SINGAPORE, 16 May 2025: Skyscanner confirms the appointment of Bryan Batista as its CEO, taking over the role from John Mangelaars.
Batista is currently the Chief Operating Officer and will assume the CEO role on 1 June 2025.
Departing CEO John Mangelaars commented: “After four and a half incredible years, I am stepping down as CEO and passing the baton to Bryan. The company is in a great position, and I feel that now is the right time for me personally to make this change and pursue new ventures. I have enormous confidence in Bryan’s leadership and determination to take Skyscanner forward in the next stage of its ambitious growth.”
In the last year, Skyscanner experienced record performances across its travel products, with double-digit growth in flights, car rental and accommodation and broke into high-growth markets, including India, where it expects to double its audience.
Batista joined Skyscanner in January 2024 as Chief Operating Officer. He previously held leadership positions at Tesla and at Booking.com as CEO of Rentalcars.com and SVP of their Trips business unit. Since joining, Bryan has been instrumental in building and implementing the company’s long-term strategic vision across the company, which sees Skyscanner search 100 billion prices every day to help travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence.
The incoming CEO, Bryan Batista, commented: “Stepping into this role is a dream. I get to lead a company on a mission to become the world’s number one travel ally. I am excited that we are now adding rail and package travel options to that mix, delivering the best deals and the widest selection of travel options to our travellers. We are breaking into new markets, adding new products and smarter tools to make travel planning part of the adventure, not the admin.”
Skyscanner connects over 160 million users in 180 countries and 37 languages to more than 1200 flight, hotel and car rental partners every month. Rail and package travel options are also available in select markets, giving travellers even more choices when planning their next trip.
SYDNEY, 16 MAY 2025: Qantas has announced two new routes will join its growing international network, with flights from Perth to Auckland and Johannesburg set to take off from December 2025*.
These routes unlock more Australian connections across the airline’s international and domestic network, which now spans over 100 destinations worldwide.
Already open for bookings, the new services reinforce the growth of Qantas’ western hub, adding over 155,000 seats in and out of Perth each year. These flights have been made possible by funding allocated from the Federal Government to the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to deliver additional border services at airports.
The funding will enable Perth Airport to invest in additional staffing, equipment and facilities that increase border and biosecurity capacity and, in turn, allow the airport to host more international flights.
The routes will also enable further international connectivity for New Zealand and South Africa on the Qantas network and its comprehensive global airline partner network.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace commented: “By connecting Perth directly with Auckland and Johannesburg, we’re supporting the local economy by opening valuable inbound tourism opportunities for Western Australia and generating new jobs for the state. These routes also enable further growth throughout Australia with connections across our domestic network.
“Our new Perth to Auckland route offers connections for West Australians to New York via Auckland, while the new direct flight to Johannesburg provides a vital connection for customers in Perth to visit popular cities like Cape Town through our partnership with Airlink.
Perth Airport’s Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer, Kate Holsgrove, added: “Perth is a dynamic, expanding hub with incredible growth opportunities, and we remain focused on working with our airline partners to grow aviation connectivity to create more opportunities for Western Australia’s tourism industry and provide more options for Western Australians to travel.
“Creating additional capacity within Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 will allow Qantas to add or expand its services to Western Australia and is an important interim measure as we build new terminal facilities at Airport Central so Qantas can relocate in 2031.”
Key information on the new routes
Fares are available now on Qantas.com. The inaugural Perth to Johannesburg service will take off on 7 December 2025* and the inaugural Perth to Auckland service will take off on 8 December 2025*.
Both routes will operate three times per week on a Qantas A330 aircraft. The aircraft has 27 business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, each featuring direct aisle access and converting into a lie-flat bed, and 224 economy seats.
Perth to Auckland will operate as QF111 on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The flight time is six hours and 45 minutes.
Perth to Johannesburg will operate as QF65 on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. The flight time is 11 hours and 15 minutes*.
*Subject to government and regulatory approval, schedule subject to change.
PATTAYA, 15 MAY 2025: The 3rd AssetWise Junior Tennis Thailand Championship concluded with resounding success at Fitz Club – Racquets, Health and Fitness, the premier luxury sports centre of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group.
