AWS powers up Thai Immigration App

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June 1, 2026

BANGKOK, 1 June 2026: Amazon Web Services (AWS), which built and hosts the Thailand Immigration Management System (THIM), the country’s first web and mobile application for national immigration management, confirmed the rollout last week of the pilot version.

Developed by Digital Identity Co Ltd in partnership with the Thailand Immigration Bureau, THIM leverages AWS cloud services to modernise Thailand’s immigration process to welcome more than 30 million visitors annually.

Now available for download as part of a pilot, THIM is designed to help travellers save time and complete their arrival card in just three minutes, offering a more convenient and streamlined border experience by reducing wait times at checkpoints.

For the first time, international tourists visiting Thailand can complete their arrival registration digitally before they land. The app currently supports English, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese languages, with plans to add more languages in the coming months.

“Thailand’s immigration system serves approximately 30 million international tourists annually, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every traveller’s experience at our borders reflects the modern, welcoming nation we are. THIM positions Thailand at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s digital immigration transformation through a national mobile platform. By embracing cloud technology, we have reduced processing times significantly while strengthening our national security capabilities,” said Immigration Bureau Deputy Commissioner Police Major General Pratya Prasarnsuk.

“The border is Thailand’s front door,” said Digital Identity Co Ltd CEO Natakorn Tanachaihirun.

“We built THIM to make sure it’s wide open and secure at the same time. This is just the beginning of what a cloud-native services centre can do for the Immigration Bureau and the millions of travellers it serves.”

Powering faster borders

THIM’s architecture leverages AWS services deployed in the AWS Asia Pacific (Bangkok) Region and is underpinned by three pillars.

Document verification: Using AI-powered optical character recognition (OCR), text is extracted from passports to support e-KYC workflows
Compute and orchestration: Amazon EC2 for scalable compute capacity, Amazon EKS for containerised workloads, and Elastic Load Balancing for high availability – especially important during peak travel periods
Security and compliance: Amazon GuardDuty for continuous threat detection, AWS Security Hub for centralised security posture management, and AWS Key Management Service (AWS KMS) and AWS Certificate Manager (ACM) for end-to-end encryption of and secure communications between systems to ensure data security for sensitive traveller data, such as passport numbers

“Across Southeast Asia, we’re seeing a fundamental shift in how governments think about digital infrastructure, not as a back-office upgrade, but as a strategic enabler of national competitiveness and citizen trust,” said AWS Thailand Country Manager Vatsun Thirapatarapong.

“THIM is a proof-point that when you pair visionary leadership with world-class cloud technology, you can deliver outcomes that once seemed mutually exclusive: a seamless traveller experience and stronger national security, achieved together.”

THIM is designed to serve as a comprehensive digital services centre for the Immigration Bureau, with planned capabilities to facilitate appointment bookings, e-Extension, issuance of transaction-related certification documents, and other immigration-related digital services.

Visitors can download the app on the Apple and Android stores.

(Source: Amazon Web Services)

AAPA releases April traffic results

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June 1, 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 June 2026: Preliminary April 2026 traffic figures released last week by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed stable international passenger demand, with growth moderating amid heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

Asia Pacific airlines carried a total of 32.4 million international passengers in April, broadly unchanged from the same month last year. In revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, demand nevertheless increased by 3.3% year-on-year, reflecting relatively firmer traffic on longer-haul routes.

Available seat capacity increased by a marginal 1.4% year-on-year, as sharply higher fuel costs constrained growth. As a result, international passenger load factors remained high, averaging 84.8% for the month, up by 1.6 percentage points.

Meanwhile, the conflict in the Middle East led to supply chain disruptions and higher prices, prompting accelerated stockpiling as businesses and consumers sought to secure products ahead of further cost increases. This, in turn, lent support to growth in the air cargo market. International air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), increased by 4.1% year-on-year in April. Offered freight capacity expanded by 4.4%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 60.5% for the month.

Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General, Wong Hong, said: “International passenger traffic continued to show resilience in April, supported by sustained demand on longer-haul routes. Overall, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 135 million international passengers during the first four months of the year, representing a 5.1% increase compared to the corresponding period last year.”

