Travel leaders open luxury lodge in Australia

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February 5, 2026

SYDNEY, Australia, 5 February 2026: Emirates and Marriott International, Inc have signed an agreement to open Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge – a 40-key all-inclusive luxury lodge set to be situated on a 7,000-acre conservancy in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area.

Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, is expected to mark the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the world and a major milestone for New South Wales’ (NSW) regional tourism.

An expression of the renowned luxury brand, Ritz-Carlton Lodges are purpose-built sanctuaries in nature, thoughtfully designed to reflect their surroundings while prioritising minimal environmental impact and delivering a heightened sense of luxury, comfort, and craftsmanship synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton. Anticipated to open mid-2026, the project offers a new benchmark for luxury travel and the potential to reinvigorate the region’s tourism offering.

Since 2006, Emirates has invested AUD150 million in the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort, developing the property with deep respect for its environmental and cultural heritage. This has included the careful restoration of historically significant landmarks — such as the original homestead dating back to 1832 — alongside extensive conservation programmes to restore indigenous flora and fauna, including the planting of more than one million native trees across the site. Emirates is now investing an additional AUD50 million in renovations, working in consultation with Marriott to transform the property into a world-class expression of The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service and refined design, with a deep connection to place.

Barry Brown, Emirates DVP Australia and Rajeev Menon, President Marriott International Asia Pacific signing.

As a reflection of Emirates’ commitment to the location, following the closure of Wolgan Valley Road in 2023, Emirates has maintained the site with a small number of locally employed staff while the property was unavoidably non-operational.

Since the resort’s founding, Emirates has worked closely with the local Wolgan Valley community and remains committed to continued engagement. The opening of Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, has the potential to re-create nearly 150 jobs in the community, including increased opportunities for local suppliers ranging from fresh Australian produce to sundry items, thereby contributing to the local economy.

Guests will access the resort by four-wheel-drive service via the Donkey Steps, which will become part of the resort’s rural off-road experience, or by helicopter.

Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark said: “In our 30 years of operations in Australia, Emirates has consistently sought to deliver value to our customers, and to Australia. Our commitment extends well beyond the provision of air transport services. It is reflected in the strong, enduring relationships we have built with our industry partners, and in our active engagement with the broader Australian community through Emirates Wolgan Valley, and our extensive sponsorships in sports and the arts.

“We are proud of our long-term investment in the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort, which launched one of Australia’s first conservation-based luxury resorts. Our unwavering commitment to the resort leads us to today’s announcement of an exciting agreement with Marriott International to open the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge.

“For us, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, will not only be an extraordinary resort appealing to discerning travellers seeking to be close to nature, but also a powerful engine for local economic growth, helping to rejuvenate the Wolgan Valley locality.

“We are deeply grateful for the support from the Federal government, and for our partnerships with the State government, Lithgow City Council, and the Wolgan Valley community, who have helped Emirates make this project possible.”

An immersive sanctuary that harmonises wilderness with comfort, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, is designed to deliver the legendary service and refined luxury for which The Ritz-Carlton and Emirates are known, while creating a profound connection to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains region. Inspired by the warmth and character of the traditional Australian homestead, the lodge is expected to offer unique, region-specific signature experiences led by expert guides.

Nestled within an expansive 7,000-acre conservation reserve, the lodge occupies less than 2% of this protected wilderness, ensuring an unparalleled sense of space and seclusion. Guests enjoy exclusive access to pristine landscapes beneath some of the world’s clearest night skies, rare native flora such as the ancient Wollemi Pine, and an extraordinary array of wildlife, including kangaroos, bare-nosed wombats, and brush-tailed rock wallabies. Together, these elements create a remarkable setting that invites travellers to slow down, explore, and connect deeply with the destination.

With demand for premium, nature-based experiences at an all-time high, the lodge makes for a perfect addition to this thriving destination. Tourism Research Australia reports regional NSW welcomed 15.5 million domestic visitors in the quarter to September 2025, generating AUD5.9 billion in visitor spend and 18.5 million overnight stays. International arrivals contributed an additional 727,300 visitors and AUS1.2 billion in spend, underscoring the region’s growing appeal.

Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, is expected to feature 40 elegantly appointed lodges, each including private pools and bespoke amenities. Plans also include for the lodge to offer a signature sleep-out experience – a guided journey into remote wilderness where the absence of light unveils a breathtaking night sky, setting the stage for an evening meal outdoors and relaxation by a campfire. This unique overnight adventure marries the comfort The Ritz-Carlton is known for with the unspoiled beauty of Australia.

Design plans for the property’s main homestead envision a sanctuary of sophistication, featuring a welcoming arrival lounge and sitting room, a signature restaurant, a lounge bar, and a wine room, offering guests a curated selection of local and international wines alongside the exceptional produce Australia is known for worldwide.

Fully renovated recreational spaces will be thoughtfully reimagined to honour wellbeing and the natural environment, including an outdoor pool, tennis courts, equestrian stables, a modern fitness centre, and the world-renowned The Ritz-Carlton Spa. As part of the lodge’s commitment to the destination, it is also slated to feature a dedicated naturalist hub led by a resident expert to curate immersive, conservation-led experiences, inviting guests to connect deeply with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains.

The lodge will complement The Ritz-Carlton brand’s existing presence in the country, including The Ritz-Carlton, Perth (opened 2019) and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne (opened 2023).

For more information on flights and airline bookings, visit: www.emirates.com.

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

Qantas to divest stake in Jetstar Japan

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February 5, 2026

SINGAPORE, 5 February 2026: Qantas and Japan Airlines announced on Tuesday that they have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the transition of Jetstar Japan to a new Japanese capital-led ownership structure.

Subject to reaching agreement on the transaction and regulatory approvals, the proposed transaction would see Qantas divest its minority (33.32%) shareholding in Jetstar Japan, with the agreement expected to be reached in July 2026 and the transition complete by June 2027.

There will be no change to Jetstar Japan’s current shareholding or governance structure until an agreement is signed and the transaction is complete.

The transaction will position Jetstar Japan for its next phase of growth in Japan and enable the Qantas Group to focus its ongoing capital investment on Qantas and Jetstar’s domestic and international operations in Australia.

The joint statement reassures partners and travellers that there will be no impacts on Qantas or Jetstar international services between Australia and Japan, and no impacts on codeshare arrangements with JAL.

New shareholder group’s plan

Brand refresh: Following any QAG divestment, JJP will refresh its brand from ‘Jetstar’ to a new brand, further establishing itself as a leading Japanese LCC under this new brand and identity.

Expansion of international network: As the largest LCC at Narita Airport, JJP will proactively expand its global network, with a focus on future growth at Narita Airport.

Contribution to regional revitalisation: By strategically capturing inbound demand and utilising its extensive domestic network to direct passengers to regional areas, JJP will further revitalise Japan’s regional economies and promote Japan as a tourism-oriented nation.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said: “We’re incredibly proud of the pioneering role Jetstar Japan has played in the low-cost aviation sector in Japan and sincerely thank our Jetstar team members for their unwavering commitment to maintaining excellent safety, operational and service standards for millions of customers.

“We’re confident the new ownership structure will deliver greater value to customers by leveraging the Development Bank of Japan’s domestic and international aviation knowledge and industry expertise, as well as its strong, long-standing relationships with national and regional tourism bodies. We thank Japan Airlines for their strong partnership and look forward to continuing to work together during the transition and in oneworld.”

Future schedule

July 2026: Final agreement on the shareholders’ agreement and brand transition.

October 2026: Announcement of the new brand.

June 2027: Completion of share transfer procedures and brand transition.

Shareholders with voting rights:
Qantas holds 33.32%;
Tokyo Century holds 16.68%;
Japan Airlines holds 50.00%.

Qantas will divest its stake in Jetstar Japan, and the agreement will enable the Development Bank of Japan to join the new ownership structure.

