SINGAPORE, 27 July 2026: Sun PhuQuoc Airways celebrated the launch of its daily service between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) on Sunday.
It marks the only full-service flights on the route to Vietnam’s popular holiday island close to the border with Cambodia.
Photo credit: Sun PhuQuoc. Airbus A321neo.
An Airbus A321neo operates flights with 236 seats in an all-economy cabin. Flight time one hour and 40 minutes.
9G721 departs Phu Quoc at 1035 and arrives at Singapore Changi Airport at 1320 local time. 9G720 departs Singapore at 1420 local time and arrives in Phu Quoc at 1505.
The airline competes with Scoot and Viejet Airlines, both offering daily services between Singapore and Phu Quoc. The average round-trip fare on the route is USD310.
Across its network, the airline is developing its signature “Resort in the Sky” concept, which includes the Sun Executive Lounge and new-generation aircraft cabins, as well as the signature La Festa fragrance.
Privileges across Sun Group
The experience continues after passengers land in Phu Quoc. Travellers flying from Singapore to Phu Quoc with Sun PhuQuoc Airways will receive a complimentary Sun World Hon Thom Cable Car ticket, access to the WOW Pass priority lane, and discounts of up to 30% on accommodation, dining, spa, entertainment and leisure experiences across the Sun Group.
The Singapore–Phu Quoc service marks Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ fourth international route, following the launch of services to Taipei, Seoul and Hong Kong. It further strengthens the airline’s presence across Asia’s major aviation and tourism hubs while improving access to one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing island destinations.
The strategic partnership between Sun Group and Changi Airports International further supports the new route. Under this partnership, Phu Quoc International Airport is being developed as a “destination airport”, to create a more seamless passenger journey from the airport to the island’s tourism, hospitality and entertainment experiences.
Following the launch of its Singapore service, Sun PhuQuoc Airways will commence flights to Bangkok on 8 August 2026. The airline is also progressing plans to expand its international network to Malaysia, India, Japan, Russia and Kazakhstan.
To support its growing network, Sun PhuQuoc Airways plans to expand its fleet to 32 aircraft in 2026 and introduce Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft from September 2026. These investments will provide the foundation for the airline to develop medium- and long-haul services, advance its “Rise to the World” strategy and contribute to positioning Phu Quoc as an emerging regional gateway for tourism and trade.
About Sun PhuQuoc Airways Sun PhuQuoc Airways is a full-service airline established to enhance connectivity to Phu Quoc and support the island’s development as a leading regional tourism destination. Backed by Sun Group’s integrated ecosystem across tourism, hospitality, entertainment and infrastructure, the airline offers passengers a seamless travel experience that combines quality onboard service with access to Phu Quoc’s world-class resort and lifestyle offerings.
MAHARASTRA, 27 July 2026: Ticket affordability is the leading factor for 60% of regional airline flyers when making travel decisions to fly, according to research by Sanjay Ghodawat Group’s Star Air.
The survey conducted by India’s largest regional airline explored “what Indian travellers want most from regional airlines,” interviewed regional air passengers across major metros and regional hubs, including Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur, Delhi, and NCR.
Photo credit: Star Air.
Among those surveyed, 37% identified as first-time or infrequent flyers, reflecting aviation’s widening reach into tier-2 and tier-3 cities. For these travellers, the leap into air travel often comes with apprehensions about navigating airports, security protocols, and the boarding process. In fact, 31% cited difficulty navigating airports as their top concern, followed by 26% who worried about security procedures, and 21% who felt uneasy about boarding. Yet, for the vast majority, these worries were eased by the warm and attentive support of airline staff, a testament to the industry’s growing focus on hospitality and personal care.
Other important considerations included convenient flight timings (53%), proximity to airports (47%), airline reputation (43%), and recommendations from friends or family (38%). These insights demonstrate that while cost remains critical, the overall experience and trust in the brand also play a significant role in shaping travel choices.
The survey also found that 77% of all passengers rated the welcome and assistance provided by airline staff as “excellent” or “good.” However, travellers were candid about opportunities for improvement.