Last week’s event welcomed over 170 young tennis talents and more than 400 family members and spectators who gathered for three action-packed days of competition, fun, and family bonding.
The tournament continues to grow in popularity each year, strengthening its reputation as a key fixture in Thailand’s youth sports calendar and reinforcing Fitz Club’s standing as a hub for nurturing young talent.
The tournament delivered challenging competitive matches across various age groups, showcasing the skill and sportsmanship of Thailand’s rising tennis stars.
Vitanart Vathanakul, CEO of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, and Aratee Benchadhikul, AssetWise PLC Senior Vice President, celebrated with the players in the Under 6s Category.
Fitz Club’s world-class courts and facilities proved to be the perfect venue. The crowd’s energy was electric as families cheered on the players, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere. Kids not only competed for national ranking points and prizes but also created lasting memories and friendships. Many players left with renewed motivation and aspirations.
This year’s tournament featured engaging off-court activities, including a food station with signature dishes prepared by Royal Cliff’s award-winning chefs, free ice cream sponsored by AssetWise, sports massages by Vitala, and fun zones to keep everyone entertained. One of the weekend’s highlights was the tennis clinic led by Fitz Club’s professional coaches and a chance to challenge the Royal Cliff’s CEO to win prizes.
The tournament was sponsored by AssetWise, Yonex Thailand, Tecnifibre, Ouayporn Supply Company Limited and Pattaya Dinosaur Kingdom, who share the same value and vision of promoting sports and competition to the young generation.
Fitz Club, an elite sports centre under the Royal Cliff banner, continues to cement its reputation as a premier destination for professional and recreational athletes. Renowned past ATP players such as Nikolay Davydenko, Mikhail Youzhny, Dmitry Tursunov, Paradorn Srichaphan, Danai Udomchoke and Denis Istomin have trained at this facility, utilising its courts designed to mirror the conditions of the Australian Open. Fitz Club’s rich history includes hosting various sporting events, from Junior and Senior Tennis tournaments to Squash championships and Table Tennis competitions, further establishing its legacy in the world of sports. Fitz Club is excited to present new sports facilities in 2025, including pickleball, futsal, basketball and badminton.
KOTA KINABALU, 15 MAY 2025: Five Taiwanese universities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with four of Sabah’s tourism-related associations to enhance agro-and-community-based tourism efforts.
State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister of Sabah, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, witnessed the signing ceremony that took place at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu last week.
Photo credit: Sabah Tourism Board. Datuk Joniston Bangkuai at the signing of the MoU between universities from Taiwan and Sabah tourism associations. Also from front R-L) Deputy Permanent Secretary of Sabah Rural Development Ministry Patricia Vain, Deputy Permanent Secretary I of the Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry Mary Malangking, STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit, and Malaysia Talent Education and Industry-Academia Collaboration Association Pang Thou Chong, acting on behalf of the Taiwanese representative.
Taiwanese signatories included Dayeh University, National Chi Nan University, Nan Kai University of Technology, Lee-Ming Institute of Technology, and Taiwan Agro and Rural Tourism Association.
Sabah was represented by the Kiulu Tourism Association, Tambunan Tourism Association, Persatuan Pengusaha Kopi Tenom Sabah, and Persatuan Komuniti Wanita Kampung Tambatuon Kota Belud.
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will facilitate the collaboration as part of its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
Johnson, also the STB Chair, said the partnership aligns with the state’s Sabah Maju Jaya development plan, which identifies agriculture and tourism as key pillars.
He stressed the importance of agro-tourism in creating meaningful visitor experiences while supporting rural communities directly.
He said the STB has identified 51 agro-tourism products statewide and is piloting a digital data platform in Kiulu to improve rural tourism strategies.
Joniston noted that the collaboration with universities from Taiwan would build local capacity, promote knowledge exchange, and develop sustainable tourism projects rooted in local values.
Also present were Deputy Permanent Secretary I of the Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry Mary Malangking, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Sabah Rural Development Ministry Patricia Vain, STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit, and Malaysia Talent Education and Industry-Academia Collaboration Association Pang Thou Chong, acting on behalf of the Taiwanese representatives. For more information on agro-tourism and Sabah’s attractions, visit Sabah Tourism Board
PHUKET, 15 MAY 2025: Phuket’s property market continues to thrive despite global economic volatility as the sector moves increasingly towards condominiums as lifestyle becomes the new luxury on the island, the Asia Connect: Phuket Property Pulse event concluded.
