DOHA, 8 MAY 2025: Qatar Airways is broadening travel options to and from the Americas with its upcoming increase in flights to Toronto and São Paulo.
Reaffirming its focus on serving growing demand, the airline will serve Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) with five weekly flights from 19 June 2025 and São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) with 17 weekly flights from 25 June 2025.
Photo credit: Qatar.
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori said: “We launched our services to Toronto Pearson Airport less than six months ago and have seen a strong response in the market. We are proud to announce the increase in flights to meet the growing demand for our award-winning travel experience.”
At the same time, the airline is expanding in South America with additional flights to São Paulo, a key gateway and strategic hub for business and leisure travel.
Qatar Airways flights to Toronto (YYZ)
The airline inaugurated its flights to Toronto in December 2024, ahead of the festive season, and is planning to offer daily flights to the city this coming winter to provide passengers across Canada with enhanced connectivity to Doha and beyond. From 19 June 2025, Qatar Airways will operate five weekly flights to Toronto, with plans to offer daily service to Toronto during the winter timetable.
Qatar Airways flights to São Paulo (GRU)
From 25 June 2025, Qatar Airways will expand frequencies to São Paulo from 14 to 17 weekly flights.
The airline has connections to 55 destinations in Latin America through LATAM Airlines, including Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima and Santiago de Chile.
SINGAPORE, 7 MAY 2025: Set to convene for three days, 15 to 17 October, ITB Asia will bring together destination experts, suppliers, top-tier buyers and influential thought leaders to explore the full spectrum of Leisure, Corporate Travel, MICE and Travel Technology.
Among companies and airlines, Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg (BER), Disney Cruise Line, Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Resorts World Sentosa and Sentosa Development Corporation will be on hand to showcase their latest offerings.
Photo credit: ITB Asia. ITB Asia unveils exhibitor lineup for 2025 edition.
Leading hotel groups will present their newest properties and loyalty programmes, including Banyan Group, Best Western Hotels and Resorts, Marina Bay Sands, Meliá Hotels International and Pan Pacific Hotels Group.
Strong NTO registration
A rich selection of national tourist boards will also be in attendance. Delegations from the Czech Tourism Board, Lithuania Travel, Malta Tourism Authority, Philippines Tourism Promotions Board, Singapore Tourism Board, Taiwan Tourism Administration, Tonga Tourism Authority, Tourism Association of Sarajevo Canton, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Seychelles, Visit Estonia, Visit Finland, Visit Iceland and Visit Norway will share insights into their latest marketing initiatives and travel incentives.
Regional tourist boards, including Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Department, Penang Tourism Board, Phuket Tourist Association, Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Seoul Tourism Board, Visit Almaty, Visit Rovaniemi and visitBerlin, will demonstrate how they are driving growth in their respective markets.
Travel Tech Asia
Meanwhile, Travel Tech Asia will host a world-class lineup of technology providers. Trip.com, Korea Tourism Startup Center, Juniper Travel Technology, Go Global Travel, Rakuten Travel Xchange, Wego, DerbySoft, RateHawk, Worldline, Flywire, RESTEL S.A., SiteMinder and SUNRATE will unveil innovations in booking platforms, payments and guest-experience management that are set to revolutionise the travel ecosystem.
Buyers network
The Buyer Elite Partner Programme continues to be a cornerstone of ITB Asia’s value proposition. In partnership with associations and agencies such as Association of the Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies (ASITA), ASTINDO, BWH Hotels, Cambodia Tourism Association (CATA), Enterprising Travel Agent’s Association (ETAA), EVINTRA, IME Consulting, Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA), Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR), Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA), Outbound and Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), United Travel Agencies and Operators Association (UTAOA), Vietnam Society of Travel Agents (VISTA) and Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA), ITB Asia will deliver a hand-picked cadre of MICE, Leisure and Corporate buyers. Partners can recommend both existing clients and new prospects – ensuring high-quality, pre-arranged meetings that translate into real business outcomes.
