TMX 2027 4th edition sets dates

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September 2, 2026

BANGKOK, 2 September 2026: Following the successful conclusion of its third annual edition, Thailand MICE X-Change 2027 (TMX 2027) is set to return for its fourth edition from 29 to 30 April 2027 at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Bangkok.

Organised by the Thai Exhibition Association (TEA), TMX has established itself as one of Thailand’s leading MICE exhibitions and conferences and an increasingly influential platform for the ASEAN business events industry.

Created by the “industry, for the industry”, TMX is dedicated to promoting the strategic value of MICE among corporate organisations while positioning business events as a powerful platform for face-to-face engagement, brand building, business networking and commercial growth.

The theme for TMX 2027, “From Innovation to IMPACT: Shaping the Future of MICE,” reflects the industry’s continued transformation through digital innovation, sustainability and collaborative partnerships. The event will showcase new ideas, emerging technologies, and best practices to help shape the next generation of business events.

Beyond the exhibition, TMX serves as an important annual meeting point for industry professionals from Thailand and across the Asia-Pacific region to connect, forge strategic partnerships and exchange knowledge. Through its trade exhibition, curated business matching programme and high-level conference, TMX provides valuable insights into emerging trends, market opportunities and the future direction of the MICE industry.

Covering more than 5,000 sqm of exhibition space, TMX 2027 will welcome over 100 local and international exhibitors and more than 4,000 trade visitors and conference delegates representing the MICE, business events and travel sectors from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Building on the success of the previous edition, the event should facilitate more than 400 pre-arranged one-to-one business matching meetings, surpassing the achievements recorded in 2026.

A major highlight of the event will be the TMX X-Change Square Conference, featuring more than 20 conference sessions over two days, delivered by more than 30 industry experts and thought leaders. The conference programme will offer practical, hands-on insights covering a broad range of topics, including the evolving role of venues, sales and marketing strategies, event project management, artificial intelligence, business matching, consumer exhibition trends, venue operations, logistics, booth construction and design, sustainability, and other key developments shaping the future of the industry.

Thai Exhibition Association (TEA) President Loy Joon How said: “Thailand’s exhibition industry continues to evolve into a dynamic business ecosystem where industries come together to connect, innovate, trade and grow. Through TMX, we are committed to accelerating digital transformation, advancing sustainability and strengthening international partnerships to reinforce Thailand’s position as one of Asia’s most dynamic, competitive and resilient MICE destinations.”

TMX 2027 will once again be co-located with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) ’s MICE Day, demonstrating the strength of public-private collaboration in advancing Thailand’s business events industry.

This partnership is particularly significant as the global MICE sector navigates an increasingly complex landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, economic pressures and rising operating costs. Against this backdrop, TMX 2027 aims to strengthen industry capabilities and equip businesses to adapt to global trends, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainability and rapidly evolving customer expectations.

Loy added: “While technology continues to transform how we do business, face-to-face engagement remains irreplaceable in building trust, creating meaningful connections and generating long-term business opportunities. TMX provides the platform where these connections translate into lasting partnerships and sustainable growth.”

For more information, visit www.tmxexpo.com.

The event is managed by

Impact Exhibition Management Co Ltd
10th Fl, Bangkok Land Building
47/569-576 Popular 3 Road, Banmai Sub-district,
Pakkred District, Nonthaburi 11120
Greater Bangkok, Thailand.

About the organiser
The Thailand Exhibition Association (TEA) was established in 1997 by a group of pioneers in Thailand’s exhibition industry who shared a strong commitment to advancing and sustaining the country’s exhibition sector. Today, TEA’s membership — primarily based in Bangkok and key MICE cities across Thailand — comprises four main categories: Organisers, Venues, Service Providers, and Freight Forwarders.

(Source: TMX Expo 2027)

Experience Chinatown Singapore

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Newsdesk

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September 2, 2026

SINGAPORE, 2 September 2026: The Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown Singapore comes alive with the warmth of tradition, community, and celebration as the Chinatown Business Association (CBA), together with the Singapore Poon Yue Association and Kong Chow Wui Koon, jointly presents cultural experiences and heritage performances on 19 September 2026.

Held at Smith Street, Chinatown, Singapore, the celebration invites international visitors and Singaporeans to discover the rich traditions behind one of the most cherished Chinese festivals, while enjoying an afternoon of music, performances, traditional crafts, and interactive activities.

