SINGAPORE, 23 January 2026: Australia’s national carrier, Qantas, presents its ‘New Year, New Zealand’ sale offering special promotional fares until 31 January 2026 for economy class travel across various periods from March to November 2026.
This new campaign enhances connectivity for travellers from Singapore, offering a seamless gateway to New Zealand. It provides connections to the North Island hubs of Auckland and Wellington, as well as to the South Island with service to Christchurch.
Return fares from Singapore to New Zealand start from SGD880 in Economy*, including:
Qantas Executive Vice President Asia Nick McGlynn commented: “Singapore remains a key strategic market for Qantas, and we are seeing strong growth in demand for travel to aspirational destinations like New Zealand. As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity for our customers in Singapore, we are thrilled to launch the ‘New Year, New Zealand’ campaign. This sale offers fantastic value and provides a seamless, premium travel experience to explore the country’s world-renowned attractions.”
Travellers from Singapore can connect via Sydney to the three major cities in New Zealand.
Fares are available for sale at qantas.com and through travel agents. All Qantas international fares include checked baggage allowance, food and beverages and in-flight entertainment as standard with every booking.
The sale ends at 2359 (Singapore Standard Time) on 31 January 2026, unless sold out.
*Prices include taxes, fees and carrier charges payable to Qantas (and exclude any amounts payable to third parties at the airport). Prices may fluctuate if taxes or foreign exchange rates change.
BANGKOK 23 January 2026: Thailand’s tourism industry stands at a defining crossroads, with regional travel demand across Asia moving up a gear as Thailand’s performance decelerates.
The divergence is now clear. While neighbouring destinations such as Vietnam and Japan are capturing growth and market share, Thailand is contending with declining foreign arrivals and softer momentum from core source markets. Leadership in Asian tourism no longer depends solely on scale. It now rests on infrastructure readiness, ecosystem coordination, safety perception and value competitiveness.
At yesterday’s TTF 2026, C9 Hotelworks managing director Bill Barnett told the 1,300 attendees at the annual event that “the most pronounced shift was unfolding in the China outbound market, once the cornerstone of Thailand’s tourism engine.”
Chinese outbound travel was projected to return close to pre-pandemic levels by 2025. However, Thailand’s share of that recovery eroded. Travellers are redirecting towards destinations perceived as safer, better connected and more competitively priced, notably Vietnam.
“This reflects a broader recalibration in traveller priorities. Safety standards, transport efficiency, seamless airport experiences, digital connectivity and perceived value for money are now decisive factors in destination choice,” he said.
Thailand’s challenge is not one of demand. Demand exists and is growing. The issue is relative competitiveness. For decades, Thailand has relied on brand familiarity, depth of hospitality, and sheer scale of tourism. Today, competitors are closing the gap and in some cases leapfrogging ahead through faster infrastructure rollout and sharper policy alignment.
Vietnam’s rise is especially instructive. It illustrates how a coherent national strategy can rapidly reshape regional tourism positioning. Vietnam is experiencing outsized growth driven by lower prices, the aggressive expansion of airport capacity, and the accelerated development of second- and third-tier destinations. Hotel average daily rates in Vietnam are lower than in Thailand’s urban and resort destinations, reinforcing its appeal as a high-value alternative.
Photo: Thailand Tourism Forum 2026 focus
Connectivity is central to Vietnam’s advantage. The country now operates 12 international airports, with the new Long Thanh International Airport for Ho Chi Minh City scheduled to commence operations in 2026. Once operational, Long Thanh will become one of Southeast Asia’s largest aviation gateways, easing congestion and enabling a significant expansion in long-haul and regional connectivity. Crucially, Vietnam’s aviation strategy is not confined to a single mega hub. The footprint of international airports across multiple destinations points to a deliberate policy of distributing tourism growth beyond Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This decentralised model is accelerating development in secondary cities and coastal resort zones, spreading economic benefits and broadening the national tourism ecosystem.
Thailand, by contrast, remains heavily concentrated around a limited number of gateways and mature destinations. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport continues to face capacity and efficiency constraints, while progress on major aviation and rail projects has been slower than regional peers. Although expansion plans are underway, the pace of delivery has not kept pace with the urgency of competitive pressures. Infrastructure readiness is now a strategic differentiator, not a background variable.
