MATTA Fair: RHB Bank smooths travel purchases

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August 27, 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 26 August 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), together with RHB Bank, is strengthening its partnership through the upcoming National MATTA Fair, from 4 to 6 September 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Kuala Lumpur.

The 59th edition of the MATTA Fair is set to occupy the three floor levels, with the Domestic Hall on Level 1 and the International Hall on Levels 2 and 3, spanning a total exhibition space of 40,820 square metres across 10 halls.

The fair will feature 2,054 booths from 306 organisations, providing a variety of must-visit destinations

By bringing together Malaysia’s largest consumer travel fair and one of the country’s leading integrated financial services groups, the collaboration aims to give visitors a trusted, rewarding travel-planning experience through exclusive promotions, flexible payment solutions, and value-added travel benefits.

RHB Bank Berhad Managing Director of Group Community Banking Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo said: “RHB remains committed to supporting the growth of the travel and hospitality sector by giving customers greater convenience, flexibility and value throughout their travel experience. Our RHB Multi Currency Debit Card/-i makes overseas spending simpler, with access to 34 currencies on a single card. Customers can spend directly from their selected foreign currency balance without conversion fees, while earning Reward Points on eligible overseas transactions.”

At the MATTA Fair, customers who make purchases using their RHB Cards/-i can enjoy savings of up to MYR1,500 with participating travel partners, including Corporate Information Travel, Golden Destinations and MITRA Tours & Travel. Visitors will also stand a chance to purchase RM1 air tickets, win Insta360 cameras and flight tickets.

“RHB also offers flexible instalment plans, some with 0% interest rates, allowing customers to spread larger purchases into manageable monthly payments. Through these offerings, we aim to give Malaysians greater travel flexibility and value as they plan, pay for and enjoy their travels,” he added.

Visitors can visit RHB Bank’s booths at the Domestic Hall on Level 1 and International Halls on Level 2 to learn more about its travel-focused banking solutions and cardholder privileges available throughout the fair.

Beyond that, visitors can also explore an extensive range of domestic and international travel experiences from 176 tour and travel agencies, engage directly with 16 National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), 13 State Tourism Organisations (STOs), 59 hotels and resorts, 9 theme parks and 32 travel-related service providers.

“Travel is something many travellers look forward to, and MATTA Fair is where those travel aspirations come to life. RHB Bank has been a valued partner of MATTA, and their continued support helps strengthen our role as a trusted platform for travellers, creating a more rewarding experience and greater opportunities for visitors, members and exhibitors,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.

To ensure a smooth visitor experience, MATTA Fair offers free admission and is open from 1000 to 2100 from Friday to Sunday. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the complimentary shuttle services from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall to MITEC.

For those driving, parking is available at the South Entrance basement in MITEC, the MITI basement, MATRADE open parking, KL Courts complex open parking, and Hyatt Regency basement parking.

For the latest updates, visit mattafair.org.my or follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @mattafair.official, and X @matta_fair.

(Source: MATTA)

Surfing with the seasons in Langkawi

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August 26, 2026

LANGKAWI, 26 August 2026: At Pantai Tengah, a surf morning can begin before anyone gets in the water. Coffee is poured.

Breakfast comes out of takeaway boxes. Surf apps are checked, the wind is watched, and eyes turn towards the horizon. Boards sit ready on the sand while the small group gathered on the beach waits to see what the sea has decided.

Some mornings bring waves. Some don’t. Nobody seems particularly bothered. For Langkawi’s growing surfing community, the waiting is part of it.

When the wind changes

Langkawi’s seasons shape life on the island, and surfing is no different. When the monsoon winds shift and conditions begin to change, surfboards come out, and messages start circulating about the latest swell.

Weather forecasts help to pin the season from April to November during the southwest monsoon, with the most promising wave conditions occurring from July through September.

Small groups make their way to the west coast, particularly around Pantai Tengah, hoping the forecasts are right. Visitors who have surfed here before return, while locals keep a close eye on the conditions. There are no guarantees. A promising forecast can produce nothing, while an ordinary morning can turn into a memorable session.

That unpredictability has helped shape the character of surfing here. The focus isn’t on chasing the biggest wave. It’s on being there when the conditions come together.

Learning to wait

Ask Jay what surfing has taught him and his answer comes quickly: patience. He first got into surfing in Bali before continuing in Cherating, on Malaysia’s east coast. What started as curiosity eventually became a different way of looking at the ocean.

You can’t control the wind or make the waves arrive. You can prepare, watch the conditions and wait.

