MANILA, 17 March 2026: IHG Hotels & Resorts is bringing back one of its iconic luxury brands to the Philippines with the signing of the InterContinental Manila.
Scheduled to open in 2032, the 212-key hotel will mark InterContinental’s return to the Philippines capital after more than 15 years.
Photo credit: IHG. Exterior rendering of InterContinental Manila.
InterContinental Manila will be located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) – also known as Global City or The Fort – a 240-hectare master-planned district that has transformed from a former military base into Metro Manila’s most modern business hub. BGC is home to the Philippine Stock Exchange, leading multinational corporations, and some of the country’s tallest landmarks.
The hotel will offer an all-day dining restaurant, a signature speciality restaurant, a bar, and versatile meeting and event spaces; a ballroom, function rooms, and meeting rooms. For relaxation and wellness, the property will feature a fully equipped health club and spa, along with an outdoor swimming pool and a poolside bar.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director, Southeast Asia & Korea, Vivek Bhalla said: “The InterContinental brand has a storied history in Manila, having first opened in the city in 1969, and for 46 years it was a symbol of luxury and a hotel icon.”
IHG is partnering with Keyland Corporation, Philippine Realty and Holdings Corporation and Greenhills Properties Inc to bring InterContinental back to Manila.
InterContinental Manila will join a global portfolio of more than 240 IHG hotels and resorts, alongside a growing pipeline of two properties for the brand in the Philippines and 104 hotels globally. This year, InterContinental will celebrate its 80th anniversary.
KUALA LUMPUR, 17 March 2026: Malaysia Airlines has extended the temporary suspension of its Doha (DOH) services until 20 March 2026, following an escalation in military strikes in the Persian Gulf.
The Doha service was initially suspended from 28 February 2026 due to airspace closures affecting the region. The airline said in a statement that it continues to closely monitor the situation through ongoing risk assessments and relevant Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) before resuming operations.
Photo credit: Image generated by Gemini AI.
The airline is also increasing widebody capacity between Asia and Europe to support onward journeys and reunite families, with direct flights operating on alternative routes that avoid affected regions.
All other services, including Jeddah (JED) and Madinah (MED) in Saudi Arabia, London (LHR) and Paris (CDG), continue to operate as scheduled.
In travel advisories, the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra) recommends citizens defer non-essential travel to several Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and the UAE.
The airline recommends that passengers update their contact details via the “My Booking” portal on its website to ensure timely notifications.
SINGAPORE, 17 March 2026: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its 2025 Annual Safety Report, demonstrating a solid year of safety performance.
The all-accident rate of 1.32 per million flights (one accident per 759,646 flights) was better than the 1.42 recorded in 2024 but slightly above the 2021-2025 five-year average of 1.27.
There were 51 accidents in 2025 among 38.7 million flights. That is fewer than the 54 accidents among 37.9 million flights in 2024, but above the 2021-2025 five-year average of 44 accidents.
There were eight fatal accidents in 2025. That is more than the seven fatal accidents recorded in 2024 and the five-year average of six fatal accidents.
There were 394 onboard fatalities in 2025, more than the 244 fatalities reported in 2024 and the five-year average of 198.
“Flying is the safest form of long-distance travel. Accidents are extremely rare, and each one reminds us to be even more focused on continuous improvement through global standards and collaboration guided by safety data,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.
“The result of that effort is clear in how the five-year rolling average rate for fatal accidents has improved. A decade ago, the rate was one fatal accident per 3.5 million flights (2012-2016). Today, there is one fatal accident for every 5.6 million flights (2021-2025).
“Flying is so safe that even one accident among the nearly 40 million flights operated annually moves the global data. Every accident is, of course, one too many. The goal for aviation remains zero accidents and zero fatalities.”
Key insights
The most common accidents in 2025 were tail strikes, landing gear events, runway excursions, and ground damage. This underscores the importance of safety measures for take-off, landing, and ground handling. Notably, there were no loss-of-control in-flight (LOC-I) accidents in 2025. It is the second time this has been achieved (previously in 2020) and is significant as LOC-I is a leading cause of fatalities.
Airport facilities contributed to 16% of accidents in 2025. This reinforces the need to fully respect global standards for runway safety areas, frangible installations within safety zones, and the effective mitigation of hazards such as runway surface contaminants, inadequate markings or lighting, and obstacles within protected areas or near runways.
