HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, 4 February 2026: Agoda reveals search data insights into the travel trends that shaped Vietnam in 2025, making the destination one of the success stories of ASEAN tourism
Agoda recorded a 21% increase in international accommodation searches in the country in 2025 compared with the previous year.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism recently released data showing a record-breaking 21.2 million international visitors arrived in the country in 2025, a 20.4% increase over 2024.
“Growing international interest suggests Vietnam is consolidating its position as a leading regional destination, benefiting from improved connectivity, visa policies, and diversified travel experiences,” said Agoda Vietnam Country Director Vu Ngoc Lam.
South Korea remained the largest source market for international visitors searching for accommodation in Vietnam, with search interest growing 15% year-on-year. Japan climbed to second place with an 18% increase, relegating the US to third. Thai interest in travel rose 36%, while interest in Vietnam from the Philippines grew 86% over the previous year, displacing Taiwan from the top five.
The destination leaderboard is broadly consistent with 2024, with increasing interest across all destinations as the key takeaway from 2025.
Danang led the way, with accommodation searches up 25% year-on-year, ahead of HCMC (+26%), Nha Trang (+2%), Hanoi (+23%) and Phu Quoc rounding out the top five, with travel interest up 49% compared with the previous year.
Interest in domestic travel also grew, with accommodation searches increasing 14% over 2024.
“The rise in domestic travel interest last year highlights Vietnamese travellers’ continued appetite for local exploration and short breaks within the country,” Lam added. “According to survey results from Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, this trend is projected to continue throughout this year, as nearly half of Vietnamese travellers responded they plan to travel more domestically than internationally in 2026.”
Da Nang led domestic search growth, increasing 29% year-on-year. Hanoi (+28%) and Ho Chi Minh City (+17%) also saw rises in travel interest among domestic destinations.
Running from 14 to 28 February, Agoda’s Mega Sale will offer up to 60% off on hotel bookings, with special flash sales of up to 70% on 17 February and exclusive deals on flights and activities. Agoda VIP members will receive early access to deals from 10 to 13 February.
JEDDAH, 4 February 2026: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, recorded significant growth in its operational performance throughout 2025, while continuing to leverage its international flight network to enhance transit traffic yields.
The airline transported approximately 37 million guests, a 6% increase from 2024.
Photo credit: Saudia.
During the year, Saudia operated over 203.9 thousand scheduled and additional flights, a 4.7% increase, while total flight hours reached around 597 thousand, up 2.5%.
Saudia also continued to record growth in intercontinental transit traffic through airports across the Kingdom during 2025. According to its operational performance report, the airline transported over 3.2 million transit guests, an increase of 8.4%. This growth was supported by year-round operational planning, including peak travel-season capacity, to accommodate rising demand efficiently.
Saudia’s consistent operational growth directly supports the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, marked by the expansion of its international network to include key destinations such as Moscow.
By launching new scheduled and seasonal routes, the national flag carrier continues to “bring the world to the Kingdom.” This growth is underpinned by innovative service enhancements and industry-leading on-time performance, driving the Kingdom’s ambition to serve 330 million guests and connect Saudi Arabia to over 250 global destinations by 2030.
SINGAPORE, 4 February 2026: Discover Airlines is continuing the successful expansion of its Nordic services and is adding flights to Ivalo in Finnish Lapland to its winter schedule for the first time.
During the 2026 summer timetable, it will offer flights from Munich to Evenes and from Frankfurt to Bodø. Up to 15 weekly flights are scheduled to Iceland, Norway, and Finnish Lapland.
Photo credit: Discover Airlines. Northern Lights.
During the winter timetable, the airline will introduce weekly flights from Munich to Ivalo.
From mid-December to mid-April, the leisure airline will operate a weekly service from Munich to Finland’s northernmost region, every Wednesday.
Ivalo is an ideal gateway to explore the region around the Ivalojoki River, especially during the winter sports season. Since the sun does not rise during the polar night in winter, this is also the ideal time to observe the northern lights.
More connections: Frankfurt and Munich
Discover Airlines has been continuously expanding its Nordic offering for two years, responding to the high demand for direct connections to this region. In addition to the new winter connection to Ivalo, new weekly flights from Frankfurt to Bodø and from Munich to Evenes will expand the route network in the summer schedule. Evenes is already successfully served from Frankfurt, and Bodø from Munich.