49% called for better on-time performance, 44% wanted enhanced cleanliness and comfort, and 38% hoped for even friendlier staff. Clear communication and efficient baggage handling were also highlighted as essential to a seamless journey.
Perhaps the most compelling takeaway is the overwhelming demand for greater regional connectivity. A remarkable 88% of respondents said it is “extremely” or “very important” that airlines connect smaller towns and cities to India’s major metros. This sentiment underscores the essential role regional airlines play as enablers of economic mobility, access to education, healthcare, and the strengthening of social and family ties.
Encouragingly, 73% of flyers said they would “definitely” or “probably” recommend regional airline travel to friends and family. When asked why they chose to fly over other forms of transportation, top responses included faster journey times (68%) and convenience (59%). And 82% of respondents said regional airlines deliver a sense of comfort and serve as a lifeline for small-town India.
Star Air CEO Captain Simran Singh Tiwana said: “This survey is a testament to the new era of regional aviation in India. Our mission goes beyond connecting cities; it’s about making air travel a source of comfort, opportunity, and pride for communities that were once off the aviation map. We are committed to delivering not only safe and reliable journeys but also memorable and welcoming experiences for every Indian flyer.”
As regional airlines continue to expand their footprint across the country, these findings provide a clear roadmap for the future, one that centres on comfort, connectivity, and the promise of a more inclusive and empowered India.
About Star Air Star Air, the aviation arm of Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG), commenced commercial operations in 2019 with a mission to “Connect Real India” by making air travel affordable and convenient for the Indian populace. Star Air operates a fleet of eight aircraft — Embraer E175s and is looking to expand the fleet to 25 aircraft over the next 36 months.
BANGKOK, 27 July 2026: Thailand’s coastal destinations are driving a marked rise in short domestic getaways, with Krabi recording the strongest growth in staycation bookings on the platform — more than doubling year on year — followed by Hua Hin, Pattaya and Phuket.
Based on the latest booking data from Traveloka, the pattern points to a broader shift — Thai travellers are increasingly choosing shorter, more frequent breaks over a single long holiday each year.
Photo credit: Traveloka.
Across the country, staycation bookings on Traveloka grew by more than 70%, reflecting a growing preference for shorter escapes that fit into modern, flexible lifestyles. Rather than waiting for one major trip a year, more Thai travellers are recharging with weekend breaks and short stays.
Which destinations lead the shift?
The strongest momentum came from Thailand’s coastal destinations. Krabi led on booking growth, more than doubling year on year, followed by Hua Hin (up more than 80%), Pattaya (around 65%) and Phuket (nearly 60%). Each offers a distinct experience — from island escapes and wellness retreats to family-friendly beach breaks. Still, they share a common appeal: they turn an ordinary weekend into a meaningful break.
Today’s travellers are redefining what it means to take a vacation. Instead of waiting for one extended holiday each year, many are choosing to travel more often, even if it’s just for two or three days at a time.
This reflects a broader lifestyle shift. Flexible work arrangements, packed schedules and a growing focus on well-being have made shorter breaks an appealing way to recharge without the planning, cost or time commitment of long-haul travel. For many, the luxury isn’t necessarily flying farther — it’s having the opportunity to disconnect fully.
At the same time, expectations of a staycation have evolved. Travellers are increasingly looking beyond simply booking a room; they’re seeking memorable experiences. Whether it’s waking up to a sea view, enjoying a spa treatment, discovering local cafés, sampling regional cuisine or simply slowing down in a new setting, the accommodation has become part of the destination.
Rediscovering Thailand, one weekend at a time
The growing popularity of staycations also reflects a renewed appreciation for destinations closer to home. Places that were once reserved for long weekends or family holidays are now becoming regular weekend escapes, allowing travellers to rediscover familiar destinations from a fresh perspective.
As travel becomes more integrated into everyday life, the trend toward shorter, experience-led getaways is expected to continue. Rather than replacing longer vacations, staycations are complementing them — giving travellers more opportunities throughout the year to rest, reconnect and create memorable experiences without travelling far.