Safety perception is another critical fault line. Thailand’s brand remains powerful, but periodic high-profile incidents and uneven enforcement of safety standards across destinations have weakened it. In the Chinese outbound market in particular, safety narratives carry disproportionate weight. Even isolated incidents can have outsized reputational effects in the age of social media. Competing destinations have invested heavily in visible safety upgrades and stronger public communication. Thailand’s response has been more fragmented, leaving gaps in confidence that competitors have exploited.
Value competitiveness further complicates the picture. Thailand’s tourism sector has benefited from years of strong demand, enabling hotel rates and ancillary costs to rise steadily. However, in a more price-sensitive post-pandemic environment, relative value now matters more than absolute quality. Vietnam’s lower hotel rates, combined with expanding connectivity and improving service standards, present a compelling alternative. Japan has similarly benefited from a weak yen, turning major cities into perceived bargains for regional travellers.
These shifts highlight a hard reality. Thailand’s traditional leadership model, built on volume, brand recognition and destination maturity, is no longer sufficient. Strategy, infrastructure and ecosystem readiness now define success.
Three priorities stand out for the 2026 tourism agenda
A step change in strategic infrastructure investment is essential. Aviation capacity, rail connectivity, urban mobility and digital tourism services must be treated as core competitiveness assets.
Safety standards must be raised consistently across destinations and segments, supported by visible upgrades and clear communication.
Second and first-tier cities should be actively promoted through policy alignment and budget planning to broaden market readiness and capture shifting global travel demand.
The Chinese market deserves special attention. Chinese outbound travel will remain one of the world’s largest drivers of tourism demand. However, the era of automatic Thai market dominance is over. Winning back share will require targeted airline partnerships, competitive pricing, safety assurance campaigns and product differentiation that goes beyond beach tourism.
Thailand’s tourism future will not be shaped solely by volume. It will be shaped by how quickly the country adapts to a more competitive, value-conscious and infrastructure-driven regional landscape. The inflexion point is now. The decisions taken in 2026 will determine whether Thailand regains leadership momentum or continues to cede ground to faster, more agile competitors.
About the Author Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer, former hotelier and tourism consultant who has lived in Thailand since 1991. A graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, he began his hospitality career in the early 1980s and brings more than four decades of experience across leading hotel groups in Asia and Europe, including Shangri-La, Minor International, Landmark Hotels and the Royal Cliff Group.
He is a former Director of Skål International, Past President of Skål International Asia, Past President of Skål International Thailand and a two-time Past President of Skål International Bangkok. He is a regular contributor to international travel and hospitality publications, writing on tourism policy, sustainability, destination development and travel trends across the Asia Pacific region.
KUCHING, 22 JANUARY 2026: Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) has officially transferred the management and operations of the International Journal of Business, Events and Legacies (IJBEL) to Curtin University Malaysia, marking a key milestone in strengthening academic–industry collaboration in the business events sector.
The formal handover, marked by the signing of an official agreement witnessed by BESarawak CEO Amelia Roziman, sees Curtin University Malaysia assume full managerial and operational responsibility for the open-access journal. BESarawak will continue to be recognised as the Founding and Strategic Partner, reflecting its pivotal role in conceptualising and establishing IJBEL.
Image: BESarawak, represented by Jason Tan Chin Foo, Deputy CEO (left centre) and Curtin University Malaysia represented by Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President, and Chief Executive (right centre). The Memorandum of Agreement signing was witnessed by Amelia Roziman, BESarawak CEO (centre).
“The transfer of ownership reinforces BESarawak’s legacy principles of continuity and sustainability, enabling legacy-driven business events to evolve as a field of study,” said BESarawak Deputy Chief Executive Officer Jason Tan Chin Foo. “We will continue to support the journal through advocacy, promotion, and guidance to ensure that IJBEL lives on as shared, global intellectual capital.”
“This Memorandum of Agreement with Business Events Sarawak marks an important step in strengthening academic–industry collaboration to advance research, knowledge sharing, and thought leadership in business events and legacy studies. Through IJBEL, Curtin University Malaysia is proud to provide a credible, internationally aligned platform that brings together academic research and industry perspectives, while enhancing the visibility and impact of business events across academia, industry, and government,” stated Curtin University Malaysia Pro Vice-Chancellor, President, and Chief Executive Professor Vincent Lee Chieng Chen.