With the two new additions from Munich – Evenes in summer and Ivalo in winter – Discover Airlines is also strengthening its offering at Munich Airport, where it is already the largest leisure carrier.
Discover Airlines is offering its largest Nordic programme to date this year: up to 15 weekly flights to six destinations in Iceland, Norway, and Finnish Lapland – some of them year-round.
All flights can be booked at discover-airlines.com, lufthansa.com, and through all German tour operators and travel agencies.
MANILA, 4 February 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda has announced the launch of Agoda Impact Lab, a pioneering initiative to unlock the future of travel and technology in Asia.
The Lab, launched at the ASEAN Tourism Forum, will serve as a launchpad for innovation and value creation across the region, leading the next generation of initiatives to boost industry resilience.
Photo credit: Agoda. Agoda Impact Lab launched at last week’s ATF.
Agoda Impact Lab is a dedicated platform for the public and private sectors to design, test, and scale practical solutions. It aims to serve as a catalyst for change across storytelling, industry upskilling and capacity building, with a focus on best-in-class thought leadership and visionary approaches to travel and technology.
Through reports, knowledge sharing, and upskilling initiatives, Agoda will leverage its expertise in e-commerce, technology, marketing, and analytics to elevate industry standards.
As part of the Agoda Impact Lab, Agoda will run hands–on e–commerce training programes for accommodation providers across ASEAN, deliver Executive Masterclasses with government, industry, and academic partners on emerging innovation areas such as AI, and convene a joint working group with ASEAN and WWF-Singapore to advance discussions regionally to safeguard the long–term ecological and economic value of emerging destinations.
The Lab will also promote the Sustainable Tourism Academy, a digital training platform developed in partnership with Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) that provides free, self–paced sustainability training aligned with the GSTC Standard, and publish data–driven reports to inform industry decisions on traveller demand, technology adoption, and localisation.
Agoda Chief Commercial Officer Damien Pfirsch shared: “With Agoda Impact Lab, we’re not just we’rening the future of travel and technology in Asia; we’re actively we’reng it. The Lab will serve as a hub for collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sectors to explore innovative solutions and strategies. Agoda is committed to leading the charge in creating more sustainable and intelligent solutions that benefit both the industry and travellers alike.”
BANGKOK, 4 February 2026: Airports of Thailand will increase passenger service charge on all international flights in the six airports under its management, effective mid-2026.
AOT will increase the PSC from THB730 to THB1,120, raising an estimated THB10 billion to fund expansion projects at its airports in Bangkok and Phuket.
Photo credit: AoT. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK).
It represents a 53% increase in the charge automatically added to the fare. AOT manages six airports in Thailand — Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Hat Yai (HDY), and Chiang Rai (CEI)
The latest increase in the international PSC is expected to take effect on 1 May, following four months of public hearings, according to Thai Rath English, citing the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
AOT, a publicly listed company on the Thailand stock exchange, says the estimated THB10 billion in projected annual revenue will fund facility upgrades, safety systems, and terminal expansion.
AOT expects to generate an additional THB10-THB13 billion annually to fund infrastructure improvements. The government wants the AOT to fund these expansions through its own revenue rather than relying on state loans or taxpayer money.
One of the projects is the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) expansion, a massive THB200 billion South Terminal project to increase the airport’s capacity to 120 million passengers annually.
Domestic Flights
The PSC for domestic flights at AOT airports remains unchanged at THB130. However, the Department of Airports (DOA) received approval to raise domestic fees from THB50 to THB75 at its smaller regional airports in an earlier CAAT update.
All passenger service charges are included in the airfare price at the time of purchase.
Regional airports managed by Thailand’s Department of Airports, such as Krabi, Surat Thani, and Khon Kaen, also saw a smaller increase in late 2025, with international flights at THB425 and domestic flights at THB75.
The passenger service charge at the navy-owned U-Tapao Airport, 30 km south of Pattaya, is not more than THB400 for international flights and THB50 for domestic flights.
Current departing passenger service fees — Thailand airports
SINGAPORE, 3 February 2026: Asia is emerging as the engine of global aviation growth, with India, China, and Southeast Asia forecast to account for eight of the world’s 10 fastest-growing air travel markets between 2024 and 2044, according to a new whitepaper released Monday by Alton Aviation Consultancy.