Today, Jay passes that lesson on through his surf school. For beginners, the goal may be to stand on a board for the first time. But the experience is also about learning to move with the water rather than trying to fight it. The first successful ride is often the moment everything clicks.

The surf shop where everyone meets

For Han, the day moves between the water and his surf shop, where conversations about tides and forecasts easily turn into conversations about everything else.

His café has become a natural meeting point for the surfing community. Surfers stop by for coffee, travellers swap stories and beginners celebrate their first successful ride.

A Japanese photographer has also spent time with Han and his group, documenting the everyday side of the community — the sessions, the people and the moments between them.

The social side of surfing doesn’t stop when the boards are put away. In many ways, that is when the community comes together.

A community built one save at a time

Langkawi’s surf community has grown gradually, through people introducing friends to the water, visitors returning for another season and surfers sharing what they know.

A request for a lesson can lead to another. A first session can turn into a regular habit. Someone who arrived as a visitor might come back with a friend the following year.

Today, locals surf alongside visitors and experienced surfers encourage beginners as they learn. Children are starting their first lessons, while more seasoned riders still celebrate the small improvements that come with every session.

There is little interest in hierarchy. Whether you’ve been surfing for years or are still figuring out how to stand on the board, everyone starts in the same place: waiting for the next wave.

Let the island set the pace

Surfing requires you to pay attention to what is happening around you. In Langkawi, that means learning to read the wind, the rain, the tide and the changing conditions.

Experience helps, but nature still has the final say. Sometimes the forecast promises perfect conditions and delivers nothing. Sometimes a regular morning produces a few rides worth remembering. Over time, surfers learn when to paddle out, when to wait and when to simply call it a day.

Waves that bring people together

Spend time around Langkawi’s surfing community, and the appeal becomes clear when you watch a beginner catch their first wave.

Someone cheers. A pop-up gets applauded. The surfer comes back to shore smiling, ready to try again. Those small moments are what keep people coming back. By sunset, boards are rinsed and put away. Someone checks tomorrow’s forecast.

Nobody knows yet whether there will be waves in the morning.

They’ll probably meet anyway. Surfing in Langkawi isn’t defined by the size of the swell. It’s found in the people who keep showing up, watching the horizon and waiting for the next wave.

For more information on Langkawi, visit: Naturally Langkawi.

(Source: Your Stories — LADA)

Europe captures top summer travel spend

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August 26, 2026

SINGAPORE, 26 August 2026: As millions of travellers head for their summer holidays, Europe has reinforced its position as the world’s leading leisure travel destination, capturing one-third of all global leisure travel spending in 2025, according to new 2026 EIR data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), sponsored by Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner.

The latest figures show that global leisure travel spending reached USD6.15 trillion in 2025, up 3.5% year-on-year and accounting for 80.5% of total global travel expenditure. Of this, Europe attracted USD2 trillion, equivalent to USD1 in every USD3 spent worldwide on leisure travel, highlighting the region’s enduring appeal as travellers embark on this year’s summer holidays.

Southern European destinations remain at the heart of this success. France, Spain, Italy and Türkiye remain among the most sought-after summer destinations globally, benefiting from strong international demand, diverse source markets, world-class tourism offerings and robust connectivity.

As Europe experiences another busy summer season, the region’s tourism performance reflects not only strong seasonal demand but also its longer-term competitiveness. Leisure spending growth remained resilient across key destinations in 2025, with France expanding by 3.6%, Spain by 2.6% and Italy by 2.2%.

Looking ahead, Europe’s growth momentum is expected to continue beyond the summer months and into 2026, when the region is forecast to expand by 3.7%, outpacing the global average of 3.1%.

Italy is projected to lead this next phase of growth with a 4.7% increase in leisure spending, followed by Spain (+4.3%), Türkiye (+4.1%) and France (+2.6%), reinforcing Southern Europe’s position as a powerhouse of global tourism demand.

This sustained growth is also being supported by evolving global travel patterns, with Southern European destinations increasingly benefiting from demand redirected from other regions, further strengthening their competitive positioning.

WTTC President & CEO, Gloria Guevara, said: “With summer travel at its peak, Europe continues to set the pace for global leisure tourism, capturing one-third of all spending worldwide and demonstrating the strength, diversity and resilience of its tourism sector.

Southern Europe remains the engine of this growth. Destinations such as Spain, Italy, France and Türkiye continue to attract strong international demand thanks to their unique visitor experiences, excellent connectivity and competitive tourism offerings.