“Meanwhile, the start of the second quarter saw accelerated expansion in global manufacturing activity, with increased purchases of consumer and intermediate goods driving demand for air shipments. Growth in April helped lift international air cargo demand during the first four months of 2026 to 5.3%.”

Wong Hong added: “The conflict in the Middle East continues to add volatility to energy markets, keeping jet fuel prices elevated and further intensifying cost pressures for airlines. In April, jet fuel prices rose to an average of US$165 per barrel, reaching levels last seen in 2022 following the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war.”

Looking ahead, Wong Hong said: “Despite signs of the conflict easing, growing macroeconomic uncertainty, coupled with inflationary pressures, continues to weigh on the outlook for both passenger and air cargo markets in the months ahead. Nevertheless, Asia Pacific airlines remain vigilant in managing costs and carefully deploying capacity to optimise yields and profitability in this challenging operating environment, without compromising safety standards.”

(Source: AAPA)

STB taps a tune to boost tourism

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June 1, 2026

SINGAPORE, 1 June 2026: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Universal Music Singapore (UMSG), a division of Universal Music Group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to amplify Singapore’s appeal as a global destination.

Together, STB and UMSG will use the power of music to raise Singapore’s profile and inspire travel to the country. The three-year partnership draws on UMSG’s network of international artistes, market insights and global media channels to create a platform that introduces Singapore to new, global audiences.

*Representatives from STB and UMSG at the MoU Signing Ceremony*

The strategic partnership between STB and UMSG will highlight Singapore’s story through music via integrated marketing campaigns, fan activations, and travel partner collaborations, while elevating the city’s position as a must-visit travel destination. There will also be opportunities to showcase local talent alongside international artistes, telling authentic stories through their shared passions.

Singapore Tourism Board Assistant Chief Executive, Marketing Group, Kenneth Lim said: “We are seeing more consumers engaging with content and communities that resonate with their own passion points and interests, especially in entertainment and lifestyle. This multi-year partnership with Universal Music Singapore allows us to tap into this trend by forging deeper connections with our global audiences through music. What excites us most is creating truly exclusive, Singapore-only experiences within Southeast Asia, such as intimate fan events at iconic locations. We’re not just creating content; we’re crafting memorable moments that give fans compelling reasons to visit Singapore.”

The partnership builds on STB’s previous successful collaborations with UMSG artistes, including Nick Jonas’s appearance at Singapore Art Week, OneRepublic’s social content exploring the inspiration behind their instrumental track ‘Singapore’, and Billie Eilish’s live performance filmed at Gardens by the Bay. These moments demonstrate the power of authentic, artist-led storytelling to inspire travel and position Singapore as a dynamic cultural destination.

(Source: Singapore Tourism Board)

Middle East hostilities damage passenger demand

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June 1, 2026

SINGAPORE, 1 June 2026: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was down 3.4% compared to April 2025 due to the dramatic decline in passenger demand in the Middle East, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for April 2026.

Excluding the Middle East, demand increased by 1.2%. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), decreased by 2.9% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.1% (-0.4 ppt compared to April 2025).

International demand fell 5.3% compared to April 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand grew by 1.9%. Capacity was down 5.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.9% (-0.2 ppt compared to April 2025).

Domestic demand was flat compared to April 2025. Capacity increased 0.8% year-on-year. The load factor was 81.9% (-0.7 ppt compared to April 2025).

“The 46.6% fall in demand for carriers in the Middle East due to war in the region was so acute that it dragged overall demand down 3.4%. The situation for air transport remains highly volatile. The cost of jet fuel more than doubled in April, which is pushing airfares up. Forward schedule data is showing a reduced offering in the coming months, indicating that airlines are balancing high fuel costs and weaker demand,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets

International RPK fell -5.3%, with capacity falling -5.1%. However, this decline was caused by continuing heavy falls in demand for Middle East carriers. Excluding the Middle East, RPK increased by 1.9%. North America was flat, and all other regions reported growth.

Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 3.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 0.7% year-on-year, and the load factor was 87.5% (+1.9 ppt compared to April 2025), a record high for April. There was a notable slowdown in traffic on the Japan-China corridor due to ongoing political tensions.

European carriers saw a 0.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 0.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.9% (+0.6 ppt compared to April 2025). Direct traffic between Europe and Asia increased 15.3% as it replaced traffic transiting through the Middle East.

