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Papua New Guinea returns to Singapore’s NATAS Fair

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SINGAPORE, 26 August 2026: Air Niugini, in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, showcased Papua New Guinea’s travel scene at the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) Travel Fair over the weekend.

The NATAS Travel Fair marked the second year Air Niugini and PNGTPA participated in the popular travel consumer fair, which convened from Friday, 21 August to Sunday, 24 August at the Singapore EXPO.

Photo credit: Air Niugini.

The official opening of the Papua New Guinea pavilion was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by His Excellency Kapi Tau Maro, High Commissioner of Papua New Guinea. 

In his remarks, His Excellency Kapi Tau Maro thanked NATAS for providing a vital platform for the travel industry and showcasing Papua New Guinea’s tourism potential.

“The NATAS Travel Fair offers an excellent platform for our national airline, Air Niugini, in partnership with PNGTPA and tour operators, rs to actively promote PNG as a destination. PNG’s rich cultural heritage and pristine environment are treasures we aim to share. 

“These initiatives, rooted in 50 years of strong bilateral relations, position PNG as a must-visit destination for travellers,” said His Excellency Kapi Tau Maro.

Joining Air Niugini and PNGTPA, three performance groups — Paluai Sooksook Performers from Manus, the Kokopo Beach Bungalow String Band and the Kairuku Dance Troupe — performed at the fair’s centre stage over the three days.

Air Niugini’s Chief Commercial Officer, David Glover, commented: “The event provides an invaluable platform to engage directly with the lucrative Southeast Asian travel market, build crucial relationships with international travel trade partners, and highlight direct flight connectivity between Singapore and Port Moresby.”

He added: Participating in travel fairs boosts PNG’s visibility in Asia, helping to form partnerships, increase bookings, and position Air Niugini as the preferred carrier between Singapore, Asia, and the Pacific.”

Working with leading PNG hoteliers and tour operators such as Kokopo Beach Bungalow and Karanas Comfort Tours, the airline introduced holiday packages tailored to showcase Papua New Guinea’s adventure, culture, and hospitality.

The airline’s Regional Manager Asia, Joshua Koh, said the limited-time packages, created in collaboration with several local land operators, hoteliers, and corporate entities, bundle special Air Niugini airfares with tailored itineraries. 

“Travellers will have the opportunity to easily book adventures that highlight PNG’s world-class scuba diving, birdwatching, cultural festivals, and pristine island escapes.” 

The fair featured close to 100 exhibitors, including travel agencies, national tourism organisations, airlines, cruise operators, hotels and resorts, banks, insurers, and other travel-related businesses.

(Source: Air Niugini Corporate Communications Department)

BA flies London-Melbourne in January 2027

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LONDON, 26 August 2026: British Airways confirms a significant expansion to its network for the winter timetable, adding two new destinations: Melbourne in Australia (9 January 2027) and Colombo in Sri Lanka (23 October 2026).  

The airline will also add more flights to Cape Town (South Africa), Haneda, Tokyo (Japan), Bridgetown (Barbados), Kingston (Jamaica) and San José (Costa Rica) for the winter timetable starting this October. 

Photo credit: British Airways. Melbourne park landscape.

The new schedule reflects a 9% growth in British Airways’ long-haul route network, as the airline continues to invest in providing more choice for customers.  

These planned new routes and frequency growth for winter 2026 are in addition to short-term capacity increases to destinations to meet customer demand, driven by the situation in the Middle East. British Airways has already added seven extra return services to Bangkok and Singapore and will continue to review its schedule and add additional flights to destinations as needed. 

WINTER 2026  

Melbourne, Australia 

British Airways will commence flights to Melbourne, Australia, from 9 January 2027, launching in time for the Australian Open and the Melbourne Grand Prix. Flights will operate daily year-round from London Heathrow, via Kuala Lumpur, using a 214-seat 787-9. 

Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria, known as the country’s cultural hub and world-renowned for its coffee scene. It’s also the gateway to southern Australia and its array of attractions, including Grampians National Park, the Great Ocean Road, and the High Country, with its breathtaking landscapes and famed vineyards. 

Customers have a choice of four cabins — World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), Club World (business class) and First. Return fares start from UKP1,130 (including taxes and carrier fees). 

Colombo, Sri Lanka 

Launching on 23 October 2026, British Airways will fly three times per week from London Gatwick to Colombo, the gateway to Sri Lanka.  