Photo credit: Alton Aviation Consultancy.
Alton’s report finds that international traffic in the Asia-Pacific grew 8% in 2025, outpacing global RPK growth of 6.8%. Carriers across the region have launched more than 600 new routes since 2015, significantly improving access to underserved destinations and enhancing intra-regional connectivity.
The whitepaper highlights India as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, underpinned by robust economic fundamentals and a rapidly expanding middle class. While China remains dominant, Alton notes that Southeast Asia is an emerging growth region, led by markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Alton’s Singapore office Managing Director Mabel Kwan says: “Asia’s air travel story is no longer just about China. The growth we’re seeing in South and Southeast Asia is broad-based. Airlines are responding with strategic moves, from entering new markets and renewing fleets to forging ambitious partnerships that reflect the region’s evolving competitive dynamics.”
Alton also identifies significant near-term opportunities in currently unserved or underserved routes across the region. The arrival of longer-range narrowbody aircraft is expected to unlock new point-to-point services between secondary cities, enabling sustainable growth on routes previously unsuitable for widebody aircraft.
In addition to its passenger growth outlook, the whitepaper highlights the Asia‑Pacific region’s growing share of the global air cargo market, now accounting for approximately 40% of total freight demand. This reflects the increasing importance of intra‑Asia trade and Asia’s role as a critical link in global supply chains.
The report also highlights a wave of airline consolidation across Asia, as carriers restructure in response to cost pressures and intensifying competition. While demand remains strong, margin pressures are prompting operators to pursue new models to build long-term resilience.
To support this growth, governments and airport operators across the region are advancing large-scale infrastructure programmes and rolling out next-generation technologies designed to improve capacity, operational efficiency and the passenger experience.
MELAKA, 3 February, 2026: Birkin International Hotel, Melaka, has named Kevin Lee Kuan Hsien General Manager, signalling the property’s first full year of operations as it expands marketing promotions across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
With over 20 years of leadership experience across international hotel brands, Lee has worked with IHG and independent luxury properties in Taiwan and Malaysia.
Kevin Lee (centre) meets his team at Birkin International Hotel.
Birkin International Hotel is the first Malaysian luxury hotel developed by a Taiwan-based company, YeaShin International Development Co Ltd, a landmark 526-room project valued at MYR500 million.
The hotel is situated in the Klebang district, a coastal location roughly seven to eight kilometres from the city’s heritage district. The property overlooks the Straits of Malacca and is within walking distance of Klebang Beach and the UK Fun Park.
It’s ideal for visitors who want a seaside retreat while remaining within driving distance of significant historical landmarks in the city’s UNESCO World Heritage district, such as the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, and about 6.8 km from A Famosa and the Stadthuys.
The hotel offers a free shuttle service to popular heritage destinations, including Jonker Street Night Market and Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall.
Since its grand opening in July 2025, Birkin International Hotel has received significant industry recognition. The property was awarded the Best Luxury New Hotel in Melaka, Malaysia, by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards in 2025 and received its prestigious 5-Star Rating Certification from Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in November 2025.
“My vision is to establish Birkin International Hotel as the premier luxury hotel in Melaka, supported by a winning team that is aligned, empowered, and performance-driven,” said Lee. “Our goal is to position Birkin as the best hotel brand in Melaka, built on operational consistency and getting the fundamentals right every single day.”
Lee also emphasised his commitment to honouring Melaka’s multicultural identity, describing it as the city’s greatest asset. He highlighted Birkin International Hotel’s focus on Peranakan-inspired design and locally sourced regional cuisine, noting that genuine respect for culture extends beyond aesthetics to create authentic experiences for both local and international guests.
Birkin International Hotel attracts mainly Malaysian guests, followed by visitors from Singapore, Mainland China, and Taiwan, while growing bookings from Indonesia, India, and Western markets.
Looking forward, Lee expresses confidence in Melaka’s tourism momentum, citing its UNESCO World Heritage status, Visit Melaka 2.0, and ongoing government investment.
HONG KONG, 3 February 2026: Few cities embrace the Chinese New Year with the same energy and colour as Hong Kong. This February, Hong Kong will welcome the Year of the Horse by once again transforming into a festive playground filled with beloved characters, dazzling spectacles and family-friendly experiences, inviting visitors of all ages to begin the new Chinese year on a joyful note.
Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade (Stock photo).
Running across the city throughout the Chinese New Year period, the celebrations include a star-studded nighttime parade, character-led attractions and large-scale outdoor events, offering a wonderful journey for all ages as part of a memorable festive season.
Join the party at a star-studded Night Parade
Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade – Best Fortune. World Part Date: 17 February 2026 Venue: Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
A centrepiece of the festive celebrations, the parade will light up the streets with a vibrant showcase of floats, performers and characters loved by generations on the first day of the Year of the Horse.
Cathay, the title sponsor of Parade for the 24th consecutive year, will showcase two classic aircraft soaring through a time tunnel in celebration of its 80th anniversary.
Echoing with the Year of the Horse, three glittering horses will take the centre stage on the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s float, wishing a vibrant, energetic and flourishing year ahead.
Also, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will mark its 20th anniversary with a magical float featuring beloved characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Duffy and LinaBell. At the same time, Ocean Park Hong Kong will charm audiences with Panda Friends, Whiskers & Friends and other adorable animal ambassadors. Meanwhile, McDonald’s Hong Kong is making its parade debut with its beloved characters, the same year it celebrates its 50th anniversary in the city.
Adding a distinctly local creative touch, the Hong Kong Brand Toy Association will present popular Hong Kong-designed characters, including Labubu, Molly, Poko, and The Nope Cat, who will make their parade debut. Together, the floats promise a colourful, cross-generational spectacle that captures the playful spirit of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong.
After the Parade, eight dazzling floats will be displayed at Kai Tak Sports Park from 18 to 26 February.
Performing groups from the Chinese Mainland and around the world participating in the parade will also deliver live performances in the Park on the second and third days of the Chinese New Year (18 and 19 February).
In addition, other floats will be displayed at Ocean Park, Lam Tsuen in Tai Po, Sha Tin Racecourse and Victoria Park in Causeway Bay until 4 March, extending the festive spirit throughout the season.
Ring in the Year of the Horse with characters across the city
Beyond the parade, beloved characters will decorate major attractions citywide with red lanterns and spring couplets with New Year wishes, creating immersive experiences throughout the festive season. Many will don festive outfits that are unique to the Chinese New Year, making your time spent with favourite characters even more unforgettable.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort – Celebrate “Magical Year After Year” with Disney Friends Date: Up until 1 March 2026
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort welcomes the Year of the Horse with a spirited celebration, “Magical Year After Year” Chinese New Year celebration. The park will be transformed by vibrant Chinese New Year decorations, including a Mickey-shaped red lantern at the centre of Town Square featuring Bullseye from Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story, who will also be bringing a rootin’ tootin’ party atmosphere to the park. Goofy will be dressed as the God of Fortune to welcome visitors alongside Mickey and Friends in special Chinese New Year outfits. At the same time, Duffy and Friends will also don festive outfits to share heartwarming encounters with everyone in Duffy and Friends Play House.
Ocean Park Hong Kong – Start the Year of the Horse with vibrant dragon and lion dances Date: Until late March 2026
Ring in the Year of the Horse with festive flair at Ocean Park and enjoy vibrant dragon and lion dance performances. Gigantic Chinese New Year and panda-themed decorations throughout the Park serve as perfect photo spots for welcoming a prosperous year with fortune as boundless as a galloping steed!
Meanwhile, embark on a whimsical undersea adventure with six Sanrio favourites — Hello Kitty, Cinnamonroll, My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin and Hangyodon at the Park and dive into a fascinating oceanic adventure together!
Photo credit: Ocean Park Hong Kong.
Ushering in the vigorous Year of the Horse
To make the most of the season with family and friends, be sure to visit the carnivals across Hong Kong – embracing the Year of the Horse with excitement, laughter and energy.
Sun Life The Big Bounce World Tour – Hong Kong: For the young and young at heart Dates: 6 – 22 February 2026 Venue: Great Lawn, Art Park, WestK
Transforming the waterfront into a giant inflatable wonderland, this supersized event features four massive inflatables, including the World’s Biggest Bounce House, spanning more than 16,000 square feet, and Hong Kong’s longest inflatable obstacle course, stretching more than 150 metres. The all-ages event also offers interactive play areas, Anime Character Day, and adult-only After Dark Party sessions, featuring popular local DJs and music themes, tailored for both families and adults.
