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Emirates Skywards launches 5 million Miles

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Your Stories
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DUBAI, UAE, 15 July 2026: Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, is celebrating Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 with one of its biggest seasonal promotions yet, giving members the chance to win a share of 5 million Skywards Miles while enjoying exceptional shopping, dining and lifestyle experiences across Dubai.

Until 30 August 2026, members who spend AED200 or more with participating Skywards Everyday partners or through Skywards Miles Mall UAE will automatically be entered into a raffle to win 10,000 Skywards Miles.

A total of 500 winners will be selected: 250 from eligible Skywards Everyday transactions and 250 from eligible Skywards Miles Mall purchases. Each qualifying transaction of AED200 earns one raffle entry, giving members even more chances to win throughout the promotion period.

More rewards during Dubai Summer Surprises

Dubai Summer Surprises offers unbeatable value, family-friendly experiences and exciting moments across the city until 30 August. Residents and visitors can enjoy live entertainment, cultural events, fitness activities, dining experiences and exclusive retail rewards.

Skywards members can also maximise their rewards throughout the festival by shopping at Dubai Mall and earning up to 1 Skywards Mile for every USD1 spent, depending on membership tier.

Members can also take part in weekly Skywards Everyday app challenges, offering additional opportunities to earn rewards throughout the Dubai Summer Surprises festival.

50% bonus Miles with Emirates Skywards travel partners

Members can also accelerate rewards across Emirates Skywards’ global partner network with:

  • 50% bonus Skywards Miles on hotel stays, including Emirates Skywards Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Jumeirah and more.
  • 50% bonus Miles on car rentals, including Hertz, Avis & Budget, Europcar, Sixt and CarTrawler.
  • 50% bonus Miles with partner airlines, including United Airlines, Air Canada, Aegean Airlines, Japan Airlines and more.
  • 50% bonus Miles on Emirates Holidays packages.

The offer applies to travel completed by 31 August 2026, with members earning up to 10,000 bonus Miles per partner. Registration is required to participate, and bonus Miles will be credited within 60 days after the end of the offer period.

About Skywards Everyday
Skywards Everyday enables Emirates Skywards members to earn Miles automatically on everyday purchases across hundreds of UAE partners. Members can save up to 5 Visa or Mastercard cards to earn Miles when spending across categories such as shopping, dining, beauty, wellness, leisure, pharmacy, and grocery. Skywards Miles can also be converted into cashback or points across Skywards Everyday’s partner network.

Download the Skywards Everyday app and choose from hundreds of participating partners, including Careem, Costa Coffee, MMI, BinSina Pharmacy, Al Jaber Optical, The Body Shop, NARS, and more. Earn 1 Mile for every AED 3 spent with all partners, except grocery and pharmacy, which offer 1 Mile for every AED 5 spent.

About Skywards Miles Mall
Skywards Miles Mall is Emirates Skywards’ online shopping platform, where members earn and spend Miles on online shopping every day across various categories, including food, fashion, beauty, electronics, health, wellness, grocery, utilities, travel, leisure, entertainment and more from brands like Amazon AE, Deliveroo, Ounass, iHerb, Bloomingdales, Net-A-Porter, Bath & Body Works and Coega Sunwear.

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

Air India goes digital to manage Boeing fleet

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Newsdesk
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NEW DELHI, 15 July 2026: Air India has taken a step forward in its transformation journey, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approving the use of Electronic Technical Logbooks (ETLs) as the primary technical document for its Boeing 787 fleet and authorising parallel implementation across its Boeing 777 fleet. 

This will boost Air India’s commitment to leveraging technology to strengthen operational performance, safety, reliability, and sustainability and position it as a technology-enabled, modern global airline.

Photo credit: Air India.

With this approval, Air India has become one of the first airlines to adopt Electronic Technical Logbooks (ETLs) across its entire B787 widebody fleet, completing ETL implementation.

The Electronic Technical Logbook replaces traditional paper-based maintenance records with a secure digital platform, enabling faster, more accurate, and more efficient management of aircraft maintenance and engineering activities. The digital system provides real-time information sharing between maintenance engineers and operational teams, improving coordination, accelerating defect reporting and rectification, and enhancing aircraft dispatch reliability.

