JAKARTA, 25 August 2026: Archipelago Hotels continues to expand its presence in Indonesia in line with the country’s tourism growth. From January to June 2026, foreign tourist arrivals reached 7.45 million, a 5.71% increase from the same period the previous year.
Meanwhile, the Accommodation and Food & Beverage Service sector recorded a 13.14% growth in the first quarter of 2026.
In response, Archipelago Hotels introduces five properties across Java and Sumatra, comprising two new openings and three rebrandings. The five properties are Aston Cimone Hotel & Convention Centre, Aston Malang Hotel & Conference Centre, Nawana by Alana, fave+ hotel Lampung, and fave+ hotel Pamanukan. This portfolio will cater to various travel needs, including business trips, MICE, family vacations and leisure stays.
“The growth of tourism and the accommodation sector is creating greater demand for hotels that offer quality while remaining relevant to the character of each destination. Importantly, the Indonesian traveller is no longer choosing a hotel on price alone. Low price may attract attention, but genuine value comes from the combination of quality, comfort and an experience that feels interesting and distinctive. For Archipelago Hotels, this shift represents both an opportunity and a responsibility: to develop hotels that meet the market’s practical needs while giving guests something memorable enough to choose, enjoy and recommend,” said Archipelago Hotels Chief Executive Officer John Flood.
Archipelago Hotels is the largest privately owned hotel management group in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, operating more than 45,000 rooms across 350 hotels in more than 200 destinations in Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Oceania.
Headquartered in Jakarta, the group has a portfolio of 13 brands, including Aston, Alana, Huxley, Park Lane, Kamuela, Avanika, Harper, Quest, Four Corners, Neo, fave, Nordic, and Aston Collection.
TOKYO, Japan, 25 August 2026: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has announced a portfolio deal with long-term partner GCP Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Gaw Capital Group.
The milestone portfolio deal, totalling 1,063 rooms, includes 14 hotels in Kyoto: 12 Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express, and one unbranded hotel. All these hotels will be converted, with phased openings after renovations and rebranding to embed the Garner and Holiday Inn Express hallmarks, over the next 12 months.
Photo credit: IHG.
This signing represents one of the largest conversion portfolio deals in Japan in recent years and highlights Garner’s strong growth momentum in Japan as a midscale conversion brand within IHG’s portfolio.
Garner is IHG’s fastest-ever brand to scale globally and recently celebrated reaching 100 open hotels since its August 2023 launch. It also marks the signing of IHG’s third Holiday Inn Express in Japan, following Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre – Midosuji and Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino.
The expansion of IHG’s portfolio in Kyoto further strengthens its presence in the city, complementing its existing portfolio that spans Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium and Essentials brands, including Six Senses Kyoto, ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo and Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma – and positions IHG as one of the largest international hotel companies in Kyoto.
Following the successful Garner brand launch in Japan around 18 months ago in Osaka, this deal demonstrates owners’ growing interest in rebranding hotels and gaining quick access to IHG’s leading enterprise resources, including our marketing, technology, and distribution platforms, as well as the scale of IHG One Rewards globally.
Kyoto remains one of Japan’s most sought-after destinations, attracting strong international and domestic demand year-round. All hotels in the portfolio are located across key districts in Kyoto, including areas around Kyoto Station, Shijo and Gojo, ensuring guests are close to major transport hubs and some of the city’s most popular cultural and tourism attractions.
IHG debuted Garner in Japan in 2025 with the opening of three Garner hotels in Osaka. The brand plays a distinctive role in the country’s hotel landscape, offering an affordable, high-quality option for both business and leisure travellers. Japan’s well-established business hotel segment is known for efficient, functional properties that maintain consistently high standards and has traditionally been dominated by domestic operators – making IHG’s growing portfolio in this space distinctive for an international hospitality company.
JEDDAH, 25 August 2026: Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has launched a promotional offer providing discounts of up to 50% on Guest and Business Class fares.
Available for international travel from the Kingdom and transit flights through Saudi Arabia to onward destinations across Saudia’s network spanning four continents, the offer supports Saudia’s efforts to provide competitive travel options, grow transit traffic, and contribute to tourism and Umrah travel.
Photo credit: Saudia.
Bookings can be made until 3 September 2026, across all Saudia sales channels, for travel from 1 September to 10 December 2026. It applies to one-way and round-trip tickets in Guest and Business Class.
Guests travelling under the offer will have access to Saudia’s digital, airport and onboard services, including high-speed inflight connectivity, which is now available on a growing number of aircraft across the fleet.
