DUBAI, 14 July 2026: Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will introduce its flagship A380 to Delhi from 25 October, making the Indian capital the third gateway in the country to be served by the iconic double-decker. Other A380 destinations are Mumbai and Bengaluru.
The A380 will operate on flights EK512/513 in a four-class configuration, complementing the deployment of Emirates’ retrofitted B777 aircraft, also in a four-class layout featuring Premium Economy, across its three other daily flights.
Photo credit: Emirates.
From October, Premium Economy will be offered on flights to six Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi, giving customers travelling to and from India greater choice when planning their travel.
Delhi-Dubai
Passengers on the Delhi–Dubai route will now enjoy expanded options, with four cabin classes on all daily services. Premium Economy will feature on EK513, operated by the A380, as well as on the Boeing 777-operated EK511, EK515 and EK517.
Kolkata-Dubai
From 25 October, Emirates’ daily Kolkata–Dubai service, EK570/571, currently operated with a Boeing 777, will be served by the airline’s next-generation A350. With flights EK572/573 operating five times weekly on a four-class retrofitted B777, Premium Economy will be available across all 12 weekly flights between Kolkata and Dubai.
Emirates serves nine gateways across India — Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram — operating 167 weekly flights to Dubai and onward to its global network, spanning almost 140 destinations.
JODHPUR, India, 14 July 2026: Air India has confirmed that all of its flights to and from Jodhpur Airport (JDH) will operate from the airport’s new terminal building, effective 12 July.
Air India currently operates 14 weekly flights between Jodhpur and Mumbai and 12 between Jodhpur and Delhi, providing convenient connectivity to key domestic and international destinations via its hubs.
Photo credit: Air India. Jodhpur opens new airport terminal building.
The new terminal, which covers 23,342 sqm, features 20 check-in counters, advanced security screening systems, state-of-the-art baggage handling facilities, and six aerobridges, enabling a smoother airport experience.
To ensure a smooth journey during the transition to the new facility, passengers travelling from Jodhpur city to the airport this week should arrive well in advance to allow adequate time to clear security and pass through the new terminal.
SINGAPORE, 14 July 2026: Chapman Freeborn, a global aircraft charter and leasing specialist and part of Avia Solutions Group, has supported Air Zimbabwe with a tailored ACMI* capacity solution for the planned resumption of direct scheduled services between Harare and London Gatwick.
The route is expected to restart by the end of July 2026, reconnecting Zimbabwe and the UK after more than 14 years. The service will be operated by Spanish carrier Plus Ultra using an Airbus A330 aircraft under a long-term ACMI agreement, with initial operations expected to include three weekly frequencies between Harare and London Gatwick.
Photo credit: Chapman Freeborn.
Under the ACMI structure, Plus Ultra will provide the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, while the flights will operate under Air Zimbabwe’s flight code. Chapman Freeborn provides the ACMI and contract management support needed to help shape the long-haul operating structure for the route.
The route represents more than the return of an air service. It re-establishes an important commercial, tourism and cultural link between the two countries, while improving travel options for the Zimbabwean diaspora, business travellers and tourists.
It is also expected to support direct air freight capacity for time-sensitive exports, including horticultural and perishable products destined for the UK market.
“This is an important milestone for Air Zimbabwe and a significant step in restoring direct connectivity between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. We are proud to have played an important role in supporting this project, working closely with Air Zimbabwe and Plus Ultra to help deliver the right structure for the route.
“Across Africa, we continue to see growing demand for flexible capacity solutions as airlines look to rebuild networks, respond to passenger demand and manage fleet requirements more efficiently. ACMI can play an important role in supporting that growth, particularly on strategic routes where speed, flexibility and operational reliability are essential,” said Chapman Freeborn President – IMEA Linas Dovydenas.
Chapman Freeborn’s ACMI team supports airlines worldwide with short-, medium- and long-term capacity requirements across narrowbody, widebody, regional and cargo aircraft.
The company provides tailored aircraft leasing and ACMI solutions that help carriers manage capacity, restore routes and respond to complex operational requirements.
CHIANG MAI, Thailand, 14 July 2026: Tripseed, the Chiang Mai-based B2B destination management company, has been awarded silver in the Local Economic Benefit category at the 2026 Responsible Tourism Awards, Southeast Asia.
The winners were announced last week at the 2026 International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH) in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Photo credit: 2026 International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH). (Centre) Tripseed, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer Ewan Cluckie.