The ETL platform also delivers enhanced data integrity, traceability, and regulatory compliance while providing advanced analytics that support predictive maintenance and informed engineering decision-making. In addition, the paperless system significantly reduces paper consumption, supporting Air India’s sustainability objectives.

The achievement reflects Air India’s continued investment in digital technologies to modernise engineering and maintenance operations while maintaining the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance. It is a key step in the airline’s broader vision of building a world-class, data-driven aviation business that excels in operational performance and customer service.

(Source: Air India)

AirAsia and TAT launch three-year campaign

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 15 July 2026: AirAsia Group (formerly AirAsia X) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have strengthened their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The three-year collaboration, spanning 2026 to 2029, will see AirAsia and TAT work together on integrated promotional initiatives to pioneer new routes and exchange market insights to understand evolving travel trends better and unlock new opportunities for tourism growth.

Photo credit: AirAsia. TAT and AirAsia sign an MOU to promote route development between Thailand and Malaysia.

AirAsia Group currently operates 123 weekly flights between Malaysia and Thailand through AirAsia Malaysia (AK) and Thai AirAsia (FD), connecting travellers across 8 direct routes. From Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia flies to Bangkok (DMK), Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, and Hat Yai; from Penang to Bangkok (Don Mueang) and Phuket; and from Johor Bahru to Bangkok (DMK). Together, the extensive network continues to provide seamless and affordable connectivity between the two countries.

AirAsia Group Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer Farouk Kamal said: “In the first half of 2026, AirAsia flew more than 1 million guests between Malaysia and Thailand, reaffirming the strong demand for travel between these two key countries for our group. Through this strategic partnership with TAT, we look forward to building on this momentum by driving more visitor arrivals, strengthening connectivity and showcasing the very best of Thailand through impactful marketing and tourism initiatives.”

The partnership further strengthens the relationship between AirAsia and TAT while supporting Thailand’s “Amazing Thailand, Feel All the Feelings” campaign and Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) initiative through 2027. 

(Source: AirAsia)

June events lift Sydney hotel performance

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Newsdesk
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SYDNEY, 15 July 2026: Several events helped Sydney’s hotel industry achieve year-over-year performance growth in June, according to preliminary data from CoStar, a leading global provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics for property markets.

Photo credit: CoStar.

June 2026 (year-over-year % change): 

Occupancy: 74.1% (+1.1%)

Average daily rate (ADR): AUD243.81 (+2.6%)

Revenue per available room (RevPAR): AUD180.77 (+3.7%)

The market’s occupancy was its highest for June since 2019.

Sydney’s performance reached highs on the night of the penultimate VIVID Sydney (6 June): occupancy (92.7%), ADR (AUD323.93) and RevPAR (AUD300.39). This was the only night during the month that ADR and RevPAR exceeded AUD300. The Al Shami concert and the Sydney Film Festival further supported those monthly highs.

“Given the 0.1% supply decrease in the market, all demand growth builds occupancy in Sydney,” said STR’s regional director Matthew Burke. “The annual Vivid Sydney and Sydney Film Festival underpin demand for Sydney’s historically softest occupancy month.”

Throughout the month, Sydney’s occupancy levels remained above the 60% mark on all but three nights.

“Sydney’s occupancy on the books is tracking two percentage points below the same time last year for July and one percentage point below for August,” Burke said. “However, the overall level remains a positive indicator, given that demand last year was boosted by the British & Irish Lions tour.”

For more information about the company, its products, and services, visit www.costargroup.com. 

(Source: CoStar)

Minor Hotels’ Kafue River tented camp opens

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 15 July 2026: Minor Hotels welcomes the arrival of Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River, the brand’s first tented safari camp and a key milestone in Anantara’s 25th anniversary year. 

The new 13‑key camp is located in Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s largest protected areas, supporting the Government and African Parks’ long‑term ecological restoration in Zambia.

Photo credit: Minor Hotels.

Anantara Kafue is Zambia’s only lodge elevated at least 3.5 metres above the ground, raised on timber platforms to maintain wildlife movement, providing uninterrupted views of the Kafue River. 

Its opening coincides with wildlife restoration initiatives and a steadily recovering wilderness where hippos, elephants, large predators, antelope and over 500 bird species flourish. 