SINGAPORE, 7 MAY 2025: Hilton has reached an agreement with UOL Group to open a NoMad hotel in Singapore, marking the brand’s entry into the fast-growing luxury lifestyle segment in Asia Pacific.
It will join NoMad London which opened in 2021.
(Photo credit Hilton). Artist impression of NoMad Singapore.
Developed in partnership with UOL Group, a leading Singapore-listed property and hospitality group, the new 173-room NoMad in Singapore will open in early 2027. Located on Orchard Road, guests will be on the doorstep of Singapore’s luxury retail corridor, lifestyle experiences and local heritage enclaves, including Arab Street, Bugis, and Chinatown.
“This signing adds a new and significant dimension to Hilton’s growth story in Asia Pacific, as we gain a critical foothold in the luxury lifestyle space,” said Hilton Asia Pacific President Alan Watts. “With demand for high-end, experience-driven stays surging across the region, the luxury gateway of Singapore offers the perfect backdrop to debut NoMad’s local luxury hospitality and will be the first of many cities in Asia to welcome the brand.”
“NoMad is built on the concept of a hotel as a welcoming home filled with stories. The signing of our first hotel in Singapore marks an exciting introduction of our brand to Asia Pacific,” said The Sydell Group Founder and CEO Andrew Zobler. “This debut is just the beginning as we seek out the best destinations to introduce NoMad, with several deals in advanced discussions in destinations in North America, Europe and beyond.”
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced in April 2024 that it had acquired a majority controlling interest in Sydell Group to expand the NoMad Hotels brand from its existing London flagship location to high-end markets worldwide. UOL is its first partner in the Asia Pacific.
UOL Group Chief Executive Liam Wee Sin noted: “We are excited to introduce NoMad to Singapore as part of our placemaking vision for Orchard Road. Alongside UOL’s upcoming private and exclusive preview of its luxury residential project, UpperHouse at Orchard Boulevard, and the award-winning Pan Pacific Orchard, we will form a trio that will contribute to the transformation of Orchard Road.”
With the signing of the NoMad hotel in Singapore, Hilton takes another step toward its plan to grow its luxury presence to 150 hotels in the Asia Pacific region in the coming years. Over the next two years, Hilton will open Waldorf Astoria properties in Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Shanghai, Tokyo, Xi’an and Hanoi. Conrad Hotels & Resorts is expanding with upcoming properties in prime travel destinations across China, including Xi’an, Chengdu, and Nanjing, as well as in Nagoya,
Japan. Hilton has also expanded its luxury offering with the recent introduction of LXR Hotels & Resorts to Southeast Asia with Umana Bali, its second LXR property in the region, following ROKU KYOTO in Japan.
About Hilton Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,600 properties and nearly 1.3 million rooms in 139 countries and territories. NoMad London, the brand’s first luxury hotel bookable under Hilton’s portfolio, is located close to Covent Garden’s historic Bow Street Magistrates Court.
SINGAPORE, 7 MAY 2025: As school breaks and summer holidays get underway digital travel platform Agoda reveals the top family travel destinations in Asia for 2025, based on search data from January to March 2025.
Agoda identifies the top 10 family-friendly destinations in Asia — Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul, with Singapore, Bali, Taipei, Okinawa, and Hong Kong.
Photo credit: Agoda.
According to Agoda’s 2025 Trend Survey, family travel is on the rise, with over a third of travellers (34%) planning to explore the world with their loved ones this year — a testament to the growing desire for shared experiences. Families embrace the joy of travel together, but none more so than travellers from South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand, leading the charge as the most avid family travellers in order of importance.
For city-loving groups, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore deliver a mix of culture, entertainment, and kid-friendly attractions. Beach lovers can head to Bali or Okinawa, while foodies can explore Bangkok’s famous street food or family-friendly mega shopping malls.