The awards, hosted by ICRT Southeast Asia under the chairmanship of Prof Dr Hiram Ting, recognise organisations that use tourism to create lasting benefits for local communities across the region.
Prof Ting, who also serves as a Global Chair of the Responsible Tourism Awards alongside Professor Harold Goodwin, chaired ICRTH 2026, which brought delegates from across the region to Sarawak.
Tripseed’s entry focused on business conduct rather than product. The judges recognised the company for responsible business leadership demonstrated through tax transparency, reduced economic leakage, and maximised local economic benefit, and credited it with broadening the responsible business agenda.
Evidence cited in Tripseed’s presentation
Thailand’s first publicly available GRI 207-aligned tax disclosure by a destination management company, covering the 2024 financial year and showing corporate income tax of THB1,176,496.70, a tax-to-revenue ratio of 2.36%, 3.1 times the average of the 17-company peer sample benchmarked for that year; a second annual report covering 2025 was published in May 2026.
Tripseed’s Economic Distribution Disclosure Initiative (EDDI) identified the company’s economic leakage across its touring products, noting that vehicle transport was the main source of leakage for products originating in central Thailand. However, a switch to a locally based, women-led provider in 2025 lifted estimated provincial retention from approximately 64% to approximately 92%
234 multi-day bookings in 2025 generating 2,459 booked days in Thai communities, with multi-day itineraries consistently over 80% of annual guest volume
A shift in guest seasonality from 73% high season in 2024 to 59% high season and 41% low season in 2025, extending reliable income for guides, drivers, accommodation providers, and food vendors
A worker protection policy under which contracted guides receive their full fee if a booking is modified, postponed, or cancelled
Since judging concluded, Tripseed has also become the first business of its kind in the world to be accredited under the Fair Tax Foundation’s new National Business Standard for the Fair Tax Mark.
Tripseed Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer Ewan Cluckie said: “Local economic benefit is one of the most-claimed and least-evidenced ideas in travel. We built our entry on audited figures: what we pay in taxes, where our procurement funds go, and how much of a guest’s spend is genuinely retained locally. We are honoured that the judges recognised that approach, and we would be delighted if this award encourages other operators and the trade partners who contract them to ask for the same evidence.”
SINGAPORE, 14 July 2026: Hilton announced on Monday the opening of Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort, expanding its flagship brand’s presence in Malaysia.
“The opening of Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort reflects Hilton’s commitment to bringing its flagship brand’s experience to Malaysia’s most renowned leisure destinations,” said Hilton Area Vice President and head of Southeast Asia Alexandra Murray.
Photo credit: Hilton. Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort.
Spanning almost 22 acres, the resort features 251 rooms and suites across the Terrace, Deluxe Rooms, and Executive Suites categories, each offering a private terrace or balcony overlooking the rainforest, mountains, or sea.
The resort also features four restaurants and a wellness experience that extends across the resort’s three distinct swimming pools – a family-friendly hub, a dedicated kids’ pool and a secluded adults-only retreat.
The opening reinforces Hilton’s strategic momentum in Malaysia, joining a diverse portfolio that includes the recently opened Hilton Shah Alam Glenmarie and Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran. The resort’s debut sets the stage for a landmark year of growth, with Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur and Conrad Kuala Lumpur due to open later this year.
Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort is part of Hilton Honors, the guest loyalty programme for Hilton’s 27 brands. To celebrate the opening of Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort, Hilton Honors members can earn 5,000 points with a minimum three-night stay. This offer is valid from now to 31 October 2026.
Hilton Burau Bay Langkawi Resort is located at 103 Teluk Burau, Mukim Padang Matsirat, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR, 14 July 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents will host the second edition of MATTA Connect 2026, Malaysia’s premier Business-to-Business (B2B) travel marketplace, taking place from 29 to 30 July 2026 at the Ipoh Convention Centre (ICC) in Perak.
Adding further significance to the second edition, Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia (MOTAC), has confirmed his attendance as the guest of honour at the closing dinner on 30 July 2026, where he will also deliver the keynote address.
Photo credit: MATTA.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, MATTA Connect 2026 is set to bring together buyers, sellers and travel industry stakeholders from across Malaysia and the ASEAN region, creating an unrivalled platform for business networking, destination promotion and strategic partnerships.
The Minister’s participation reflects the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s tourism industry through close collaboration with the private sector. His presence at the Closing Dinner further reinforces the importance of MATTA Connect as a strategic platform for industry engagement, business growth and regional tourism cooperation.