The camp follows a low‑impact, contemporary approach, operating entirely on solar power, using on‑site water purification, bottling and treatment, and eliminating single‑use plastics from the start. 

Anantara Kafue’s signature accommodation, the three Horizon Terrace Suites, are the highest suites in Zambia, each suspended 14.3 metres above the ground and accessed by a glass elevator, with upper‑level star beds and expansive decks. Guests staying in one of the nine Pool and Bush Villas enjoy private plunge pools and dedicated indoor spa rooms, while the 400-square-metre Presidential Villa is designed to offer elevated river views, exclusive boat access and a private spa zone. 

Anantara Kafue is located within Kafue National Park, with private charter flights available from Livingstone or Lusaka to Chunga airstrip. A short domestic flight from Livingstone can also reach the camp. Lusaka International Airport is a four‑hour drive from the property. 

(Source: Minor Hotels)

MH adds two new destinations in China

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 15 July 2026: Malaysia Airlines launched two new direct services from Kuala Lumpur to Shenzhen (SZX) and Changsha (CSX) last week. 

The route expansion to China reflects surging demand for travel between the two nations, driven by increasingly robust economic partnerships, allowing the national carrier to effectively tap into a broader, more diversified segment of China, its second-largest international market by the number of destinations served.

Photo credit: Malaysia Airlines. MH introduces flights to Shenzhen and Changsha, China.

Malaysia Airlines serves Shenzhen with daily flights using Boeing 737-8 aircraft configured with 174 seats across business and economy cabins. Flight time is four hours and 10 minutes. The average round-trip fare on the route is USD 210.

Flight schedule Shenzhen

MH522 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2105 and arrives in Shenzhen (SZX) at 0115 (plus a day).
MH523 departs Shenzhen (SZX) at 0245 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0645.

Flight schedule Changsha

MH520 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2000 and arrives in Changsha (CSX) at 0105 (plus a day). 
MH521 departs Changsha (CSX) at 0205 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0650.

Daily flights to Changsha use a Boeing 737-8 with 174 seats across business and economy class cabins. Flight time is four hours and 45 minutes. The average round-trip fare on the route is USD 360.

Malaysia Aviation Group Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business Bryan Foong commented on the inaugural flights, saying: “The launch of our services to Shenzhen and Changsha marks a proud milestone in our continuous efforts to expand our network across China. By connecting Kuala Lumpur to these high-growth regional hubs, we are offering travellers greater convenience and flexibility while supporting stronger business, tourism and people-to-people ties between our two countries. As we welcome more visitors under the Visit Malaysia 2026 banner, this expansion also brings us closer to our vision of positioning Kuala Lumpur as a premier gateway to Asia and beyond”.

The new services support Malaysia’s tourism ambitions by leveraging the mutual visa-free arrangements while reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s role as a key regional aviation hub. 

With the introduction of Shenzhen and Changsha, Malaysia Airlines now serves nine gateways across China, including Beijing (PKX), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Xiamen (XMN), Hong Kong (HKG), Taipei (TPE), and Chengdu (TFU), further strengthening its regional network.

To celebrate the new routes, Malaysia Airlines is offering special all-in return introductory fares starting from MYR 1,088. The promotional fares are available for purchase from now until 8 August 2026. 

(Source: Malaysia Airlines)

Nepal promotes fixed homestay tours

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Newsdesk
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KATHMANDU, 15 July 2026: Nepal’s Community Homestay Network has confirmed that members will offer fixed tour departures following the country’s release of its 2028 tourism strategy.

Eight multi-day itineraries are now on offer for guaranteed departure beginning 6 September 2026. The eight-day Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Culture, Crafts, and Nature will be the first fixed trip, with more than 100 multi-day departures now available to book for travel through December 2027 across the eight itineraries.

Photo credit: CHN.

The announcement follows the newly formed Balen government that has declared its ‘Visit Nepal 2028’ national tourism campaign. It will lead off with the launch of a 2027 Nepal Wellness Year campaign and forecasts that tourist arrivals will top 2.5 million by 2029, with tourism receipts doubling.  

The new strategy will focus on diversifying tourism beyond mountain trekking, for which Nepal is best known, shifting the country’s attention to spotlight community experiences, nature and culture, with a focus on new destinations. There are also plans to upgrade the visa process to a fully digital online system and to upgrade aviation infrastructure by installing e-gates at airports.