Agoda Associate Vice President North Asia Hiroto Ooka said: “Family travel is all about creating memories that last a lifetime, and Agoda is here to make that as seamless and affordable as possible. Whether it’s a beach escape, a city adventure, or a mix of both, Agoda’s got the perfect stay for every family. Plus, with our mobile app, finding the best deals is as easy as planning your next family game night.”
SINGAPORE, 7 MAY 2025: Passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) during March 2025, improved by 3.3% compared to March 2024, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released last week.
IATA’s air traffic highlights for March 2025 also showed capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 5.3% year-on-year.
The March load factor was 80.7% (-1.6 ppt compared to March 2024).
International demand rose 4.9% compared to March 2024. Capacity was up 7.0% year-on-year, and the load factor was 79.9% (-1.7 ppt compared to March 2024).
Domestic demand increased 0.9% compared to March 2024. Capacity was up 2.5% year-on-year. The load factor was 82.0% (-1.3 ppt compared to March 2024).
“Passenger demand grew by 3.3% year-on-year in March, a slight strengthening from the 2.7% growth reported for February. However, a capacity expansion of 5.3% outpaced the demand expansion, leading to a load factor decline from record highs to 80.7% systemwide. There remains a lot of speculation around the potential impacts of tariffs and other economic headwinds on travel. While the small decline in demand in North America needs to be watched carefully, March numbers continued to show a global growth pattern for air travel. That means the challenges associated with accommodating more people who need to travel—specifically alleviating supply chain problems and ensuring sufficient airport and air traffic management capacity — remain urgent,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.
Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets
International RPK growth slowed to 4.9% in March year-on-year, from the 5.9% reported for February and the 12.5% reported in January. This slowdown since January largely reflects the final normalisation of year-on-year demand comparisons post-COVID. Asia-Pacific was the strongest performer among regions, with 9.9% growth. Load factors fell in every region, for a -1.7 ppt overall decline.
Asia-Pacific airlines reported a 9.9% year-on-year increase indemand. Capacity increased 11.6% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.1% (-1.3 ppt compared to March 2024).
European carriers had a 4.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.9% year-on-year, and the load factor was 78.2% (-1.5 ppt compared to March 2024).
Middle Eastern carriers saw a -1.0% year-on-year decline in demand. Capacity increased 2.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 74.6% (-2.9 ppt compared to March 2024). The decrease in demand is likely related to the timing of Ramadan, which impacts travel patterns.
North American carriers saw a 0.1% year-on-year fall in demand. Capacity increased 2.0% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.0% (-1.8 ppt compared to March 2024). While demand had a second consecutive month of year-on-year contraction, it is important to note that this is an improvement on the -1.5% decline reported for February.
Latin American airlines saw a 7.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 12.1% year-on-year. The load factor was 80.9% (-3.3 ppt compared to March 2024).
African airlines saw a 3.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 3.5% year-on-year. The load factor was 70.1% (-0.2 ppt compared to March 2024).
BANGKOK, 7 MAY 2025: Hotel investment growth in Thailand will likely normalise in 2025, with factors including the entry of new high-quality hotels and favourable occupancy and average day rates (ADR) easing the record trading momentum seen in 2024.
According to JLL ((NYSE: JLL), hotel investment is expected to stabilise in 2025, with over THB13 billion (approximately USD385 million) in capital projected to be deployed into Thailand’s hotel sector.
In 2025, JLL estimates that Bangkok transactions will continue dominating the investment market, comprising nearly 60% of all deals nationally. Significantly, JLL analysis shows that the average transaction size will grow to THB1.8 billion (USD53.2 million), 80% higher than the 10-year average of THB1 billion (USD29.5 million). Furthermore, the market in 2025 is expected to be dominated by single asset deals, consistent with transactions including the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, the largest ever single asset hotel deal in Thailand history closed by JLL in 2024
JLL believes that strong tourism momentum and growth in trading performance amongst domestic and foreign investors in Thailand’s hotel market were exceptional events. This surge in investor appetite led to a record-breaking volume of hotel transactions in 2024 of THB22 billion (approximately USD650 million), reaffirming Thailand’s status as a core investment market in the region.