The offer also delivers added value for AlFursan members, who will earn 100% Bonus Tier Credits on their flights booked during the offer period, accelerating their journey to a higher membership tier or helping them retain their current status and continue enjoying the benefits that come with their membership.
Saudia continues to advance its Jeddah hub strategy by aligning flight schedules into coordinated arrival and departure waves, enabling more efficient connections for guests travelling between Asia, Europe, Africa and other markets across its network. The strategy aims to increase transit traffic through Jeddah, with the number of transit guests expected to grow from more than 2 million in 2026 to more than 5.5 million by 2030.
Saudia’s Stopover Visa offers eligible travellers the opportunity to explore the Kingdom during their transit. Issued electronically as part of the booking process, the visa allows guests to stay for up to 96 hours, during which they can perform Umrah, visit destinations across Saudi Arabia, and enjoy a range of tourism experiences before continuing to their final destination.
The offer builds on Saudia’s wider initiatives to grow transit traffic and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a key connecting point for international travel. Through its extensive network, enhanced connectivity and growing operational capabilities, Saudia is expanding its ability to serve international travellers while contributing to the objectives of the Saudi Aviation Strategy.
MUSCAT, 25 August 2026: SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, has announced the opening of ticket sales for its new direct service between Muscat and Erbil, with flights commencing on 25 October 2026.
Erbil will become SalamAir’s second destination in Iraq, further expanding the airline’s network across the region.
Photo credit: SalamAir.
The new route will operate twice weekly, offering passengers an affordable, convenient direct travel option between Muscat and Erbil. Lite fares start from OMR54.99 one way, helping SalamAir make air travel more accessible across its growing network.
Building on the success of its Baghdad operations, SalamAir’s new service to Erbil marks a strategic expansion of the airline’s network in Iraq. The route is expected to support increasing demand for tourism, business, trade and family travel, while offering seamless onward connectivity via Muscat to destinations across the Indian Subcontinent and Asia.
Commenting on the announcement, Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer of SalamAir, said: “Erbil represents a strategic addition to SalamAir’s growing network and further strengthens our presence in Iraq. Building on the success of our Baghdad operations, this new service will meet growing demand for travel between Oman and the Kurdistan Region while providing convenient connections through Muscat to destinations across the Indian Subcontinent and Asia. Iraq is an important market for SalamAir, and we remain committed to pursuing high-potential, underserved opportunities that strengthen our network, stimulate passenger demand, enhance Muscat’s role as a regional connecting hub, and support the tourism and economic ambitions of Oman Vision 2040.”
The addition of Erbil comes as SalamAir continues to expand its fleet and network, enabling the airline to introduce new routes, increase capacity across key markets, and offer more travellers affordable, convenient travel options.
Tickets are now available through SalamAir’s website, mobile application and authorised travel agencies.
SUKHOTHAI, 25 August 2026: Bangkok Airways successfully hosted the Bangkok Airways Sukhothai Half Marathon 2026, the third race of the Bangkok Airways Boutique Series 2026, on 22 to 23 August 2026 in Sukhothai Province.
More than 2,000 runners joined the event to race a course within this UNESCO World Heritage city, where history, culture, and local ways of life come together.
Photo credit: Bangkok Airways. Starting line Sukhothai half marathon.
One of the highlights of this year’s race was the scenic route through historic Old Sukhothai at sunrise. Runners passed ancient ruins and architectural landmarks that reflect the heritage and legacy of the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom, while also experiencing the warmth of local communities along the route.
The event featured three race categories: the 21-kilometre Half Marathon, 10-kilometre Mini Marathon and 5-kilometre Fun Run. Runners who completed the Half Marathon within the designated cut-off time also received a limited-edition PUMA Finisher Shirt to commemorate their achievement.
On 22 August, Bangkok Airways also hosted the Kids Series Race, an 800-meter adventure-style running activity for children aged 12 and under. Featuring a series of fun, interactive activity stations, the race encouraged children to stay active, build teamwork skills, and enjoy quality time with their families through sport.
Bangkok Airways Director Key Accounts & Ancillary Product, Komkrit Ngamwongwirot, said: “We welcomed more than 2,000 runners this year, and the strong participation reflects Sukhothai’s potential as a sports tourism destination, where an active lifestyle can be meaningfully combined with the province’s rich history, culture and distinctive local identity.”
