Tuesday, May 26, 2026
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Jetstar launches business class BidCash

SYDNEY, 27 March 2026: Jetstar has introduced a new upgrade bidding product that lets travellers make a cash bid for a Business Class seat on most of Jetstar’s Boeing 787 international flights.

The launch comes as the first of Jetstar’s 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliners nears the end of a major interior refit in Hong Kong, with 44 new Business Class seats fitted to the aircraft just last week.

Jetstar gives customers the chance to bid for Business seats from AUD180.

As part of the 787-cabin overhaul, Jetstar is more than doubling capacity in the business cabin in response to growing demand for premium seats on longer-haul flights – giving customers even more choice.

How BidCash works

Check your eligibility: eligible customers will receive an email invite to bid, or they can access the BidCash upgrade page directly at jetstar.com

Place your bid: customers can use the simple slider to choose their cash bid amount. There will be a minimum and maximum amount per route per person. For example, at launch, minimum bids on Jetstar’s Melbourne-Ho Chi Minh City route will start at AUD180.

Stay tuned: customers will receive an email before they fly, notifying them whether their bid has been accepted. Successful customers will receive an ‘offer successful’ email, and a new itinerary will be sent.

We are continuing to extend this new and exciting product to Qantas Frequent Flyer members. Coming soon, Qantas Frequent Flyers will be able to bid for Business Class upgrades using Qantas Points, including a Classic Upgrade Reward-style product and a Points Plus Pay offering that combines Qantas Points and cash. 

The new 787 cabin

The first Jetstar 787s with refreshed interiors will soon re-enter service, with the brand-new business cabin more than doubling in size from 21 to 44 seats.

The cabin will feature all-new seating designed for comfort on longer international routes:

38-inch seat pitch, seven-inch recline, and 21-inch width

Six-way adjustable headrest and generous seat cushioning

Bi-fold in-arm tray tables with a cocktail table

Seat-back device holders with high-power dual USB-C charging points

Calf and footrests

The cabin upgrade programme will be rolled out across the entire 787 fleet over the next two years.

(Source: Jetstar)

ICRT gains foothold in Thailand

BANGKOK, 27  March 2026: A new professional network dedicated to advancing responsible tourism in Thailand has been established, connecting Thai tourism businesses, policymakers and academics with the global International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT).

Ewan Cluckie, co-founder of Tripseed, a Thailand-based social-purpose destination management company, People and Planet First Verified Social Enterprise, and Alisara Sivayathorn, CEO of Sivatel Bangkok Hotel, a five-star boutique hotel in Bangkok, have jointly launched ICRT in Thailand.

The network joins an established international community of responsible tourism practitioners already operating across Africa, Europe, India, Sri Lanka, Latin America and Southeast Asia, all coordinated by the non-profit ICRT global, which Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin founded.

ICRT Thailand founder Ewan Cluckie said: “Thailand’s tourism industry is one of the most important in the region, but the benefits don’t always reach the communities and environments that need them most. ICRT Thailand creates a space where organisations of any size — from community-based operators to major hotels — can come together to share what’s actually working and hold each other to a higher standard. By connecting to the global ICRT network, we can bring international best practice into the Thai context and, just as importantly, share what Thailand is doing well with the rest of the world.”

ICRT founder Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin noted: “Our independent networks focus on the issues and ideas that are most important in their region, but above all, we act as a global hub to facilitate sharing knowledge about responsible tourism. Thailand’s inclusion in the network is an important step in deepening that conversation.”

ICRT Thailand will also encourage Thai organisations to enter the 2026 ICRT Southeast Asia Responsible Tourism Awards, which are free to enter and open to businesses of all sizes. 

The awards recognise achievements across six categories: Local Economic Benefit; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Nature Positive; Championing Cultural Diversity; Adapting to Climate Change; and Regenerative Tourism.

The entry deadline is 3 April 2026. Regional winners go on to compete at the Global Responsible Tourism Awards, announced at World Travel Market in London in November 2026.