Community Homestay Network Founder Shiva Dhakal says the timing couldn’t be better for expanding the Network’s itineraries across the country. 

“I’m encouraged by the recent announcement of the new government’s strategy to ensure more focus is placed on community tourism. Support for community-led experiences, such as those offered by Community Homestay Network, will provide travellers with richer experiences across our stunning country. It also ensures that more local people benefit from the positive impact of tourism when it’s done mindfully, intentionally and collaboratively. 

“All our itineraries are co-created with local communities and are designed to amplify their voices and stories, and to share their way of life with travellers while empowering them in their own entrepreneurship journeys. 

“The introduction of fixed departures for the first time indicates the growth in demand for this style of travel, so the Balen government is certainly dialled in when it comes to the evolution of tourism in Nepal,” says Dhakal. 

New fixed-departure itineraries are available to book now.

Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Culture, Crafts, and Nature – This eight-day trip unveils the soul of Kathmandu Valley through authentic Newari experiences. Travellers will engage with artisans in Bungamati, cook momos in Kirtipur, hike to Nagarkot, and connect with local people via homestays, blending culture, nature and community. Prices start at USDD1,165pp with departures from 6 September  2026.

Live The Tharu Way: Journey Through Culture, Wildlife and Rural Life – This nine-day itinerary travels from Kathmandu to Nepal’s Terai, spending time with the Indigenous Tharu people in Bhada and Bardiya, and going on a Jeep safari to spot elephants, rhinoceroses and the elusive Bengal tiger. Priced from USDD2,245pp with departures from 11 October 2026. 

Eastern Nepal: The Road Less Taken – This eight-day Eastern Nepal adventure starts in Kathmandu, journeys to Dhankuta for Aathpahariya homestays and hikes, and ends in Janakpur with Mithila art and a visit to Janaki Temple, blending nature, culture, and sustainability. Priced from US$1,770 pp with departures starting 20 September 2026. 

About Community Homestay Network
Community Homestay Network was developed to promote responsible, sustainable tourism in Nepal and to encourage entrepreneurship in local communities, significantly benefiting women, youth, and marginalised communities while safeguarding local culture and tradition. With a strong focus on co-creation, Community Homestay Network (CHN) collaborates with 51 communities across Nepal, actively engaging residents to help develop and manage their tourism services. Locally owned and operated, the award-winning Community Homestay Network currently offers 51 different experiences for travellers to book. These consist of 41 community homestays and 10 experiences focused on spending time with local artisans. 

For more information on Community Homestay Network, visit: https://communityhomestay.com. 

(Source: CHN)

Flydubai resumes flights to Aleppo

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Newsdesk
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DUBAI, 15 July 2026: Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, will resume its network expansion to Syria with the launch of daily non-stop service to Aleppo International Airport (ALP).

Scheduled to commence on 20 July 2026, Aleppo becomes flydubai’s second destination in Syria, joining the capital city, Damascus. This reinforces the airline’s commitment to opening up previously underserved markets.

Photo credit: Flydubai.

Flydubai Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “We resume operations to Aleppo after nearly 14 years. The introduction of our daily service to Aleppo marks an important milestone in our network expansion strategy. Our primary mandate has always been to support Dubai’s aviation hub by creating direct air links to previously underserved markets. By providing reliable, daily operations to Aleppo, we are not only catering to a strong existing demand for direct travel, but we are also fostering closer economic, cultural and familial ties between the UAE and Syria.”

Historically renowned as a commercial crossroads and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Aleppo is a significant market with high demand for regional business travel, visiting friends and relatives (VFR), and cargo transport. The resumption of direct flights provides a vital link for the Syrian diaspora residing in the UAE and wider Gulf region, significantly reducing travel times compared to indirect routing options.

Flydubai Chief Commercial Officer Hamad Obaidalla added: “Since resuming our flights to Damascus last summer, we have been encouraged by the strong demand for travel on this route. The resumption of our non-stop service to Aleppo builds on this momentum, providing our customers with greater choice and more convenient travel options between Dubai and Syria. The launch of our new daily service also comes at an ideal time to support increased travel demand during the peak summer period, and we look forward to welcoming passengers on board soon.”