Held last week at Andara Resort & Villas, in conjunction with Property Guru Thailand and C9 Hotelworks, the top-level industry gathering heard speakers suggest the market needs to focus on promoting the destination to a global audience, following the path of tourism, converting tourists, and indeed new markets such as the Middle East and India into buyers.
(Left) David Johnson, CEO of Delivering Asia (right) Dr Allan Zeman, Chairman, Lan Kwai Fong Group.
“We’re in a time of economic recalibration — volatility, yes, but also an opportunity for those who move with clarity,” said Dr Allan Zeman. “Thailand, and especially Phuket, has shown resilience — there’s a growing appetite from regional and global investors looking for lifestyle-led investments. The key is to stay focused on long-term fundamentals, not short-term noise.”
The iconic investor added that buyer sentiment had changed, and it was important for developers to respond to this. “The buyer today is more global, design-savvy, and values-driven — they don’t just want a property, they want a full experience. We’re seeing a shift toward wellness, privacy, sustainability, and branded service — all of which Phuket is now uniquely positioned to offer. We all have seen how post-pandemic Phuket has been moving from a holiday destination to a lifestyle home base for digital nomads, families, and those wanting a better lifestyle ahead. Phuket is headed towards even more expansion, with infrastructure projects becoming even more critical to its success.”
Dr Zeman’s views were supported by the latest market data from C9 Hotelworks’ Phuket Property Market Update for May 2025, which revealed that Phuket now has 40,600 units for sale across 343 active developments. Condominiums command a median price of THB 144,000 per sqm, compared to 70,000 per sqm for villas and landed properties, and the highest prices are in Cherngtalay, on the island’s sought-after sunset coast.
“Phuket needs to get back to fundamentals, back to showcasing the destination brand to a global market and converting tourists to buyers, while mitigating risk against external factors. Property developers need to open new markets instead of waiting for them to come to them,” said C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett
Sudara Residences Phuket
The key area of new development is Cherngtalay, particularly near Bangtao Beach, the location of the new project by LKF Group and its Thai partners, Sudara Residences, which is attracting lifestyle buyers. It offers 220 bright one- to three-bedroom residences ranging from 52 to 144 square metres in size, including options with private pools, plus a main clubhouse, The Pavilion, which features outdoor pools, an alfresco lounge with cabanas, a kids’ club, fitness centre, café, yoga space, and co-working areas, all supported by management and concierge services from Andara Resort & Villas. The project will be completed by 2027.
Other key issues, such as Thailand’s leasehold ownership structure, tax considerations for developers, and a data-driven market analysis, were covered by key speakers from Hughes Krupica, a law firm and consultancy company and HLB Thailand, a leading accounting and advisory firm.
The event was hosted by PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards, the most respected awards programme for the real estate industry. “Two decades ago, the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards set out to recognise quality real estate at a time when very few other awards existed”, said Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events. “Our inaugural gala event featured a limited number of categories, but this year, we will present more than 100 accolades, recognising the diverse elements in Thailand’s dynamic property sector.”
SINGAPORE, 15 May 2025: Agoda has renewed its partnership with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism to boost international and domestic visits through Agoda’s booking channel.
Agoda’s technology will encourage greater use of digital technologies and innovative approaches within Indonesia’s tourism industry, linked to the Ministry’s tourism 4.0 vision strategy.
Photo credit: Agoda. From left to right: Samuel Hsiao – Senior Manager of Government Affairs at Agoda; Dr Anwari Masatip – Director – NHI Bandung Tourism Polytechnic; Denise Hartono – Associate Director at Agoda; Gede Gunawan – Senior Country Director at Agoda; Masruroh – Senior Advisor for Digital Transformation and Tourism Innovation; Dr Andar Danova L Goeltom – Assistant Deputy of Human Resources Capacity Improvement of the Apparatus and Vocational Education; Firnandi Ghufron – Assistant Deputy of Tourism Marketing Strategy and Communication; Rachmadizal Rizal, Strategic Account Manager at Agoda.