The Bangkok Airways Chiang Mai Half Marathon 2026, the final race of this year’s Bangkok Airways Boutique Series, will take place from 26 to 27 September 2026 at Royal Park Rajapruek, Chiang Mai.
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 August 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) will once again join forces with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), returning as the Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor at the 59th edition of the National MATTA Fair.
Taking place from 4 to 6 September 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, the collaboration with MAG as a key partner of the Fair reflects its continued commitment to enhancing travel accessibility and elevating the overall visitor experience.
Photo credit: MATTA.
Visitors to MATTA Fair can look forward to a dynamic showcase by MAG, featuring its latest offerings, travel innovations, and exclusive deals across its airline network, including Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and Amal, alongside lifestyle offerings and holiday packages through Enrich, Journify and MHholidays.
MATTA President Nigel Wong said: “In a world that evolves every day, travel remains one of the truest ways we connect; through new places and new people, and often, through adventures we weren’t looking for. The MATTA Fair has always been about making those journeys possible for everyone, and this year, alongside MAG, we’re proud to open even more doors to the world. As Malaysia continues to shine as a destination of choice under Visit Malaysia 2026, we’re reminded that travel isn’t just an industry; it’s hope, curiosity, and connection, made real.
MAG will once again command a significant presence at the fair through its expansive MAG Arena, located at the International Hall, Level 3, spanning over 46,000 square feet and housing 60 booths. Through immersive and interactive displays, the Arena will spotlight MAG’s growing portfolio of travel and lifestyle solutions, offering visitors a glimpse into its premium travel experiences, technology-led innovations, and the warmth of its renowned Malaysian Hospitality.
Visitors can explore exclusive promotions and special fare deals across Malaysia Airlines and Firefly’s domestic and international networks, providing access to a wide range of destinations tailored to different travel preferences and budgets. Featured destinations include regional favourites such as Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, Bali and Hanoi, as well as long-haul destinations including London, Melbourne, Sydney, Tokyo and Auckland.
The MAG Arena will serve as the centrepiece of the fair, bringing together aviation, lifestyle and technology in an immersive showcase of MAG’s diverse portfolio. Visitors can explore the Group’s latest digital innovations and next-generation cabin products, all brought to life through the signature warmth of Malaysian Hospitality.
Building on the experiences and rewards that have made the MAG Arena a perennial MATTA Fair favourite, visitors can once again enjoy exclusive merchandise redemption with every flight booking and enter the Buyers’ Contest with a minimum spend of MYR100 for a chance to win return Business Class tickets on Malaysia Airlines to premier global destinations, including Paris and Tokyo. This edition will also feature exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with Manchester United legends, as well as celebrated global and local sports icons.
Complementing MATTA Fair’s extensive selection of holiday packages, MAG’s integrated travel ecosystem offers additional value through curated Flight + Hotel packages via MHholidays, exclusive lifestyle and travel deals via Journify, and added conveniences such as savings on seat selection and prepaid baggage. For Enrich members, the Enrich Priority Sale will commence from 1 to 2 September 2026, offering members exclusive early access to promotional fares. Enjoy immediate access to these privileges by registering for a complimentary Enrich account at www.malaysiaairlines.com.
MAG Chief Commercial Officer of Airline Business, Dersenish Aresandiran, said: “We are grateful and honoured to MATTA for once again placing its trust in MAG as the Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor of MATTA Fair. Our longstanding partnership reflects a shared ambition to make travel more accessible and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading tourism gateway. In support of Visit Malaysia 2026, we are excited to present an enhanced range of travel offerings at this edition of the Fair, giving visitors even more opportunities to discover Malaysia and beyond. MAG remains committed to advancing the nation’s tourism goals while delivering seamless journeys enriched by the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality.”
At the upcoming edition of the MATTA Fair, visitors can browse through 2054 booths from 306 participating organisations. Adding to the excitement, visitors can also join the Ride & Reels Contest, capturing and sharing their journey to the Fair via the free shuttle service for a chance to win attractive tech prizes, as well as the Spin & Win activity, where visitors who spend at Hall 5, Level 2 (International Hall) stand a chance to walk away with exclusive travel merchandise.
Outside the deals on the show floor, the three-day Fair will also come alive with exciting stage performances by surprise local artists to add to the festive atmosphere.
To ensure a smooth visitor experience, MATTA Fair offers free admission and is open from 1000 to 2100 from Friday to Sunday.
For the latest updates, visit mattafair.org.my or follow MATTA on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @mattafair.official, and X @matta_fair.