IJBEL was established in 2022 as the world’s first journal to focus explicitly on how business events create economic, social, environmental, and cultural legacies. Curtin University Malaysia served as the academic and operational backbone of IJBEL, providing editorial leadership, global reach, and scholarly credibility, while also enabling the journal to bridge industry insights with research.
In 2025, BESarawak and Curtin University Malaysia marked a significant milestone when Korea announced the publication of the 2026 IJBEL Korea Special Edition. Under this collaboration, the Goyang (Korea) Convention Bureau will work closely with Curtin University Malaysia to publish the special edition and host a legacy forum during Goyang Destination Week, further extending IJBEL’s influence as a platform for advancing legacy-driven business events internationally.
SINGAPORE, 22 January 2026: Ponant Explorations has announced a new programme of 40 themed voyages for 2026 and 2027 that blend luxury cruising with cultural immersion and expert‑led experiences focused on art, music, gastronomy and wellbeing.
These voyages will feature performances and workshops with dancers from the Opéra National de Paris, art‑centred sailings curated in collaboration with specialists from Christie’s auction house and the Pinault Collection, as well as music-themed voyages in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Centre and Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents.
Photo credit: Ponant Expeditions.
Select departures will also feature exceptional culinary experiences developed in collaboration with Ducasse Conseil, Relais & Châteaux and the Club des Chefs des Chefs.
SINGAPORE, 22 January 2026: HBX Group, an independent B2B travel technology marketplace, has announced the speakers and sponsors for MarketHub Asia 2026, which will take place in Bali from 4 to 5 February under the theme “UNLOCKED.”
The annual flagship industry event brings together senior decision-makers from across distribution, hospitality, technology and data for two days of discussion focused on how the travel industry continues to evolve — and what leaders need to do next.
The programme will open with HBX Group Chief Finance Officer Brendan Brennan, who will explore the forces reshaping travel technology today, from the growing impact of artificial intelligence to the changing expectations of travellers and partners.
HBX Group Chief Information Officer Daniel Nordholm will unveil a series of new products and share the thinking behind what the Group is building, the challenges these solutions are designed to address, and how they support the next phase of HBX Group’s ecosystem.
Tourism Economics, Head of Tourism Analysis – Asia-Pacific, Michael Shoory, will provide a macroeconomic outlook. At the same time, ForwardKeys Intelligence and Marketing Director Olivier Ponti will share data-led insights into travel demand and performance.
MarketHub will also feature speakers from across the travel and hospitality ecosystem, including organisations such as Centre Hotels, Tripbtoz, Minor Hotels, Traveloka, Abu Dhabi Tourism, Accor, Grab, and Make My Trip, who will contribute to discussions on innovation, growth, and collaboration.
Commenting on the event, HBX Group, Chief Distribution Officer, David Amsellem said: “MarketHub Asia is where the real conversations happen. This is the forum where we cut through the noise and focus on what matters: the seismic shifts reshaping travel and how we capitalise on them together. Asia isn’t following anymore — it’s leading. This edition brings partners together to tackle the opportunities we’re all chasing and the challenges no one’s cracked yet.”
MarketHub Asia 2026 will be hosted by Hilton, with platinum sponsors including Kempinski, Clermont Hotel Group, Center Hotels and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, reflecting the breadth of partners involved in shaping the programme.
About HBX Group HBX Group is a leading global B2B travel technology marketplace that owns and operates Hotelbeds, Bedsonline, The Luxurist, Roiback and Civitfun.
SINGAPORE, 22 January 2026: Norwegian Cruise Line has opened sales for voyages on Norwegian Aura, the largest vessel in its fleet, which will homeport in Miami beginning June 2027 following her debut in Europe in late May 2027.
Setting a new standard in size and scale for NCL’s fleet, Norwegian Aura will be almost 345 metres long, weigh 168,000 gross tons, and accommodate 3,840 guests (double occupancy). Norwegian Aura will be 10% larger than her predecessors, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.
Photo credit: NCL. Norwegian Aura.
Offering seven-day cruises, Norwegian Aura’s voyages will visit either Harvest Caye, NCL’s resort-style destination in Belize, or Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas.
Norwegian Aura is currently under construction by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, with interior design across the ship by world-class architects, including AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design, and Studio Dado.