The route will operate for the winter season only, taking customers directly to the Indian Ocean island and home to picturesque beaches, scenic wildlife, vibrant culture and rich cuisine.   

Customers have a choice of three cabins – World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class). Return fares start from UKP620 (including taxes and carrier fees). 

(Source: British Airways)

Newcomer CIMX recruits PCMA input

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SINGAPORE, 26 August 2026: The brand new China International MICE Exchange (CIMX), due to take place 3 to 5 November 2026 in Beijing, announces a strategic partnership with PCMA, the world’s largest community of business events strategists, to strengthen corporate buyer engagement at the show.

The partnership will connect PCMA’s global community of more than 9,000 active members and 55,000 engaged event professionals and student members in 72 countries with CIMX’s international business events platform, creating new opportunities for knowledge exchange, business connections and professional engagement.

Photo credit: CIMX. Logos of CIMX (China International Mice Exchange) and PCMA.

A key highlight of the partnership will be the exclusive two-hour closed-door Corporate Intelligence Exchange, a workshop designed specifically for corporate MICE planners, buyers and decision-makers. Based on insights from the PCMA Outlook Report 2026 – Global Corporate Sector, the session will make intelligence available in Mandarin and combine global benchmarks with local insights from China’s corporate events community.

The exchange will incorporate findings from a pre-session survey, live audience polling and structured peer-to-peer discussion, enabling participants to explore both global business events trends and the real-time perspectives of their industry peers. CIMX will be the first MICE event in China to host localised PCMA Outlook intelligence, underlining CIMX’s distinct positioning in connecting global resources with the Chinese market.

CIMX will also feature key findings of the PCMA Outlook Report 2026 – Global Corporate Sector on the CIMX Conference stage, making the research available to a broader audience of business events professionals. The closed-door intelligence exchange and keynote together offer event professionals practical insights into emerging trends, evolving market dynamics, and the future of business events.

Connecting CIMX with PCMA’s corporate community

The partnership will also extend CIMX’s reach to PCMA’s community of corporate event leaders, association executives and agency decision-makers who plan and purchase meetings, incentives and conferences. Through its channels, PCMA will promote the opportunity to join the CIMX Hosted Buyer Program to its APAC community, helping qualified buyers from China and abroad to connect with CIMX exhibitors and destinations.

Turning industry intelligence into long-term value

The collaboration will be supported by a dedicated pre-, during- and post-event communications campaign, including research-driven content, bilingual marketing collateral, and co-branded assets distributed to CIMX attendees.

PCMA  Managing Director, APAC, Florence Chua will lead the closed-door Corporate Intelligence Exchange and present key findings from the PCMA Outlook Report 2026 – Global Corporate Sector in Beijing. She has more than 25 years of experience across Asia Pacific, including 11 years in China.

“Industry intelligence creates the greatest value when it is placed in the right market context and translated into practical action”, says Florence Chua. “At CIMX, we will bring PCMA’s global corporate-sector insights into direct dialogue with the experiences and priorities of China’s corporate events community. This exchange will help participants benchmark their strategies, examine emerging challenges and identify opportunities to strengthen the strategic value of their business events,” she adds.

“CIMX is designed to connect China’s MICE and business events markets with international expertise, buyers, and suppliers. Our partnership with PCMA adds a strong intelligence and corporate dimension to that connection. By combining research, peer exchange and continued communication, we are encouraging an ongoing dialogue between China’s corporate events community and global industry leaders — one that supports international exchange and stronger professional practices”, says CIMX Director, Nikolaos Swoch.

About CIMX
The China International MICE Exchange (CIMX) is a new premier trade show under Messe Berlin, strategically focused on China’s business events, meetings, and incentives market. As part of the Messe Berlin portfolio, CIMX complements Messe Berlin’s footprint in the broader travel sector, offering MICE and business travel professionals a single gateway to learn, connect, and do business across China and the world.

(Source: CIMX)

Marriott to fly Ritz-Carlton flag in Cambodia

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SINGAPORE, 26 August 2026: Marriott International Inc and The Royal Group have announced plans to debut The Ritz-Carlton in Cambodia in 2032 with The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penh.

The landmark project in the heart of the capital city should comprise a new 152-key Ritz-Carlton Hotel alongside 119 branded residences.

Seated (L-R): Neak Oknha Kith Meng – Chairman & CEO of The Royal Group and Brad Edman – Market VP of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar, Marriott International.

