BANGKOK, 28 August 2026: Thai Airways International will increase flights between Bangkok and Zurich from daily to 11 weekly starting 16 January 2027, as winter season demand from European travellers heading to Thailand and Southeast Asia peaks.
Year-round, THAI schedules daily flights from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and Zurich, Switzerland, directly competing with SWISS on the popular direct route. The round-trip economy fare averages USD1,030.
But during the winter timetable from 16 January to 29 March 2026, TG will add four weekly flights using a Boeing Dreamliner 787-9 with 296 seats, in addition to the daily flights using a B777-300 with 339 seats.
Zurich is part of TG’s expansion at European gateways such as Paris-CDG and Munich, with additional frequencies scheduled during peak travel months January to March from Europe to Southeast Asia.
Flight schedule BKK-ZRH
TG970 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 0035 and arrives in Zurich (ZRH) at 0645. Daily. TG971 departs Zurich (ZRH) at 1315 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 0550 (plus a day). Daily.
TG972 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 1205 and arrives in Zurich (ZRH) at 1815. (Departures Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday). TG973 departs Zurich (ZRH) at 2000 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1235. (Departures Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday).
Flight duration for direct service between BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport and Zurich remains approximately 11.5 to 12 hours for both aircraft — B777-300 and the B787-9.
BANGKOK, 28 August 2026: Sarawak’s culinary scene took centre stage at the inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards 2026, with 25 outstanding restaurants and dining establishments from across the state recognised for their culinary excellence.
The Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg, during the Soul of Borneo Gala, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) in conjunction with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and PATA Travel Mart 2026 (PTM2026).
Soul of Borneo Gala organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP).
Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony were YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development; Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism); and Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.
Sarawak Tourism Board Chairman, Dato Dennis Ngau and Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor made the presentations. Also joining the celebration were PATA Chairman Henry Oh and PATA Chief Executive Officer Noor Ahmad Hamid, alongside Bernard Metzger, Founder of TOP25 Restaurants, who all joined the Premier of Sarawak in celebrating and presenting the inaugural awards.
The gala brought together more than 800 distinguished guests, including tourism and industry leaders, international delegates, chefs, restaurant owners, culinary professionals and representatives from across Sarawak.
The inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards builds on the collaboration between the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), PATA and TOP25 Restaurants to showcase Sarawak’s rich culinary heritage and excellence to an international audience.
(Left): TOP25 Restaurants Founder Bernard Metzger.
TOP25 Restaurants Founder Bernard Metzger said: “The inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards are a celebration of the people, places, traditions and creativity that make Sarawak’s culinary identity so distinctive. Sarawak possesses an extraordinary gastronomic heritage, and it is our privilege to help bring the stories of its restaurants and culinary communities to a global audience. These awards recognise not only excellence on the plate, but also the passion, heritage, innovation and commitment to sustainability that are shaping the future of gastronomy in Sarawak.”
The 25 awardees were recognised across five categories. Within each category, the awardees were presented alphabetically by restaurant name.
Sustainable Gastronomy Awards
TOP25 Restaurants also expanded the reach of its Global Sustainable Gastronomy Awards, which were launched in Bangkok in December 2025, recognising restaurants demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible gastronomy.
Sarawak awardees:
Cavakita Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Miri;
Kechala, Santubong;
River View Café, Kuching;
ROOTS, Kuching;
The Bikalan, Bau.
The inclusion of the Sustainable Gastronomy Awards reflects the growing importance of responsible and sustainable practices in the global gastronomy and tourism sectors, while recognising Sarawak as a sustainable destination.
Top International Restaurants
The Top International Restaurants category celebrates establishments offering international culinary experiences while contributing to Sarawak’s diverse and dynamic dining scene.
Awardees:
Ceylonese Restaurant, Kuching;
Gu Jin, Kuching;
Maguro Japanese Ala Carte Buffet, Kuching;
Ocho, Kuching;
Zinc Restaurant & Bar, Kuching.
TOP Creative Restaurants
The TOP Creative Restaurants category recognises establishments distinguished by creativity, innovation and distinctive culinary concepts.
Awardees:
Hachi by Kenny’s, Miri;
MAK Restaurant, Miri;
Tai-Tai Restaurant, Kuching;
The Chamber, Miri;
ZOZO Beans & Booze, Kuching.
TOP Indigenous Restaurants
The TOP Indigenous Restaurants category celebrates establishments that showcase indigenous culinary traditions, ingredients, heritage and contemporary expressions of Sarawak’s food culture.