Performance in higher-end hotel segments is likely to stabilise, whilst economy to midscale hotels will continue showcasing substantial improvement in 2025. However, the pace of investment, more in line with historical levels, is expected to open new conversations with investors and operators on debt and green financing as trading volumes tighten this year.
“The fundamentals of Thailand’s hotel market are extremely appealing to investors, further exemplified by the expected diversification of investment patterns and the mainstreaming of more innovative and flexible approaches to debt. Financing mechanisms play a critical role in facilitating growth, renovations, and new developments within the economically important Thailand tourism industry, but we see greater optionality emerging with non-bank financial institutions complementing traditional bank lenders to support anticipated tourism demand,” says JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia PacificExecutive Vice President, Investment Sales Pimpanga Orn Yomchinda.
According to JLL, commercial banks extend substantial long-term credit facilities at competitive interest rates, operating under the stringent regulatory framework overseen by the Bank of Thailand. They focus on large-scale, established hotel projects supported by comprehensive due diligence processes. To proceed, long-term credit facilities generally emphasise collateral, predominantly the hotel property itself, coupled with financial covenants.
Conversely, non-bank financial institutions — leasing companies, finance corporations and specialised lenders — are playing a far more active role in meeting financing demands and flexibility. Investors increasingly treat this segment as more adaptable and innovative in providing financing solutions, effectively addressing market segments underserved by traditional banking channels. Although interest rates are generally higher, reflecting increased risk exposure, these institutions often structure bespoke financing packages, coupled with expedited approval processes and flexible terms, that accommodate the cyclical nature of hotel revenues.
Furthermore, as global awareness of environmental issues grows, governments, lenders, and borrowers have been placing more weight on the environmental impact of hotel operations and developments. This shift has led to the introduction of sustainable financing options offered by some major Thai banks and international lenders in the Thai market. The evolution reflects changing investor priorities while anticipating future regulatory changes and evolving consumer preferences in the hospitality sector.
“Sustainability has never been more critical to both owners and operators of Thailand’s hotels and their broader stakeholders. The contractual commitments made with lenders and broader stakeholders through sustainable financing, facilitated by the Thailand Taxonomy and issued by the Bank of Thailand, serve as a public demonstration of these stakeholders’ dedication to sustainability, which has been highlighted as a key benefit for corporate reputation and stakeholder trust. Both bank and non-financial institutions will play a critical role in this ongoing financing transition in Thailand,” says JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific Vice President, Strategic Advisory & Asset Management, You Ree Park. Read more here: https://www.jll.co.th/en/trends-and-insights/research/thailand-hospitality-financing-guide-2025.
KUALA LUMPUR, 7 MAY 2025: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) celebrates its 50 golden years as an Association this year.
In 1975, when Malaysia was still a young and rapidly developing nation, a small but determined group of Malaysian travel professionals came together with a shared purpose — to form a unified voice for the travel and tour industry in Malaysia. Through this ambition, MATTA was born and has since grown into a national force that shaped the Malaysian tourism landscape for half a century.
Esteemed Past Presidents Of MATTA (From Left) • Datuk Tan Kok Liang • Datuk Haji Hamzah Rahmat • Dato’ Mohd Khalid Harun • Nigel Wong, Current President Of MATTA • Dato’ Ngiam Foon • Mokhti Abas • Ym Tunku Iskandar Tunku Abdullah
With a mission to unite the industry, MATTA brought tour and travel agents together under a single banner. It continues to advocate and stand at the forefront of policy engagement and industry empowerment.
From its earliest days, MATTA has backed grassroots travel agents, becoming their voice and ensuring their interests are heard. The Association has evolved as it navigates global evolution and economic challenges.
In 1991, MATTA pioneered the first MATTA Fair, originally known as the Malaysia International Travel Fair (MITF) – held in Kuala Lumpur.