A celebration of traditional arts and performances

The festivities at the main stage on Smith Street, Chinatown, Singapore will begin at 1400 on 19 September 2026, with the official opening featuring an energetic lion dance and a Wushu performance by Kong Chow Wui Koon. The dynamic showcase will highlight the strength, discipline and artistry of traditional Chinese martial arts.

Visitors can also discover the stories and traditions behind the Mid-Autumn Festival through a traditional lantern-making talk, offering fascinating insights into the craftsmanship, symbolism and cultural significance of lanterns.

As the afternoon unfolds, music and community spirit will take centre stage, with lively ukulele performances and community singing at 1500 and 1645. Audiences are invited to join in, sing along and celebrate the spirit of togetherness that lies at the heart of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Games and prizes for the community

The festivities will also feature interactive games designed to bring local visitors and international visitors together. At 3.30pm, put your knowledge to the test with “Make a Guess”, where participants can take part in a fun guessing game with 30 F&B vouchers up for grabs.

Heritage enthusiasts can then challenge themselves with the “Where Am I?” Heritage Game at 1600 and 1700. Participants will be invited to identify heritage locations and clues around Chinatown Singapore, with 30 F&B vouchers to be won by participants who successfully answer the challenge.

Creative with traditional crafts

Children and families can immerse themselves in hands-on cultural activities throughout the day. The “Lantern Painting Competition” invites young international visitors and Singaporeans (aged 7 to 12 years) to let their creativity shine by decorating the provided lanterns. Participants need to register online at www.chinatown.sg before 9 September 2026. The competition begins at 0930, with participants taking part according to their assigned time slots. “Lantern Painting Competition” participants will receive a complimentary F&B voucher worth SGD10 each.

Visitors can also experience a range of traditional arts and crafts presented by the Singapore Poon Yue Association, including paper cutting, handmade crafts, calligraphy, and fan dyeing. These activities offer younger generations the chance to experience traditional Chinese arts first-hand, while encouraging families to learn, create, and celebrate together.

Keeping culture and heritage alive

More than a festive gathering, the Mid-Autumn Festival at Smith Street, Chinatown Singapore is an opportunity to keep traditional culture alive by bringing meaningful heritage experiences into the heart of the community.

Through traditional performances, crafts, music, storytelling, and games, visitors of all ages can discover the customs, stories, and traditions passed down through generations. The festivities bring international tourists and local visitors together in the shared spirit of reunion, harmony and togetherness — values that remain at the heart of the Mid-Autumn Festival today.

More information is available at Chinatown.sg.

About Chinatown Business Association
Chinatown Business Association (CBA) was set up by a group of passionate Chinatown stakeholders drawn from a cross-section of business leaders, grassroots leaders, Chinese clan associations, hoteliers, hawkers, retailers, and more. CBA is a non-profit organisation serving the business and community interests of stakeholders in Chinatown.

(Source: CBA)

Cathay celebrates 80 years

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Newsdesk

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September 2, 2026

SINGAPORE, 2 September 2026: Established in 1946, Cathay Pacific celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, with exclusive offers through its Cathay AnniFAREsary promotion, featuring flight offers, bonus Asia Miles and lifestyle rewards.

Throughout September 2026, Cathay Pacific is offering special fares across all cabin classes to nearly 40 destinations in the airline’s network. The offer is valid for travel through August 2027.

In addition, from 1 to 15 September 2026, Cathay members can enjoy additional savings on flights and repeat bookings when they book on the airline’s website or app.

SGD 80 off

• Hong Kong, selected destinations in Northeast Asia and the Chinese Mainland.

• Valid for travel from 15 September to 10 December 2026.

• Limited to the first 500 transactions.

SGD 138 off

• Selected destinations in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

• Valid for travel from 15 September to 10 December 2026.

• Limited to the first 50 transactions.

28% off

• Next Economy class ticket.

• Valid for travel from 8 January to 23 May 2027.

Extra lifestyle and travel rewards

Beyond airfare savings, Cathay AnniFAREsary extends the celebrations across the Cathay experience, offering members more ways to enjoy extra savings and rewards:

Offer details

Up to 1,946 bonus Asia Miles

* Members who purchase a ticket and have 8 or 0 in their membership number can receive 866 Asia Miles.

* 20% off selected lifestyle rewards until 30 September 2026 when redeemed with Asia Miles.

Flight + Hotel packages

* SGD 130 off Flight + Hotel packages to Hong Kong.

* Minimum of two travellers.

Hong Kong retailer discounts

* Up to 40% off at 80 participating retailers in Hong Kong with a valid boarding pass.