Awardees:
Borneo Cultures Museum Restaurant, Kuching;
Lepau Restaurant, Kuching;
Little Fairy Café, Kuching;
Budaya Restaurant, Santubong;
The Lamin, Kuching.
Signature TOP25 Restaurants
The Signature TOP25 Restaurants category highlights establishments recognised for their distinctive dining experiences and contribution to Sarawak’s culinary identity.
Awardees:
Choon Hui Café, Kuching;
Kantin at the Granary, Kuching;
Kebaya Story, Miri;
M&D’s Restaurant, Bintulu;
Oriental Bistro, Sibu.
Together, the 25 awardees represent the breadth and diversity of Sarawak’s culinary landscape, with restaurants recognised across Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Santubong and Bau.
The awards also reinforce gastronomy’s role in strengthening tourism, cultural preservation, community development, and economic growth. This is particularly significant as Kuching continues to build on its recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, providing a strong foundation for Sarawak further to develop its profile as an international gastronomy destination.
BANGKOK, 28 August 2026: Thai AirAsia has announced flight increases for the fourth quarter of 2026 as the airline reinstates its dual-airport (BKK and DMK) hub strategy in Bangkok to maximise passenger connectivity and convenience.
Effective 1 October 2026, Thai AirAsia will operate direct flights from both Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) to 22 domestic destinations, and from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to three key regional hubs: Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai.
Photo credit: Thai AirAsia.
This expansion is further supported by the introduction of nine cross-regional routes designed to facilitate seamless domestic travel and stimulate regional economies.
Thai AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Phairat Pornpathananangoon said that while the airline previously made necessary schedule adjustments in response to rising aviation fuel prices and temporary fluctuations in travel demand, the outlook for the fourth quarter remains highly positive.
He noted that domestic tourism is projected to experience a robust recovery extending into early 2027, driven by the traditional high season and comprehensive tourism stimulus initiatives introduced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). In response, Thai AirAsia is expanding its route network and flight frequencies to accommodate this anticipated surge in demand.
For the fourth quarter, spanning October to December, Thai AirAsia will scale its domestic operational capacity to a maximum of 135 flights per day. This represents a substantial growth of over 50% compared to the third quarter, which recorded an average peak of 88 daily flights.
At Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport, the airline’s primary operational base, flights on high-demand routes will increase substantially. Daily direct flights will increase to a maximum of 17 for Chiang Mai, 15 for Phuket, and 9 to Hat Yai. Furthermore, the airline will allocate up to six daily flights each to Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Krabi, and Chiang Rai, alongside up to five daily flights to Ubon Ratchathani, in addition to several other key domestic routes.
Concurrently, operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport will also see more frequencies effective 1 October 2026, with the airline providing six daily flights to Chiang Mai, five to Phuket, and two to Krabi.
To further strengthen its decentralised network, Thai AirAsia is launching new cross-regional routes connecting its Phuket hub directly to the Northeast. Commencing 25 October 2026, the airline will operate up to three weekly flights between Phuket and Khon Kaen, as well as up to four weekly flights between Phuket and Udon Thani.
SINGAPORE, 27 August 2026: Royal Caribbean is expanding its Asia Pacific sailings in 2028 on Voyager of the Seas, offering two- to 15-night vacations from Brisbane and Sydney, Australia; Singapore, and Hong Kong, visiting destinations across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, China, Japan and South Korea.
From October 2027 through April 2028, the multi-city seasonal rotation brings together short escapes and longer, destination-rich adventures across Asia Pacific, timed for Christmas holidays and Chinese New Year celebrations.
Voyager of the Seas sails from Brisbane and Sydney before heading north to Singapore and later homeporting in Hong Kong.
The season also includes Navigator of the Seas sailing year-round from Singapore starting October 2026, Ovation of the Seas sailing from Brisbane and Anthem of the Seas sailing from Sydney.
Plus, Spectrum of the Seas will sail from Shanghai and Hong Kong to destinations across Japan, South Korea and Vietnam, giving holidaymakers more ways than ever to explore Asia.
Short getaways two to 10 nights
From October to December 2027, Voyager will deliver holidays from Brisbane ranging from two to seven nights, including South Pacific sailings to Mystery Island, Port Vila; Luganville, Vanuatu; and Noumea, New Caledonia, before a two-night coastal repositioning down to Sydney.
Voyager of the Seas holidays from Sydney include a brand-new 10-night Christmas sailing across the majestic fjords and iconic landscapes of New Zealand visiting Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and the breathtaking Milford Sound.