About ICRT 

The International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) is a non-profit network on a mission to share education, training and best practice in responsible tourism. 

Founded by Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin and chaired by Debbie Hindle, it operates independent chapters across Africa, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America and Southeast Asia. All members commit to the principles of the 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism in Destinations.

For more information, visit: ICRT global

(Source: ICRT Thailand)

Asians ready to embrace adventure travel

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 MARCH 2026: Asia is emerging as one of the most powerful regions in adventure travel based on a new report from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA). 

Backed by EF Adventures and CBI, Asia’s outbound “Open to Adventure” travel segment represents an estimated USD424 billion market, nearly one-third of the world’s total adventure travel economy.

Based on the latest research, 72% of Asia’s international outbound travellers fall into the “Open to Adventure” category, which means they’re willing to incorporate cultural exploration, nature-based experiences, and active discovery into their trips, even when adventure is not the primary motivator. These findings challenge long-standing perceptions of Asian travellers and highlight a growing preference for more immersive and meaningful travel.

“Adventure travel in Asia is no longer about a single activity or adrenaline-driven pursuit,” said ATTA Director of Research and Knowledge Heather Kelly. “What we’re seeing instead is a large and diverse audience that is open to discovering destinations through culture, landscapes, and meaningful experiences. That openness dramatically expands the opportunity for destinations and tourism businesses.”

The report also underscores the economic impact of this market. On average, Asian travellers spend approximately USD366 per night and more than USD2,200 per trip, with a significant portion of that spend benefiting local businesses, guides, and community-based tourism experiences.

“The Asian outbound traveller is incredibly curious,” said ATTA’s President Gustavo Timo. “They’re looking for experiences that feel meaningful, whether that’s exploring landscapes, connecting with local culture, or discovering new perspectives. Destinations that design journeys around those elements will resonate strongly with this audience.”

Travellers’ interest in sustainable and responsible tourism is rising, demonstrating a growing preference for locally owned businesses, community-focused cultural experiences, and destinations that prioritise environmental stewardship.

“Sustainability is increasingly intertwined with how travellers define a meaningful trip,” said ATTA Regional Director for APAC Hannah Pearson

“When you look at a USD424 billion adventure-oriented travel market coming out of Asia, the trends become clear: Travellers want authentic cultural experiences, nature-based exploration, and opportunities to travel in ways that feel responsible and enriching.”

Globally, outbound adventure travel is valued at USD1.6 trillion, with Asia playing a significant role in that growth. As Asian travellers continue to seek immersive, culturally rich, and sustainable

experiences, understanding this evolving mindset may be key to capturing one of the most dynamic travel markets of the next decade.

For more information about the ATTA, visit www.adventuretravel.biz

(Source: ATTA)

Fliggy goes live with bookings via AI

HONG KONG, 27 March 2026: Chinese online travel platform Fliggy — the travel division of Alibaba Group — confirms that following a trial period, its AI interface is now able to process bookings.

This has been made possible through the use of parent company Alibaba’s consumer-facing application Qwen App, which is available to users in China and experienced over 200 million AI-native shopping orders during the recent Chinese Spring Festival campaign.

As a result, during the Spring Festival period, Fliggy’s overall AI orders increased by 800% — with attraction ticket bookings proving the most popular use case and orders soaring more than 24-fold. Meanwhile, conversion rates for air,  train and attraction tickets have become comparable to those of OTAs with decades of experience.

Fliggy Chief Technology Officer Alex Chen comments: “After launching a suite of AI travel‑planning products in 2025, our AI interface has moved closer to fulfilment, evolving from planning support to enabling actual booking fulfilment.

“Alibaba’s AI-native application, Qwen, can now integrate core services across Alibaba’s ecosystem — including Fliggy, Taobao, Taobao Instant Commerce, Alipay and Amap. Leveraging this capability, Fliggy is leading the shift: consumers can now use natural language to ask the AI to complete travel bookings on their behalf, while travel is increasingly integrated into more lifestyle scenarios, such as shopping, food delivery, and booking cinema tickets.