“Following the success of our inaugural edition last year, MATTA Connect has established itself as an important platform for tourism businesses, buyers and destination partners to forge meaningful collaborations and unlock new business opportunities. We are honoured to welcome YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing to this year’s event, whose presence reflects the importance of strong industry-government collaboration in driving Malaysia’s tourism growth,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.
The two-day programme will feature structured B2B business-matching sessions, a Business Forum, destination presentations, and networking opportunities designed to facilitate high-quality business engagements among international buyers, tourism suppliers, destination management companies, airlines, hotels, attractions, and travel service providers.
Further strengthening the event’s regional significance, the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) will attend MATTA Connect 2026, bringing together tourism leaders from across Southeast Asia and creating additional opportunities for cross-border collaboration and business development.
Ahead of the main event, selected semi-hosted international buyers will participate in an exclusive five-day, four-night Pre-Tour Programme from 24 to 28 July 2026, experiencing some of Perak’s signature tourism attractions, including Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, the Lenggong Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Royal Belum Rainforest. The programme is designed to provide buyers with first-hand destination experiences before they participate in scheduled business meetings, enabling them better to promote Perak and Malaysia in their respective international markets.
Complementing the business matching sessions, the Business Forum will feature presentations by destination partners and industry experts, providing delegates with valuable insights into emerging tourism trends, digital transformation, innovation and market opportunities, further enhancing MATTA Connect’s value as a knowledge-sharing platform for the travel trade.
MATTA Connect 2026 is supported by Tourism Perak, alongside destination partners Penang Global Tourism and the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO). RHB Bank Berhad is the Official Bank Partner, while Spritzer EcoPark Sdn Bhd and Hup Seng Hoon Yong Brothers Sdn Bhd are supporting partners. MATTA is pleased to collaborate with hotels, including 1969 D’Kelly Hotel, MU Hotel, AC Hotel by Marriott, Hotel Excelsior, and Weil Hotel, playing an integral role in supporting the successful organisation of this year’s event.
“MATTA Connect is where partnerships are built, and business opportunities take shape. More than a business-matching event, it is a platform for the travel industry to connect, collaborate, and grow. We invite tourism businesses, buyers and industry professionals to join us in Ipoh and be part of Malaysia’s premier B2B travel marketplace,” said MATTA Connect 2026 Organising Chairman Ken Chong.
Registration ongoing
Registration for MATTA Connect 2026 is open until 18 July 2026. Travel trade professionals, tourism organisations, buyers and sellers are invited to join Malaysia’s premier B2B travel marketplace and connect with industry leaders, international buyers and key decision-makers from across the region.
For registration and further information, visit www.mattaconnect.com, or contact the MATTA Secretariat at +603-2774 1150, or email [email protected].
SINGAPORE, 14 July 2026: Vietjet has been named one of the best companies to work for in Asia 2026 at the HR Asia Awards 2026 for the sixth consecutive year.
The airline also brought home its first HR Asia Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Award, recognising its commitment to building an inclusive, people-centric workplace.
Photo credit: Vietjet.
The annual HR Asia Awards recognise organisations across the region for strong human resource practices, employee engagement and workplace culture. Vietjet was among the leading companies in Vietnam recognised at this year’s awards.
The DE&I Award category recognises organisations that foster diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces where employees from different backgrounds are respected, supported and given equal opportunities to grow.
The two awards reflect Vietjet’s continued focus on building an open, professional and globally connected workplace as it expands its operations across Asia and other global markets.
Vietjet currently employs nearly 10,000 employees from more than 68 countries and territories. Close to 30% of its workforce comes from across Asia, while almost 30% comprises young professionals aged between 20 and 30.
The recognition comes as Vietjet continues to expand its regional network, including its connectivity with Singapore. The airline currently operates direct services from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc, connecting travellers with Vietnam’s major business, cultural and leisure destinations. The airline will further expand its network with a new direct service between Singapore and Nha Trang, starting 11 December 2026.
BANGKOK, 14 July 2026: AirAsia rolls out a mega sale, offering up to 25% off on flights across Thailand, ASEAN, and beyond.
Guests can book from today until 19 July 2026 to lock in their travel dates from 27 July 2026 through 30 June 2027.
The promotion also includes a “One-Time Free Flight Change” with zero flight change fees exclusively on the AirAsia MOVE app.
