PANAJI, Goa, India, 13 October 2025: As the festive season draws near, Goa is preparing to welcome visitors with its new year-end campaign, “Feels Like Goa”, a heartfelt celebration of the state’s timeless charm, cultural richness, spiritual soul, and vibrant festive spirit.
The campaign has been designed to evoke nostalgia and rekindle the emotional connection travellers share with the state. It seeks to showcase the Goa that people truly cherish, one defined not only by its beaches but by its soulful heritage, vibrant communities, spiritual roots, festivals, and local traditions that create a deep sense of belonging.
This initiative reflects Goa’s strategic shift towards a regenerative tourism model, one that places people, culture, and the environment at its core. The campaign focuses on positioning Goa as a feeling rather than merely a destination, reminding visitors of the timeless charm and warmth that have always made it special. It highlights the essence of the state through its authentic cultural fabric, spiritual heritage, culinary diversity, and festive spirit that peaks during the year-end season.
Speaking about the campaign, Goa’s Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A Khaunte, said: “Goa has always held a special place in the hearts of travellers across the world. With ‘Feels Like Goa’, we are bringing back the essence of what makes Goa truly unique: its people, culture, traditions, and soul. This campaign is a tribute to those timeless memories and a warm invitation to experience Goa with the same joy and emotion that travellers have always felt. As the year draws to a close, we want visitors to rediscover that feeling of homecoming that only Goa can offer.”
Commenting on the Department’s vision, the Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added: “We are committed to creating meaningful and regenerative tourism experiences that reflect Goa’s authentic identity. This year-end campaign represents a strategic step towards reviving travel sentiment while supporting local communities, traditions, and businesses. Through collaborations with airlines, hotels, and tour operators, we aim to attract both domestic and international visitors, reminding them that Goa is more than just a place – it’s a feeling. This approach ensures that tourism benefits everyone, from travellers to local stakeholders, while preserving the essence of Goa.”
Alongside the campaign, the Government of Goa has laid the foundation stone of several key tourism projects aimed at diversifying experiences for visitors. These include the Unity Mall, the Porvorim Town Square, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum. These new initiatives form part of the Department’s broader vision to strengthen Goa’s positioning as a multi-dimensional tourism destination, offering travellers enriching experiences that go far beyond its beaches. The state continues to build on its regenerative tourism model, which places communities, culture, and the environment at its core.
SINGAPORE, 13 October 2025: Global aviation advisory firm, Alton Aviation Consultancy, is expanding its international presence with the addition of London, UK, to support growing client demand in Europe.
As a global centre for finance and home to many of the world’s leading airports, airlines, aerospace companies, and investors in aviation, London provides a strategic base for Alton’s continued growth in the region.
Viansson Ponte
The London expansion will be led by Augusto Viansson Ponte, who joins Alton as Director. He brings more than 25 years of international aviation advisory experience to his role.
Alton Managing Director and co-founder, Adam Cowburn, says: “Expanding our presence to London gives Alton a stronger foothold in Europe, one of the most dynamic aviation markets worldwide. We are delighted to welcome Augusto as Director of our London base. His experience and insight will be instrumental as we deepen our relationships with clients across the UK and Europe.”
Throughout his career, Ponte has advised airlines, aerospace companies, and defence organisations on strategic and financial engagements, with expertise spanning performance improvement, operational transformation, corporate restructuring, and due diligence. Before Alton, he was Director of Strategy and Planning at Airline Management Group (AMG) and previously worked at major consultancies.
Viansson Ponte commented on his appointment: “I have long admired Alton’s impressive growth and the reputation it’s built as a trusted aviation advisor. The London presence further enhances the firm’s ability to offer on-the-ground support to clients across the aviation value chain, including airlines, lessors, MRO providers, investors, airports, and OEMs.”
About Alton Aviation Consultancy Alton Aviation Consultancy is a global advisory firm serving the aviation and aerospace industries with offices in New York, Dublin, Dubai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, and Singapore.