A five-night getaway starts in Singapore and visits Ho Chi Minh City (Phuoc An), Vietnam, before arriving in Hong Kong, pairing two of Asia’s most dynamic cities with time to discover Vietnam’s dining culture.
For Chinese New Year getaways from Hong Kong, four- and five-night vacations visit Ishigaki and Okinawa, Japan. Select holidays include an overnight stay in Okinawa, giving vacationers more time to take in the island’s turquoise waters, local flavours and distinct Ryukyu culture.
For China and Southeast Asia discoveries, Hong Kong getaways visit Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, where vacationers can explore the lively city known for its night markets and food scene. Guests can also visit Hue/Danang (Chan May), Vietnam, a gateway to ancient imperial heritage, coastal landscapes and central Vietnamese cuisine.
Sales opened for Voyager of the Seas Asia Pacific vacations on 26 August, 2026, featuring Brisbane, Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong homeports.
YOGYAKARTA, 27 August 2026: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) once again strengthened Malaysia’s presence in Indonesia through MHX Yogyakarta 2026, held from 20 to 23 August 2026 at the Grand Atrium, Pakuwon Mall Jogja.
The four-day event follows a record year for the Indonesian market, which generated MYR2.2 billion in healthcare travel revenue in 2025, a 24% year-on-year increase. The four-day healthcare consumer event underscores Malaysia Healthcare’s commitment to bringing trusted, high-quality healthcare services closer to Indonesian communities while expanding its footprint in one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing regional centres.
MHTC’s Head of Indonesia Market, Rahmatullah Baragau.
Held under the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 campaign themed Healing Meets Hospitality, MHX Yogyakarta 2026 reinforces Malaysia’s position as the preferred destination for medical tourism by combining world-class medical expertise with compassionate patient care and seamless healthcare experiences.
Yogyakarta has emerged as a strategic market for Malaysia Healthcare, supported by a well-educated population, increasing demand for advanced speciality care, and convenient direct connectivity to Kuala Lumpur. These factors present strong opportunities to strengthen healthcare collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia further and to provide greater access to specialised treatment options for Indonesian patients.
Speaking at the event, MHTC’s Head of Indonesia Market Rahmatullah Baragau said: “Indonesia has always been Malaysia Healthcare’s closest and most valued market, and Yogyakarta represents an exciting opportunity as healthcare awareness and demand for specialised treatments continue to grow. Through MHX Yogyakarta 2026, we aim to strengthen public confidence in Malaysia Healthcare while bringing our trusted healthcare ecosystem closer to local communities.”
More than 15 member hospitals participated, showcasing Malaysia’s strengths across various medical disciplines including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, fertility, health screening, gastroenterology, and other specialised services.
Participating hospitals:
1. Island Hospital Penang
2. Institut Jantung Negara
3. Mahkota Medical Centre
4. Subang Jaya Medical Centre
5. Alpha IVF & Women’s Specialists
6. Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital
7. GenPrime Everlink Fertility Centre
8. Hospital Picaso
9. Damansara Specialist Hospital 2
10. KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital
11. MSU Medical Centre
12. Optimax Eye Specialist Centre
13. Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
14. Pantai Hospital Penang
15. Penang Adventist Hospital
16. Sunway Medical Centre Damansara
17. Sunway Medical Centre Penang
18. Sunway Medical Centre Sunway City Kuala Lumpur
19. Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara
Indonesia continues to be Malaysia Healthcare’s largest source market. Healthcare traveller arrivals from Indonesia reached 968,000 in 2025, a 16% increase from the previous year, reflecting sustained confidence among Indonesian patients in Malaysia’s healthcare offerings.
MHX Yogyakarta 2026 forms part of MHTC’s broader strategy to strengthen long-term partnerships with communities, healthcare stakeholders, and local organisations across Indonesia, while supporting MYMT 2026’s goals to position Malaysia as the world’s preferred medical tourism destination.
BANGKOK, 27 August 2026: Thailand has unveiled its tourism strategy for 2027 under the ambitious banner of “The Year of Transformation”.
Those of us who have worked in Thai tourism for many years have heard plenty of strategies, slogans and campaigns. So rather than repeating the official language, a simpler question to ask is: “What will actually be different for the visitor?”
TAT wants tourism revenue to grow by at least 5% and aims for a 60:40 distribution between major and emerging destinations. It also talks repeatedly about attracting “high-value” travellers.