“Already consumers are moving from using AI just for search to actually using AI to execute tasks — we are pleased to see that dozens of forward-thinking destinations and major travel brands have already partnered with Fliggy to explore potential AI collaborations to be a part of this shift.” 

Late last year, Fliggy adopted a multi-agent approach to building AI-powered products to prepare for the shift from ‘online travel agencies’ to ‘omni-intelligent travel agents’.

About Fliggy

Fliggy was founded in 2016 and is one of China’s leading travel platforms. The company provides merchants with a B2C platform that reaches consumers directly, and also distributes products through B2B channels.

The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group. As such, travel suppliers selling via Fliggy benefit from the vast user base of the Alibaba ecosystem, including an active consumer base in China of over 1 billion users and its digital infrastructure, efficiency tools, and vast marketing reach.

(Source: Fliggy)

AirAsia Move wins citation

SINGAPORE, 27 March 2026: AirAsia MOVE has been named ‘Digital Innovator of the Year’ at the Aviation Festival Asia Awards 2026. 

The accolade, presented at the ceremony on Wednesday, recognises the platform’s pivotal role in transforming the digital travel booking landscape in the region.

AirAsia MOVE team led by Lim Ben-Jie, Chief People & Partnerships Officer (right), accepted the award from Sohail Ali, Aviation Consultant and AFA Award presenter (middle) at Aviation Festival Asia Keynote Stage on Wednesday.

Aside from being a travel platform that offers access to over 700 global carriers and more than a million hotels, MOVE is powered by enhancements to its AI-driven AskBo chatbot, a refreshed user interface, and offerings such as MOVETIX, its global live-events ticketing platform and the Easy Cancel feature. 

 AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer said: “Being recognised alongside industry leaders like Qatar Airways and Changi Airport Group reinforces our position at the forefront of travel innovation. With over 15 million monthly users, we are encouraged by this award to continue providing affordable travel, enabling our guests to favour discovery for less. This is a testament to the hard work of our Allstars and the trust of our partners, guests and those who voted for us.”

MOVE’s next phase will emphasise social discovery, enabling users to find trip inspiration through content and booking it all seamlessly in one place.

(Source: AirAsia Move)

Dusit joins GSTC community

BANGKOK 26 March 2026: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel management arm of Dusit International, has joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to embed responsible practices throughout its global operations.

GSTC is a global non-profit organisation that brings together public and private sector stakeholders to advance sustainable tourism practices worldwide. By joining as a member, Dusit becomes part of a global network committed to knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and promoting responsible tourism principles across the industry.

Dusit Thani Maldives implements a range of sustainability initiatives, from solar energy and plastic reduction to coral planting, with guests invited to take part in conservation activities.

Founded in 1949, Dusit International has evolved into a diversified hospitality company spanning hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, real estate development, and hospitality-related services. Today, its portfolio includes 290 hotels, resorts, and luxury villas across 18 countries, representing more than 11,800 rooms under nine distinctive brands.

Central to Dusit’s sustainability strategy is Tree of Life, a group-wide programme that guides responsible growth while creating positive environmental and social impact. Aligned with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Climate Action, Responsible Consumption, and Community Engagement, the framework integrates sustainability across hotel operations, from energy and water efficiency to waste management, employee and guest well-being, and community initiatives.

As part of its commitment, Dusit has introduced property-level energy management systems to improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy solutions, including solar photovoltaic installations, are already in place at several properties, including Dusit Thani Maldives, Dusit Beach Resort Guam, Dusit Thani Kyoto, ASAI Kyoto Shijo, and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort.

Water stewardship is supported by water conservation measures and wastewater treatment systems, with treated water reused for irrigation and landscaping where possible. The group has also introduced measures to reduce single-use plastics, including refillable amenities, reusable water bottles, and more sustainable packaging alternatives.