With millions of travellers currently holidaying across the continent, destinations must continue investing in infrastructure, connectivity and sustainable tourism management to support future growth and maintain their global competitiveness. The outlook for 2026 shows Europe is well positioned to continue leading global Travel & Tourism.”

WTTC’s Economic Impact Research is produced in partnership with Oxford Economics and is among the world’s most authoritative datasets on the economic contribution of Travel & Tourism.

Forecasts for 2026 are based on current economic and geopolitical conditions at the time of publication and include assumptions related to inflation, energy prices, consumer demand, and regional geopolitical developments. As the global situation evolves, projections may change.

(Source: WTTC)

Smart Travel Asia releases annual poll results

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August 26, 2026

HONG KONG, 26 August 2026: The results of the 2026 Best in Travel Poll for SmartTravelAsia.com readers (June to late August) will appear in the September edition of the 23-year-old magazine for international frequent travellers to and within Asia.

Polled annually since 2005, SmartTravelAsia this year monitors travellers demanding security and service, while Dubai drops out of the top spots as Bangkok, Macau, Tokyo, Vietnam, and Bali climb; Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong gain from rerouted traffic. Here is a peek preview of the rankings and honours in 2026.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai, Qatar Airways fly the desert flag

UAE destinations, airlines and hotels, which had held significant positions in previous years, disappeared from the top 10 lists — this, with two major exceptions: Qatar Airways (first for Business Class) and Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah (Top 10 for Luxury) — as several major brands subsisted on weekend staycation traffic, or closed.

SIA, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines soar

Singapore Airlines easily held on to the first spot as Best Airline Overall Worldwide — first for Cabin Service, followed closely in second place by Cathay Pacific. This poll marked a strong return for Malaysia Airlines (third for Cabin Service and sixth overall). Singapore’s Scoot flew away with the Best Budget Airline in Asia, nudging ahead of long-dominant AirAsia (second) with HK Express third. Boutique carrier Bangkok Airways posted an emphatic sixth place for cabin service, ahead of Thai Airways in eighth.

The search for emotional takeaways — and Service

International travellers looked for safe options with an eye on quality service. The need for an emotional takeaway and human connection was evident in the Best Hotel Service List (the hallmark of quality), which was packed to the rafters — almost every high-ranking property was listed here, and this category received the most votes. Travel uncertainties, combined with higher costs, also created pressure to find value beds without sacrificing service.

Brand recognition is clearly at the heart of it. This year’s top Hotel for Service was the fairly new all-villa Raffles Sentosa Singapore that led a feisty pack just ahead of Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, The Peninsula Manila, and MGM Macau (in joint second place), and Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto and Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok (tied in third).

Top-ranked city-airport combo, boosted local hotels

Bangkok ranked as the top Holiday Destination while its airport was in eighth place. Tokyo ranked second (with its two airports in the top 10), and Bali and Kyoto shared third place. Singapore continued to make a strong showing in the top spot for Business & Meetings with its Changi Airport unopposed at No 1 among the World’s Best Airports. A strong destination-airport combination proved a boon for hotels in several cities.

Hong Kong made a huge comeback after several years in the doldrums. Cathay Pacific Airways ranked second Overall Worldwide (after SIA) and for Cabin Service, while the city placed third for Meetings and fourth for Leisure.

Hong Kong International Airport ranked second worldwide, and the Peninsula Hong Kong (awaiting a huge multimillion-dollar redo) was placed first for Luxury with Regent Hong Kong in third and Upper House fourth.

Revamping Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and the busy Four Seasons secured a joint second place for Business and Meetings. The tiny neighbouring enclave of Macau (with a struggling airport) placed a strong fifth spot among Top Holiday Destinations in Asia as well as for Meetings, some of this fuelled by Hong Kong’s success. This helped float a few boats — MGM MACAU No 3 for Luxury and MGM COTAI No 3 for Meetings; The Londoner (No 3 for Families), Artyzen Grand Lapa (No 7 Families), Parisian, Wynn, and Grand Lisboa Palace Resort.

Malaysia rocketed up the ranks with KLIA ranking the No 3 Best Airport Worldwide (and five KL hotels in the Top 10) just ahead of Incheon Seoul and Haneda Tokyo

Vietnam made an impressive showing with a range of hotels and destinations in the Top 10 — Mia Saigon was rated the No 1 Boutique Hotel in Asia with Alma Resort Cam Ranh and Park Hyatt Saigon both placing Top 5 in other categories.