SINGAPORE, 13 October 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed strong growth in interest in travel between China and Vietnam, underlining deepening tourism ties between the two countries following the launch of new flight connections.
According to searches made on Agoda, Chinese travellers’ interest in Vietnam increased by 90% between July and August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
The rise in travel interest follows the launch of new direct flight connections between Hanoi and selected destinations in China, such as Ningbo, Chengdu, Shanghai and Xi’an, that have made travel more convenient.
With the increase in flight options, Hanoi is particularly poised to become a major draw for Chinese travellers, with Agoda data revealing that Chinese travel interest in the Vietnamese capital has grown 89% year on year.
Vietnam’s National Statistics Office also reported that China was the leading source market for international arrivals to Vietnam in August 2025, accounting for a quarter of all inbound visitors.
Vietnamese interest in travelling to China followed a similar pattern, with searches up 50% year-on-year for the July–August 2025 period.
Vietnamese are increasingly looking to take advantage of the new flight routes to explore their northern neighbour for their next getaway. Travel interest in Ningbo increased 77%, Chengdu 20%, Shanghai 68%, and Xi’an 130%, reflecting a growing curiosity for cultural exploration in both metropolitan hubs and lesser-known destinations.
Agoda Country Director, Vietnam, Vu Ngoc Lam, commented:
“Vietnam is attracting more Chinese visitors by unlocking opportunities through improved flight connectivity, paving the way for travellers from China to discover Vietnam’s rich culture and landscapes, and for Vietnamese to explore China in return. Agoda is excited to play a role in connecting the two countries, making it easier for travellers to plan, book, and enjoy seamless journeys across the border.”
KOTA KINABALU, 13 October 2025: Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, congratulates two of its colleagues who have been recognised at the recent Stelliers Asia 2025 Hoteliers Awards.
From left: Joyce Murang, Quality Improvement & ESG Manager at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, winner of CSR Hotelier of the Year, and Su Mon Fung, Landscaping Service Manager, Green Finalist at the Stelliers Asia 2025 Hoteliers Awards.
Joyce Murang, Quality Improvement & ESG Manager
Winner: CSR Hotelier of the Year 2025. Recognised for her outstanding leadership in corporate social responsibility and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives that have made a meaningful impact on both the resort and local communities.
Su Mon Fung, Landscaping Service Manager
Green Finalist. Honoured for her innovation and commitment to sustainable landscaping, fostering greener resort spaces that support biodiversity, environmental responsibility, and enhanced guest experiences.
“We are incredibly proud of Joyce and Su for achieving this recognition on such a prestigious platform,” said Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu GM Conor Hadlington. “Their dedication to sustainability, community, and quality improvement embodies the values we hold close as a resort. This honour is not only a celebration of their personal achievements, but also a testament to the spirit of our team and the positive impact we strive to create every day.”
The Stelliers Asia Awards shine a spotlight on the finest hoteliers across Asia, recognising exceptional individuals across leading international hotel brands.
Their success not only reinforces Shangri-La Tanjung Aru’s commitment to purpose-driven hospitality and ESG leadership but also highlights the calibre of talent within the resort. These accolades reflect the dedication and passion of the team, whose efforts continue to shape a thoughtful, responsible, and guest-focused resort experience in Sabah.
From left: Joyce Murang, Quality Improvement & ESG Manager at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, winner of CSR Hotelier of the Year, and Su Mon Fung, Landscaping Service Manager, Green Finalist at the Stelliers Asia 2025 Hoteliers Awards.
SINGAPORE, 13 October 2025: Custom Travel Solutions (CTS), a global leader in private-label travel subscription platforms, has announced the launch of its newest innovation: Ticketing & Events, which takes CTS beyond travel and into the world of live entertainment.
In partnership with Tickitto, a live event and ticketing platform, CTS clients and their members now have seamless access to concerts, sports, theatre, and cultural events — all integrated into the CTS ecosystem.
Custom Travel Solutions CEO Mike Putman
This collaboration ensures unmatched global inventory, real-time availability, and instant confirmation, making CTS the go-to solution for brands and communities that want to deliver both travel and lifestyle experiences within one membership.