To address food waste, Dusit applies a three-pronged approach focused on minimising waste during preparation, redistributing surplus food through local partnerships where feasible, and composting organic waste for use in gardens and community projects.

Beyond environmental initiatives, Dusit continues to advance responsible tourism practices. The company joined The Code – The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism – in 2018, integrating preventive measures into its policies and conducting staff training across its hotels in Thailand.

The company has also signed the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Declaration on Illegal Trade in Wildlife, reinforcing its commitment to responsible sourcing and a zero-tolerance approach to illegal wildlife products.

Community engagement remains a key pillar of the group’s approach. Through initiatives such as Dusit Smiles, a partnership with Operation Smile Thailand, the company has raised more than THB 13 million since 2010, supporting life-changing surgery and care for over 750 children in Thailand.

“Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration across the travel ecosystem, and it is important that we continue to learn, evolve, and engage with respected organisations helping to shape the future of responsible tourism,” said Dusit International Group CEO and Chairman of the Sustainability Committee Chanin Donavanik. “Joining GSTC marks an important step in our journey as we expand internationally. Through Tree of Life, we aim to create meaningful, long-term value for the destinations and communities we serve.”

For more information, visit: dusit-international.com

(Source: Your Stories — Dusit International).

Star Alliance opens LAX Connection Centre

GURUGRAM, India 26 March 2026: Star Alliance opened a new Star Connection Centre (SCC) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), its ninth centre worldwide.

With more than 350,000 passengers connecting between Star Alliance member airlines at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) each year, it is one of the Alliance’s most critical global transfer hubs.

Photo credit: Star Alliance.

Designed to support passengers with tight connections between two Star Alliance member airline flights, SCC proactively identifies customers at risk of missing their onward journey due to their delayed incoming flight and expedites them to their next flight.

For Star Alliance passengers, the experience is simple: a smooth and seamless connection. Behind the scenes, however, teams across Star Alliance member airlines work together to make that possible. Dedicated agents monitor transfer windows using specialised software and step in to coordinate support — meeting passengers at the arrival gate and guiding them swiftly to their next flight.

Star Alliance has operated Connection Centres for more than a decade, supporting both passenger and baggage transfers at key hubs worldwide. In addition to Los Angeles, Star Connection Centres are located in Brussels (BRU), Chicago (ORD), Frankfurt (FRA) and Toronto (YYZ). At the same time, dedicated baggage-focused SCCs operate in Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), Washington Dulles (IAD) and San Francisco (SFO).

At present, 16 Star Alliance member airlines serve Los Angeles: Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Copa Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines and United. Together, they operate more than 2,000 weekly flights to over 80 destinations across more than 20 countries.

(Source: Air India)

Virtuoso recruits Sofitel Ambassador Seoul

SEOUL, South Korea, 26 March 2026: Sofitel Ambassador Seoul has been accepted into Virtuoso’s portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprising 2,500 preferred suppliers in 100 countries. 

Inclusion in Virtuoso will present new sales and marketing opportunities to the network’s luxury travel advisors. Virtuoso agencies worldwide sell an average of USD35 billion annually, making the network a significant player in luxury travel.

Photo credit: Sofitel Ambassador Seoul.

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul joins Virtuoso’s collection of luxury hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour operators and other travel entities worldwide. 

These partners, which specialise in client service and experiences, provide superior offerings, rare opportunities and exceptional value for Virtuoso clients. Sofitel Ambassador Seoul’s acceptance into Virtuoso gives it direct relationships with the world’s leading leisure travel agencies in North and Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul, in Seoul’s Gangnam district, features 403 rooms and suites, 160 serviced residences, and five restaurants and bars overlooking Seokchon Lake.

(Source: Sofitel)

Spring deals on T’Way Air

SINGAPORE, 26 March 2026: T’way Air, Korea’s low-cost carrier, announced spring travel deals to Korea available through March 31, making it easier for travellers to plan trips to Korea through October 24, 2026.