BANGKOK, Thailand, 24 July 2026: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announced this week the launch of Centara Reserve Krabi, the second property under its award-winning luxury Reserve brand, scheduled to open in December 2026.
The opening represents the next chapter of the company’s long-term premium growth strategy, strengthening its position in the luxury hospitality sector while supporting Krabi’s emergence as one of Asia’s most desirable quiet luxury destinations.
Building on the success of Centara Reserve Samui, the new resort reflects the company’s continued investment in high-value travel experiences designed for today’s affluent global travellers. As demand for authentic, immersive luxury travel continues to grow, Centara sees significant long-term potential in Thailand’s luxury tourism sector, driven by longer average stays, higher average daily rates (ADR), and discerning travellers seeking meaningful, destination-led experiences.
“We believe Thailand has every ingredient to be recognised among the world’s leading luxury destinations, from its rich culture and exceptional hospitality to its breathtaking natural beauty and world-class service. The opportunity now is to create hospitality brands that are equally distinctive on the global stage. Through Centara Reserve, we are redefining modern Thai luxury by bringing together experience-led travel, cultural authenticity and a genuine sense of place. The launch of Centara Reserve Krabi marks another significant milestone in our long-term strategy to strengthen our premium portfolio while helping elevate Thailand’s position in global luxury hospitality,” said Michael Henssler, Chief Operating Officer, Centara Hotels & Resorts.
Reserved for truly iconic destinations, Centara Reserve is designed around meaningful cultural connections, personalised service and immersive local experiences. The brand responds to a growing shift in luxury travel, where affluent guests increasingly value authenticity and human connection over traditional definitions of luxury. According to the American Express Global Travel Trends Report, 59% of affluent travellers define luxury through meaningful human interactions rather than material indulgence.
The Reserve journey began with the opening of Centara Reserve Samui in December 2021, introducing a new interpretation of Thai luxury centred around storytelling, cultural immersion and personalised hospitality. Unlike many luxury brands, Reserve was designed not only for couples but also for families, offering multi-generational luxury experiences that remain rare within the premium hospitality market.
Since opening, Centara Reserve Samui has established itself as one of Thailand’s leading luxury resorts, setting a new benchmark for personalised, experience-led hospitality while validating Centara’s long-term vision for the Reserve brand. The resort earned 28 international awards, consistently maintaining a perfect five-out-of-five Tripadvisor rating and delivering strong commercial performance. In 2025, the resort recorded a 7.5% year-on-year increase in revenue, supported by continued ADR growth, demonstrating the commercial success of Centara’s luxury strategy.
An Investment in the Future of Thai Hospitality
The transformation of the former Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi into the world’s second Centara Reserve represents a significant investment in the future of Thailand’s luxury hospitality industry.
Located at the exclusive Pai Plong Bay, the fully reimagined resort has been carefully designed to meet evolving demand for experience-led luxury while capitalising on Krabi’s growing appeal among high-value international travellers. With increasing demand for premium leisure travel, longer average visitor stays and strong ADR potential, Krabi has emerged as one of Thailand’s most promising luxury destinations.
“Centara Reserve Samui is where the Reserve story began – a place where timeless island living and personalised service came together to redefine modern Thai luxury. Centara Reserve Krabi is where the story becomes even more immersive, shaped by dramatic landscapes, deeper cultural connections and an extraordinary sense of place,” said Neil Li, Corporate Director of Operations – Centara Reserve & The Centara Collection and General Manager of Centara Reserve Samui. “Every aspect of the resort has been thoughtfully developed to deliver a contemporary luxury experience that resonates with today’s affluent travellers while celebrating the warmth and authenticity that define Thai hospitality.”
Home to some of Thailand’s most iconic seascapes, including Railay Bay and Maya Bay, Krabi is renowned for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and dramatic limestone cliffs. Combined with its rich Southern Thai heritage and a naturally slower pace of life, the destination offers a compelling alternative to more established resort markets.
Unlike its neighbour Phuket, Krabi has retained a more intimate atmosphere, making it increasingly attractive to travellers seeking privacy, authenticity and meaningful experiences. This positions the destination strongly within the global “quiet luxury” travel trend.