From travel to tickets
The Ticketing & Events module connects members to:
Sold-out concerts from icons like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Bruce Springsteen
Broadway blockbusters, including Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King
Courtside NBA action and front-row NFL rivalries
Bucket-list baseball moments at iconic stadiums
Comedy shows, family favourites, and cultural gems across the country
With verified secure tickets, member pricing, and instant confirmation, members can avoid unreliable resellers and never miss out on a must-see event. By combining travel and experiences, CTS delivers tangible, everyday value while deepening emotional engagement between brands and their members.
“At CTS, our mission is to make loyalty come alive for our partners and their members,” said Custom Travel Solutions CEO Mike Putman. “Travel is powerful, but experiences create lifelong memories. By adding Ticketing and Events to our platform, we’re giving clients a way to keep members engaged not just during a trip, but every weekend, every season, every big cultural moment.”
This expansion reflects CTS’s “one-stop-shop” philosophy for private-label travel platforms. With Ticketing & Events, clients can now offer a truly comprehensive membership experience—seamlessly blending travel, lifestyle, and entertainment into one unified solution.
About Custom Travel Solutions Custom Travel Solutions is a provider of private-label travel subscription and loyalty platforms. Based in Greenville, South Carolina, CTS powers global brands with customizable, white-label solutions that deliver exclusive travel, lifestyle, and loyalty benefits. With innovative modules like Ticketing & Events, CTS continues to redefine how companies engage, reward, and retain their customers.
BANGKOK, 10 October 2025: Koh Samui is entering a new era as one of Asia’s most dynamic integrated wellness and sports tourism destinations.
Moving beyond its identity as a luxury island escape, Samui is embracing global trends that merge wellbeing, active living, and performance — redefining how travellers experience health and connection.
(Left to Right) Taya Rogers (Thai actress), Phimlanya Chuenpanichayakul (Account Director of Delivering Asia), Marcelo Fonseca (Director of Marketing and Business Development at Maraleina Group), Mika Chunuonsee (Former Thai national footballer and Business Development Manager at Maraleina Group).
Thailand continues to lead Asia’s wellness economy, with tourism as its driving force. From yoga retreats and spa resorts to medical clinics and longevity centres, the country’s wellness offerings are expanding rapidly.
At the centre of this growth, Koh Samui is emerging as a destination where tropical serenity meets transformative wellness and sports innovation.
These opportunities were at the forefront of the recent C9 Sessions – Koh Samui Wellness Tourism “Beyond the Spa”, which brought together global experts and investors to explore how the island can evolve into Asia’s new model for holistic wellbeing and active lifestyle travel.
Horwath HTL Health & Wellness, Founder and CEO of GOCO Hospitality and Managing Director Ingo Schweder.
“In the global wellness economy, we’re now larger than fashion or pharmaceuticals,” said Schweder. “But real success depends on integrity — not wellness washing. Guests today expect authenticity and results. Koh Samui has the opportunity to set new benchmarks by developing properties that deliver measurable outcomes, whether in wellness, longevity, or performance.”
Schweder identified longevity medicine, precision health, and spiritual wellbeing as key growth areas, supported by a rising demand for meaningful, results-oriented experiences that integrate health across all aspects of hospitality.
Maraleina Sports Resort – FIFA standard-sized pitches.
A driving force behind this evolution is the Maraleina Sports Resort, one of the island’s most ambitious projects. Spanning more than 140 rai, the development combines five pillars — football, swimming, fitness, racquet sports, and family — with world-class facilities including FIFA-standard pitches, high-performance gyms, and recovery zones designed for athletes and wellness travellers alike.
“Our vision started with a passion for sport and a belief in Samui’s potential,” said Maraleina Group Director of Marketing and Business Development Marcelo Fonseca. “What began as a dream to create opportunity for local youth through Samui United has grown into a full ecosystem connecting wellness, community, and family. Millennials and Gen Z travellers aren’t just seeking relaxation — they want to move, connect, and take charge of their own wellbeing. Sport is becoming the gateway to their wellness journey.”