From the Med to Miami
Before homeporting in Miami for her inaugural season in June 2027, Norwegian Aura will sail a seven-day Mediterranean voyage from Trieste, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain on 21 May 2027 with calls to Valletta, Malta, as well as Salerno and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.
Following her 14-day transatlantic voyage, she will commence her season of Caribbean cruises from Miami. From June 2027 through October 2027, Norwegian Aura will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyages with calls to quintessential island destinations, including Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, US. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and the brand’s newly enhanced private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.
In winter 2027/28, Norwegian Aura will offer seven-day Western Caribbean voyages taking guests to lush, tropical destinations like Roatan (Islas de la Bahia), Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; as well as Harvest Caye, NCL’s resort-style private destination off the Belizean coast.
MADRID, 22 January 2026: International tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) grew by 4% in 2025, as most destinations worldwide posted solid results, according to UN Tourism reports.
According to the 2025 World Tourism Barometer, an estimated 1.52 billion international tourists were recorded globally, almost 60 million more than in 2024.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais.
These numbers reflect a return to pre-pandemic growth trends, closer to the 5% average annual increase between 2009 and 2019. Results were driven by strong demand, robust performance from large source markets and the ongoing recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific. Increased air connectivity and enhanced visa facilitation also supported international travel in 2025.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais said: “Travel demand remained high throughout 2025, despite high inflation in tourism services and uncertainty from geopolitical tensions. We expect this positive trend to continue into 2026 as the global economy is expected to remain steady and destinations still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels fully recover.”
Africa sees the strongest results in 2025; Asia and the Pacific rebound
The World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism provides comprehensive data for the sector by region, sub-region and destination. Key takeaways from this edition show:
Europe, the world’s largest destination region, recorded 793 million international tourists in 2025, a 4% increase from 2024 and 6% more than in 2019. Western Europe (+5%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+3%) saw robust performance. Central and Eastern Europe rebounded strongly (+6%), though arrivals remained 9% below 2019 levels.
Americas (218 million) recorded 1% growth last year, with mixed results across subregions. After a strong first half of 2025, the region saw slight declines in Q3 and Q4, partly due to weak results in the US South America (+7%) and Central America (+5%), which led to soft subregion results — Caribbean destinations (+0%) were affected by Hurricane Melissa in the last quarter of the year.
Africa (81 million) saw an 8% increase in arrivals in 2025, with robust results in North Africa (+11%).
The Middle East recorded 3% growth in 2025, equivalent to 39% above pre-pandemic levels, the strongest results relative to 2019. The region virtually reached 100 million international visitors in 2025.
Asia and the Pacific (331 million) visits grew 6% last year but are still 9% below 2019 levels as the region continued to rebound. North-East Asia led performance with 13% growth over 2024, while South Asia recovered pre-pandemic levels.
Among destinations with complete 2025 data, several showed double-digit growth in international arrivals: Brazil (+37%), Egypt (+20%), Morocco (+14%), and Seychelles (+13%).
Destinations reporting data through November also saw strong growth, including Bhutan (+30%), Iceland (+29%), Guyana (+24%), South Africa (+19%) and Japan (+17%).
BANGKOK, 22 January 2026: As part of ongoing efforts to drive a value-over-volume tourism agenda, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is rolling out ‘Thailand Tourism Next’.
The strategic framework, built on the “Amazing Five Economies,” targets 11% growth in tourism revenue to reach THB3.3 trillion.
The initiative will commence with the launch of a new tourism advertising clip starring Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, in her role as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador, premiering on 28 January 2026 to inspire travel to Thailand throughout the year.
Amid ongoing challenges, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, said: “No matter how challenging the situation may be, there is only one answer — we must move forward. Every development and every step taken by the tourism industry is a vital lifeline that helps sustain the economy.”
TAT has set a 11% tourism revenue growth target, aiming to increase revenue from THB2.7 trillion in 2025 to THB3 trillion. Of this, THB2 trillion will be generated in international markets, with long-haul contributing 45% and short-haul 55%, while the domestic market is targeted to deliver THB1 trillion. International arrivals are projected to rise 11%, from 32.97 million to 36.7 million.
Boosting tourism revenues will focus on the “Amazing Five Economies”.
Life Economy centres on wellbeing and holistic health, positioning Thailand as a premier health and wellness destination through the ‘Healing is the New Luxury’ campaign.