For full details on Cathay’s AnniFAREsary offers, visit: www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_SG/offers/80yearstogether/flight.html

(Source: Cathay Pacific)

Etihad campaign: Beyond Borders

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Newsdesk

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September 2, 2026

ABU DHABI, UAE, 2 September 2026: Etihad Airways launches a new brand campaign headlined “Beyond Borders’ which illustrates there is no limit to where that journey can take us next.

Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves explains: “Beyond Borders is a new chapter for Etihad. Every route we fly, every guest we carry and every partnership we build reflects the same ambition that Abu Dhabi was built from.

*Photo credit: Etihad. New brand campaign — Beyond Borders.*

This city gave us an identity, a purpose, and a reason to reach further, and everything we’ve built as an airline over the past 23 years reflects that.

“Beyond Borders is a mindset that guides how Etihad flies, serves and grows, carrying the same restless ambition the airline has grown from into the decades ahead.”

This approach translates into clear, tangible ambitions for Etihad: investing USD20 billion over the next 10 years in new aircraft, enhanced products and an elevated guest experience; growing its global network with purpose to reach more than 150 destinations; deepening partnerships that connect the world to Abu Dhabi and bring value to guests; and building an airline that reflects the identity of its home.

(Source: Etihad)

SalamAir flies to Sylhet, Bangladesh

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Newsdesk

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September 2, 2026

MUSCAT, Oman, 2 September 2026: SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, has launched its first direct flight between Muscat and Sylhet, Bangladesh, becoming the first foreign airline to operate scheduled services to the city.

Sylhet becomes SalamAir’s third destination in Bangladesh, further strengthening international connectivity and expanding the airline’s presence across the Indian Subcontinent. The other two destinations in Bangladesh are Dhaka and Chittagong.

The inaugural flight departed Muscat International Airport on 1 September with a load factor of approximately 70%, reflecting encouraging demand for the new route.

To commemorate the occasion, SalamAir CEO Adrian Hamilton-Manns and representatives met with Mahmudur Rahman, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Oman, before the flight’s departure.

Upon arrival at Osmani International Airport, the flight was welcomed with an official ceremony attended by senior representatives from SalamAir, airport authorities, government officials, aviation partners, and the media.

The new service provides passengers with a convenient, affordable direct connection between Oman and Bangladesh, meeting the travel needs of one of the Sultanate’s largest expatriate communities. It will also reduce the need for connecting journeys through other airports, offering passengers shorter travel times and greater convenience.

Commenting on the launch of SalamAir, Chief Commercial Officer Steven Allen said: “The launch of our service to Sylhet, SalamAir’s third destination in Bangladesh, marks an important milestone in our continued expansion across the Indian Subcontinent. As the first foreign airline to operate scheduled services to Sylhet, we are opening a new international gateway and providing the Bangladeshi community in Oman with a more convenient and affordable travel option.”

The launch of Sylhet reflects SalamAir’s broader network strategy to expand into markets with strong direct travel demand and connect underserved communities. It also supports the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by strengthening the Sultanate’s international connectivity and contributing to the growth of the aviation and tourism sectors.

Flights are available for booking through SalamAir’s website, mobile application, call centre and authorised travel agencies.

Flight schedule

OV421 departs Muscat (MCT) at 0045 and arrives in Sylhet (ZYL) at 0735. Three flights weekly — Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
OV422 departs Sylhet (ZYL) at 0820 and arrives in Muscat (MCT) at 1120. (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).

The airline deploys an A321neo with 217 seats on the route with a flight time of four hours and 50 minutes.

About SalamAir
SalamAir is Oman’s low-cost airline, commencing operations in 2017 with a mission to make air travel more affordable and accessible while strengthening connectivity to high-potential and underserved markets. Today, the airline operates a modern fleet of 18 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, serving more than 40 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe, with over 90 daily flights. In February 2026, SalamAir announced the completion of the Government of Oman’s majority ownership in the airline, supporting the Sultanate’s tourism ambitions, economic diversification and Oman Vision 2040.

(Source: SalamAir)

Thailand can share success with Vietnam

By

Andrew Wood

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September 2, 2026

BANGKOK, 2 September 2026: As Vietnam surges ahead, Thailand has an opportunity to turn competition into collaboration and take the lead in creating a new generation of multi-country ASEAN holidays

For decades, Thailand has been one of Southeast Asia’s great tourism success stories. Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and our wonderful islands are recognised around the world.

But Vietnam is gaining ground fast, and Thailand would be wise to pay close attention.