Fonseca’s partnership with the Paris Saint-Germain Academy positions Koh Samui within an elite international sports network, offering young Thai athletes the chance to train at global standards while elevating the island’s profile as a destination for health-minded visitors.
Former Thai national footballer and Business Development Manager at Maraleina, Mika Chunuonsee, believes the impact sports have on the community is central to Samui’s story.
“Sports tourism is about people and purpose,” said Chunuonsee. “Through Samui United, we’re building opportunities for local players and inspiring youth across the island. But it’s also about engaging visitors who want more than sightseeing — they want to train, play, and recover in a place that shares their lifestyle values. Samui offers that perfect blend of authenticity and ambition.”
As global travel continues to evolve, the convergence of wellness and sport is reshaping how destinations compete. Hybrid concepts — where recovery meets performance, and mindfulness meets movement — are becoming powerful differentiators.
Thailand’s wellness market is valued at THB1.4 trillion in 2023, driven by strong growth in wellness tourism.
“The convergence of wellness and sport gives Samui year-round vitality,” said C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett.
“These segments aren’t seasonal. They bring resilience, attract international travellers, and move Samui beyond traditional leisure. With its natural assets and innovative projects, the island is well-positioned to become Asia’s next wellness and active lifestyle capital.”
From luxury longevity resorts to grassroots football academies, Koh Samui’s transformation reflects a global shift in travel — one driven by wellness, community, and the pursuit of better living.
KUCHING, 10 October 2025: Amelia Roziman, CEO of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), has been honoured with The Iceberg Excellence Award, becoming the first Asian and only the fifth recipient in the award’s 10-year history.
This recognition was presented during the inaugural LEGACY360 Education in Kuching, where Amelia’s bold vision, leadership in legacy-driven event strategies, and pioneering contributions to sustainable business events were celebrated.
Amelia Roziman (centre) with Gary Grimmer (far left), Jane Vong-Holmes (The Iceberg Ambassador), and James Latham, Founder and Producer of The Iceberg (far right).
The Iceberg Excellence Award is exclusively reserved for trailblazers whose work goes beyond conventional event planning and elevates the industry’s capacity to deliver long-term, meaningful impact. By awarding Amelia, The Iceberg recognises her outstanding role in championing legacy, sustainability, and purpose in the business events sector.
“As the first person from Asia to receive this honour, Amelia is not only a source of pride for Malaysia and Borneo, but she sets a powerful benchmark for the industry globally,” stated James Latham, Founder and Producer of The Iceberg. “She is a deserving recipient, and we hope that the strength of her advocacy inspires more.”
BESarawak CEO Amelia Rosiman shows her award at the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards 2025.
Under Amelia’s leadership, Sarawak has undergone a paradigm shift, transitioning from events as transactional gatherings to legacy-driven platforms that yield lasting social, environmental, and economic benefits.
Her advocacy plan, titled Sarawak 2030, transformed business events into a priority economic sector in the Sarawak government’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030. The plan also won the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) Best Marketing Award.
Throughout her career, Amelia has guided Sarawak to win 29 destination marketing awards and earned 10 professional honours, including the induction of the Events Industry Council (EIC) Hall of Leaders in 2023. She is the first woman in Asia to receive the EIC honour for her contributions to the global business events sector.
A proud Bidayuh, one of the indigenous tribes of Borneo, Amelia is a pioneer in Malaysia’s business events industry, having played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s business events landscape since 2006 and inspiring a new generation of leaders in the field.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive The Iceberg Excellence Award. This recognition also goes to the BESarawak team, reflecting the collective passion and conviction of everyone who believes that events should contribute to positive change,” said Roziman. “This award also stands as a testament to Sarawak’s ambition to lead in the future of sustainable, legacy-centric business events by 2030.”
“I hope to inspire destinations, organisations, and event leaders to commit seriously to legacy thinking, to embed sustainability practices into every event, and to genuinely measure success not only by attendance and revenue, but also by its long-term impact.”