The Sub-Culture Economy targets high-potential niche segments, including yacht tourism, sports, private jet travel, spiritual travel (Mu-Te-Lu), and fandom communities.
The Night Economy focuses on creative nightlife tourism across major cities and secondary destinations.
The Circular Economy promotes efficient, measurable resource use through the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, with benefits returning to local communities.
The Platform Economy enhances digital tourism through e-commerce and payment platforms to deliver seamless travel experiences.
Pivoting to an airline focus
To sustain Thailand’s tourism competitiveness, the TAT Governor said an “Airline Focus” approach is being prioritised to stimulate demand by encouraging airlines to expand capacity, launch new routes, and connect travellers to emerging destinations across Thailand.
In 2025, long-haul markets showed strong momentum, supported by 32,166 long-haul flights (+13.46% year-on-year) and a total seat capacity of 10,231,561 (+11.95%).
Long-haul arrivals reached a new high of 10,831,497, including 8,250,165 from Europe (+12.42%), 1,578,041 from the Americas (+6.84%), 806,307 from the Middle East (+17.96%), and 196,984 from Africa (+17.96%).
Targets in 2026
Looking ahead, the long-haul market is targeted to reach 11,666,000 arrivals (+7.4%), generating THB742,420 million in tourism receipts (+8.38%). To achieve this, initiatives will be implemented under the “NIYOM” strategic direction, reinforcing Thailand’s appeal through New Experiences, Inclusive Hospitality, Year-Round Destination positioning, Originality and Authenticity, and Meaningful Travel.
Within this framework, spearhead markets include core high-value markets, strategic growth markets, and rising and emerging markets.
Meanwhile, Asia’s short-haul markets totalled 22,142,824 arrivals in 2025, down from 25,820,618 in the previous year. Despite the overall decline, positive signals remain in several key markets, including India, Japan, Australia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Tourism receipts from short-haul markets reached THB851,584 million, down 15.7% year-on-year.
In response, TAT is adapting to emerging challenges by refining its market direction. The focus is on expanding niche and high-value segments, retaining core markets while developing new segments and destinations, refreshing Thailand’s image toward quality and sustainability, and strengthening collaboration across the tourism value chain.
Under a market-by-market approach, TAT is prioritising core markets that generate significant revenue, including China, with a stronger focus on secondary cities; Malaysia, promoting land connectivity alongside air routes; and India, targeting millennials while expanding flight capacity. Meanwhile, in medium- to smaller-sized markets with strong growth potential, strategies include Australia, with an emphasis on sustainability positioning; the Philippines, aimed at sustaining growth momentum; and Taiwan, focusing on safety confidence and secondary cities.
Alongside its focus on overseas markets, the domestic market remains a key pillar. In 2025, the domestic market recorded 202 million trips, up 2.7% year on year. Building on this momentum, efforts focus on advancing the core domestic tourism campaign, designed to deliver a sense of happiness from the moment travellers set foot in Thailand. One of the core approaches centres on holistic travel, promoting experiences that enhance both physical and mental wellbeing and going beyond traditional wellness tourism by offering integrated, rejuvenating journeys while encouraging spending on high-value tourism products. Looking ahead to 2026, the target is set at 210 million domestic trips, with tourism revenue projected at THB1 trillion.
On 28 January, TAT will launch a tourism advertising clip themed “Feel All The Feelings”, featuring Thai global pop icon Lisa Manobal and showcasing destinations alongside the emotional and experiential side of travel.
SINGAPORE, 22 January 2026: T’way Air, a Korean low-cost carrier, has launched New Year Special Deals for travellers flying from Singapore to Korea.
Customers can access limited-time savings with promo codes and coupons on flights to Incheon (Seoul) and Jeju Island.
Photo credit: T’way Air. New Year deals on Singapore–Korea flights.
Seoul flights
T’way Air operates daily Singapore–Incheon (Seoul) services on A330-200/300 aircraft, departing Singapore at 2300 and arriving in Incheon at 0635 on the next day. Return flights depart Incheon at 1530 and arrive in Singapore at 2125. (local time).