“The Ritz-Carlton is defined by its presence in destinations of cultural significance and enduring appeal, and Phnom Penh embodies the promise and vitality we seek in the world’s great cities,” said Marriott International Vice President for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar Brad Edman. “The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penh are set to establish new benchmarks for luxury living and hospitality in the Cambodian capital.”

Commanding a prime location on Norodom Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in the Daun Penh district of the city, The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penh will form part of a new mixed-use development which also features a Grade A office tower. Upon opening, guests and residents will be on the doorstep of the city’s main cultural and commercial attractions, including the Central Market, Royal Palace, and National Museum of Cambodia. At the same time, Phnom Penh’s new Techo International Airport is only 20km away.

The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh will comprise 152 rooms and suites with views across the city and Mekong River. Spanning levels 30-60 of the tower, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penh is slated to become Cambodia’s first ultra-luxury branded residences featuring a collection of residences that will be available for private ownership, including two-, three-, and four-bedroom layouts. The plans also feature four duplex residences and nine penthouses commanding panoramic vistas of the iconic Four Faces River (Chaktomuk) confluence. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Phnom Penh and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Phnom Penh are being developed by The Royal Group International, a member of The Royal Group, Cambodia’s leading strategic investment company. 

“We are delighted to work with Marriott International to introduce The Ritz-Carlton to Cambodia for the first time,” commented The Royal Group International Chief Operating Officer and Group Vice President of Royal Group Companies, Oknha Kith Sula. “Cambodia continues to prioritise urban transformation, infrastructure connectivity, and economic diversification, providing a strong foundation for premium real estate, hospitality and mixed-use developments.”

(Source: Marriott International)

Qatar ‘Starlinks’ entire B787-9 fleet

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DOHA, Qatar, 26 August 2026: Qatar Airways has become the first airline to operate Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9 aircraft globally. 

The carrier has also completed Starlink rollout across its Boeing 787-8 sub-fleet in seven months, bringing the total number of its Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft to 150.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways remains on track to complete the Starlink rollout across its Boeing 787 fleet by the end of 2026.

The latest achievement builds on Qatar Airways’ record-breaking completion of the Boeing 777 programme in nine months and the Airbus A350 programme in eight months. 

The airline now operates the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped Boeing 777, Airbus A350, and Boeing 787 fleets.

By building a Starlink-connected journey at scale, Qatar Airways is bringing passengers closer to a future where travelling no longer means stepping away from the digital world. 

Every new Starlink-equipped aircraft extends that experience to more passengers, offering them greater freedom over how they spend their time onboard. Whether they want to work, stay connected with loved ones or simply relax, Starlink Wi-Fi speeds of up to 500 Mbps allow the cabin to become whatever passengers need it to be at 35,000 feet.

Since launching Starlink connectivity onboard in October 2024, more than 23 million passengers have connected to the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky across over 86,000 Qatar Airways flights.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

IndiGo to link Gaya and Bangkok

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DELHI, 26 August 2026: IndiGo has announced the launch of direct twice-weekly flights between Gaya and Bangkok, effective 26 October 2026. 

The new route will further strengthen IndiGo’s growing India-Thailand network and create a direct air bridge between two destinations deeply connected through centuries of shared Buddhist heritage. 

Photo credit: IndiGo.

The service will also bolster international connectivity from Bihar, supporting tourism, cultural exchange, and economic development across the region. 

Customers can plan and book their travel through IndiGo’s official website, mobile app, or authorised travel partners.

The launch of the Gaya-Bangkok route further expands travel options between the two countries. The service will directly connect Gaya, home to Bodh Gaya, one of Buddhism’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, with Bangkok, Thailand’s capital and a country with deep Buddhist traditions. 

Bodh Gaya, home to the revered Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from Thailand and around the world each year.

This new direct service will offer a convenient and efficient travel option for pilgrims, leisure travellers, and tourists from both destinations seeking to explore the other’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. It will also support the broader development of Bihar’s tourism ecosystem, benefiting local hospitality, transport, and ancillary sectors.

Thailand remains one of the most popular international destinations for Indian travellers. With over 140 weekly flights between India and Thailand, IndiGo continues to strengthen connectivity across this important corridor. IndiGo connects Bangkok from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bhubaneswar; offers direct services to Phuket from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata; and flies to Krabi from Delhi. 

The addition of Gaya further strengthens IndiGo’s presence in Thailand while expanding access to one of India’s most significant cultural and spiritual destinations.

