, Colombo, Bangkok, Hanoi, Phuket, Dubai, Toronto, Sydney and London.

The Easy Connect initiative is part of a broader effort to encourage more international traffic to transit through Indian airports instead of overseas hubs. Of the nearly 25 million passengers who travel long-haul to and from India each year, close to 20 million are connecting travellers. Currently, around 85% of them, or approximately 17 million passengers, transit through foreign hubs rather than Indian airports.

Passengers travelling on Air India’s Easy Connect flights must complete certain pre-departure and transit processes to ensure a seamless journey, including mandatory DigiYatra enrolment for Indian nationals. Indian passport holders connecting internationally on Easy Connect flights must enrol in DigiYatra. Web check-in and Customs declaration are not available at spoke airports.

Bookings for Air India’s Easy Connect flights are available across all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, contact centre, and travel agents.

(Source: Air India)

Why Helsinki should be on every art lover’s list

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Newsdesk
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HELSINKI, 3 September 2026: Following a record-breaking edition that attracted more than half a million visitors, the Helsinki Biennial returns in summer 2027, inviting visitors to discover world-class contemporary art across the historic island of Vallisaari, EsplanadePark,k and HAM Helsinki Art Museum. 

The biennial has now revealed its theme, ‘Unknowns’, and announced the first 12 participating artists.

Photographer: HAM / Maija Toivanen. Alicja Kwade’s Big Be-Hide (2022) recalls the very first Helsinki Biennial, held in 2021.

Helsinki Biennial combines contemporary art with nature, maritime landscapes and vibrant city life in a way that is distinctly Helsinki. 

Located just a short ferry ride from the city centre, Vallisaari Island offers visitors the chance to discover contemporary art amidst wild island nature, historic fortifications and panoramic views across the Baltic Sea. The experience continues in Esplanade Park, Helsinki’s iconic urban promenade, before leading visitors to HAM Helsinki Art Museum, one of Finland’s leading contemporary art institutions. United by the theme Unknowns, the fourth edition invites audiences to explore curiosity, imagination and the possibilities that emerge when we embrace what we do not yet understand.

For travellers seeking culture, design, architecture, food and nature in a single destination, Helsinki Biennial offers from 6 June to 19 September 2027 a compelling reason to visit the Finnish capital during its brightest and most vibrant season. 

International artists, new commissions

Helsinki Biennial 2027 will bring together approximately 45 artists and artist groups from Finland and around the world. The first announced artists are Ari Bayuaji (Indonesia/Canada), Tara Donovan (United States), Laurent Grasso (France), Marguerite Humeau (France/United Kingdom), Matias Karsikas (Finland), Britta Marakatt-Labba (Sápmi/Sweden), Ragnhild May (Denmark), Yoshitomo Nara (Japan), Josefina Nelimarkka (Finland), Tawatchai Puntusawasdi (Thailand), Anna Retulainen (Finland) and Jakob Kudsk Steensen (Denmark). Further participants will be announced in the coming months.

Exploring the Unknowns

Curated by Mami Kataoka and Arja Miller, Helsinki Biennial 2027 is built around the theme Unknowns. Rather than presenting clear answers, the biennial invites audiences to engage with mystery, wonder and uncertainty through art. Drawing inspiration from fields as diverse as astronomy, geology, science, mythology and spirituality, the biennial encourages visitors to imagine new ways of understanding both the visible and invisible worlds around us.

With approximately 568,000 visits recorded in 2025, the Helsinki Biennial has become one of the Nordic region’s contemporary art events and an increasingly important attraction for international visitors. Bringing together internationally acclaimed artists, cultural professionals, and audiences from around the world, the biennial offers a compelling reason to experience Helsinki in summer.

The event reflects what makes Helsinki unique: the opportunity to encounter contemporary art across a historic island, vibrant public spaces, and a leading art museum, all within easy reach of one another.

Art that leaves a lasting mark on Helsinki

A visit to the Helsinki Biennial offers more than a temporary exhibition experience. Several artworks commissioned for previous editions have become permanent additions to Helsinki’s art collection, creating a growing cultural legacy across the city. For visitors, this means that each edition leaves a lasting mark on Helsinki, extending the experience well beyond the summer of the biennial itself.