I understand the reasoning. Hotels naturally want higher room rates and greater revenue. Destinations want visitors who spend more. But there is another side to this equation: High-value tourism does not necessarily mean high-priced tourism.
Going local
Only a few days ago, I took a short road trip with friends through Phetchaburi province, visiting Kaeng Krachan and Phetchaburi town. Along the way, we stayed in local homestays, explored markets and attractions, enjoyed fantastic local food and, most importantly, met some wonderful local people.
What struck me was not luxury in the conventional sense. It was the richness and authenticity of the experience.
Money was spent locally, and visitors interacted directly with communities. Importantly, it represented excellent value for money.
For repeat visitors to Thailand, this matters enormously. Experienced travellers are not necessarily searching for a more expensive hotel or holiday. Often they are searching for something new to discover.
A local market, family-run restaurant, homestay or village festival can provide exactly that.
Perhaps we should therefore redefine “high value”:
LOCAL EXPERIENCE↓
AUTHENTIC CONNECTION↓
LOCAL SPENDING↓
MEMORABLE VISIT↓
REASON TO RETURN
That, to me, is high-value tourism too.
A visitor can spend THB100 on a memorable local meal and THB10,000 on a hotel room during the same journey. Both contribute to Thailand’s tourism economy.
The appeal of no-fly tourism
Another opportunity we sometimes overlook is that you don’t necessarily need to fly anywhere to have a great holiday.
International airfares can represent a substantial part of a holiday budget. For Thai travellers, expatriates and long-stay residents who call Thailand home, domestic travel offers an attractive alternative.
The airlines may not thank me for saying it, but no-fly tourism is actually rather appealing.
Remove an expensive international airfare, and suddenly there is more money for accommodation, restaurants, local guides, markets and attractions. Much of that spending remains within Thailand and local communities.
A rewarding break does not always require an airport or immigration queue. Sometimes it simply means getting into a car or boarding a train.
Many repeat visitors already know Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Samui. The opportunity now is to discover the Thailand between the famous names.
Exploring lesser-known places by car or train. Phetchaburi town on the southern rail line from Bangkok.
Less jargon, more delivery
TAT talks about reshaping markets, new growth engines and meaningful destinations. Travellers ask much simpler questions:
Why should I go? What will I experience? Is it worth the money? Will I feel welcome?
My sister has an even simpler test for judging a good holiday. She asks just one question:
“Would you go back?”
If the answer is an immediate yes, the destination has probably got most things right. If the answer is “maybe” or “I’m not sure”, that return visit may never happen.
I think that is as good a measure of tourism success as any.
After more than three decades working and writing in Thailand’s hospitality and tourism industry, I have come to believe that attracting someone once is only part of the job. Giving them a reason to return is much more valuable.
Perhaps Thailand’s greatest opportunity in 2027 is therefore not simply persuading every tourist to spend more. It is creating experiences that make them say:
“Yes, I would go back.”
And sometimes the experiences that bring us back are not the most expensive ones. They are simply the ones we remember.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer and former hotelier with more than three decades of experience in Thailand’s tourism and hospitality industry. A graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, he has held senior hotel positions in Thailand and internationally. A long-standing member of Skål International, he is a former Director of Skål International, Past President of Skål International Asia, Thailand and Bangkok. Currently, he serves as Vice President of Skål International Bangkok. He writes regularly on tourism, hospitality, aviation and travel trends across Thailand and Asia.
MUSCAT, 27 August 2026: SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, has announced the establishment of Salalah’s first-ever airline base, marking a strategic milestone in the airline’s growth and significantly strengthening direct international connectivity from the Governorate of Dhofar.
The Salalah-based operation will initially serve three direct international destinations: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Chattogram, Bangladesh; and Calicut, India. Bookings opened on 27 August 2026, with flights scheduled to commence from the end of October as part of SalamAir’s Winter 2026 schedule.
Photo credit: SalamAir.
The establishment of the base builds on SalamAir’s strong support for travel to and from Salalah during the 2026 Khareef season and its contribution to the season’s success. In response to increased demand, the airline expanded capacity on the Muscat–Salalah route, operating up to 15 daily flights during the peak period and adding thousands of additional seats. SalamAir also supported affordable domestic travel through special fares for Omani nationals, with one-way fares starting from OMR 9.99, providing greater accessibility and travel options between Muscat and Salalah. These efforts supported the growing flow of visitors to Dhofar and reinforced SalamAir’s role in the tourism and travel ecosystem during one of the Sultanate’s most important tourism seasons.