Top brands and hotel groups with highest recognition

TOP BRANDS AT A GLANCE 2026: Singapore Airlines (Best Airline Worldwide, and for Cabin Service); Qatar Airways (Best Business Class Worldwide); Scoot (Best Budget Airline Asia); Singapore Changi Airport (Best Airport Worldwide); Bangkok (Best Holiday Destination); Singapore (Best City for Meetings); The Peninsula Hong Kong (Best Luxury Hotel, Asia); Mia Saigon (Best Boutique Hotel, Asia); Andaz Bali (Best Lifestyle Hotel, Asia); Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (Best Business & Meetings Hotel); Banyan Tree Samui (Best Spa Hotel); AYANA Resort Bali (Best Wedding Hotel); Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya (Best Family Hotel, two years in a row), Raffles Sentosa Singapore (Best Hotel for Service); and the reimagined Anantara Siam Hotel Bangkok (Best New Hotel, after a USD50 million facelift).

TOP HOTEL GROUPS: A few brands dominated the rankings this year. These included Hyatt (with the hugely popular Park Hyatt brand at the fore and Andaz making an impact); InterContinental (rolling out Kimpton, Regent, Holiday Inn, Vignette Collection, and InterCon); Mandarin Oriental (with a clutch of old, new, and the remodelled); Capella (which featured several properties in the Luxury and Boutique Lists); Rosewood; and Shangri-La. Others with a notable number of placements included Aman Resorts; luxe MGM with two wins in Macau; Thailand’s homegrown Centara; and India’s Oberoi and Taj.

JAUNTY INDEPENDENTS: It was equally a celebration of jaunty independents that caught traveller attention — and not for the lowest prices — from Amorita and The Funny Lion in the Philippines to Soori (Penang and Bali), Samode Palace and The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa (India), to Eastern & Oriental Penang, the stately riverfront Mia Saigon, and rambunctious bamboo-inspired Bambu Indah (Bali). Our Top 10 Boutique Hotels List is packed with exciting brands that hold out much promise, from old standout Dwarika’s Kathmandu to Dolkhar Ladakh and Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary.

Reader trips, interests, and engagement

TRIPS GO REGIONAL: Readers on average took 12 air trips (same as in 2025) but with a greater share of these on domestic, short-haul, and regional routes as Mid-East blockages pushed up Southeast Asian travel. And voters’ household income averaged USD156,000 per annum.

TRAVELLER INTERESTS: Key interests were broadly similar to 2025 and demonstrated a strong demand for authentic local engagement — dining and nightlife led the field (76%), followed by culture, heritage and history (68%); shopping (67%); spas and wellness (67%); adventure and nature (60%). Next in line were child-friendly resorts (60%); conferences and meetings (45%); resort weddings (35%); golf (28%); casinos (26%); cruises (22%); and diving (16%).

PURCHASES over the year include camera gear and phones (76%); luxury fashion (65%); cars (56%); city or holiday property (55%); duty-free alcohol (52%); and medical tourism (33%).

About Smart Travel Asia
Smart Travel Asia launched in February 2003 as the region’s first fully online publication. Many readers from the former print magazines migrated to its online presence. Over 60% visit the magazine directly via bookmarks, referrals, monthly e-newsletters, and social media, as well as through diverse searches via Mojeek, Brave Search, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Baidu, Yandex, Naver, Kagi, SwissCows, ChatGPT, and newer AI platforms.

For more information: Smart Travel Asia.

(Source: Smart Travel Asia)

Papua New Guinea returns to Singapore’s NATAS Fair

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August 26, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Source: Air Niugini Corporate Communications Department)

BA flies London-Melbourne in January 2027

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August 26, 2026

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

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

*Photo credit: British Airways. Melbourne park landscape.*

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

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

WINTER 2026

Melbourne, Australia

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

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

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

Colombo, Sri Lanka

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

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

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

(Source: British Airways)

Newcomer CIMX recruits PCMA input

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August 26, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connecting CIMX with PCMA’s corporate community

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

Turning industry intelligence into long-term value

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

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

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

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

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

(Source: CIMX)

Marriott to fly Ritz-Carlton flag in Cambodia

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August 26, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Source: Marriott International)

Qatar ‘Starlinks’ entire B787-9 fleet

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August 26, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Source: Qatar Airways)

IndiGo to link Gaya and Bangkok

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August 26, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flight schedule Gaya-Bangkok, effective 26 October 2026

(Source: IndiGo).

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