Thai AirAsia Commercial Director Tansita Akrarittipirom noted that base fare discounts apply to flight codes FD (Thai AirAsia) and XJ (Thai AirAsia X) for domestic destinations, with direct service from Chiang Mai to Phuket, Hat Yai, Krabi, and Khon Kaen.
From the DMK hub, travellers can tap direct connections to Phuket, Chumphon, Hat Yai, Krabi, Trang, Lampang, Phitsanulok, Nan, Chiang Rai, Loei, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Roi Et, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Buriram, Narathiwat, and Ranong.
For international routes, guests can explore Asia with direct flights from Bangkok (DMK) to Colombo, Penang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Yangon, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Okinawa, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Macau, Shenzhen, Changsha, Kunming, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh.
For those looking to travel further, direct routes are available from Bangkok (DMK to Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Almaty, and Delhi. Other fantastic direct routes include Kaohsiung to Tokyo, Sapporo to Taipei, and Hat Yai to Kuala Lumpur.
KUCHING, 13 July 2026: The recently concluded Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2026 has long been recognised for bringing together world-class music, living cultural traditions and the natural beauty of Sarawak.
This year, the festival added another dimension to that experience by demonstrating how sustainability can be woven naturally into every stage of the visitor journey.
From responsible consumption and waste management to meaningful partnerships that supported festivalgoers throughout the three-day celebration, RWMF 2026 showed that sustainability is not simply a message to be communicated — it is something to be experienced.
Set against the backdrop of the iconic Sarawak Cultural Village and Mount Santubong, festivalgoers spent their days moving between cultural workshops, traditional craft demonstrations, indigenous music performances, food experiences, and evening concerts featuring artists from around the world. Throughout that journey, practical initiatives helped make the festival experience more enjoyable and encouraged visitors to play their part in caring for the environment.
Among the organisations supporting this shared vision was F&N Malaysia, whose contribution extended beyond providing refreshments to promoting responsible participation in simple, accessible ways.
This year’s partnership was especially meaningful as F&N celebrates 60 years in East Malaysia, marking six decades of growing alongside the communities of Sabah and Sarawak.
“East Malaysia has been an important part of F&N’s journey since 1966, so supporting this festival is a natural extension of our connection to the community. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the richness of tradition, foster cultural exchange, and continue supporting communities, in line with what we stand for — Pure Enjoyment, Pure Goodness,” said Leong Wai Yin, Director of Marketing and Modern Trade Sales, F&N.
For a festival that unfolds almost entirely outdoors beneath the rainforest canopy, keeping visitors refreshed is an important part of creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Through trusted brands including 100PLUS and Borneo Springs, F&N supported festivalgoers as they explored the extensive festival grounds, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the performances, workshops, and cultural activities that define RWMF.
The partnership also reflected the festival’s growing emphasis on sustainability through practical actions that encouraged participation rather than prescription.
Festivalgoers were invited to recycle used beverage cartons at the Borneo Springs booth in exchange for complimentary Borneo Springs drinking water, transforming responsible waste disposal into a simple yet meaningful festival experience. An interactive display also introduced visitors to F&N’s broader sustainability journey, helping to raise awareness of responsible consumption and environmental stewardship in an engaging and accessible way.
These initiatives complemented the festival’s broader sustainability aspirations by demonstrating how everyday choices—even something as simple as recycling a beverage carton—can collectively contribute to a cleaner and more responsible event environment.
The activation also reflected F&N’s broader sustainability efforts, including the use of 100% recycled PET (rPET) bottles for Borneo Springs drinking water, its commitment to zero waste to landfill across its beverage and dairy manufacturing operations, and community recycling initiatives that encourage greater environmental awareness beyond the festival grounds.
As large-scale cultural events continue to evolve, partnerships such as these demonstrate how organisations can contribute meaningfully without detracting from the festival experience itself. Rather than taking centre stage, initiatives that support visitor wellbeing, encourage responsible behaviour, and complement the festival’s sustainability goals become part of the experience, enriching the overall journey for festivalgoers.
This reflects the very spirit of RWMF, where music, culture and nature exist in harmony. Sustainability is not treated as a standalone initiative. Still, it is integrated into the way visitors experience the festival—from appreciating indigenous traditions and biodiversity to making conscious choices that help preserve the environment in which the festival takes place.
As the curtains closed on another successful edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival, visitors departed with memories of unforgettable performances, meaningful cultural exchanges, and the unique atmosphere that only Sarawak can offer.