“Airport infrastructure and runway environments play a critical role in accident outcomes. In several events, rigid obstacles near runways increased accident severity, likely turning otherwise survivable occurrences into fatal ones. All airports and regulators should continuously review runway safety areas and the structures near runways for compliance with global safety standards,” said Walsh.
IOSA airlines: Airlines on the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registry had an all-accident rate of 0.98, significantly lower than the 2.55 recorded by non-IOSA carriers. The all-accident rate of IATA member airlines was 0.72 per million flights, significantly lower than the 3.09 for non-IATA members. All IATA member airlines capable of being audited under IOSA are on the IOSA registry.
Fatality risk, which measures the potential for loss of life, increased to 0.17 per million flights, higher than 2024 (0.06) and the five-year average (0.12). A small number of fatal accidents drove the increase in fatality risk. For example, Air India 171 (with 241 fatalities) and PSA Airlines flight 5342 (with 64 fatalities) accounted for over 77% of all loss of life on board aircraft in 2025.
SINGAPORE, 17 March 2026: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection introduces its Winter 2027–2028 itineraries across Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific aboard Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara.
Sailing from October 2027 to May 2028, the season features more than 60 voyages and introduces 14 new ports of call. The season broadens the brand’s global presence across key regions, pairing established destinations with small, lesser-visited harbours.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection — Ilma
As part of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s upcoming Winter 2027–2028 season, Evrima will sail throughout the Hawaiian Islands and the South Pacific before returning to the Caribbean, while Ilma will complement visits to beach towns and tucked-away anchorages with a total of 27 ports. Luminara will return to the Asia-Pacific region, where its voyages will connect its bustling capitals and emerging seaside towns.
South Pacific — aboard Evrima
Evrima will sail a series of journeys spanning the South Pacific and beyond. An extended season in the region allows for deeper discovery, including inaugural calls to the coral atolls and lagoons of Rangiroa and Fakarava in French Polynesia, as well as the lush mountains and islets scattered across Rarotonga and Aitutaki in the Cook Islands.
Flexible Caribbean voyages on Ilma
Spanning 27 ports across the Caribbean, the upcoming winter season aboard Ilma is thoughtfully designed around flexibility and seamless access. Miami, San Juan, and Oranjestad serve as convenient turnaround ports for itineraries throughout the region. St. Barths remains a highlight with frequent stops across the season, while an expanded collection of three- and four-night round-trip voyages from Miami and San Juan creates new opportunities for spontaneous long weekends and effortless escapes to destinations such as Great Exuma and Key West.
Asia-Pacific itineraries aboard Luminara
Luminara features itineraries across Asia-Pacific. An 11-night voyage from Hong Kong to Tokyo includes an inaugural call in Kaohsiung, where waterfront promenades and lively night markets reflect southern Taiwan’s cultural vibrancy, as well as a visit to Ishigaki, Japan.
In Southeast Asia, a new seven-night sailing from Bangkok to Singapore debuts in Bintan, offering access to a secluded Indonesian archipelago known for its white-sand beaches and crystalline waters.
The season will also feature a slate of longer itineraries of up to 14 nights, designed to capture the region’s contrasts and depth. A Hong Kong-to-Singapore voyage will underscore this balance of urban energy and coastal elegance, combining overnight visits to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City for deeper exploration of each city’s restaurants, fashion, and nightlife with beachside moments and direct ocean access from the yacht’s Marina in Koh Kood and Koh Samui.
Similarly, Tokyo round-trip voyages will offer a rich view of Japan beyond its major cities through off-the-beaten-path calls, including Hakodate for its seafood culture, Otaru for its scenic canal and glass ateliers, and Aomori for contemporary art and the apple-harvest season.
Bookings are now open for Winter 2027–2028 itineraries.
BANGKOK, 16 March 2026: Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld remains a preferred choice in central Bangkok for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, offering flexible event spaces, quality accommodation and seamless access in the city’s central business district.
Rising above the Ratchaprasong intersection and directly connected to CentralWorld shopping complex, the 59-storey hotel and convention centre is designed to meet the needs of international and regional event organisers, corporate groups, and business travellers alike. Just a short walk from both Siam and Chidlom BTS Skytrain stations, and approximately 45 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the property’s location is among its greatest strengths.
Purpose-Built for business events
Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld is one of the largest and most advanced facilities in the city centre, accommodating groups from 10 to over 6,000 guests. The venue features a 5,250-square-metre pillarless convention hall with a 13.5-metre-high ceiling, large pre-function space, and a flexible stage setup suitable for conferences, exhibitions, banquets, and concerts.