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 August 2026: Travellers have even more reason to visit Malaysia in 2026, with the country celebrating Visit Malaysia Year 2026–2027 alongside the surprising return of Formula 1 to Sepang after nine years.
The iconic circuit is stepping in to host the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix, adding a major international sporting event to Malaysia’s packed tourism calendar.
Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia.
Located around 45 km south of Kuala Lumpur and close to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang International Circuit hosted the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017. It remains one of the sport’s most iconic venues, renowned for its dramatic 5.543km layout, challenging corners and spectacular tropical setting.
The race will take place from 2 to 4 October 2026, offering motor sport fans another compelling reason to experience Malaysia during Visit Malaysia Year 2026–2027.
F1 followers are encouraged to explore beyond the grid and combine race weekend excitement with a wider Malaysian getaway.
Beyond the circuit, the wider Sepang district offers Bagan Lalang Beach, the Sepang Gold Coast waterfront, and Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA Sepang for shopping, alongside eco-tourism opportunities across its mangroves.
Kuala Lumpur
Begin in Malaysia’s capital, where soaring skyscrapers, colourful neighbourhoods and a world-class food scene come together. Take in the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, explore the atmospheric streets of Chinatown, shop at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur or discover the city’s famous street-food scene and buzzing nightlife. Beyond the city centre, visit the spectacular Batu Caves, with its rainbow staircase, towering golden statue of Lord Murugan and ancient limestone caverns.
Then, make your way to the iconic Sepang International Circuit to experience the thrill of Formula 1 first-hand, soaking up the speed, sound and atmosphere during Practice 1 and 2.
George Town, Penang
Step back in time in George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its rich multicultural heritage. Wander past colourful shophouses, ornate temples, colonial architecture and vibrant street art, before sampling the exceptional local cuisine that has cemented Penang’s reputation as one of Malaysia’s top foodie destinations.
Melaka
Discover centuries of history in Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage city shaped by Malaysian, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. Explore its distinctive colonial buildings, historic temples and churches, cruise along the Melaka River or soak up the lively atmosphere of Jonker Street, lined with shops, cafés and food stalls.
Langkawi
For a tropical escape, head to Langkawi, where pristine beaches, lush rainforest and the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea offer a relaxing contrast to the excitement of the Grand Prix. Enjoy island-hopping and water sports or take the famous cable car to the Langkawi Sky Bridge for spectacular panoramic views.
Cameron Highlands
Escape to the cooler climate of the Cameron Highlands, famed for rolling green hills, tea plantations and picturesque countryside. Tour a working tea estate, explore scenic trails and visit local farms and gardens for a refreshing change of pace from Malaysia’s bustling cities and tropical coastline.
Given Malaysia’s land and rail connections with Singapore, travellers attending the Sepang race are also well placed to extend their trip further afield, with Kuala Lumpur and Penang offering natural add-ons to a Malaysian F1 itinerary.
SEOUL, 25 August 2026: Korean Air will launch a daily service between Seoul Incheon and Hiroshima starting 23 December, further strengthening its network in Japan’s Chugoku region.
KE2183 departs Seoul Incheon at 1035 and arrives in Hiroshima at 1215. KE2184 departs Hiroshima at 1325 and arrives at Seoul Incheon at 1525
Photo credit: Korean Air.
The airline’s Airbus A321neo fleet will serve the route.
As the largest city in the Chugoku region, Hiroshima features a rich heritage of history, culture and natural scenery. Key landmarks include Itsukushima Shrine – a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised as one of the Three Views of Japan – as well as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the historic Shukkeien Garden.
The destination is also famous for its hot springs, culinary offerings, and leisure activities, featuring traditional hot spring towns such as Tomonoura and Kinoe, as well as local specialities like Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, fresh oysters, and local beef.
Several golf courses are also within an hour’s drive of Hiroshima Airport, making the city a popular destination for golf enthusiasts.
Beyond tourism, Hiroshima is a key industrial hub, serving as home to Mazda Motor Corporation’s headquarters and manufacturing plants, a major Micron Technology semiconductor facility, and key operations for JFE Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The city also serves as a strategic regional gateway with high-speed Sanyo Shinkansen rail connections to major cities across western Japan, including Okayama.
The Hiroshima launch reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to expanding connectivity across regional Japan. The airline has increased its Seoul Incheon–Aomori service to five weekly flights for the summer season, and expanded its Seoul Incheon-Okayama route to four weekly flights. The airline also operates daily flights to Niigata and Komatsu, and has added a late-night service to Osaka Kansai to offer passengers enhanced schedule flexibility.