Equally significant was the festival’s continued demonstration that world-class cultural events can inspire more responsible ways of gathering and celebrating. Through collaborations with like-minded partners such as F&N Malaysia, RWMF 2026 showed how sustainability, community and culture can come together to create an experience that resonates well beyond the final encore.
For more information on Sarawak’s tourist attractions, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board.
BANGKOK, 13 July 2026: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is expanding the domestic footprint of its distinctive lifestyle brand, ASAI Hotels, by signing hotel management agreements for two new properties in Southern Thailand: ASAI Hat Yai and ASAI Patong Phuket.
Scheduled to open in 2028 and 2029, respectively, the new-build properties reflect Dusit’s strategy to grow ASAI Hotels in destinations where culture, community, dining, and discovery come together to shape memorable stays.
Created for curious travellers seeking authentic local connections, thoughtful design, and quality experiences at accessible rates, ASAI Hotels combines compact, intelligently designed rooms with vibrant communal spaces that encourage guests to eat, work, play, and connect. Each hotel is designed to integrate with its surrounding neighbourhood, working with local businesses, creators, and communities to help guests experience each destination from a fresh perspective.
Since debuting in Thailand with ASAI Bangkok Chinatown in 2020, the brand has expanded to include ASAI Bangkok Sathorn and ASAI Kyoto Shijo in Japan. Its growing pipeline reflects increasing demand for lifestyle-led accommodation that combines convenience and comfort with authentic connections to the surrounding community.
“Today’s travellers are increasingly looking beyond traditional hotel stays. They want places that reflect the character of their destination, provide opportunities for connection, and deliver meaningful experiences without compromising on quality or value,” said Dusit International Group CEO Chanin Donavanik.
“ASAI Hotels was created with these evolving expectations in mind, and the signing of ASAI Hat Yai and ASAI Patong Phuket demonstrates our confidence in the long-term potential of Thailand’s lifestyle hospitality segment. Both destinations have their own unique energy and strong growth prospects, and we look forward to introducing hotels that connect guests with the communities, culture, and experiences that make each location special.”
Located on Samchai Road in the heart of Hat Yai’s city centre, ASAI Hat Yai will introduce the brand to one of Southern Thailand’s most important commercial and tourism hubs. A key gateway connecting Thailand with Malaysia and the wider region, Hat Yai continues to attract strong domestic and cross-border demand, supported by its transport links, thriving local businesses, popular street food scene, and distinctive Thai-Chinese heritage.
The hotel will comprise 116 thoughtfully designed guestrooms created for different styles of travel — from comfortable spaces for solo travellers and couples to larger rooms with bunk beds designed for families and groups of friends.
Facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, café and bar, flexible co-working spaces, meeting facilities, and a fitness centre, all designed to create a vibrant neighbourhood hub where guests and locals can connect.
ASAI Patong Phuket, meanwhile, will bring the brand’s locally inspired approach to Phuket, one of Asia’s most visited island destinations and a global tourism hub that continues to attract strong demand from international and domestic travellers.
Located in the heart of Patong, just five minutes from Patong Beach and around one hour by car from Phuket International Airport, the hotel will feature approximately 85 rooms alongside a lively ground-floor café and social space built around ASAI’s signature Eat/Work/Play concept, a rooftop swimming pool, and fitness facilities. Designed to reflect Patong’s dynamic blend of beach culture, local dining, entertainment, and creative energy, the hotel will provide a welcoming base for travellers looking to experience Phuket beyond the traditional resort stay.
The ASAI Hotels brand is set to continue its international expansion in Q3 2026 with the opening of ASAI Gamuda Cove in Malaysia. Located within the 1,530-acre Gamuda Cove township near Kuala Lumpur, the hotel will mark the brand’s debut in Malaysia and introduce ASAI’s locally inspired approach within a setting that combines nature, recreation, entertainment, and community experiences. ASAI is also set to expand into the Philippines with ASAI Oslob Cebu (late 2027) and ASAI Camaya Coast (late 2028).
ASAI Hotels is one of nine distinctive brands that make up Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit International’s global hospitality portfolio, encompassing luxury retreats, wellness resorts, lifestyle hotels, and contemporary city stays. The portfolio currently spans 19 countries and comprises 50 hotels and approximately 237 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia. More than 50 Dusit Hotels and Resorts properties are in the pipeline worldwide.*
*Portfolio and pipeline figures as of 1Q 2026.
About Dusit International Established in 1949, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Real Estate Development, and Hospitality-Related Services.
Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.