Building on this momentum, the new base will extend SalamAir’s contribution beyond the Khareef season, supporting the year-round travel needs of residents and expatriate communities in Dhofar while providing more convenient direct access to key regional and international destinations.
SalamAir’s Airbus A320neo and A321neo fleet will support the operation. The airline currently operates 18 aircraft, providing the capacity and operational flexibility to respond to growing demand across its markets.
During the winter season, SalamAir will also operate charter services connecting Salalah with Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan, supporting inbound tourism from Central Asia and helping broaden Salalah’s appeal beyond its traditional peak season.
The Salalah base forms part of SalamAir’s wider growth strategy to expand its network from key airports across the Sultanate, serve underserved markets and stimulate new travel demand. The initiative further supports the development of Oman’s aviation and tourism sectors while strengthening Dhofar’s links with international markets.
Tickets for the new scheduled routes will be available through SalamAir’s website, mobile application and authorised travel partners.
MUMBAI, 27 August 2026: Fall and Winter are emerging as a strong new travel window for Indian travellers, with growing interest in journeys beyond the traditional summer holiday season and an increasing shift toward a more year-round travel calendar.
Following the impact of geopolitical uncertainty on summer travel plans to Europe, renewed interest is now emerging in experiential journeys to these destinations.
Responding to this shift, Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have curated a portfolio of Fall and Winter holidays across key international destinations, bringing together seasonal highlights, distinctive experiences and varied travel styles for the Indian traveller.
The Northern Lights continue to remain one of the season’s most compelling draws, with Finland, Norway, Sweden and Iceland offering ways to experience the Arctic. Beyond Aurora viewing, travellers can explore snow-covered landscapes through husky/reindeer sledging, snowmobile excursions and snowshoeing. Travellers are also choosing unique accommodations such as the famous glass-ceilinged igloo houses, snow-hotels, log cabins and Arctic tree houses.
Europe takes on a distinctive character in winter as its cities and towns transition into the festive season. France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the UK and the Czech Republic offer Christmas markets, illuminated streets, seasonal gastronomy and cultural celebrations. For travellers looking beyond the festivities, the Alps offer scenic rail journeys, mountain stays, winter sports, and panoramic landscapes. At the same time, distinctive alpine accommodation and local culinary experiences add another layer to the journey. Across Scandinavia, winter cruises and whale-watching experiences offer another immersive way to experience the season, combining dramatic fjords, Arctic landscapes and wildlife encounters.
North America adds another dimension to Fall and Winter travel, combining dramatic landscapes, outdoor adventure and vibrant festive experiences. Canada’s Rockies offer snow-covered mountain scenery alongside skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, wildlife encounters, gondola rides and scenic winter trails. At the same time, the USA brings together New York’s iconic holiday season with experiences ranging from festive light-ups and seasonal markets to mountain escapes, winter sports, scenic road trips and nature-led adventures.
For travellers who would rather leave the cold behind, Australia and New Zealand offer a completely different seasonal proposition, with spectacular New Year celebrations adding to the appeal. Australia brings together vibrant city celebrations, spectacular coastlines, wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures, while New Zealand offers mountains, lakes, fjords and nature-led experiences. Together, the destinations provide a compelling option for travellers seeking sunshine, adventure, the outdoors and memorable New Year experiences during the months September to January.
Across these destinations, Fall and Winter travel is evolving beyond sightseeing towards more immersive, season-led experiences. From Arctic adventures and festive Europe to North American winter landscapes and sun-filled celebrations in the Southern Hemisphere, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel are bringing together journeys that combine destination, season and experience.
Thomas Cook (India) Limited President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Rajeev Kale said: “Travel is increasingly being defined by the experience a destination can offer at a particular time of year. Fall and winter open up some of the world’s most compelling travel moments, from the Aurora across Arctic skies and snow-covered Alpine landscapes to Europe’s festive traditions and the outdoors of the Southern Hemisphere. At Thomas Cook India, we offer these diverse seasonal experiences to Indian travellers and bring deep expertise in curating journeys that go beyond conventional itineraries. We are seeing a clear shift towards holidays that are richer, more immersive and built around meaningful experiences, with travellers willing to explore beyond conventional winter destinations. This is reshaping the opportunity for the industry, as seasonal travel evolves from a destination choice into a more experience-led way of discovering the world.”