North American carriers saw a 0.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity decreased 1.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.9% (+0.9 ppt compared to April 2025).

Middle Eastern carriers saw a -48.1% year-on-year decrease in demand. Capacity fell 38.4% year-on-year, and the load factor was 70.1% (-13.1 ppt compared to April 2025). Traffic was affected by the ongoing war in Iran, though the decline slowed slightly compared to March as an uneasy ceasefire came into effect.

Latin American airlines achieved an 8.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 7.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 84.6% (+1.4 ppt compared to April 2025).

African airlines saw a 2.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 1.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 77.9% (+0.7 ppt compared to April 2025).

(Source: IATA)

Penang recruits EVs to green events

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June 1, 2026

PENANG, 1 June 2026: PCEB and EV specialist, Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON), have entered into a collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, which marks a significant milestone in strengthening Penang’s business events industry through the introduction of electric vehicle solutions.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing Penang’s position as a preferred destination for conferences, conventions, exhibitions, and corporate events, while creating greater opportunities for industry engagement, business networking, and corporate visibility.

The MOU was signed by Mohammad Azwan Bin Yahaya, COO Automotive Retail, EON Berhad, and Ashwin Gunasekeran, PCEB CEO and witnessed by YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, YB Wong Yuee Harng, State Assemblyman for Pengkalan Kota and PCEB Director; and May Tan, Head of Operations, Premium Division, EON Berhad.

In line with Penang’s green initiatives, it will introduce EON as the official mobility partner for conferences and business events in Penang. Deploying EVs will support greener event operations while encouraging the adoption of environmentally responsible practices within the business events ecosystem.

Penang’s Chief Minister, YAB Chow Kon Yeow, welcomed the collaboration and highlighted its alignment with the state’s broader sustainability agenda.

“This collaboration reflects Penang’s continued commitment towards building a more sustainable and future-ready business events industry. The introduction of electric vehicles into the ecosystem of conferences and business events is a meaningful step in supporting greener mobility solutions while enhancing the overall visitor experience,” said the chief minister.

PCEB Chief Executive Officer Ashwin Gunasekeran noted: “By bringing together the business events and automotive industries, we can create greater opportunities for engagement, innovation and industry visibility, while further enhancing Penang’s position as a leading destination for regional and international business events.”

(Source: PCEB)

Lufthansa upgrades more destinations to Allegris

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June 1, 2026

SINGAPORE, 1 June 2026: Starting 25 October, Lufthansa will fly to 11 additional new Allegris destinations, including direct services to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore

New Allegris destinations are flagged to fly from Frankfurt and Munich during the upcoming winter timetable, featuring enhanced premium cabin amenities and in-flight service.

New destinations and increased frequencies will also be introduced on the Lufthansa Group airlines: SWISS, ITA Airways, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss, and Eurowings.

All new winter destinations are now available for bookings as the airline focuses more than ever on a premium service experience. Following the introduction of the new in-flight service on all long-haul flights in early May, the number of destinations where passengers can experience the new Allegris cabin will increase significantly starting this coming winter. The new cabin interior was introduced in 2024 and is available to passengers in all classes.

Lufthansa will fly to 11 new destinations in winter 2026/27 with Allegris on board. From Frankfurt, new long-haul routes will include Vancouver (Canada), Houston (US), Denver (US), Atlanta (US), Detroit (US), San José (Costa Rica), Seoul (South Korea) and Kuala Lumpur. Lufthansa will offer the new nonstop service to Malaysia’s capital five times a week starting 25 October.

With the launch of flights to Kuala Lumpur, Lufthansa Airlines is strengthening its network in Southeast Asia and focusing on growth in a dynamic region. The new Boeing 787-9, one of the most modern and efficient aircraft in the Lufthansa fleet, will be deployed on this route, featuring 287 seats in three classes and the new Allegris cabin – just as it will on flights from Frankfurt to Chennai (India) starting in March.

From Munich, the new “Allegris destinations” are Singapore (starting in late October), Washington (US) in March 2027, and Cape Town (South Africa).

In addition, Lufthansa will increase weekly frequencies on several high-demand transatlantic routes this winter: This includes routes from Frankfurt to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), San José (Costa Rica), Bogotá (Colombia), Lagos (Nigeria), and Hyderabad (India), as well as from Munich to São Paulo (Brazil), Mexico City, Johannesburg (South Africa), and Washington (US).