The Iceberg is a platform, presented by the Joint Meetings Industry Council, focused on exploring, documenting, and promoting the legacies of business events. The Iceberg promotes a global movement that amplifies voices and ideas toward more purposeful and sustainable events, whereby Amelia is listed among its distinguished ambassadors.
Dubai, UAE, 10 October 2025: Empowering customers to fly with confidence, Emirates has unveiled a suite of new services and products for people with disabilities at the 7th edition of AccessAbilities Expo in Dubai World Trade Centre.
Emirates’ latest services and enhanced offerings include a new Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub available on emirates.com for global customers – providing a wealth of information for travellers with varying accessibility requirements and enabling them to plan their journey by specific need. Emirates also revealed new onboard sensory products and fidget toys for children and adults, and an array of process enhancements across the in-flight experience, as well as improved on-ground features in its hub of Dubai, and several innovative and future-focused ideas that are currently in development.
Emirates’ latest services and enhancements for customers with accessibility requirements
New ‘Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub’ on Emirates.com
Emirates’ new Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub on the flagship Emirates.com is designed to contain all the information needed for accessible and inclusive travel, featuring accessibility-friendly navigation that allows customers to find information easily and explore the many ways that Emirates can provide travel assistance and support. Emirates’ Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub will continue to evolve and grow to meet customer needs.
Aiming to reduce anxiety before travelling, the Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub spent a year in development, resulting in a design that features a seamless visual style and thoughtful and user-friendly navigation options. To provide consistent, inclusive experiences, the website is built on a token-based architecture to enable seamless updates and simplified customisation. Even the colour palette is rigorously tested for contrast compliance to support clarity and readability, and designs are tested with assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice control, and keyboard navigation.
Customers can choose to view and explore sections by disability, including Mobility Assistance, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment and Hidden Disabilities. If preferred, customers can search by looking at specific parts of the journey, which have been clearly arranged – Before your flight, Departure from Dubai, Onboard your flight, Connecting in Dubai and Arriving in Dubai. A third option allows customers to browse by specific needs, including Book Special Assistance, Prepare for travel with the autism-friendly guide, Explore Dubai Airport (DXB) Map and Sensory guides, Find Emirates Support on Be My Eyes support app for people who are visually impaired, Apply for a Sanad tourist card to access helpful services in Dubai, and more.
There are also dedicated sections on Travelling with a Wheelchair and Mobility Aids, as well as detailed information on Medical Travel, including how to apply for a Frequent Traveller Medical Card (FREMEC) for customers with medical conditions or those travelling with medications and medical devices. The new Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub also features a section on Family Travel, providing clear information on Travelling with Children, Travelling during pregnancy, and travelling with unaccompanied minors.
The Emirates Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub has been carefully designed to allow for seamless and swift updates with new information and improvements as accessible travel requirements continue to evolve. In the design and build of the hub, Emirates utilised inclusive research methods, including engaging a diverse range of users, including those with disabilities, in the usability studies.
New Sensory Products & Fidget Toys available onboard
Emirates has designed a range of sensory products and fidget toys for customers of all ages that will be available onboard in all cabin classes, from 1 November 2025. Sensory products and fidget toys are widely recognised for their ability to offer controlled stimulation for neurodivergent minds, allowing an overstimulated system to calm and rebalance. To support customers in this situation, Emirates has designed a tactile stress reliever in the style of an aircraft, two types of fidget cubes and a branded aircraft rubber popper. The items will be given to passengers who are neurodiverse, anyone who is struggling onboard, and even to nervous flyers if appropriate.
New Mattress in Business Class to enhance comfort and minimise disruption
In Business Class, Emirates has introduced a new product and process improvement which will positively impact customers with accessibility requirements – a new ‘mattress hood.’ This is an enhancement to Emirates’ existing mattress for customers who wish to relax or sleep in Business Class, where the new mattress now has a built-in ‘hood’ which attaches the mattress to the seat more firmly – similar to a fitted sheet. As the mattress is now more secure on the seat, it no longer needs to be collected by cabin crew before landing. For customers with severe mobility disabilities who prefer not to be moved mid-flight, this will be a significant improvement to comfort onboard. Emirates’ new mattress hood is approved as an exception from a safety perspective for take-off and landing.