AIA Carnival: The blockbuster carnival returns Dates: Until 1 March 2026 Venue: Central Harbourfront Event Space
This year’s edition of the AIA Carnival is the biggest to date, packed with over 50 exhilarating attractions, including eight new rides. The Big Ben Tower, recognised as the world’s tallest mobile swing ride for soaring to 80 metres into the sky, offers a breathtaking experience that symbolises welcoming good fortune by going upwards in the Year of the Horse. Another standout is The Winter World Circus, a new 60-minute production by the celebrated British troupe Gandeys Circus, featuring jaw-dropping stunts, captivating choreography, and a festive visual spectacle for audiences of all ages.
SINGAPORE, 3 February 2026: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has confirmed the appointment of Gloria Guevara as President & CEO.
She returns to the role she held successfully from 2017 to 2021 as the council plans to relocate its head office from London to Madrid.
Photo credit: WTTC. Gloria Guevara.
Gloria Guevara has more than three decades of experience at the highest levels of government and across the public and private sectors, bringing strategic vision and collaborative leadership to WTTC.
Her appointment as CEO signals a renewed focus on strengthening WTTC’s global relevance, enhancing member services, and driving advocacy for the Travel & Tourism industry worldwide. WTTC’s members have a global footprint across all key parts of the sector, from hotels to aviation to cruise lines, healthcare and technology.
Guevara said: “I am honoured to return to WTTC after the most successful year in the sector’s history. My priority will be to help unlock potential, investment, growth, and jobs in the sector; rebuild a stronger, globally representative WTTC; deepen engagement with members; and ensure WTTC continues to deliver world-class research, advocacy, and other services to the Travel & Tourism industry. Supported by our valued members.”
SINGAPORE, 3 February 2026: Cathay’s Airbus A350 passenger aircraft, adorned with its classic ‘lettuce leaf sandwich’ livery, touched down at Singapore Changi Airport for the first time last Friday, marking a special moment in the airline’s “80 Years Together” anniversary celebrations.
Paying homage to the much-loved green-and-white striped design, the iconic livery honours Cathay’s early years and the legacy it has built over eight decades. The debut in Singapore marked another milestone in showcasing Cathay’s heritage in one of its most important Southeast Asian markets.
Photo credit: Cathay. A tribute to Cathay’s earlier years, the classic ‘lettuce leaf sandwich’ livery touched down in Singapore Changi Airport for the first time last week.
“Singapore has been part of Cathay’s journey from the very beginning, starting with our first scheduled flight in 1946, and it continues to be one of our most important markets in Southeast Asia,” said Cathay Regional General Manager for Southeast Asia and Oceania, Frosti Lau.
He continued, “The special livery honours Cathay’s legacy while symbolising our continued progress to connecting the world via our Hong Kong hub. It bridges where we’ve been and where we’re headed and is a tribute to everyone who has been part of this 80-year journey—our people, our customers, our partners, and the communities we serve worldwide.”
The occasion also highlights Cathay’s longstanding relationship with Singapore, which has played an important role in the airline’s network and regional presence and seen many firsts over the decades. When Changi International Airport first opened in 1981, Cathay’s CX712 was the first commercially scheduled flight to depart. In 2015, the airline was named one of 12 pioneer airlines that contributed to the growth and development of Singapore’s air hub.
Cathay Pacific again made history as the launch airline at Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 4, pioneering a suite of self-service options to support more personalised service through technology.
During the event, the special-livery aircraft arrived at Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 4 for a VIP welcome reception. It will continue to operate on international routes throughout 2026, extending the visibility of Cathay’s “80 Years Together” anniversary celebrations to customers and communities worldwide.
As the brand embarks on its “80 Years Together” anniversary celebrations, Cathay will continue to roll out a range of events, experiences, and initiatives throughout 2026, celebrating the people, partnerships, and journeys that have shaped its story.
Snapshots from Singapore
A DC-3 at Kallang Airport, where Cathay Pacific first operated flights to Singapore. This was later replaced by the DC-4 in 1949. Photo from 1948. (Photo: Swire Archives)
The Airbus A350 passenger aircraft, adorned with Cathay’s special retro livery, took off from Singapore Changi Airport on 27 January 2026. The aircraft will continue to operate on international routes through 2026. (Photo: Cathay)