SWISS

SWISS is further expanding its offerings in the 2026/27 winter schedule and, for the first time, is adding a destination in southern India — Bengaluru (India) — to its route network. At the same time, SWISS is bringing the new long-haul experience SWISS Senses to Johannesburg (South Africa) and Shanghai (China) this winter on the Airbus A350.

ITA Airways

ITA Airways will launch a new seasonal direct route from Rome-Fiumicino to Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) for the 2026/27 winter season. This marks the airline’s first foray into the Central American market and further expands its route network on the continent. ITA Airways’ upcoming winter schedule will also be supplemented by two new routes that were already introduced during the current summer season: the Rome-Fiumicino–Houston (USA) and Rome-Fiumicino–London Heathrow (UK) routes.

Brussels Airlines

On 3 June, Brussels Airlines will launch a new route between Brussels and Kilimanjaro (Tanzania). This route was originally planned only as a summer service, but due to strong demand, Brussels Airlines will continue the flights through the winter. Between 28 October and 16 December, the airline will fly to Kilimanjaro once a week, and between 19 December and 21 February, two flights are scheduled per week.

Discover Airlines

Starting in winter 2026/27, Discover Airlines is expanding services to include two new destinations in Morocco. Starting in late October, the holiday airline will connect Frankfurt with the coastal city of Agadir and offer the only direct connection from Munich to the historic royal city of Fès in the northeast of the country. In addition, the airline is continuing the successful expansion of its Nordic offerings and will include flights to Ivalo in Finnish Lapland in its winter schedule for the first time. From mid-December to mid-April, the holiday airline will operate a weekly direct flight from Munich to Finland’s northernmost region.

Edelweiss

Due to strong demand for flights to Scandinavia, Edelweiss will further expand its service to Finland and Norway. In addition, the season to Luleå (Swedish Lapland), which was newly added last year, will be extended. Additional flights to all three countries are in the planning stages and will be announced in the coming weeks. Furthermore, due to demand, capacity will be increased to the Canary Islands, Faro, Bilbao, Seville, and Mallorca.

Eurowings

Eurowings, Germany’s largest holiday airline, is strategically expanding its offerings in the 2026/27 winter schedule to include high-demand European routes. From Berlin, the Lufthansa Group airline—as the market leader at the German capital’s airport—is particularly strengthening its service to European cities and Nordic winter destinations. New additions to the winter schedule include a route from Berlin to Kuusamo in Finnish Lapland. Eurowings is also increasing frequencies on existing routes to Rovaniemi and Kittilä (both in Finland). Furthermore, Eurowings is continuing the expansion of the “Capital Express” from Berlin: The route to Rome will launch on 2 November and flights to London Heathrow (UK) will also be offered during the winter. From Düsseldorf, Eurowings is extending its service beyond the summer season and will offer year-round flights to Madrid (Spain) in the future.

All destinations in the 2026/27 winter flight schedule are now available for booking.

(Source: Lufthansa Group)

Thai culinary master heads to Himalayan resort

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Your Stories

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May 29, 2026

POKHARA, Nepal, 29 May, 2026: Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection confirms the appointment of Chef Thaksorn Than Sertsirikai as Executive Chef.

With a distinguished culinary career spanning nearly four decades, Chef Than brings exceptional international pedigree and a profound passion for gastronomy to one of Nepal’s most celebrated resort destinations.

Lovingly known simply as Chef Than, he has taken his culinary journey to some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality destinations. He has held senior roles at Ambassador Hotel Pattaya, Krabi Resort, Centara Krabi, Novotel Rayong, Sheraton, and Amari Hua Hin. His global footprint extends well beyond Thailand, encompassing professional postings in Singapore, Mali, and Phuket, each chapter deepening a versatile, cross-cultural culinary sensibility that sets him apart in his field.

Chef Than has earned wide acclaim for his mastery of Thai, Chinese, and Western cuisines — refined through decades of experience across diverse cultures and discerning guest profiles. Among his most notable honours is the prestigious Iron Pan Chef award for Thai cuisine, a recognition that speaks to his technical excellence and enduring commitment to his craft.