About Jetstar Japan
Jetstar Japan began operating domestic routes in 2012 July and international routes in 2015 February. Currently, Jetstar Japan flies to and from 15 domestic and four overseas destinations, operating 18 domestic and six international routes. More than 55 million customers flew with Jetstar Japan. Jetstar Japan is a joint venture between the Qantas Group, Japan Airlines, and Tokyo Century Corporation.

(Source: Qantas)

AHS signs Phu Quoc resort

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February 5, 2026

BANGKOK, 5 February 2026: Absolute Hotel Services’ signing ceremony with North Trade In Cement Corporation this week seals the deal on the development and management of U Phu Quoc, an international five‑star beachfront resort scheduled to open in 2029 in the popular southern Vietnamese holiday island.

Located in Da Chong Hamlet, Bai Thom Village, in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone on Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam, U Phu Quoc will be the newest addition to the U Hotels & Resorts brand.

*Photo credit: AHS. Beach resort project on Phu Quoc Island joins AHS.*

U Phu Quoc will feature approximately 200 rooms, food and beverage outlets, versatile meeting and event spaces, a fully equipped fitness centre, an inviting swimming pool, and a range of additional lifestyle and leisure facilities tailored to U Hotels & Resorts brand specifications.

Absolute Hotel Services CEO Jonathan Wigley shared: “We are delighted to expand our U Hotels & Resorts footprint with this exceptional development in Phu Quoc. This collaboration reflects our commitment to thoughtful design, meaningful guest experiences, and a strong connection to destination character. U Phu Quoc will become a standout property when it opens in 2029.”

AHS is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, with regional offices in Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India, Europe, and the Middle East.

(Source: AHS)

Air Cambodia orders B737 MAX

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February 5, 2026

SINGAPORE, 5 February 2026: Boeing and Air Cambodia announced this week the airline’s largest single-aisle order for up to 20 737 MAX aircraft in an agreement unveiled at the Singapore Airshow.

This marks the Southeast Asian carrier’s first purchase of Boeing aircraft, with Air Cambodia ordering up to 20 737 MAX jets that will fly in the airline’s new livery.

The airline finalised its firm order for 10 737-8 jets, with the option for 10 more in December 2025. The order was previously unidentified on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.

With the 737 MAX, Air Cambodia will expand and renew its fleet as air travel plays an increasingly important role in connecting people and places throughout the region. The airline will leverage the 737-8’s capabilities, efficiency and passenger comfort features for its expanding network of high-demand routes across Asia.

“The 737-8 gives Air Cambodia a combination of range, capacity and fuel efficiency to support our next phase of growth,” said Air Cambodia CEO David Zhan. “This investment — Air Cambodia’s largest narrowbody purchase — will let us launch direct services to important markets across North and Southeast Asia, and offer competitively priced travel for passengers, while creating local jobs and training opportunities that strengthen our communities.”

The 737-8, which seats up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration and has a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), will support the airline’s growing regional network.

“We are proud to welcome Air Cambodia as our newest 737 MAX customer and look forward to partnering with them to introduce the versatile and reliable 737-8 to the Kingdom of Cambodia,” said Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen. “We are committed to supporting the growth of aviation in Cambodia and throughout the region as Air Cambodia strengthens ties across Asia with these fuel-efficient aircraft.”

Air Cambodia currently operates a fleet of six single-aisle and regional jets on domestic and international routes to Vietnam, India, Thailand, China, Japan and Hong Kong.

Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecasts that Southeast Asian carriers will need nearly 5,000 new aircraft over the next 20 years, with single-aisle jets accounting for more than 80% of deliveries.

(Source: Boeing)

Sabre bolsters China hotel content

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February 5, 2026

SHANGHAI, 5 February 2026: Sabre Corporation has concluded a new agreement with Shanghai Fuxun Information Technology. Under the deal, Sabre will add more than 100,000 domestic hotels across China to its content already available through the SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace.  