New Accessibility Features on In-Flight Entertainment – ice
Emirates is committed to setting industry standards and promoting accessibility for people with disabilities. The airline now offers over 600 movies with ‘Closed Captions’ and 200 movies with ‘Audio Description’, providing accessibility to customers with visual impairments. Emirates headphones are also compatible with hearing aids when set to the ‘T’ position. To alleviate anxiety or enhance relaxation, Wellbeing TV offers 12 channels, along with 31 channels of Happiness and Wellbeing podcasts and playlists, including meditations and soothing sounds.
Onboard Emirates’ latest aircraft, the Airbus A350-900, a new user interface on ice has been designed in partnership with Thales and advocacy groups for customers with visual impairment, to ensure all customers have an intuitive, high-quality in-flight entertainment experience. This imparts best practice experiences for customers who are blind or have low vision, including audio-cue navigation assistance, voice metadata feedback, touch and swipe gesturing support, and presents a large selection of audio-descriptive (AD) content available on ice.
Improved Barrier-Free Access and Biometrics in Dubai
At Emirates’ hub in Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB), a smart corridor has been equipped with a barrier-free design and biometric technology, allowing passengers with disabilities to move smoothly and independently. The area now features flexible camera coverage, allowing cameras to self-adjust to heights and angles without restricting or dictating a person’s movement, whether they are in a wheelchair or have mobility issues.
The Emirates self-service check-in kiosks have also been improved, with text-to-speech functionality, improved touchscreen usability, braille and tactile features, a headphone jack for mobility and sight challenges, and the ability to self-adjust to accommodate the customers’ height.
Emirates Accessible Chauffeur Drive Service
Emirates also has a newly improved Emirates-branded wheelchair accessible vehicle, which is now the prototype for a planned fleet of 10 vehicles, to be introduced by early 2026. The Chauffeur Drive vehicle is a Mercedes V250 Van featuring an electric wheelchair lift and ramp. The lift is a powered device designed to extend and lower to ground level, safely raising the customer with their wheelchair into the vehicle in a seamless manner. Once inside, the additional safety restraints secure the customer who may have severe mobility disabilities. Emirates’ chauffeur drivers are currently being trained in mobility assistance and to support customers with disabilities. Currently, wheelchair-accessible vehicles are used for First and Business Class customers availing of chauffeur-driven services based in Dubai, with plans to extend their availability in the future.
Research & Innovation – Initiatives for Accessible Travel
At Emirates, teams of innovation experts are dedicated to developing solutions for issues including Accessibility. The team has already produced several prototypes designed to benefit Emirates’ customers with accessibility requirements. One of the innovations that Emirates is exploring is a collaboration with Airbus to enhance cabin accessibility. Through the usage of a unique technology provider, the concept will facilitate independent travel for passengers who are blind or have low vision, using discreetly placed QR codes that can link to the customers’ phones and provide an audio description of the cabin and haptics to locate essential functions like seat rows, lavatories, emergency exits and even digital menus.
Emirates’ focus on Accessible Travel
Championing Change
Emirates is championing change in the aviation industry, with the goal of making travel more accessible and inclusive for everyone. As part of its efforts to champion change, Emirates established a dedicated Office of Accessibility and Inclusion and became the world’s first autism-certified airline in March 2025. Emirates has trained over 35,000 staff to support customers with autism and has introduced the ‘Travel Rehearsal’ initiative across 17 countries so far, enabling customers to practice the nuances of the airport experience before travelling.