The goal was simple yet impactful: to connect Malaysians with travel agents and travel opportunities under one roof. This became the go-to travel hub for locals seeking new adventures, and rather quickly, the fair cemented its popularity. By the year 2001, the MATTA Fair transitioned into a bi-annual fair. Over time, MATTA has expanded across the country and established MATTA Chapters nationwide.
Today, the renowned Fair is recognised as Malaysia’s largest international travel fair, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and generating millions in sales. It remains a point of pride for MATTA – a testament to achieving astonishing milestones through shared vision, collaboration, and commitment to industry excellence.
In 2011, MATTA stepped into a new era by opening its own headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. A significant milestone that marked the Association’s growth and maturity. The headquarters became more than just a one-stop centre, symbolising MATTA’s permanence, leadership, and long-term commitment to the Malaysian travel industry.
Photo credit: MATTA.
Throughout this remarkable journey, MATTA has been guided by a dedicated line of Presidents – each of whom brought vision, integrity, and leadership to their term of service:
1975–1976: Loh Yit Lock 1977–1979: Fahmy Mubarak 1980–1982: Kamalruzaman Bahadun 1983–1988: YM Tunku Dato’ Seri (Dr) Iskandar Tunku Abdullah 1989–1992: Mokhti Abas 1993–1998: Ahmad Kamil Abdullah 1998–2005: YM Tunku Dato’ Seri (Dr) Iskandar Tunku Abdullah (second term) 2005–2009: Dato’ Ngiam Foon 2010–2013: Dato’ Mohd Khalid Harun 2013–2017: Datuk Haji Hamzah Rahmat 2017–2023: Datuk Tan Kok Liang 2023–2026: Nigel Wong (Current)
Each of these leaders has left a lasting mark on MATTA’s legacy, from expanding membership to modernising and digitalising operations, strengthening strategic partnerships, and continuously driving the inbound and outbound sectors.
“We have faced challenges together, including the devastating impact of the pandemic, but we have recovered and emerged stronger, more united and more prepared to face what lies ahead. We’ve embraced new verticals in tourism, including digitalisation, sustainability, sports tourism, and educational travel, all with a people-first, community-centric approach. The MATTA’s Eco & Sustainable Tourism Initiative (MESTI) exemplifies our continued commitment towards building a sustainable and long-lasting tourism business,” said MATTA president Nigel Wong,
As MATTA marks its Golden Jubilee, the Association looks back with pride on its journey. It extends its heartfelt gratitude to the members, partners, stakeholders and secretariats who have contributed to its success. Each of them – founding members, national tourism organisations and strategic partners – played an essential role in the evolution of a united travel and tour industry. The story of MATTA continues to unfold, driven by those who believe in the power of tourism and its ability to connect, uplift, and transform as the Association looks ahead to the next 50 years of excellence.
DUBAI, 6 MAY 2025: Emirates and flydubai are setting the gold standard in airline partnerships, hitting a milestone of 5 million travellers* flying on their joint networks in the past year, reflecting an outstanding 36% positive growth in joint passengers carried compared to the previous year.
This latest milestone represents the culmination of more than seven years of close coordination and a shared objective to streamline travel and enhance Dubai’s connectivity. Supporting Dubai’s D33 vision to become a major economic hub, Emirates and flydubai are also poised to make Dubai one of the most connected cities in the world by adding 400 destinations to its foreign trade and tourism map.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of flydubai, said: “The Emirates and flydubai partnership has been a game-changer for both carriers. It is a testament to collaborative excellence that has delivered more flight options and a better experience for travellers, underpinned by a vast network that connects every corner of the globe. I’m immensely proud of what has been achieved so far. I look forward to the next phase of growth and impact that Emirates and flydubai will have on enhancing Dubai’s connectivity and shaping the future of air travel across regions.”
Since 2017, the partnership has delivered many benefits to more than 22 million customers who have travelled across the joint network of both carriers. By combining the strength of their networks, Emirates and flydubai have created a robust schedule that offers unrivalled choice and convenience and one integrated loyalty programme that continues to deliver fantastic benefits.