The new content includes over 70 leading domestic Chinese hotel chains – some of the largest hotel groups globally by room count – as well as the domestic operations of international hotel brands, along with numerous independent hotels.  

Through the new Fuxun content, Sabre-connected travel sellers will benefit from 100,000 additional property options across China, including independent hotels and local chains. 

The expanded lodging content will flow directly to SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace, which unifies content from 2 million lodging options, a leading number of NDC airlines, 150 low-cost carriers, 420 EDIFACT carriers, and 70 car and rail providers in one platform. Within lodging, SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace also connects agencies to both Sabre content and options from leading aggregators, including Booking.com, Bedsonline, Nuitee, and TOTV.

(Source: Sabre)

Malaysia launches VMY calendar of events

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February 5, 2026

SINGAPORE, 5 February 2026: Tourism Malaysia’s Singapore office marked its presence at the Malaysia Carnival 2026, Singapore’s first major travel fair of 2026, held at Sunteck Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Convening from 30 January to 1 February, the event provided a strategic platform for Tourism Malaysia to offer Singaporeans a first glimpse of the “Surreal Experiences” awaiting them across the causeway.

*Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia. Visit Malaysia Year’s calendar events introduced to Singaporean travellers at Malaysia Carnival 2026.*

With 168 booths on display, the Malaysia Carnival 2026 showcased Malaysian cuisine, products, hotels, attractions, and travel packages. Visitors benefited from exclusive fair-only discounts on a range of Malaysian offerings, as well as package deals from Singapore travel agents, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday season.

Concurrently, Tourism Malaysia officially unveiled its Calendar of Events as part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

The launch was officiated by HE Dato Indera Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore, at the Tourism Malaysia Pavilion during the Malaysia Carnival 2026. The calendar features over 300 curated activities, ranging from world-class festivals to niche eco-tourism adventures, highlighting the diverse offerings Malaysia has in store for 2026.

Tourism Malaysia Director General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim stated: “Singapore has always been our closest neighbour and most significant partner in tourism. By launching our 2026 Calendar of Events here today, we are inviting our Singaporean friends to be among the first to plan their journeys and rediscover a Malaysia that is sustainable, vibrant and beyond imagination.”

Six Singaporean travel agents attended as co-exhibitors: 96 Travel, EU Holidays, Singatour, Transtar Travel, WTS Travel & Tours and Meidi Travel Solutions.

Malaysia is poised for continued growth. In 2025, Malaysia welcomed 21.1 million Singaporean visitors, an 11.8% increase from the previous year. This growth underscores Singapore’s continued importance as a key source market, particularly in the spirit of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

(Source: Bernama)

Singaporeans revisit Western Australia

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February 5, 2026

SINGAPORE, 5 February 2026: Singaporean travellers have put Western Australia back on top of their must-travel lists, according to the latest International Visitor Survey (IVS).

Visitation from Singapore has not only recovered but surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 16%, reaffirming the state’s enduring appeal as one of Singapore’s favourite getaway destinations.

*Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia*

In the year ending September 2025, Western Australia welcomed 124,000 visitors from Singapore, who spent AUD314 million in the state. This represents a 19% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers, underscoring Singapore’s position as Western Australia’s second-largest international market by both visitor volume and spend, and its top-performing market within Asia Pacific.

Why Singaporeans are returning

The rise in Singaporean travel to WA reflects a broader post-pandemic trend of short-haul, nature-led getaways among city travellers. With Perth only a five-hour flight away and offering a blend of coastal relaxation, urban dining, and outdoor adventure, Western Australia continues to appeal to Singaporeans seeking refreshing yet accessible travel experiences.

Today’s travellers are exploring WA with a more purposeful and experiential mindset. The IVS survey shows that holiday travel remains the top purpose of visit at 48%, followed by visiting friends and relatives (40%) and business (8%), highlighting WA’s appeal for leisure and lifestyle experiences. While 44.9% of Singapore visitors travel with families, solo travel (26.4%) and couple travel (12%) are also popular, showing that Western Australia offers something for every type of traveller, from solo adventurers to multi-generational families seeking comfort, convenience, and connection.