The refreshed collaboration outlines joint initiatives scheduled over the next three years, including targeted marketing campaigns, support for sustainable tourism practices and developing digital skills for Indonesia’s young tourism professionals.
The refreshed partnership kicked off with Agoda hosting the first Agoda Academy workshop to provide workshops to the students at Bandung Tourism Polytechnic. The half-day workshop offered students a glimpse into Agoda’s work culture and operational case studies, providing a practical perspective for those interested in acquiring digital tourism skills.
“As a committed partner in Indonesia’s tourism industry, Agoda is dedicated to sharing world-class expertise and insights to nurture the next generation of tourism professionals in Indonesia,” said Agoda. Senior Country Director Gede Gunawan.
“By renewing our collaboration, we’re also excited to support the Ministry’s vision on Tourism 4.0 with Agoda’s expertise in digital solutions. This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to seeing Indonesia thrive as a destination while enabling local communities to benefit from the many opportunities tourism generates around local economies.”
Home to iconic destinations such as Bali, Yogyakarta, and Komodo National Park, Indonesia offers an unparalleled mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique experiences. Visitors can explore pristine beaches, trek in lush rainforests, or dive into vibrant underwater ecosystems. Beyond nature, Indonesia’s vibrant art, festivals, and culinary offerings—from traditional markets to fine cuisine — promise enriching, immersive experiences for global travellers seeking unforgettable journeys.
Ministry of Tourism Chief Secretary Bayu Aji expressed enthusiasm for the extended collaboration, saying, “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Agoda, as it not only strengthens Indonesia’s standing as a vibrant and more sustainable tourism destination but will also help equip our workforce in the tourism sector for the future through initiatives such as the Agoda Academy Workshop”
In the previous MOU between Agoda and the Ministry of Tourism, Agoda launched several campaigns co-branded with the Ministry’s “Wonderful Indonesia” initiative and promoted more sustainable tourism practices.
The initiative included collaborating with influencers such as Anya Geraldine, amplifying tourist destinations, and supporting the Ministry of Tourism’s goals for tourism growth.
With access to Agoda’s vast network of accommodations, flights, and activities, alongside its expertise in travel technology, the Ministry of Tourism is poised to leverage solutions that help ensure tourism in Indonesia can flourish amidst a rapidly digitising world.
DELHI, 15 MAY 2025: India’s low-cost airline, IndiGo, has expanded its long-haul capabilities by signing another firm agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for the damp* lease of two additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
These additional aircraft, the fifth and sixth in the partnership, are expected to start operations by early 2026, serving long-haul routes out of India.
Photo credit: Norse Atlantic Airways.
This agreement builds upon the existing partnership between IndiGo and Norse Atlantic Airways. Earlier this year, IndiGo signed firm contracts for the damp lease of one Boeing 787-9 aircraft, followed by another firm agreement in quick succession for three more Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The total number of wide-body aircraft under this strategic collaboration now stands at six, one of which has already arrived and is operating on IndiGo’s Delhi–Bangkok route since 1 March 2025.
IndiGo CEO Peter Elbers says: “We are pleased to deepen our partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways by signing our third agreement for the additional Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This move reinforces our commitment to international growth, promising to introduce more options on long-haul routes. As we accelerate towards our vision of becoming a global airline by 2030, this partnership enables us to bolster our wide-body operations while staying rooted in our India-first approach.”
During its financial year, from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, IndiGo carried more than 118 million passengers. IndiGo flies domestic and regional short to medium-haul services out of India. To support its long-haul expansion, IndiGo has placed a firm order for 30 Airbus 350-900 wide-body aircraft with an option for an additional 70 aircraft, with deliveries expected to commence in 2027.
The initial term of the lease is six months, extendable up to 18 months, and is subject to regulatory approvals.
*Damp Lease is defined as a wet-leased aircraft that includes a cockpit crew but not cabin attendants — UK Civil Aviation Authority.
BANGKOK, 15 MAY 2025: Bangkok Airways PCL and PTT Oil and Retail Business PCL (OR) have signed a Letter of Intent to use Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) produced domestically for the first time in Thailand.