Flights on a 170-seat 737-8 feature lie-flat seats in business class and ergonomically designed seats in economy class.

On 1 June 2025, flydubai became the first carrier from the United Arab Emirates to operate a daily service between Dubai and Damascus. Due to growing demand for travel on this route, the carrier has increased the frequency of its flights, now serving the Syrian capital with three daily flights.

The carrier recently added Benghazi, Libya, and Bangkok, Thailand, to its growing network and is set to welcome Pokhara, Nepal, from 23 September 2026.

Flight details

The new direct service is included in the flydubai and Emirates codeshare partnership, enabling passengers to benefit from smoother itineraries, a single ticket, baggage check-in, and access to an extensive combined network.

Flights will operate daily to Aleppo International Airport (ALP) from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Return Business Class fares from DXB to ALP start from AED8,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED1,800. Return Business Class fares from ALP to DXB start from USD2,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from USD470.

(Source: Flydubai)

PAL boosts North American flights

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Newsdesk
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MANILA, 15 July 2026: Philippine Airlines (PAL) is expanding its North American network with additional nonstop flights to Vancouver, Toronto and New York, providing customers with more travel options while strengthening connectivity between the Philippines, Canada, the US and Southeast Asia.

PAL will increase Manila–Vancouver services from daily to 10 weekly flights effective 17 November 2026.

Photo credit: PAL.

Manila–Toronto services will increase from three to four weekly flights effective 5 December 2026.

Manila–New York (JFK) services will increase from three to four weekly flights effective 2 December 2026, with a fifth weekly flight during the peak December 2026–January 2027 holiday travel season.

The expanded services further strengthen Philippine Airlines’ leadership in the Philippines–North America market and reinforce its position as the leading Southeast Asian carrier operating the most nonstop flights between the region and North America.

“North America continues to be one of Philippine Airlines’ most important markets,” said Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall. “As travel demand grows, these additional flights strengthen our position as the preferred nonstop carrier between the Philippines and North America whilst providing our customers with greater choice, improved connectivity, and more opportunities to travel, do business, and reconnect with family and loved ones. As the Philippine flag carrier, we remain committed to supporting tourism, trade and economic ties between the Philippines and our key North American markets.”

The additional North America frequencies will improve connectivity via Manila to key destinations across Southeast Asia, including Jakarta, Bali, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi. Through PAL’s partnerships with American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and WestJet, customers will also enjoy improved onward connections to numerous destinations across the US and Canada.

The Airbus A350-900 will initially operate additional Toronto and New York services before transitioning to PAL’s new Airbus A350-1000 as additional aircraft join the fleet. 

The A350-1000 will also begin serving San Francisco in August 2026, offering more premium seating and further strengthening PAL’s competitiveness on the US West Coast.

(Source: Philippine Airlines)

Centara expands Vietnam Portfolio

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Your Stories
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BANGKOK, 14 July 2026: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is proud to unveil the first details of Centara Hotel & Residences Van Don, a new bayfront destination set to open in Q4 2026. 

Marking the group’s second property in Vietnam, this hotel brings Centara’s warm, Thai-inspired hospitality, world-class service, and Signature Experiences to one of the country’s most promising coastal locations.

Set within the Ao Tien High-Class Port and Tourism Urban Area, the property enjoys uninterrupted views across the serene waters and limestone formations of Bai Tu Long Bay. Just 15 minutes from Van Don International Airport, the hotel offers convenient access to both natural landmarks and key transport hubs, positioning it as an ideal base for leisure and business travellers alike.

Designed for couples, families, groups, and extended stays, the hotel offers 481 rooms and suites across 12 categories. Every room is equipped with a kitchenette, modern décor, and functional layouts for added flexibility and comfort throughout guests’ stay.

Beyond accommodation, Centara Hotel & Residences Van Don introduces an all-in-one lifestyle offering, from diverse dining experiences spanning Vietnamese, Italian, Chinese, and international flavours to versatile MICE venues, including two ballrooms and multiple meeting rooms. Guests will also enjoy both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a Kids’ Club, a fitness centre, and SPA Cenvaree, along with family-friendly activities, premium shopping, and curated bay tours.

To stay tuned for more details about Centara Hotel & Residences Van Don, visit Centara Hotel & Residences Van Don.

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