Singaporeans tend to spend their days dining out, sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing on the beach, drawn to WA’s good food, laid-back lifestyle, and natural beauty.

Nearly all spend time in Perth (99.1%), while 23.8% venture south to the Margaret River Region and Australia’s Southwest, known for its wineries, surf breaks, and boutique stays.

With an average spend of AUD$2,523 per visitor — an increase of 7.5% from the previous year and among the highest in international markets — Singaporeans are also showing a clear preference for premium experiences and quality time on holiday, reaffirming Western Australia’s position as a destination that balances authenticity with indulgence.

WA’s tourism recovery

Overall, Western Australia’s international tourism sector has bounced back strongly, welcoming 991,000 overseas visitors in the year ending September 2025 — a 17% increase from the previous year. Despite a modest dip in domestic spend, international markets such as China, the United Kingdom, and Singapore have driven much of WA’s growth, underscoring the state’s growing global appeal, with international visitor spend change percentage growing to an impressive 36% year-on-year, outpacing the national growth change of 15% year-on-year.

Looking ahead, Singaporeans can expect a packed calendar of events highlighting WA’s food, wine, and cultural offerings — from Perth Festival in February 2026 to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, Taste Great Southern, and FRINGE World Festival.

(Source: Tourism Western Australia)

India: Singapore’s steady tourist provider

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February 5, 2026

DELHI, 5 February 2026: Singapore continued to see strong demand from the Indian market in 2025, welcoming over 1.2 million visitors from India, with around a 1% increase from 2024, reinforcing India’s position as one of Singapore’s key visitor source markets.

This momentum reflects broader global trends, with International Visitor Arrivals (IVA) reaching 16.9 million in 2025, up 2.3% from 2024 and underscoring Singapore’s sustained appeal across international markets.

*Photo credit: STB.* Marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and India, 2025 was a milestone year.

The tourism sector demonstrated steady growth in 2025, with global tourism receipts (TR) reaching SGD23.9 billion in the first three quarters, a 6.5% increase from 2024 and the highest TR recorded for this period. Tourism receipts (TR) from India totalled SGD1.17 billion during the same period, representing a 5% year-on-year increase.

2025 India Market Highlights

Marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and India, 2025 was a milestone year, with deepened engagement and sustained growth in travel.

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) launched the year-long “Just Between Us Friends” campaign in January 2025, bringing together travel agencies, airlines, payment companies, and shopping malls to offer exclusive deals that enhanced Singapore’s appeal to Indian travellers like never before. The campaign extended beyond leisure travel to include MICE, introducing exclusive privileges for Indian incentive groups travelling between August 2025 and March 2026 through partnerships with Sentosa, IndiGo, Singapore Airlines and island hotels.

Additionally, STB launched a series of strategic marketing partnerships to strengthen Singapore’s brand affinity in India. These included collaborations with Nickelodeon, the 60 Insiders advocacy panel, and the Gamechangers Studio — initiatives targeting consumers through authentic Singaporean insider narratives. The flagship “Is This Even Singapore” social media campaign, launched in June 2025 under the Friends of Singapore programme, featured content creators showcasing immersive travel experiences and reached more than 145 million people.

Meanwhile, the Nickelodeon “FamJam in Singapore” campaign integrated content and an interactive game, generating strong audience engagement among families and winning a GOLD award at the prestigious GEMA Asia Awards 2025, a global platform celebrating outstanding marketing excellence and brand innovation.

STB further enhanced the travel experience through a partnership with NPCI International, enabling UPI payments at more than 130,000 merchants in Singapore, including duty-free stores at Changi Airport, providing Indian visitors with familiar and convenient payment options.

Building on this momentum, STB signed its first-ever MoU with Indian airline IndiGo in July 2025 to boost leisure and business travel from India to Singapore and drive bookings through IndiGo’s network. This year-long partnership enhances connectivity from secondary cities and showcases Singapore’s diverse appeal through fresh experiences at both iconic and hidden destinations.