Jeju flights
The airline currently operates five weekly Singapore–Jeju services (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) using Boeing 737-8s, and will resume daily service from 15 March 2026. Flights depart Singapore at 0230 and arrive in Jeju at 0930. Return flights depart Jeju at 1945 and arrive in Singapore at 0130 on the next day (local time).
Book by January 31 to unlock New Year savings:
Up to 7% Off Promo Code: Enter FLYJAN when booking on Singapore–Incheon/Jeju flights, valid through 24 October 2026. Valid for economy and business saver class.
SGD30 Regular Coupon: For bookings over SGD350 on Singapore–Incheon/Jeju, travel through 24 October 2026.
SGD35 Early Bird Coupon: For bookings over SGD400 on Singapore–Incheon/Jeju, travel period 1 May to 24 October, 2026.
SGD8 New Year’s Special Bundle Coupon: For selected bundles (meal pack, bag pack, multi-pack) on bookings over SGD78 for Singapore–Incheon/Jeju, valid for travel through 24 October 2026.
Welcome SGD 20 Coupon: Sign up at twayair.com and receive SGD20 off bookings over SGD180 on Singapore–Incheon/Jeju.
Seoul’s cultural attractions blend with Jeju Island’s natural scenery. Neighbourhoods such as Hongdae, Gangnam, and the Seongsu area are popular for dining and local culture. At the same time, Jeju is recognised for its coastal routes and volcanic landscapes, which are suited to nature-focused travel.
About T’way Air T’way Air is a South Korean low-cost carrier (LCC) that has operated since 2010. The airline operates a fleet of Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, as well as Airbus A330, A320, and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, serving customers across Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America.
BANGKOK, 21 January 2026: YAANA Ventures will hold a simultaneous walkathon on 1 February in 10 destinations across Asia to support local charities.
The venues are: Nonthaburi and Khao Sok, Thailand; Kandy, Sri Lanka; Sanur, Bali; Vientiane, Laos; Yangon, Myanmar; Cebu, the Philippines; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Koh Kong and Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
Photo credit: YAANA Ventures. Community outreach fundraiser.
Khiri Travel offices will organise local walks in all eight of its operating countries. Additional walks will be organised by two VHG Hospitality Asia projects: Anurak Community Lodge in southern Thailand, and Cardamom Tented Camp in Koh Kong province, southwest Cambodia.
Fundraisers on each walk will comprise management, staff and suppliers of six YAANA Ventures companies: Khiri Travel, VHG Hospitality Asia, Cardamom Tented Camp, Anurak Lodge, HMP, Khiri Campus, and partners Naruna Beyond Retreats.
The Khiri Reach charitable foundation will deliver funds raised to:
Thanks Giving Home in Nonthaburi, Thailand, which supports older people;
The Forest Healing Foundation in Digana, Kandy, in Sri Lanka, which protects and restores forests;
The Bali Children Foundation, which supports children’s education;
Phoning Hospital in Vientiane, Laos, which supports people with disabilities;
The Ywar Thar Gyi Mental Hospital at Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon, Myanmar, which supports people with disabilities;
CRST Project B – Bicycles for Education in Cambodia, which donates bicycles to poor children upcountry to get to school;
Zapatera Elementary School, which supports deaf and hard-of-hearing elementary school students in Cebu, Philippines;
Saigonchildren in Ho Chi Minh City, which supports children’s education.
The 5 km charity event is the second annual walkathon organised by YAANA Ventures and Khiri Reach. There were also fundraising ‘bikeathons’ in Vietnam in 2017 and 2019.
YAANA Ventures Sustainability Manager Natalie van Ogtrop commented: “At YAANA, we use The Long Run’s 4Cs of community, conservation, culture and responsible commerce. This framework inspires us to create projects such as the walkathon, to give back to local communities and help people who need support, such as disadvantaged children”.
YAANA Ventures expects more than 200 participants in the walkathon across the region. Fundraising walking routes are diverse, ranging from big city nature parks and beachside locations to remote upcountry national parks. Donations can be made to any of the charities via the Khiri Reach Foundation. To find out more, email [email protected].
About YAANA Ventures YAANA Ventures is an owner, partner and operator of sustainable and entrepreneurial travel and hospitality ventures in Asia. The company is the champion of The Long Run’s 4Cs of responsible tourism: conservation, community, culture and commerce. YAANA implements all its ventures in line with these guiding regenerative travel principles. Visit https://yaana-ventures.com/.