In 2025, Vietnam welcomed a record 21.2 million international visitors, more than 20 per cent above the previous year. Thailand received approximately 33 million, down 7.2%.

It is tempting to portray this simply as Vietnam rising while Thailand declines.

I think that misses a much bigger opportunity.

Vietnam isn’t replacing Thailand. Increasingly, it is learning how to share Thailand’s tourists.

Russia provides a fascinating example. Russian travellers have enjoyed a long love affair with Thailand, particularly Phuket and Pattaya. Thailand welcomed almost 1.9 million Russians in 2025.

But Russians are now also falling in love with Vietnam.

Vietnam received almost 690,000 Russian visitors in 2025, nearly three times the previous year’s total. Nha Trang and Phu Quoc are increasingly competing for travellers who might once have automatically chosen Phuket, Pattaya or Samui.

Should Thailand see this simply as a threat?

In my view, no.

Perhaps it is time to revisit one of ASEAN tourism’s oldest ambitions: getting its member countries to work together more effectively as one great regional destination.

Historically, that has often been easier to discuss than to deliver, but today’s traveller is changing. Better air connectivity, competitive fares and easier entry arrangements make two- and three-country holidays increasingly practical.

Thailand, with its extraordinary tourism infrastructure and Bangkok’s position as one of Asia’s great aviation gateways, is ideally placed to take the lead.

Imagine selling not simply Thailand, but Thailand plus Vietnam. Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Hanoi. Bangkok, Phuket and Phu Quoc. Or Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia combined into one memorable Asian journey.

Instead of worrying about losing four nights of a 14-night holiday to Vietnam, we should ask whether working together could persuade that visitor to spend 18 or 21 nights in Southeast Asia.

This is not an entirely new idea. Specialist travel agents and DMCs have been offering multi-country ASEAN itineraries for as long as I can remember, certainly since I arrived in Thailand in 1991, and they have regularly featured around major regional gatherings such as the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF).

What feels different today is the scale of the opportunity. Perhaps now is the time to supercharge the concept, with stronger regional leadership and a clearer framework for cooperation. Thailand, with its tourism experience, connectivity and established position as a regional gateway, is ideally placed to take the lead.

The goal should be simple: make it easier and more attractive for visitors to combine two or three ASEAN countries in one holiday, while ensuring Thailand remains at the heart of that journey.

That, to me, is where the real opportunity lies.

Experience has taught me that destinations can never afford to take their visitors for granted. Vietnam is improving quickly, with excellent food, culture, beaches, resorts and tremendous value.

Under ASEAN, connected through food, people and culture.

Thailand still possesses formidable advantages: mature infrastructure, superb hotels, outstanding hospitality, food, wellness, shopping and an enviable position at the heart of the region.

So why not use them?

Thailand should take the initiative and help turn ASEAN’s long-standing ambition of greater tourism cooperation into something travellers can actually buy.

The question need not be: Thailand or Vietnam?

Increasingly, it could be: Thailand and Vietnam. Perhaps Laos too.

That is not surrendering tourists to our neighbours. It is giving them another reason to come to Southeast Asia, stay longer and, importantly, keep Thailand at the centre of their journey.

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand since 1991. A graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, he has spent more than four decades in international hospitality and tourism.
A long-standing member of Skål International, Andrew is a former Director of Skål International and Past President of Skål International Asia, Thailand and Bangkok. He currently serves as Vice President of Skål International Bangkok. He writes extensively about travel, tourism, hospitality and developments shaping the industry across Thailand, ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region.

TG opens recruitment for new CEO

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Newsdesk

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September 2, 2026

BANGKOK, 2 September 2026: Thai Airways Public Company Limited announced on 1 September that it is recruiting for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with applications open from 7 to 27 September.

Interested candidates can find qualifications, details, required documents, and the application process at https://career.thaiairways.com/dd-recruitment-2026/.

*Photo credit: THAI. Chai Eamsiri, airline CEO.*

Primary reasons for the executive search

Completion of tenure: The current CEO, Chai Eamsiri, is nearing the end of his term, which officially concludes in January 2027. The recruitment process (scheduled for September 7–27, 2026) is designed to ensure a smooth leadership transition well ahead of his departure.

Post-restructuring leadership: Having successfully steered the airline through its court-supervised corporate rehabilitation programme and financial restructuring following the pandemic, the board is seeking executive leadership to drive Thai Airways’ next growth phase, long-term fleet expansion, and market repositioning.