STB hosted the largest Meetings & Incentives (M&I) group movement from India to Singapore in 2025, organised by Sun Pharma, India’s largest and the world’s fourth-largest global speciality generic pharmaceutical company, for over 6,000 employees. This milestone underscores Singapore’s strong position as a premier M&I destination for large Indian corporate groups.

Reflecting on India market’s performance, Singapore Tourism Board Regional Director, India, Middle East, South Asia and Africa, Markus Tan said: “2025 marked a milestone year for Singapore-India tourism as we celebrated 60 years of diplomatic ties. We’re heartened that over a million Indian visitors chose Singapore, driving robust tourism spending and demonstrating the market’s continued confidence in our destination. What excites us most is the diversity we’re seeing – from leisure travellers seeking authentic experiences to major corporates choosing Singapore for their MICE events. This success stems from our sustained partnership approach, enhanced connectivity, seamless travel experiences and marketing campaigns that truly connect with Indian travellers. I want to thank our Indian stakeholders – our airline partners, travel agents, corporates and media- whose collaboration has been instrumental in this growth. Together, we’ve strengthened the deep bonds between our nations and reinforced Singapore’s position as a destination that offers both the familiar and the extraordinary.”

Looking Ahead: Pipeline for 2026

Steady tourism performance in 2025 and the continued development of new products and experiences provide a strong foundation for Singapore’s Tourism 2040 vision.

New experiences will debut in 2026, including innovative entertainment concepts such as AndSoForth’s flagship multi-concept immersive destination and the return of Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA, the production’s only stop in Southeast Asia. Other highlights include BTS performing four nights as their longest stop in Asia outside of Korea and Japan for the BTS World Tour, Disney Cruise Line’s first Asia homeport, the new sprint race at the 2026 FORMULA 1 (F1) Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, the renewed STB-Disney Partnership featuring the Children’s Festival and the second edition of Garden of Wonder, Exploria and phase 2 of the Rainforest Wild at Mandai Wildlife Reserve and the opening of the Grange Road Events Space by LiveNation by end-2026.

(Source: STB)

Amazing Muay Thai Festival

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February 4, 2026

BANGKOK, 4 February 2026: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosts the Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026 from 4 to 7 February at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin resort town, reinforcing Thailand’s sports tourism positioning through Muay Thai while marking National Muay Thai Day with traditional rites, ceremonies, and cultural performances.

The Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026 features a four-day programme combining sport, culture, and hands-on engagement, with activities running daily from 1600 to 2200 at Rajabhakti Park, Hua Hin.

Officials and Muay Thai practitioners pose during the launch of the Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026, marking the upcoming four-day celebration from 4–7 February 2026 at Rajabhakti Park, Hua Hin, which highlights National Muay Thai Day.

Across all four days, visitors can experience professional Muay Thai demonstrations, exhibitions explaining ceremonial traditions and fighter rankings, and training sessions rooted in the four classical styles of Muay Thai Boran — Muay Chaiya of the Southern region, Muay Korat of the Northeastern region, Muay Tha Sao of the Northern region, and Muay Lop Buri of the Central region — conducted at the Ancient Muay Thai Camp between 1600 and 1900. Stage programmes commence from 1605, featuring self-defence demonstrations, traditional Thai folk games related to boxing such as Muay Tap Chak and Muay Thale, and cultural or contemporary performances in the early evening.

A significant highlight occurs on 6 February, officially designated National Muay Thai Day, commemorating King Sanphet VIII, better known as the Tiger King (Phra Chao Suea), and revered as the Father of Muay Thai.

The principal ceremonial programme runs from 1730 to 2000, featuring rituals honouring seven former Thai monarchs and Phra Chao Suea, the offering of royal tributes, a Brahman blessing ceremony, and the Wai Kru ceremony led by master Muay Thai teachers. The evening culminates in a grand cultural performance featuring four acts and more than 1,500 performers.