Esplanade Park 
  • Helsinki Biennial 2027
  • Unknowns
  • 6 June – 19 September 2027
  • Vallisaari Island, Esplanade Park and HAM Helsinki Art Museum
  • Media Day
  • 2 June 2027
  • Professional Preview Days
  • 3 – 6 June 2027

For more information, visit: www.helsinkibiennial.fi 

(Source: Helsinki Partners)

Asia Pacific Airlines July 2026 traffic results

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 3 September 2026: Preliminary July 2026 traffic figures released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed further moderation in international passenger markets. Higher air fares continued to weigh on demand among price-sensitive leisure travellers. 

Regional travel was also affected by further rationalisation of network operations in the industry, in response to persistently elevated jet fuel prices and airspace restrictions associated with the Middle East conflict.

Against this backdrop, Asia Pacific airlines recorded a 1.3% decline in international passengers carried to a combined total of 32.4 million in July. Demand, as measured in revenue passenger kilometres, remained firm, increasing by 1.1% year-on-year, buoyed by encouraging growth on longer-haul routes. Available seat capacity edged 0.5% higher, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point increase in the average international passenger load factor to 82.4%.

Air cargo markets posted another month of growth, albeit at a more moderate pace, as strong demand for technology products was partly offset by softer demand for consumer goods. International air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), grew by 1.1% year-on-year, while offered freight capacity expanded by 1.8%. Consequently, the average international freight load factor declined by 0.4 percentage points to 61.3% for the month.

Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General, Wong Hong, said: “Asian airlines carried a combined 225.7 million international passengers in the first seven months of the year, 2.5% more than in the corresponding period last year. Longer-haul markets in particular saw encouraging growth, supporting the overall increase in passenger demand.

“At the same time, July saw jet fuel prices averaging USD143 per barrel, a 52% jump compared with the same month last year, driven by the conflict in the Middle East. Consequently, higher air fares weighed on demand, particularly on shorter-haul routes, with the impact more pronounced in the price-sensitive leisure sector.”

Wong Hong added: “The cargo business segment continued to benefit from growth in export activity from major regional manufacturing hubs. Overall, international air cargo demand rose by a robust 6.2% year-on-year during the first seven months of the year, although the pace of growth has become more moderate in recent months.”

Looking ahead, he said: “Underlying demand conditions remain supportive, underpinned by continued growth in regional economies, though momentum has moderated. Persistently high fuel prices, together with the weakening of several Asian currencies against the US dollar, continue to add to airline cost pressures, while rising inflation also weighs on demand. Against this backdrop, carriers continue to align capacity with demand, while retaining the flexibility to respond to changing market conditions.”

(Source: AAPA)

Air India Express presents new uniforms

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Newsdesk
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MUMBAI, 3 September 2026: Air India Express has rolled out new uniforms for its cabin crew and frontline staff across its network, introducing a fresh new look for the teams who welcome, assist and engage with guests every day. 

Launched from 1 September, the uniforms are being introduced across cabin crew, airport services, aviation security, and flight operations teams, reflecting the airline’s evolving identity and its ongoing transformation of the guest experience.

The refreshed uniforms extend Air India Express’ Tales of India initiative beyond its aircraft and into everyday guest interactions. Through the initiative, the airline has introduced distinctive aircraft tail art inspired by India’s indigenous art forms, crafts and cultural heritage. 

Drawing from the same inspiration, the uniforms incorporate design elements influenced by Tamil Nadu’s Kanjeevaram, Himachal Pradesh’s Pattu, Gujarat’s Patola, Assam’s Gamosa and Madhya Pradesh’s Bagh. The design reflects the meaningful connections Air India Express creates across regions, cultures and communities, while contemporary silhouettes inspired by the traditional kurti, complemented by tailored jackets, scarves and pocket squares, bring together Indian sensibilities and modern design.