In his new role at Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, Chef Than is focused on crafting a dining identity that is both globally fluent and deeply rooted in place. He plans to introduce guests to the depth and authenticity of Thai cuisine while championing Nepali gastronomy — using locally sourced ingredients and traditional Himalayan flavours to develop menus that feel both worldly and unmistakably of this region.

Guests can look forward to thoughtfully composed menus that pair signature Thai specialities with reimagined Nepali classics, offering a culinary journey as layered and compelling as the surrounding landscape.

“I am truly excited to be here,” said Chef Than. “I want to share my passion for Thai cooking with guests in Nepal, and at the same time I am eager to learn from the incredible local ingredients and traditions around us — to create something that is both familiar and entirely new.”

Chef Than’s appointment underscores Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara’s ongoing efforts in providing world-class hospitality. With his arrival, the resort further cements its reputation as a premier destination where exceptional dining and immersive Himalayan experiences converge.

ABOUT Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara
Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, part of The Centara Collection, is a secluded Himalayan retreat perched on the hills of Kaskikot, just 35 minutes from Pokhara. With sweeping views of the Annapurna Range and Fishtail Mountain, the resort features 42 spacious rooms, suites, and villas that blend modern comfort with authentic Nepali design and touches of Thai-inspired elegance.

Find out more about Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara at Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection.

For more information about Centara visit www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com.

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Saudia welcomes its first long-range A321

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May 29, 2026

SINGAPORE, 29 May 2026: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has welcomed its first Airbus A321XLR, becoming the first airline in the Middle East and Africa to take delivery of the extra-long-range narrow-body aircraft.

The milestone supports Saudia’s fleet growth programme and reflects its continued investment in advanced aircraft models that enhance operational efficiency, guest experience, and sustainability performance.

With a range of up to 8,700 kilometres and a flight duration of up to nine hours, the A321XLR gives Saudia greater flexibility to operate longer international routes with the efficiency of a narrow-body aircraft. This capability enables Saudia to expand international connectivity more efficiently, aligning aircraft capacity to market demand while maintaining a high-quality onboard experience.

The aircraft also marks the first delivery to feature core elements of “The New Saudia Experience”, Saudia’s new onboard offering focused on comfort, connectivity, entertainment, dining, and service consistency across the guest journey. The cabin is configured with 24 business class suites designed for privacy and comfort, alongside 120 Guest Class seats featuring enhanced seat design, 13-inch personal entertainment screens, and convenient charging ports to support a more comfortable guest journey.

Saudia Group’s fleet investments also deliver broader industrial and economic value to the Kingdom. Through its recent deal with Airbus for 105 confirmed aircraft, the Group is supporting local content, creating opportunities for Saudi suppliers, and strengthening Saudi participation in global aviation supply chains. As part of the agreement, Airbus will continue working with suppliers in the Kingdom to support their qualification for global aviation supply chains, helping build national capabilities and generate long-term economic value beyond aircraft acquisition.

Saudia is scheduled to add 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft to its fleet by 2027, as part of its wider fleet growth program. The aircraft will support network growth across key travel segments, including tourism, business, major events, and pilgrimage travel, contributing to Vision 2030 and the Saudi Aviation Strategy as the Kingdom prepares to host major global events in the years ahead, including the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Expo 2030, and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

(Source: Saudia)

Agoda elevates tourism ties with DOT Philippines

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May 29, 2026

SINGAPORE, 29 May 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda and the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) announced a strategic partnership this week to promote Philippine tourism, advance workforce development, strengthen sustainable tourism practices, and enable data‑driven policy and marketing collaboration.

Under this partnership, Agoda and DOT will primarily run joint marketing initiatives to promote travel to the Philippines. The collaboration extends to training programs and workshops on topics like digital transformation, service excellence, and industry best practices. Agoda and DOT will also support more sustainable tourism practices through awareness initiatives and knowledge‑sharing.

*An Agoji holding a smartphone displaying the Agoda app.*

Agoda Chief Commercial Officer Damien Pfirsch commented: “Agoda is proud to partner with DOT to encourage inbound travel, collaborate on training and development programs, and support growth across the many incredible tourist destinations in the Philippines. By combining DOT’s leadership with Agoda’s expertise, we will entice more travellers to visit the Philippines while elevating the tourism industry as a whole.”