Additional highlights include interactive skill-based games; retail zones offering Muay Thai equipment and training courses; local food and signature products from Prachuap Khiri Khan; live music performances from 2000; and nightly mini-concerts by well-known artists from 2100, concluding at 2200 each evening.

Thailand currently has more than 5,000 Muay Thai camps and gyms nationwide, demonstrating a strong capacity to welcome international visitors. This is supported by government measures such as the Non-Immigrant ED Muay Thai visa, which allows foreign visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days to train at certified camps, with the option to extend up to one year, strengthening Thailand’s position as a leading destination for Muay Thai-focused sports tourism and long-stay travel.

The Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026 is expected to attract approximately 18,000 visitors, generating an estimated economic value of around THB214 million and stimulating travel among Muay Thai enthusiasts and culturally motivated visitors during the event period.

(Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand)

Singapore Airshow 3 to 8 February

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February 4, 2026

SINGAPORE, 4 February 2026: Singapore Airshow 2026, organised and managed by Experia Events Pte Ltd, opened on Tuesday at the Changi Exhibition Centre, marking its 10th edition and 20 years of contribution to the global aerospace, defence and space sectors.

The event, which remains open through 8 February, attracts participants, as the Asia-Pacific accounts for 52% of global aviation industry growth in 2025, driven by the world’s highest growth rates in passenger and cargo traffic.

Demonstrating the sector’s momentum, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects airline net profits of USD41 billion in 2026, with passenger volumes exceeding 5 billion travellers. The Asia-Pacific will continue to see strong demand, with load factors projected to reach an all-time high of 84.4%.

More than 1,000 participating companies from over 50 countries and regions will gather at Singapore Airshow 2026 from 3 to 8 February, representing the full spectrum of commercial aviation, defence, space, MRO, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.

Country pavilions from Australia, Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, the UK and the US will anchor the exhibition, with expanded representation from the Italian Trade Agency Pavilion and the China Pavilion, reinforcing the Airshow’s position as Asia-Pacific’s premier aerospace gateway. Collectively, these pavilions also occupy the largest total floor space ever in Singapore Airshow’s history.

Singapore Airshow: An economic catalyst

Singapore Airshow’s contribution extends well beyond the exhibition halls. The 2024 edition generated over SGD391 million in economic activity while attracting more than 50,000 trade attendees and 60,000 public attendees. The 2026 edition is positioned to deliver similar scale, amplified by expanded programming including Space Summit 2026.

“As aviation and defence adapt to shifts driven by sustainability and digitalisation, Singapore Airshow provides a neutral setting for stakeholders to engage and build partnerships with long-term relevance,” said show organiser Experia Events’ Managing Director Leck Chet Lam.

“Reaching our 10th edition reflects how Singapore Airshow has grown alongside the industry and how its role continues to expand, particularly as the Asia-Pacific continues to drive the growth of the global aviation business.

Weekend@Airshow

Weekend@Airshow, 7-8 February 2026, opens the event to the public, combining aerial performances with static displays of commercial, military, and business aircraft.

Families can engage with interactive exhibits, and Singapore Airshow mascots Captain Leo and Leonette will make appearances throughout both days.

Tickets are available via SISTIC, priced at SGD39 for adults, SGD19 for children aged 3 to 12, and SGD250 for a group package (four tickets plus one car park label). Attendees will also be able to enjoy AeroPerks[3], an exclusive rewards programme offering special privileges and savings across Singapore with 57 participating dining, retail, lifestyle and entertainment partners – enhancing their visitor experience beyond Singapore Airshow.

(Source: Experia Events)

Travel leaders open luxury lodge in Australia

Qantas to divest stake in Jetstar Japan

AHS signs Phu Quoc resort

Air Cambodia orders B737 MAX

Sabre bolsters China hotel content

Malaysia launches VMY calendar of events

Singaporeans revisit Western Australia

India: Singapore’s steady tourist provider

Amazing Muay Thai Festival

Singapore Airshow 3 to 8 February

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