Flight schedule Gaya-Bangkok, effective 26 October 2026

(Source: IndiGo).

Centara appoints Andrew Shaw as CDO

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Your Stories
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BANGKOK, 25 August 2026: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has appointed Andrew Shaw as Chief Development Officer (CDO), strengthening its executive leadership team as the company enters its next phase of global growth and portfolio expansion.

The appointment reflects Centara’s commitment to building a stronger, more diversified international portfolio through disciplined development, strategic partnerships and long-term value creation. In his new role, Shaw will lead the company’s global development agenda, identifying high-potential opportunities across established and emerging markets while expanding Centara’s relationships with hotel owners, investors and development partners worldwide.

Working across Centara’s six distinct brands, he will play a central role in shaping a balanced pipeline of properties that responds to evolving traveller demand, strengthens the company’s presence across key hospitality segments and supports its long-term growth ambitions.

A hospitality and real estate veteran with more than 30 years of international experience, Shaw brings extensive expertise spanning hotel development, investment analysis, capital structuring, commercial negotiation, asset management and value enhancement.

He joins Centara from Hospitality Asset Solutions 360, where he served as Founding Partner, advising hotel owners and investors on hospitality asset development and management across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. He previously served as Vice President – Development at Dusit International, where he led expansion strategies across EMEA, overseeing project development, commercial negotiations and investment analysis.

Shaw holds a degree in Hotel Management from Lancaster University and has completed studies in Hotel Asset Management at Cornell University.

Reporting directly to Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Operating Officer Michael Henssler, Shaw will work closely with Centara’s executive leadership and regional teams to translate the company’s brand and growth ambitions into a high-quality development pipeline. His remit will include evaluating strategic markets, securing new management and investment opportunities, strengthening development partnerships and ensuring that future projects deliver compelling value for owners, guests and the Centara brand.

“Centara has a powerful foundation for future growth: a distinctive portfolio of brands, deep hospitality expertise and an authentic Thai identity that resonates strongly with guests and partners,” said  Shaw. “My focus will be on turning these strengths into high-quality development opportunities, building enduring relationships with owners and investors, entering markets where our brands can create meaningful value, and developing a portfolio that supports Centara’s long-term global ambition. I am excited to join the team at such an important point in the company’s journey.”

“Andrew’s appointment represents a significant step in strengthening Centara’s ability to deliver its long-term growth strategy,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Operating Officer Michael Henssler. “His experience across development, investment and asset management gives him a comprehensive understanding of what successful hotel growth requires, from identifying the right opportunity and structuring the right partnership to creating sustainable value throughout the lifecycle of an asset.”

“As we expand, our priority is not simply to grow in scale, but to build a high-quality, strategically balanced portfolio with the right brands in the right markets. Andrew’s commercial discipline, international perspective and strong understanding of owner priorities will be instrumental in advancing that ambition and helping shape Centara’s next chapter of global growth.”

To learn more about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Archipelago Hotels opens five more hotels

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JAKARTA, 25 August 2026: Archipelago Hotels continues to expand its presence in Indonesia in line with the country’s tourism growth. From January to June 2026, foreign tourist arrivals reached 7.45 million, a 5.71% increase from the same period the previous year. 

Meanwhile, the Accommodation and Food & Beverage Service sector recorded a 13.14% growth in the first quarter of 2026.

In response, Archipelago Hotels introduces five properties across Java and Sumatra, comprising two new openings and three rebrandings. The five properties are Aston Cimone Hotel & Convention Centre, Aston Malang Hotel & Conference Centre, Nawana by Alana, fave+ hotel Lampung, and fave+ hotel Pamanukan. This portfolio will cater to various travel needs, including business trips, MICE, family vacations and leisure stays. 

“The growth of tourism and the accommodation sector is creating greater demand for hotels that offer quality while remaining relevant to the character of each destination. Importantly, the Indonesian traveller is no longer choosing a hotel on price alone. Low price may attract attention, but genuine value comes from the combination of quality, comfort and an experience that feels interesting and distinctive. For Archipelago Hotels, this shift represents both an opportunity and a responsibility: to develop hotels that meet the market’s practical needs while giving guests something memorable enough to choose, enjoy and recommend,” said Archipelago Hotels Chief Executive Officer John Flood.

Archipelago Hotels is the largest privately owned hotel management group in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, operating more than 45,000 rooms across 350 hotels in more than 200 destinations in Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Oceania. 