SOTC Travel Limited President and Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SD Nandakumar said: “The winter holiday is evolving from a standard itinerary into a carefully curated experience. Travellers are increasingly combining the core destination with experiences that add depth to the journey — whether that is a Northern Lights escape, a scenic rail journey, a unique stay, local gastronomy, wellness or a snow-filled adventure. What is particularly encouraging is the diversity of this demand: couples are seeking immersive, romantic escapes; families are combining festive celebrations with adventure; and younger travellers and groups are actively seeking experiences and destinations beyond the conventional winter circuit. This allows us to create more distinctive, experience-rich journeys that reflect how Indians want to travel today.”
MUMBAI, 27 August 2026: Air India and Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, have announced a new interline partnership to enhance seamless travel convenience and strengthen network connectivity between India, Bhutan and beyond.
The partnership enables passengers to benefit from a single-ticket itinerary combining Air India and Drukair flights, ensuring a seamless end-to-end travel experience. It offers coordinated baggage and passenger transfer through to the final destination, delivering a seamless travel experience via Air India’s hub at Delhi – Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Photo credit: Air India.
Passengers will also benefit from competitive interline fares, providing enhanced flexibility, improved connectivity, and greater overall value.
The partnership enables Air India guests to travel seamlessly to Paro via Delhi from across Air India’s expanding international network. It also provides convenient onward connections within Bhutan, from Paro to Bumthang, Gelephu, and Yonphula.
With this partnership, Air India offers seamless connectivity to nearly all countries in the SAARC region through its own or partner network.
Reciprocally, Drukair passengers gain direct access via Delhi, Guwahati, and Kolkata to Air India’s extensive domestic network, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kochi, as well as a wide range of major international destinations such as Paris Charles de Gaulle, Colombo, Newark, Frankfurt, New York (JFK), London (Heathrow), Melbourne, San Francisco, Sydney, Toronto Pearson, and Vancouver.
Air India Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal said: “Our partnership with Drukair reinforces our commitment to strengthening connectivity across the SAARC region, which we consider our extended home market. Bhutan is a valued part of this region, and we are happy to enable easy access to Bhutan for our guests and look forward to welcoming Drukair’s passengers onto Air India’s extensive domestic and global network.
Drukair Chief Executive Officer Tandi Wangchuk said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone for Drukair as we continue to strengthen our global connectivity and enhance the travel experience for our passengers. Through this interline partnership with Air India, our customers will benefit from seamless journeys, expanded access to key international markets, and improved connectivity across India and beyond.”
PENANG, 27 August 2026: The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is set to launch the inaugural Pearl Global Business Awards 2026, a prestigious, state-endorsed platform celebrating excellence, leadership and meaningful contributions across the key industries shaping Penang’s economic growth and global reputation.
The Pearl Global Business Awards 2026 is an official recognition initiative by the Penang State Government, conceptualised by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and professionally executed by TIN Media.
Photo credit: PCEB. Launching the inaugural Pearl Global Business Awards 2026.
The inaugural awards will take place on 14 December 2026, with the venue to be announced later.
The awards recognise influential leaders, organisations and changemakers whose contributions demonstrate impact, innovation, sustainability, inclusivity and leadership, while reflecting Penang’s ambition and transformation as a competitive regional and international business destination.
The 2026 edition holds particular significance as it recognises the growth and transformation of Penang’s key industries over the past decade. It seeks to honour the businesses, institutions, and individuals whose vision, resilience, and contributions have helped strengthen Penang’s economy, enhance its global competitiveness, and shape the state’s continued progress.
The Pearl Global Business Awards will serve as a biennial platform to recognise excellence across Penang’s strategic development sectors, while promoting innovation, inclusivity, sustainability and global competitiveness, and positioning Penang as a regional and international hub of leadership and business influence.
65 award titles across 12 strategic sectors
The inaugural Pearl Global Business Awards 2026 will feature 65 award titles across 12 strategic sectors:
1. Investment & Trade
2. Halal & Ethical Industries
3. Sustainability & Green Innovation
4. Technology & Innovation
5. Women Empowerment & Gender Equality
6. Youth Leadership & Development
7. Digital Economy & Smart Solutions
8. Infrastructure & Urban Development
9. Social Impact & Community Harmony
10. Leadership & Lifetime Excellence
11. Hospitality, Tourism & Business Events
12. Media, Communications & Public Visibility
Among the awards are:
Hotel of the Year:
Tourism Hero Award:
Best Business Event Organiser;
Media Excellence Award;
Destination Storytelling Excellence Award.
The Pearl Global Business Awards 2026 aim to establish a legacy that can grow with Penang, recognising those who have contributed to the state’s journey while inspiring the next generation of leaders to take Penang forward.