Centara Reserve Krabi
Set within a secluded beachfront cove accessible by boat, Centara Reserve Krabi will feature 120 elegantly designed rooms, suites and pool villas ranging from 75 to 388 square metres, alongside lagoon pools, Reserve Spa Cenvaree and three restaurants and three bars, including the renowned Salt Society Beach Bar & Kitchen.
Every stay will be thoughtfully curated through personalised welcome rituals, locally inspired experiences and bespoke itineraries led by dedicated Reserve Hosts, creating authentic connections between guests and the destination.
Looking ahead, Centara continues to explore opportunities to expand the Reserve brand into other iconic destinations across Thailand and internationally. While the first two Reserve properties are beachfront resorts, Centara also sees long-term potential to introduce the Reserve brand into gateway cities, including Bangkok, as well as selected destinations in Japan and Europe.
MANILA, 24 July 2026: The Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines welcomes Delta Air Lines’ decision to introduce a new nonstop service between Los Angeles and Manila, beginning in March 2027 and expanding to daily flights by June.
“More flights are good for travellers. Greater competition makes air travel more accessible and affordable for Filipinos,” said the Department of Tourism in a statement. “We want our airlines to grow and succeed.
At the same time, we welcome more airlines and more routes because a bigger market benefits everyone — travellers, airlines, airports, tourism enterprises and the economy.”
Beyond tourism and business exchanges, the new route is expected to make homecomings easier for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the Filipino-American community, while also opening another gateway for American travellers to explore the Philippines.
The DOT will continue working with international and Philippine carriers to expand connectivity, open new markets, and make it easier for more people to experience the Philippines.
Delta will become the only US airline running direct, nonstop flights between LAX and Manila (joining Philippine Airlines, which already operates the route).
Route and launch details
Start Date: 28 March 2027
Frequency: Three times weekly (28 March- 6 June 2027)
Expands to daily service starting 7 June, 2027
Onboard experience and aircraft
Feature
Details
Aircraft
Airbus A350-900
Cabins Offered
Four Classes: Delta One (Lie-flat business), Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin
Perks & Connectivity
Fast, free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members and seatback entertainment in all cabins
Lounge Access
Delta One passengers flying out of LAX get access to Delta’s flagship Delta One lounge spaces
FARNBOROUGH, UK, 24 July 2026: Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for nine A350-1000 widebody aircraft.
The agreement was announced during the Farnborough Air Show by Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, together with Lars Wagner, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Airbus Commercial Aircraft business.
Once finalised, the new contract will double the airline’s total orders for the A350-1000 to 18 aircraft, of which the first two have been delivered this year. Designated as the carrier’s new flagship, the A350-1000 will enable PAL to develop its long-haul network further, primarily linking Manila with destinations in North America. These include non-stop services in both directions linking Manila with cities on the East Coast of the US and Canada.
PAL has specified a three-class configuration for its A350-1000 fleet, accommodating 382 passengers. The layout includes 42 suites in Business Class with privacy doors and fully flat beds, 24 seats in a spacious separate Premium Economy cabin and 316 seats in Economy Class. All cabins feature the latest in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity.
Philippine Airlines operates various Airbus types on its full-service network. In addition to the A350, PAL flies A330-300s to the Middle East, Australia and various points in Asia. The carrier also operates a fleet of A320 and A321 single-aisle aircraft on domestic and regional services.
At the end of June 2026, the A350 Family had won 1,595 firm orders from 68 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.
FARNBOROUGH, UK, 24 July 2026: Flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier based in Saudi Arabia, will acquire five additional A330-900 aircraft and 20 additional A321neo aircraft from Airbus.
The agreement further strengthens the partnership between Airbus and flynas and supports the airline’s continued expansion across domestic, regional and long-haul markets.
Photo credit: Flynas @Airbus. A321neo A330neo
The latest order increases flynas’ total commitment for the A330neo to 20 aircraft and brings its total commitment for the A321neo to 56 aircraft. With these additions, flynas continues to expand its all-Airbus fleet, bringing its total firm commitment to Airbus aircraft to 235.