Air India Express Group Head of Marketing, E-Commerce and Loyalty Sunil Suresh said: “Our frontline teams shape some of the most memorable moments in every guest’s journey, and these new uniforms are designed to reflect their energy, professionalism and warmth. More than a refreshed look, they represent how Air India Express has evolved over the past few years, creating a consistent experience across our aircraft, airports and onboard service, while staying rooted in the warmth and vibrance that define us. Inspired by the spirit of our Tales of India initiative, the uniforms thoughtfully bring together cultural authenticity, comfort and functionality for our teams.”

Anchored in Air India Express’ vibrant Xpress Blue palette and accented with its signature Xpress Orange, the uniforms create a visual connection with the airline’s brand and guest experience. The colour palette reflects the airline’s energetic personality while reinforcing a cohesive look and feel across touchpoints.

About Air India Express
Air India Express is A Tata Enterprise, operating over 500 daily flights that connect 48 domestic and 16 international destinations across South, Southeast and West Asia. The airline has a fleet of over 100 Boeing 737s and Airbus A320 aeroplanes. 

(Source: Air India Express)

MATTA and Alibaba join forces

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 3 September 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) and Alibaba Cloud, a global provider of cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore comprehensive collaboration in accelerating digital transformation, AI adoption and smart tourism solutions within Malaysia’s travel and tourism industry.

The collaboration brings together MATTA’s extensive network of travel and tourism industry players with Alibaba Cloud’s expertise in cloud computing, AI and digital technologies. The partnership aims to help tourism businesses become more innovative, competitive, and digitally ready in an increasingly technology-driven global tourism landscape.

Under the MoU, both parties will explore a range of initiatives, including adopting AI-powered digital solutions among MATTA members, capacity-building and training programmes, SME digital enablement, tourism marketing and promotion, smart tourism initiatives, industry research and development, and participation in industry events and knowledge-sharing programmes.

A key focus of the collaboration will be encouraging MATTA members, particularly small and medium-sized travel enterprises (SMEs), to leverage emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, data analytics, e-commerce and cybersecurity to enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement, marketing capabilities and overall business competitiveness.

The collaboration will also explore Alibaba Cloud’s AI technologies, including its proprietary AI model Qwen and all-in-one workplace AI agent QwenWork, to support the digitalisation of travel businesses and develop practical AI applications relevant to the tourism sector. These technologies could support tourism businesses across areas such as customer engagement, productivity, content creation and personalised digital experiences, helping them translate AI capabilities into practical business applications.

MATTA and Alibaba Cloud will also explore opportunities to jointly organise workshops, seminars, certification programmes and other knowledge-sharing initiatives to equip tourism industry professionals with the skills and knowledge required to navigate the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The MoU also provides a framework for both parties to explore tourism marketing initiatives through Alibaba’s digital ecosystem and platforms, including potential cross-border digital marketing opportunities to promote Malaysian tourism products and destinations to international travellers.

MATTA President Nigel Wong said the collaboration reflects MATTA’s commitment to ensuring that Malaysia’s travel and tourism industry remains future-ready and able to harness the opportunities presented by AI and digital technologies.

“Digital transformation is no longer an option but an important component of the future competitiveness of the travel and tourism industry. Through this collaboration with Alibaba Cloud, MATTA hopes to provide our members with greater access to knowledge, technology and practical solutions that can help them improve productivity, enhance customer experiences and grow their businesses.”

He added that the partnership would also support MATTA’s broader efforts to promote innovation and technology adoption across the tourism ecosystem.

Choong Hon Keat, Deputy General Manager of Southeast Asia Region, General Manager of Malaysia, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, said:

“AI and cloud technologies are creating new opportunities for tourism businesses to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer engagement and deliver more personalised digital experiences. Through our collaboration with MATTA, we look forward to bringing our technology capabilities and expertise closer to its extensive network of members, particularly SMEs, and supporting them in exploring practical ways to harness AI for innovation and growth.”

The collaboration will initially focus on exploring and developing mutually beneficial initiatives, with specific programmes and projects to be further agreed upon by both parties from time to time.

Through this partnership, MATTA and Alibaba Cloud aim to contribute towards building a more digitally capable, innovative and technology-driven Malaysian tourism industry, while creating new opportunities for travel businesses to compete effectively in the evolving global tourism landscape.

(Source: MATTA)

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