The incumbent CEO, Chai Eamsiri, is also the airline’s secretary to the board of directors, according to the airline’s website. He took office on 1 February 2023, under a fixed term aligned with Thai Airways’ court-monitored restructuring plan. His current contract ends in January 2027.

Under THAI’s Business Rehabilitation Plan, the airline is completing its capital restructuring and preparing to exit court supervision. Initiating an executive search several months in advance is standard practice to ensure leadership continuity as the company transitions back to full operational normalisation and SET re-listing routines.

Opening applications four to five months ahead of the January 2027 transition gives the nomination committee and creditors’ committee sufficient time to vet candidates without creating an operational vacuum.

Industry sentiment generally views the announcement as a routine, scheduled governance action following the successful turnaround phase under Chai’s tenure.

THAI’s executive nomination committee is handling qualifications and candidate selection as part of the airline’s planned leadership transition.

Wanted: Director of Sales

In addition, the airline is recruiting a Director of Sales, according to a Facebook post from the airline’s communications department.

“THAI Airways is looking for an experienced and visionary leader to join us as Director of Sales to lead THAI Airways’ global sales organisation to drive sustainable and profitable revenue growth, strengthen market position and maximise the commercial value of THAI’s network through effective sales execution, revenue quality and channel/customer mix.”

Apply for Director of Sales at THAI⁠ click https://thaiairways-career.myworkplaze.com/…/RCR2026060…

(Source: THAI)

Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park sold

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Newsdesk

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September 1, 2026

SYDNEY, 1 September 2026: Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park has been sold to Singapore-based Hoi Hup Realty Pte Ltd (“Hoi Hup”) for USD201.8 million, marking the first time the group has entered the Australian property market.

The transaction underscores continued investor appetite for quality hotel assets in Sydney’s central business district.

*Photo credit: Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park.*

Gus Moors and Andrew Langsford from JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group completed the transaction with Michael Simpson from CBRE Hotels.

“This transaction highlights the ongoing strength of the Sydney hotel investment market,” said JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group Managing Director Gus Moors. “Investment-grade hotel assets in Sydney remain tightly held, and opportunities to acquire properties of this calibre are rare. The competitive sale process reflected strong interest from both domestic and international investors.”

Andrew Langsford added: “Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park offered investors the opportunity to acquire a modern, well-located asset in the heart of Tech Central. The hotel’s strategic position within this rapidly developing precinct, combined with recent capital improvements, positioned it as an attractive investment proposition.”

The hotel, which opened in late 2018, has recently undergone extensive capital expenditure works, including converting an under-utilised conference floor into 12 new guest rooms, as well as renovating and repositioning the ground-floor food and beverage offering to capitalise on the area’s residential density and vibrant student population.

Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park features 309 guest rooms including 45 suites, together with a recently renovated bar and restaurant (“Dizzy Bird”), fitness centre, 44 dedicated car parking spaces, and 270 sqm of conference and meeting space.

The property is located at 88 Broadway, Chippendale, forming part of Tech Central, a major technology and innovation district in Sydney. The precinct comprises several multi-billion-dollar office projects, including Dexus and Frasers Property’s USD2.5 billion Central Place Sydney, which encompasses over 140,000 sqm of office space. A major redevelopment adjacent to Central Railway Station will see Atlassian accommodate 4,000 employees as the anchor tenant of a USD1 billion, 39-storey timber tower.

The property benefits from excellent connectivity via Central Station, Sydney’s busiest transport hub, which services trains, buses, light rail, and the recently opened Metro line.

The hotel is located near major demand drivers, including Chinatown, Surry Hills, the University of Sydney, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Technology Sydney, and the Darling Harbour convention and entertainment precinct.

Marriott International manages the hotel under the Four Points by Sheraton flag.

(Source: JLL)

Qatar Airways and Uber begin partnership

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Newsdesk

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September 1, 2026

DOHA, Qatar, 1 September 2026: Qatar Airways has launched its latest partnership with Uber for Business to enhance the corporate travel experience by delivering greater flexibility and convenience for businesses and corporate travellers worldwide.

Through this partnership, members of Qatar Airways’ corporate travel programme, Beyond Business, can redeem Qrewards for Uber ride vouchers, credited directly to the user’s Uber wallet and used for global business travel.

By transforming corporate ground transportation and employee mobility, Uber for Business delivers the seamless, premium travel experiences that modern workforces expect. At the same time, its intuitive central dashboard gives travel managers the precise oversight and automated expensing needed to enforce policy compliance and maximise savings.

This integration extends Qatar Airways’ premium corporate offering beyond air travel, offering businesses of all sizes greater flexibility in managing end-to-end journeys and providing corporate travellers with priority services and seamless access to ground transportation.