The partnership also highlights the shared commitment between Agoda and the DOT to promote the Philippines as a welcoming, safe, and accessible destination for domestic and international travellers. Through Agoda’s global network of accommodations, flights, and activities, and the DOT’s destination management initiatives, the joint partnership aims to deliver practical benefits to tourism businesses, empower tourism professionals, and enhance traveller confidence.

(Source: Agoda)

WiT Indie strikes a partnership with Think City Malaysia

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May 29, 2026

PENANG, 29 May 2026: WiT Indie 2026, the event for independent travel, will relocate to Bangunan UAB in the heart of George Town, Penang, as part of a new partnership with Think City, Malaysia’s urban impact organisation dedicated to making cities more livable, sustainable and resilient.

The event, now in its seventh year, returns under the theme “The Next 20: Small Is Mighty,” bringing Asia’s independent travel community into the creative, heritage and civic fabric of a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Bangunan UAB carries the weight of that history. Built in the 1930s as a godown, it later housed the first overseas branch of Indian Overseas Bank in 1937 before being restored in 2016. Today, it is home to Think City’s George Town operations, a building shaped by commerce, conservation and reinvention, much like the city around it.

WiT Founder Yeoh Siew Hoon said: “It is only through collaboration that the small gets mightier, and we are pleased that this partnership with Think City will enable us to be closer to, and more connected with, the creative and heritage community of George Town. The new space and its location will enable us to create the most vibrant, creative and collaborative WiT Indie ever with the local travel community in Penang. Bangunan UAB is not just a venue, it is a witness to George Town’s transformation, and Think City has been part of that transformation since the beginning.”

Established in 2009 with a specific purpose — to kick-start urban regeneration in George Town and stimulate economic growth for the city and the state — Think City has spent 15 years asking a single question: how do we build a sense of ownership in city communities, so that people take pride in their city and become active in its development?

The work that followed — across the North Seafront precinct, from the Padang and Esplanade to the Seawall, Fort Cornwallis, the moat reinstatement, and the Astaka — was about restoring the conditions for a liveable, sustainable, and inclusive city.

Think City Managing Director Dato’ Hamdan Abdul Majeed said: “Cities endure because people continue to find reason to gather within them. That is what we have worked to create in George Town, not just physical infrastructure, but the fabric of a place that draws people in and gives them reason to stay, return and invest their energy. It is with this spirit that we are delighted to welcome Asia’s independent travel community to Bangunan UAB and to George Town. Having the entrepreneurs, storytellers and travellers who give places their meaning convene here is exactly the kind of activation that a living heritage city needs.”

The partnership is a deliberate alignment of two complementary missions. Think the city’s regeneration work lays the foundation; WiT Indie activates it. Thriving cities, as Think City’s work has consistently shown, are sticky. They attract talent, creative communities, and sustained economic activity not through infrastructure alone but through the quality of the experience they offer.

Bringing the independent travel ecosystem into the heart of George Town deepens that stickiness, connecting a global community of travellers and entrepreneurs to a city that has earned its place on the region’s cultural map.

Since its launch in 2018, WiT Indie has been held at Penang Institute as part of a partnership with the state government’s think tank.

Siew Hoon said: “We’re grateful to Penang Institute for their support from the very beginning. With their support and community outreach, we’ve been able to grow our event to what it is today.”

Penang Institute, Executive Director Dato’ Dr Ooi Kee Beng, added: “We welcome any initiative that we feel can enhance Penang’s cultural economic stature and diversity over time. We give them advice, context and connections to help them realise how correct they have been in seeing Penang as a steady step up the ladder towards international success.”

WiT Indie was created by WiT (Web in Travel), part of the Northstar Travel Group, to focus on the independent travel sector, a sizeable and growing market enabled by the different waves of technology that have empowered travellers at every stage of the travel journey – from dreaming to planning, booking and experiencing.

AWS powers up Thai Immigration App

AAPA releases April traffic results

STB taps a tune to boost tourism

Middle East hostilities damage passenger demand

Penang recruits EVs to green events

Lufthansa upgrades more destinations to Allegris

Thai culinary master heads to Himalayan resort

Saudia welcomes its first long-range A321

Agoda elevates tourism ties with DOT Philippines

WiT Indie strikes a partnership with Think City Malaysia

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