KATHMANDU, 24 August 2026: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter, in collaboration with Nepal Airlines and nine private-sector travel trade companies, reached out to 221 international tour operations and travel buyers during last week’s PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2026, held from 18 to 20 August 18 to 20 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
The mart welcomed over 1,100 tourism delegates from 48 countries, including 221 buyers representing 215 companies from 29 international source markets, creating opportunities for tourism businesses and destinations to network and hold business meetings.
Photo credit: PATA Nepal Chapter.
The Nepali exhibitors at PTM 2026 included Himalayan Holidays Nepal, ExpeditionHimalaya.com, Destinago Tours & Travels, Royal Mountain Travel, Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, Off the Wall Trekking, Mountain Delight Treks & Expeditions, Mountain Tiger Nepal, and Mission Nepal Holidays.
The “Nepal Pavilion” highlighted Nepal’s diverse offerings, including mountaineering, trekking, expeditions, spirituality, wellness, luxury travel, community-based tourism, and immersive, transformative experiences. PTM 2026 marked the first international travel trade show at which Nepali tourism exhibitors promoted wellness offerings alongside the destination’s broader appeal, as the country prepares to celebrate 2027 as Wellness Year.
At PTM 2026, the PATA Nepal Chapter also promoted the 7th Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2027), Nepal’s premier international travel trade show, which will take place from 1 to 4 June 2027, in Kathmandu, Nepal.
“PTM 2026 was very fruitful for Nepali exhibitors, and it gave us a proud moment to celebrate once again, as the PATA Nepal Chapter received the ‘Award of Excellence’ among global PATA Chapters,” said Bibhuti Chand Thakur, Immediate Past Chairman of the PATA Nepal Chapter.
Across the two main Travel Mart days, buyers and sellers took part in more than 4,000 scheduled business appointments, creating opportunities to develop new partnerships, explore new source markets, and generate future business.
The next PATA Travel Mart will be held in Macao from 20 to 22 September 2027.
Off the Wall Trekking — business networking at the PTM.
SINGAPORE, 24 August 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda maps the destination searches made by European to identify the most popular destinations in Asia, based on data from April to June 2026 for travel during July and August.
For Europeans, July and August mark the height of summer and a peak travel period, when schools break and holiday plans come to life. In 2026, Thailand retains its crown as the most-searched Asian destination among European travellers for the second consecutive year, Indonesia shifts to second place, and Japan takes third.
Photo credit: TAT. Amazing Thailand Surf and Wellness journey.
The findings are based on Agoda’s accommodation search data for European travellers considering summer accommodation stays across Asia. Indonesia’s jump from third place last year to second place this year reflects sustained global interest in Bali and growing curiosity about the wider archipelago. Japan remains firmly in the top three and continues to attract notable interest across European markets. Vietnam’s rise to fourth from fifth place last year underscores its growing profile as a must-visit destination, while Malaysia rounds out the top five.
Across the top 20 destinations, India saw the most notable year-on-year growth in European searches at 14%, followed by South Korea at 13% and Vietnam at 12%. These three markets stand out as the region’s fastest-rising for European summer travel interest, pointing to a growing appetite for diverse itineraries beyond Asia’s traditional hotspots.
Across destinations seeing interest from European travellers, the perennially popular Bangkok and Bali take the top two spots for the second year running, with Samui Island cementing its place at number three, Tokyo at four and Pattaya rounding out the top five spots.
In Europe, the top five origin markets of France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Spain remain consistent from 2025 to 2026, a sign that Europe’s most enthusiastic Asia travellers are as keen as ever.
However, other European markets have also seen growing interest: Türkiye leads with a 39% increase in Asian destination searches, followed by Hungary (22%) and the Czech Republic (16%). This signals that interest in Asian travel is spreading further across the European continent, with Central and Eastern European travellers increasingly joining the Asia-bound wave.
Agoda Senior Vice President, Supply, Andrew Smith said: “What stands out in this year’s data is how broadly European interest in Asia has grown. We’re seeing increasing travel appetite from Europe to Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and South Asia at the same time, pointing to expanded enthusiasm for the region. That same curiosity is showing up at the city level too, with more travellers venturing beyond the well-known capitals to explore coastlines, islands, and destinations that feel a little more off the beaten path. At Agoda, as Asia’s travel expert, we are excited to help more travellers discover their own version of Asia, wherever that takes them.”