Flynas currently operates a fleet of 67 Airbus aircraft, comprising two A330-300s, four A320ceos and 61 A320neos. The airline continues to expand its network in response to growing demand for air travel in Saudi Arabia and beyond, supporting the Kingdom’s aviation growth ambitions.
Flynas Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Bander Almohanna noted that increasing flynas’ confirmed Airbus orders to 235 aircraft out of a total orderbook of 280 aircraft will further strengthen the airline’s operational and expansion capabilities as Saudi Arabia looks forward to hosting Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
FARNBOROUGH, UK, 24 July 2026: Shohin Airlines, established in Dushanbe, Tajikistan as a private airline company, has disclosed an order for four Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, marking the first-ever Airbus order for the airline.
The agreement, which includes two A320neo and two A321neo aircraft, was included in Airbus’ end-of-June order book as an undisclosed order.
Photo credit: Airbus SAS 2026.
Registered in June 2025, the airline aims to expand a wide route network and build a brand that represents Tajikistan on the global aviation stage.
The A320neo aircraft will feature 176 seats and the A321neo will feature 196 seats in a dual-class layout. These new aircraft will help the airline launch services to regional and global markets.
“The signing of our first contract with Airbus marks a milestone not only for Shohin Airlines, but also for the entire civil aviation sector of Tajikistan. The A320neo Family aircraft will form the backbone of our airline’s modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable fleet. We are committed to providing our passengers with the highest standards of safety, comfort, and service quality while expanding Tajikistan’s international air connectivity. We are confident that our partnership with Airbus will provide a solid foundation for Shohin Airlines’ long-term growth and the successful implementation of our strategy to build a world-class airline,” said Shohin Airlines Chief Executive Officer Zafar Ahmadzoda.
“Welcoming a new customer to the Airbus family is always a proud moment, and we are honoured Shohin Airlines has chosen Airbus to power their historic launch,” said Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “We look forward to supporting Shohin Airlines’ vision to connect Tajikistan to the world. This agreement marks the beginning of a strong partnership, ensuring the airline sets a new regional standard for fleet optimisation, operational excellence, and passenger experience right from its start.”
SINGAPORE, 24 July 2026: More travellers are looking to escape rising temperatures, with searches for coolcations and cooler destinations up 74% year-on-year since the start of 2026, according to Trip.com.
Japan continues to top many wish lists, and while winter holidays have often centred around ski resorts such as Niseko and Hakuba, another side of Japan’s snow season unfolds beyond the slopes, as introduced by Walk Japan.
Onsen Gastronomy: Snowy Aizu
Across some of Japan’s snowiest regions, long winters have shaped distinctive local cultures — from steaming open-air onsen and preserved post towns to regional cuisines. These landscapes reveal a quieter side of Japan, where mountain villages and hot spring communities continue to follow rhythms passed down through generations.
Walk Japan presents lesser-known winter snow season journeys departing February 2027.
Set in Fukushima’s historic Aizu region, this leisurely 5D4N winter journey combines snowy walks through samurai towns and rural villages with regional cuisine, sake and restorative onsen. Travellers discover how generations of heavy snowfall have shaped Aizu’s distinctive food culture, craftsmanship and way of life.
Traversing Japan’s remote northeast, this journey links traditional hot spring towns set amid deep snow. Over seven days, travellers walk between villages, soak in open-air baths and discover winter customs unique to the Tohoku region.
Through the mountains of Nagano, travellers explore one of Japan’s iconic snow country regions over 7D6N, walking between historic villages, cedar forests and onsen settlements while experiencing the rhythms of daily life shaped by long winters.
Beyond Hokkaido’s ski resorts, this 8D7N journey explores the island’s vast winter wilderness, combining snowy coastal landscapes, forests and rural communities with fresh seasonal cuisine and local wildlife.
*Departing January / February 2027
Walk Japan’s annual snow-season guided tours run during the winter months ( December through March). If you are looking ahead to Winter 2027, their core snow-focused offerings generally open for bookings 12 to 18 months in advance.