Headquartered in Jakarta, the group has a portfolio of 13 brands, including Aston, Alana, Huxley, Park Lane, Kamuela, Avanika, Harper, Quest, Four Corners, Neo, fave, Nordic, and Aston Collection. 

(Source: Archipelago Hotels)

IHG elevates hotel portfolio in Japan

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TOKYO, Japan, 25 August 2026: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has announced a portfolio deal with long-term partner GCP Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Gaw Capital Group.

The milestone portfolio deal, totalling 1,063 rooms, includes 14 hotels in Kyoto: 12 Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express, and one unbranded hotel. All these hotels will be converted, with phased openings after renovations and rebranding to embed the Garner and Holiday Inn Express hallmarks, over the next 12 months.

Photo credit: IHG.

This signing represents one of the largest conversion portfolio deals in Japan in recent years and highlights Garner’s strong growth momentum in Japan as a midscale conversion brand within IHG’s portfolio. 

Garner is IHG’s fastest-ever brand to scale globally and recently celebrated reaching 100 open hotels since its August 2023 launch. It also marks the signing of IHG’s third Holiday Inn Express in Japan, following Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre – Midosuji and Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino.

The expansion of IHG’s portfolio in Kyoto further strengthens its presence in the city, complementing its existing portfolio that spans Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium and Essentials brands, including Six Senses Kyoto, ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo and Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma – and positions IHG as one of the largest international hotel companies in Kyoto.

Following the successful Garner brand launch in Japan around 18 months ago in Osaka, this deal demonstrates owners’ growing interest in rebranding hotels and gaining quick access to IHG’s leading enterprise resources, including our marketing, technology, and distribution platforms, as well as the scale of IHG One Rewards globally.

Kyoto remains one of Japan’s most sought-after destinations, attracting strong international and domestic demand year-round. All hotels in the portfolio are located across key districts in Kyoto, including areas around Kyoto Station, Shijo and Gojo, ensuring guests are close to major transport hubs and some of the city’s most popular cultural and tourism attractions.

IHG debuted Garner in Japan in 2025 with the opening of three Garner hotels in Osaka. The brand plays a distinctive role in the country’s hotel landscape, offering an affordable, high-quality option for both business and leisure travellers. Japan’s well-established business hotel segment is known for efficient, functional properties that maintain consistently high standards and has traditionally been dominated by domestic operators – making IHG’s growing portfolio in this space distinctive for an international hospitality company.

 (Source: IHG)

Saudia offers 50% off fares

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JEDDAH, 25 August 2026: Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has launched a promotional offer providing discounts of up to 50% on Guest and Business Class fares.

Available for international travel from the Kingdom and transit flights through Saudi Arabia to onward destinations across Saudia’s network spanning four continents, the offer supports Saudia’s efforts to provide competitive travel options, grow transit traffic, and contribute to tourism and Umrah travel.

Photo credit: Saudia.

Bookings can be made until 3 September 2026, across all Saudia sales channels, for travel from 1 September to 10 December 2026. It applies to one-way and round-trip tickets in Guest and Business Class.

Guests travelling under the offer will have access to Saudia’s digital, airport and onboard services, including high-speed inflight connectivity, which is now available on a growing number of aircraft across the fleet.

The offer also delivers added value for AlFursan members, who will earn 100% Bonus Tier Credits on their flights booked during the offer period, accelerating their journey to a higher membership tier or helping them retain their current status and continue enjoying the benefits that come with their membership.

Saudia continues to advance its Jeddah hub strategy by aligning flight schedules into coordinated arrival and departure waves, enabling more efficient connections for guests travelling between Asia, Europe, Africa and other markets across its network. The strategy aims to increase transit traffic through Jeddah, with the number of transit guests expected to grow from more than 2 million in 2026 to more than 5.5 million by 2030.

Saudia’s Stopover Visa offers eligible travellers the opportunity to explore the Kingdom during their transit. Issued electronically as part of the booking process, the visa allows guests to stay for up to 96 hours, during which they can perform Umrah, visit destinations across Saudi Arabia, and enjoy a range of tourism experiences before continuing to their final destination.

The offer builds on Saudia’s wider initiatives to grow transit traffic and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a key connecting point for international travel. Through its extensive network, enhanced connectivity and growing operational capabilities, Saudia is expanding its ability to serve international travellers while contributing to the objectives of the Saudi Aviation Strategy.                                                

(Source: Saudia).

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