T’way Air currently operates eight routes including Kaohsiung–Busan, due to launch on 29 March: Taipei (Songshan)–Seoul (Gimpo), Taipei (Taoyuan)–Jeju, Taipei (Taoyuan)–Daegu, Taichung–Seoul (Incheon), Kaohsiung–Seoul (Gimpo), Kaohsiung–Seoul (Incheon), Kaohsiung–Jeju, and Kaohsiung–Busan.

The following offers are available through 31 March

Up to 12% Off Promo Code: enter MAR26 when booking, for travel through October 24, 2026.

Regular Coupon (up to TWD400 off): bookings of TWD4,000 or more, for travel through October 24, 2026.

Regular Coupon (up to TWD800 off): bookings of TWD8,000 or more, for travel through October 24, 2026.

TWD500 Early Bird Coupon: bookings of TWD4,000 or more, for travel May 1– October 24, 2026.

TWD1,000 Early Bird Coupon: bookings of TWD8,000 or more, for travel May 1– October 24, 2026.

Seoul offers a wide range of cultural attractions and modern city experiences, while Daegu and Busan provide additional regional options with distinctive local character. Jeju is also accessible via direct flights from Taiwan, offering travellers greater flexibility when planning multi-city itineraries.

For full flight schedules, coupon terms, and booking details, visit the airline’s website. T’way Air currently serves 60 destinations worldwide and continues to expand its network.

About T’way Air
T’way Air Co Ltd is a South Korea-based low-cost carrier (LCC) providing air travel services since 2010. The airline operates a fleet that includes Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, as well as Airbus A330, A320 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, serving customers across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, as well as Oceania, Europe and North America. 

(Source: T’WAY AIR)

Cash is still king, says Travelex Insights Report

LONDON, 26 March 2026: Cash still beats cards for travellers, as over a quarter buy currency a month in advance, the Travelex Travel Money Insights Report finds.

A leading foreign exchange company, Travelex, released its inaugural Travelex Travey Money Insights Report last week, which suggests more than two-thirds of global travellers choose to take cash when they travel.

While domestic cash usage may be decreasing, the report found that, on average, 69% of travellers still use cash when overseas, higher than card usage (whether debit, credit, or pre-paid) in almost every region surveyed.

The majority of travellers also travel with a card, and the combination of cash and card gives travellers peace of mind and safety.

Travellers are also shifting decisively toward pre-trip planning, with most purchasing travel money weeks in advance.

“Domestic cash transactions may be falling, but in the travel money market, cash firmly remains king. Cash is vital for small items like tipping and taxis, whilst many travellers have reservations over cards being accepted and potential fees,” said Travelex’s Chief Executive Officer Philip Bowcock.

Travelex’s Travel Money Insights Report highlights the growing shift in how travellers acquire travel money, moving away from traditional in-trip purchases at the point of departure towards pre-trip planning and acquisition in the weeks and months before travel. On average, just 6% of those surveyed say they usually purchase their travel money on the day of travel.

“Travellers who traditionally relied on airport stores to acquire cash last minute are today far more inclined to do so in the weeks leading up to their trip — be that when they do their holiday shopping, or through alternative channels such as home delivery or pre-order click-and-collect,” added Bowcock. “Airport stores are still a key resource for many, but the market has shifted.”

The report coincides with Travelex’s 50th anniversary, the company having grown to become one of the market’s leading and most trusted foreign exchange brands since 1976.

Full report available here: Travel Money Global Consumer Trends – INSIGHTS 

About Travelex
Founded in 1976, Travelex has grown to become one of the market-leading specialist providers of foreign exchange products, solutions, and services, operating across the entire value chain of the foreign exchange industry in more than 20 countries. It has a growing network of ATMs and stores in some of the world’s top international airports, major transport hubs, premium shopping malls and city centres.

(Source: Travelex)