Starting with just 29 cities in 2017, today, the Emirates and flydubai joint network has expanded to a staggering 240 destinations in more than 100 countries, complemented by seamless on-ground experiences, a smooth check-in process, efficient baggage transfers, optimised flight schedules and enhanced connectivity at Dubai Airport with access to Terminal 3.
On average, customers can choose from 295 codeshare flights each day, which means expanded schedules and more flexibility when choosing departure times. More than 330 weekly flights operated by flydubai depart Terminal 3 to popular destinations, including Zanzibar, Kathmandu, Krabi, Riyadh, and Naples. Emirates customers can explore more than 132 flydubai destinations, while flydubai passengers can access more than 142 Emirates destinations.
Both carriers continue to offer world-class travel experiences with robust passenger demand for premium cabins, which have grown by 31%, which speaks to the strength of Emirates’ and flydubai’s product propositions.
Last year, Emirates launched flights to Bogota, Colombia, and Antananarivo in Madagascar, and it plans to connect to Da Nang, Siem Reap, and Shenzhen this summer. flydubai also announced 10 new cities, including popular destinations Antalya, Basel and Al Alamein for the summer season.
The award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, Emirates Skywards, continues to offer members one loyalty currency and fantastic rewards. Over 35 million members worldwide continue to earn and redeem Miles on all flights operated by Emirates and flydubai.
Tickets can be booked on emirates.com and flydubai.com, the Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates and flydubai contact centres, or via travel agents.
Tickets can be booked on emirates.com and flydubai.com, the Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates and flydubai contact centres, or via travel agents.
HUA HIN, 6 MAY 2025: Thailand’s sun-drenched fairways and luxury hospitality await once more as the Centara World Masters Golf Championship, Asia’s most illustrious amateur golf event, prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary in grand style from 8th to 14th June 2025.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Hua Hin, a coastal haven renowned for its blend of old-world charm and modern refinement, this year’s tournament is poised to welcome over 450 golfers worldwide. Competitors will tee off across three of Thailand’s most revered courses: Black Mountain Golf Club, Pineapple Valley, and Springfield Royal Country Club – each a jewel in the region’s golfing crown.
Over the past decade, the Centara World Masters has evolved into more than just a tournament — it’s a global celebration of the sport. Since its inception, it has attracted 3,700 players from 25 nations, transforming Hua Hin into a melting pot of cultures, camaraderie, and competitive spirit.
“The Centara World Masters isn’t just about trophies,” says tournament co-organiser Golfasian’s Managing Director Mark Siegel: “It’s about lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and celebrating golf’s universal language.”
That sentiment is echoed by Peter McCarthy, founder of Australia-based Go Golfing, who notes: “Seeing golfers reconnect year after year at the Centara World Masters proves that great events don’t just happen – they’re lived, cherished and passed down.”
With Centara Hotels & Resorts’ support and Thailand’s growing investment in luxury tourism and championship-calibre golf infrastructure, the 2025 event promises to be the most vibrant edition yet.
Whether it’s the thrill of the competition, the elegance of the gala dinners, or the sheer joy of exploring Thailand’s royal resort town, one thing is sure: the Centara World Masters continues to raise the bar for amateur golf festivals and its 10th year is shaping up to be a celebration unlike any other.
BANGKOK, 6 MAY 2025: Outrigger Hospitality Group has acquired Zeavola Resort, a beachfront Resort located on the northern tip of Thailand’s famed Phi Phi Island.
When it reopens on 1 October 2025, the property will have completed renovations and changed its name to Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort. It will feature 63 suites and villas.
Photo credit: Outrigger. Beachfront Zeavola Resort is now an Outrigger.
It is the group’s fourth property in Thailand. Outrigger operates in Samui Island, Khao Lak (100 km north of Phuket Island and Surin Beach, Phuket.