The collaboration creates additional opportunities for corporate travellers to save and earn rewards while travelling for business. It also allows businesses to track and control travel spending more effectively.

Beyond Business members can enjoy free-of-charge high-speed Wi-Fi on up to 323 Starlink-enabled daily flights, earn and redeem Qrewards, access Privilege Club tier offers, and receive priority baggage benefits.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

Sportcations: The next big travel trend

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Newsdesk

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September 1, 2026

SINGAPORE, 1 September 2026: Active travel or ‘sportcations’ are becoming the next big travel trend, with Trip.com Group seeing a strong double-digit increase in booking Gross Merchandise Value (GMV).

From cycling through mountain passes to joining diving camps and wellness retreats, active travel is becoming a defining part of how people experience the world.

A growing passion for active travel

This shift is gathering pace across the full travel journey, with searches for active sports experiences growing by over 30% year on year, with markets witnessing substantial increases: 80% in Singapore, 65% in Malaysia, and 50% in the UK, while France, Italy, Germany, and Spain all recorded triple-digit growth.

Total travel booking GMV has increased by almost 40%, with markets such as South Korea (+150%), Singapore (+104%), and Thailand (+200%) seeing bookings more than double over the past year. The same is seen for European travellers. The UK saw bookings grow by over 100%, and Germany by over 600%, highlighting that travellers are increasingly planning holidays around experiences that get them moving.

Travellers are following their passions

Active travel is taking many forms, reflecting the wide range of interests shaping today’s holidays. Globally, diving ranks as the most-booked sporting experience, followed by activities such as ziplining, paragliding, skydiving and cycling.

Across individual markets, preferences vary, giving destinations their own unique sporting identities. Adventure activities prove especially popular across Asia. Diving leads bookings in South Korea, Malaysia, Germany, Spain, Italy and France. At the same time, skydiving ranks first in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand, while Japanese travellers show the strongest preference for cycling.

Destinations drive signature experiences

As travellers increasingly build holidays around the activities they love, certain places are emerging as go-to destinations for particular passions. The data shows that five destinations stand out across multiple types of active travel, with Thailand, China, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia appearing among the leading destinations for cycling, climbing, swimming, water sports and adventure experiences.

Thailand leads the way, appearing across all five categories and ranking as the leading destination for diving, while also featuring among the top destinations for cycling, water sports and adventure activities. This breadth of experiences makes it a particularly strong destination for travellers looking to combine different activities within one trip.

Australia stands out as another versatile destination, attracting travellers for cycling, rock climbing, surfing and kayaking, as well as adventure activities such as paragliding and skydiving. Its presence across multiple categories reflects the growing appeal of destinations where travellers can combine diverse active experiences within the same holiday.

From travelling together to inspiring others

While the passion for active experiences is shared globally, travel patterns differ across regions. In Europe, the average travel party is one to two people, suggesting many travellers are embarking on solo adventures or trips with a partner. Across the Asia-Pacific region, the average group size increases to two to three, highlighting the popularity of travelling with friends and family to share new experiences.

These experiences are also shaping how travellers engage online. Active travel-related posts on ‘Trip.Moments’ have nearly doubled globally, growing by 99% year on year as more travellers document their adventures and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Several markets have seen particularly strong growth in community sharing, including Spain (224.9%), the UK (122.2%), Italy (118.9%), China (96.2%) and France (86.9%), reflecting the growing popularity of active travel across both Asia and Europe.

The conversations are becoming more engaging, too. While the number of posts has nearly doubled, comments have grown twelvefold compared with the previous year, demonstrating that active travel is encouraging richer conversations rather than simply more content. From destination tips to training advice and first-hand recommendations, travellers are helping one another discover their next active escape, creating a cycle where inspiration leads to bookings and every journey inspires the next.

As travellers continue looking for more meaningful ways to explore the world, active travel is evolving from a niche interest into a mainstream travel trend. Whether it is mastering a new skill, training for a personal goal or simply enjoying the outdoors, active experiences are helping people build stronger connections with destinations and with each other.

(Source: Trip.com)

TMX 2027 4th edition sets dates

Experience Chinatown Singapore

Cathay celebrates 80 years

Etihad campaign: Beyond Borders

SalamAir flies to Sylhet, Bangladesh

Thailand can share success with Vietnam

TG opens recruitment for new CEO

Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park sold

Qatar Airways and Uber begin partnership

Sportcations: The next big travel trend

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