The sustainable fuel will be used for Bangkok Airways operations to address the sustainability goals of both companies while driving Thailand’s aviation industry toward an environmentally friendly future.
Dechit Chareonwong, Senior Executive Vice President of Operations at Bangkok Airways (left centre) and Chaipruet Watchareecupt, Vice President of Aviation and Marine Marketing (Brand OR).
The LOI signing ceremony was attended by Dechit Chareonwong, Senior Executive Vice President of Operations at Bangkok Airways, and Chaipruet Watchareecupt, Vice President of Aviation and Marine Marketing (OR) at Bangkok Airways’ headquarters on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Bangkok.
Dechit revealed that this marks another significant step for Bangkok Airways to elevate Thailand’s aviation industry toward a green flight path by using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which was produced domestically for the first time in Thailand.
The airline continues to advance its “Low Carbon Skies by Bangkok Airways” campaign, which aims to reduce carbon emissions across all business operations. This integrated cooperation will promote and prepare biofuels in Thailand’s aviation industry in response to the sustainable trends in Thailand’s aviation business. This aligns with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Thailand has set 2065 as its target for achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
HANOI, 15 MAY 2025: Vietnam Airlines has launched direct flights from Hanoi to Bengaluru, India’s vibrant tech hub, and Hyderabad, the capital of southern India’s Telangana state.
The airline serves the Hanoi-Bengaluru route four times weekly using an A321 aircraft with 184 seats. Flights are scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Photo credit Vietnam Airlines.
The Hanoi-Hyderabad route is also served by A321 aircraft flying three times weekly on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. With these two new routes, Vietnam Airlines now connects Vietnam to four major Indian cities — New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad — operating six direct routes between the two countries from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Flight schedules
Hanoi-Bengaluru
VN983 departs Hanoi (HAN) at 1830 and arrives in Bengaluru (BLR) at 2200 (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday). VN982 departs Bengaluru (BLR) at 2330 and arrives in Hanoi (HAN) at 0525 (plus a day).
Hanoi-Hyderabad
VN985 departs Hanoi (HAN) at 1915 and arrives in Hyderabad (HYD) at 2215 (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). VN984 departs Hyderabad (HYD) at 2345 and arrives in Hanoi (HAN) at 0525 (plus a day).
SINGAPORE, 15 MAY 2025: The growing popularity of solar eclipse cruises has inspired Princess Cruises to add a third voyage in its highly anticipated 2026 Total Solar Eclipse series — a 14-day Mediterranean & Adriatic with Total Solar Eclipse cruise onboard the Enchanted Princess
Bookings are now open for the roundtrip cruise departing from Rome on 4 August 2026. The journey will blend the magic of a rare celestial event with immersive exploration across Southern Europe’s most iconic coastal cities.
Photo credit: Princess Cruises. More solar eclipse cruises in 2026.
The new Enchanted Princess sailing joins two other eclipse-focused Princess cruises onboard Sky Princess (8 August, 2026, from Southampton) and Sun Princess (7-, 14- and 21-day itineraries departing from Barcelona and Athens), further cementing the cruise line’s commitment to delivering one-of-a-kind experiences that combine travel and wonder.
With a prime viewing spot off the coast of Eastern Spain, eclipse devotees can marvel at the totality of two minutes and 18 seconds on 12 August, 2026.
Highlights of the Enchanted Princess itinerary, sailing August 4-18, 2026, include: Civitavecchia (Rome); Naples (for Capri & Pompeii); Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Corfu, Greece; Messina & Palermo, Sicily; Gibraltar; Alicante, Spain; and Barcelona, Spain.
During the eclipse, guests will gather on the top decks with Princess eclipse viewing glasses, and enjoy lectures from astronomy experts, themed treats and drinks, stargazing at night, solar system trivia and more. Guests are encouraged to set up their own telescopes on deck and wear festive eclipse-themed apparel and accessories.
In 2019, guests onboard the Sapphire Princess viewed the annular solar eclipse early in the afternoon of Boxing Day along the Straits of Malacca whilst on an 11-day voyage around Southeast Asia. Guests and crew were given solar filter glasses to view the phenomenon safely. Hundreds of guests gathered on the ship’s upper deck to witness the solar eclipse.