Instead of traditional downhill skiing, Walk Japan’s snow season tours focus on snowshoeing, winter cultural immersion, and walking through snow-draped landscapes.
What to expect on a Walk Japan snow tour
Accessibility: You don’t need prior snowshoe experience. Walk Japan provides snowshoes/kanjiki and basic poles, leading you at a comfortable, manageable pace.
Small group size: Typically capped at 10 to 12 guests to keep the atmosphere personal and group movement nimble in snowy conditions.
Accommodations and dining: Expect a heavy emphasis on authentic Japanese hospitality—staying in traditional ryokan or shukubo, sleeping on futons on tatami mats, enjoying multi-course kaiseki or regional winter hot-pot dishes, and bathing in natural hot springs.
Essential Tips for Winter 2027 Bookings
Book early: Winter/snow tours are among Walk Japan’s most sought-after departures because group sizes are small and the window (Jan–Mar) is short. Winter 2027 dates typically fill up quickly once published on their site.
Layering is essential: Walk Japan provides technical gear like snowshoes, but you’ll need high-quality waterproof outerwear, thermal base layers, waterproof winter boots, and solid gloves/goggles.
Private Tours: If you are travelling with family or a group of friends, Walk Japan also offers self-guided options or custom private departures for their snow routes.
About Walk Japan Established in 1992, Walk Japan is an independently owned and managed company that pioneers innovative walking tours throughout Japan. Walk Japan operates through a few main entities and office locations across Japan, Hong Kong, and the UK.
Corporate location: Hong Kong, Unit 59, Level 24, Lee Garden One, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
SINGAPORE, 24 July 2026: As part of the preparations for the launch of ITB Americas, taking place 10–12 November in Guadalajara, Mexico, show organiser Messe Berlin Americas joins the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as a Regional Member.
By joining WTTC as a Regional Member, Messe Berlin Americas reinforces its commitment to working alongside the industry’s leading organisations to shape the future of travel and tourism in the Americas.
Photo credit: Messe Berlin. Landscapes from the Americas.
As the first travel trade show bringing together North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean under a single B2B platform, ITB Americas connects the region’s travel and tourism ecosystem, driving business opportunities, knowledge exchange and industry collaboration.
The inaugural edition of ITB Americas will bring together destinations, tourism boards, buyers, travel companies, hotel brands, airlines, technology providers, MICE professionals and industry leaders from across the Americas and beyond. Trade visitors can register now to attend ITB Americas 2026 and connect with leading players from across the travel and tourism industry. The event is expected to welcome more than 5,000 attendees and participants from more than 42 countries and regions.
Organised by Messe Berlin Americas, the regional subsidiary of Messe Berlin, ITB Americas builds on the global ITB portfolio of travel trade shows and is designed to become the leading gateway to the travel and tourism industry across the Pan-American region.
WTTC President & CEO, Gloria Guevara said: “We are delighted to welcome Messe Berlin Americas as a Regional Member. Through its focus on fostering business connections, knowledge exchange and collaboration, the organisation plays an important role in strengthening engagement across the Travel & Tourism sector in the Americas. We look forward to working together to connect industry leaders, support regional growth and advance opportunities for the sector throughout the continent.”
Messe Berlin Vice President and Managing Director Americas, Vicente Salas Hesselbach added: “Joining WTTC as a Regional Member marks an important milestone for Messe Berlin Americas and, above all, for ITB Americas. As we prepare to launch the inaugural edition of ITB Americas, we are committed to building a platform that brings together the travel industry across the entire continent, fostering meaningful business connections, knowledge exchange, and long-term collaboration. This achievement reinforces our commitment to shaping a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable future for travel and tourism in the Americas.”
About ITB Americas The first edition of ITB Americas will be held from November 10-12, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico. As the premier B2B travel trade show for the entire American continent, ITB Americas unites industry professionals from North, Central, and South America as well as the Caribbean. With a strong focus on regional and international market potential, ITB Americas features a curated Hosted Buyer programme and a high-level conference showcasing thought leaders and industry experts.