Designing for Dignity
Emirates is engaged in designing new policies, processes and products with a focus on the dignity of customers with accessibility requirements. Empowering all customers to fly with confidence, Emirates introduced a new Accessibility policy and commitment in recent years and implemented new processes in Call Centres to support customer requirements, launched the Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub on Emirates.com to support the customer experience, and introduced many new products to support Accessible Travel in collaboration with direct feedback from communities and groups with accessible travel needs.
Advancing Accessibility
Emirates continues to drive the accessible travel agenda forward in an evolving space, doing what is right and responsible, step by step and prioritising innovation. Emirates also collaborates with a diverse array of international partners to advance the accessible travel agenda – from legislators and operators to specific groups and communities, as well as global customers. Emirates also aims to advance accessibility by standardising global processes and creating consistency – online, in call centres, in airports and in-flight.
BANGKOK, 10 October 2025: Anantara Hua Hin Resort has unveiled its extensive renovations ahead of its 25th anniversary.
Designed in the style of a traditional Thai village, which has inspired many other Anantara properties worldwide, the resort retains its signature elegance while updating its facilities to reflect contemporary tastes and the brand’s global standing as a flag bearer of Thai hospitality.
Two Bedroom Family Pool Suite at Anantara Hua Hin Resort
Leisure, wellness and recreation
The resort has unveiled a refreshed main pool with updated lounging areas and modern landscaping, enhancing the profusion of mature trees that make the resort a veritable green oasis.
The existing Active Zone has been upgraded and extended outdoors with the addition of recreational and CrossFit equipment. Holidaymakers can look forward to an expanded range of activities, including pickleball, paddleball, tennis, rock climbing, cycling and Muay Thai boxing lessons in a dedicated ring.
The original sea frontage has been extended to ensure guests continue to enjoy seamless access to the resort’s beachfront.
The most significant changes are the resort’s 171 newly renovated rooms and suites, including several new categories that promote indoor-outdoor living and maximise the views.
The Garden View Rooms, the resort’s largest category, features 45 units, offering 32-sqm space with ground-floor terraces and upper-level rooms having balconies.
The resort’s beachside restaurant has undergone a complete renovation and reopened as Sea. Fire. Salt. – the new signature lunch and dinner venue.
“As Anantara’s first resort, Hua Hin holds a special place in our brand’s story,” explains Anantara Hua Hin Resort general manager James Sutcliffe. “This transformation reaffirms our commitment to evolving with today’s travellers while staying true to the authentic Thai charm and gracious service that have long defined the Anantara experience.”
SINGAPORE, 10 October 2025: Dida, a global AI-first travel technology group, has launched its ‘Future of Travel’ Innovation Challenge in partnership with Headstart Global, empowering UK university students to reimagine the future of travel through technology, creativity, and sustainability.
Students will form teams to develop breakthrough ideas across three innovation streams, AI-powered travel, sustainable tourism and future accommodation design.
Photo credit: Dida.
Finalists will pitch to Dida’s executive leadership at the grand final on 1 November at the Shangri-La Hotel, London, with winners receiving cash prizes and an all-expenses-paid week at Dida’s Shenzhen headquarters.
Hosted by Dida, the challenge brings together elite teams from leading universities across the UK — including the London School of Economics, University College London, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Warwick, and the University of Manchester — to develop solutions that address some of the most exciting frontiers in travel technology.
Winners will receive cash prizes and an exclusive, all-expenses-paid Insight Week at Dida’s global headquarters in Shenzhen, China’s renowned “Silicon Valley.”
The experience will immerse students in Dida’s innovation ecosystem, providing hands-on exposure to cutting-edge AI applications and product development that shapes the future of travel.
Dida Holdings Group CEO, Daryl Lee, commented: “The future of travel belongs to those who can combine technology, creativity, and human insight. Through this challenge, we’re allowing students to experience how global travel is being transformed from the inside out – not just through AI, but through the ideas and imagination of the next generation.”
The competition represents Dida’s latest step in strengthening its global innovation agenda and fostering deeper collaboration between academia and the travel technology industry.
About Dida Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Dida is a global AI-first travel technology group that combines the scale and innovation of China with the diverse needs of international travel partners.