Adjacent to the convention centre, the 960-square-metre World Ballroom provides a second major venue for high-level business events, gala dinners, and corporate celebrations. For breakout sessions, workshops or executive meetings, 26 meeting rooms are available, including fully equipped boardrooms and 15 Lotus Suites ranging from 58 to 412 square metres.
Advanced audio-visual systems, high-speed internet, and on-site technical and planning teams support all venues. Customised event packages, including catering from the hotel’s culinary team, are available to ensure each event runs efficiently from start to finish.
Accommodation and amenities
Centara Grand’s 505 guest rooms and suites, including nine Executive Club floors, are designed for today’s business traveller, offering integrated smart technology, dedicated workspaces, and comfort. Club-level guests enjoy access to an exclusive lounge and personalised services for added convenience. Beyond the room, the hotel supports work-life balance with wellness and leisure facilities, including the Lifestyles on 26 Fitness Centre, Spa Cenvaree, and a pool with panoramic views.
Photo 3
The hotel also offers a range of dining options to suit every occasion – from all-day international favourites at Ventisi to Mediterranean cuisine and skyline views at Red Sky, as well as halal Arabic cuisine. For corporate hosting or private gatherings, a selection of exclusive venues is available. In the evenings, guests can unwind with Spanish-inspired dishes at UNO MAS, sunset drinks at CRU Champagne Bar, Red Sky Bar or a late-night visit to COCOA XO, the rooftop bar dedicated to chocolate and cognac. For casual meetings or a quiet break between sessions, guests can visit Tea & Tipple on the 23rd floor for coffee, premium teas, a full bar, and afternoon tea service, or stop by Mill & Co in the lobby for fresh juices, pastries, and light refreshments.
With direct access to Bangkok’s largest lifestyle mall – CentralWorld – guests can explore over 700 retail and dining outlets, including Michelin-rated restaurants, international fashion brands, and convenient services.
Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld has been recognised for its consistent excellence in the MICE sector, having received multiple awards, including Best Meeting Hotel in Thailand. For event planners seeking a centrally located, full-service venue with proven capability, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld continues to set the benchmark for MICE events in Bangkok’s city centre.
About Centara Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 84 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com.
NEW DELHI, 16 March 2026: Air India and Air India Express together operated a total of 80 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region over the weekend.
The two carriers continued to operate their respective scheduled services to and from Jeddah and Muscat, with 10 flights to and from Jeddah and eight scheduled flights to and from Muscat, respectively.
Additionally, Air India operated one round-trip from Delhi and two round-trips from Mumbai to Jeddah. At the same time,e Air India Express flew a round-trip from Kozhikode and Mangaluru to Jeddah.
Air India Express also operated scheduled services to Muscat, including one round-trip each from Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode and Mumbai.
In addition to the scheduled services, Air India and Air India Express flew 62 non-scheduled flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. These flights were completed with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities.
All Air India flights to and from North America, Europe, Australia, and other regions continue to operate as scheduled.
Guests booked to travel on any of the routes where Air India group’s scheduled services remain temporarily suspended may rebook to a future date at no additional charge or opt for a full refund.
Air India guests are advised to raise their rebooking or cancellation requests on the airline’s website: Air India.
Air India Express guests booked to travel from any station in the UAE can rebook their flights without additional charges on Air India Express’ additional commercial flights operating from any UAE station to any destination in India.
Air India and Air India Express are proactively reaching out to impacted guests using the mobile numbers registered with the airline to provide rebooking options. Guests are requested to ensure their current and active mobile numbers are updated with the airline to receive these important notifications.
Air India Express guests with active bookings can also rebook their flights through the airline’s AI‑powered digital assistant Tia, available on WhatsApp at +91 63600 12345.
Air India Group is exploring opportunities to operate additional ad hoc flights to and from destinations in West Asia.
Summary: Scheduled, non-scheduled, and suspended flights
MUMBAI, 16 March 2026: ITB India 2026 will convene from Tuesday, 1 September to Thursday, 3 September at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, bringing together professionals from the MICE, Leisure, Corporate, and Travel Technology sectors in a single marketplace.
The event was previously scheduled for 2 to 4 September, with the third day of the show coinciding with the national holiday on Friday, 4 September, that marks Janmashtami (the birth of Lord Krishna). It is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It is classified as a Gazetted Holiday by the Central Government, meaning most government offices, schools, and banks across the country will be closed.
Photo credit: ITB India. Trade visitors in the exhibition halls.
Heading towards its fourth annual in-person edition, the ITB India will adopt the theme “Future of Travel, Built Together”.
“We are sharpening our focus on what truly matters: strong business outcomes,” says ITB India Head of Sales Saurabh Shukla. “By facilitating targeted connections between sellers and qualified buyers within a focused and highly efficient trade environment, we create the foundation for lasting partnerships and continued industry growth.”
ITB India 2026 should welcome more than 100 exhibitors and over 3,000 participants from around the world, underscoring its role as a key gateway to the fast-growing Indian and South Asian travel markets. The show will host more than 400 travel trade buyers from India and South Asia, creating targeted business opportunities for international and national exhibitors.
Over 80 industry experts will take the stage at the ITB India Conference 2026, delivering over 1,400 minutes of content across a wide range of sessions that address the most relevant trends and developments shaping the future of travel.
Early Bird rates are available until 15 May 2026, offering attractive conditions for early registration.
Exhibitors will enjoy access to the exhibition floor and all conference sessions, up to 33 pre-scheduled meetings with qualified buyers, and direct engagement with decision-makers from the MICE, Corporate and Leisure sectors.
Buyer registration for ITB India 2026 is open. Professionals from the MICE, Corporate and Leisure sectors seeking to explore new business opportunities are welcome to apply for the Hosted Buyers’ Programme and secure their place at this year’s show.
Other ITB shows
ITB China, the premier marketplace for China’s travel industry, is scheduled for 26 to 28 May 2026, in Shanghai.
ITB Asia will take place in Singapore from 21 to 23 October 2026, covering the broader regional market.
The inaugural ITB Americas will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 10 to 12 November 2026, covering the American market.
ITB Berlin, the world’s leading B2B trade show for the travel industry, will take place in Berlin from 16 to 18 March 2027.
KUALA LUMPUR, 16 March 2026: AirAsia confirms its second edition of the RedRun signature regional running event series will feature a bold seven-city rollout in 2026, spanning key destinations across its ASEAN and Asia network.
Launched in 2025, RedRun is back on the regional sporting calendar to encourage running enthusiasts to buy a fare, explore the destinations and compete in sports events that appeal to both casual and serious runners.
Photo credit: AirAsia.
AirAsia X Chief Commercial Officer Amanda Woo said: “RedRun represents what AirAsia stands for… We’re bringing people together through a shared passion for sport, turning every destination into a reason to fly.”
In 2026, the series will roll out across seven cities throughout the year, comprising Da Nang, Bali, Kota Kinabalu, Cebu, Phuket, Surabaya and Taipei — transforming major destinations into high-energy race weekends that combine fitness, travel and exploration.
Three cities have officially confirmed their race dates and are now open for registration, with additional locations to be announced progressively. Leveraging AirAsia’s broader travel ecosystem, participants will also be able to enjoy special promotions on flights, hotels and other travel add-ons designed to support racers and enhance their race weekend experience in each destination.
The first three open-for-sale cities leading the 2026 series with Super Early Bird price are:
1) Da Nang, Vietnam (26 April 2026), priced from as low as VND268,000. Book now until 10 March 2026
2) Bali, Indonesia (10 May 2026), priced from as low as IDR200,000. Book now until 9 May 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis
3) Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (28 June 2026), priced from as low as MYR59. Book now until 27 June 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis
Participants can choose from 5 km, 10 km, or the half-marathon race categories, making the run accessible to both casual runners and seasoned athletes.
With strong connectivity into these destinations from multiple ASEAN hubs, AirAsia RedRun should draw over 100,000 runners from across Asia, supporting cross-border tourism while strengthening the airline’s brand presence beyond aviation.
SINGAPORE, 16 March 2026: Taj Hotels, a leading luxury hotel group headquartered in India, is operating two resorts in Bhutan — Taj Paro Resort & Spa and Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa — restoring the hotel brand’s presence in the mountain kingdom after a two-year pause.
Set in Paro’s valley and framed by views of the revered Tiger’s Nest monastery, the 45-key Taj Paro Resort & Spa, Bhutan, offers a setting closely connected to its 7.6-acre estate surroundings. Built from local stone and reclaimed wood by Bhutanese artisans, the resort draws from traditional Bhutanese architectural cues while embracing modern comfort.
Photo credit: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL). Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa.
In the pristine Phobjikha Valley, the 35-key Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa, Bhutan, is built on an elevation to minimise its environmental impact on the valley floor with views of the Black-necked Crane Sanctuary.
Its design reflects a respect for the natural environment. Inside, warm timber tones, panoramic windows and thoughtfully designed spaces create a seamless connection with the valley’s sweeping meadows and forests.
As of 2026, there are two primary Taj-branded hotels in Bhutan, with a third property managed under the parent company (IHCL).
The lineup has changed significantly since 2023, when the long-standing and famous Taj Tashi in Thimphu ended its partnership with Taj. It has since been rebranded as Pemako Thimphu.
The Taj Hotels’ parent group, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), launched the two new luxury properties — Taj Paro Resort & Spa (Paro) in December 2025 and Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa in January 2026.
Photo credit: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL). Taj Paro Resort & Spa: A Retreat with views of Tiger’s Nest monastery.
Based on current rates for a stay in mid-April 2026, here are the starting prices for the two Taj properties in Bhutan:
Taj Paro Resort & Spa (Paro)
Starting rate: Approximately USD1,135 (THB 38,141) per night. Property type: Five-star luxury resort.l Location: Near the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery.
Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa (Phobjikha Valley)
Starting rate: Approximately USD1,245 USD (THB 41,844) per night. Property type: Five-star luxury retreat. Location: Overlooking the scenic Phobjikha Valley.
Travel Note
When planning a stay in Bhutan, the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is usually additional to these hotel rates. For most international tourists, the SDF is currently USD100 per person, per night (with a 50% discount for children aged six to 12)
Additional IHCL property
In addition to the two Taj-branded resorts, IHCL also operates a property under its SeleQtions brand in Bhutan. Yarkay, Thimphu – IHCL SeleQtions: Located in the capital city, this hotel opened in 2024 and serves as the group’s urban luxury presence in Thimphu following Taj Tashi’s exit from the group in 2023.
(Source: Taj Hotels. Additional rate information: Google Hotels)
JAKARTA, Indonesia, 16 March 2026: Indonesia’s tourism and hospitality sector will gain a new national industry platform with the launch of Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 (ITX 2026).
The forum will engage with hotel owners, operators, investors, and senior decision-makers from across the archipelago to examine the forces shaping the country’s tourism economy amid renewed growth and increasing complexity.
(Left) Sherona Shng, Regional Vice President, Operations Asia at Langham Hospitality Group. (Right) Indonesia Tourism Xchange (ITX) 2026 logo, designed by QUO Global.
Taking place on 12 May 2026 at The Langham, Jakarta, the event will reflect Indonesia’s distinctive tourism realities — scale, cultural depth, and extraordinary diversity of destinations — while addressing the evolving demands of travellers, brands, and capital. The programme spans the full spectrum of hospitality, from luxury and lifestyle to performance, investment, technology, sustainability, and emerging development models.
The agenda opens with an assessment of Indonesia’s investment climate and tourism outlook for 2026, providing economic context for the discussions that follow. Attention then turns to luxury hospitality, where expectations are shifting rapidly, and brands are being challenged to move beyond traditional definitions of premium service.
Langham Hospitality Group, Regional Vice President, Operations Asia, Sherona Shng, will explore how luxury in Indonesia is increasingly shaped by cultural intelligence, personalisation, and emotional connection rather than scale or spectacle alone.
Hotel performance and demand dynamics form a central pillar of the program, with a close examination of how Indonesia’s hotels are trading across resort and urban markets, including upper-upscale and luxury assets. Horwath HTL Director for Pacific Asia, Matt Gebbie, will address Indonesia’s tourism prospects for 2026, focusing on where growth is sustainable and where caution is required.
Beyond hotels, ITX 2026 also examines how ownership structures and development strategies are evolving. A dedicated discussion on standalone branded residences reflects the rising importance of residential-led hospitality across Indonesia’s resort and lifestyle destinations, where brands are increasingly used to drive long-term value. C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett will moderate the session.
Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 is organised by Horwath HTL, C9 Hotelworks, STR, QUO Global, Greenview, and Delivering Asia, in partnership with Langham Hospitality Group, and supported by the Jakarta Hotels Association, PHRI Indonesia, and the Bali Hotels Association. Attendance is complimentary, with advance registration required.
As Indonesia’s tourism sector matures and luxury becomes more nuanced and experience-driven, ITX 2026 positions itself as an annual industry forum offering clarity on performance, capital, and brand strategy across one of Asia’s most complex and compelling travel markets.
