SINGAPORE, 25 March 2026: Four Seasons Yachts’ inaugural vessel, Four Seasons I, has embarked on its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean.
Purpose-built from the keel up and shaped entirely around the guest, the yacht extends Four Seasons’ legendary service to sea for the first time.
Four Seasons I is reimagining modern yachting by pairing the exclusivity and freedom of a private yacht with Four Seasons’ personalised service, while offering access to exclusive ports and yacht-only harbours.
The first voyage set sail on 20 March, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of Four Seasons and the opening of the company’s first hotel on the first day of spring in 1961.
Spanning 207 metres (679 feet), Four Seasons I has been conceived as a residential-inspired vessel that elevates the yachting experience, with just 95 suites, all featuring generous indoor-outdoor living, no interior cabins, and a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio.
Among the yacht’s most exceptional accommodations is the nearly 929-sqm Funnel Suite positioned at the forward-facing prow, offering sweeping panoramic views. At the opposite end, the nearly 743-sqm Loft Suite features an expansive aft-facing terrace.
For its inaugural season, Mediterranean itineraries aboard Four Seasons I pair iconic ports with off-the-beaten-path coastal discoveries. Highlights include storied enclaves such as Saint-Tropez, sought-after destinations like Bodrum, and lesser-frequented harbours such as Hydra and Montenegro, alongside sailings across the Greek Isles and the Croatian coast.
In its debut year, the yacht will introduce 32 voyages across 52 sailings, exploring 130 distinct destinations in more than 30 countries and territories throughout the Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean and Bahamas in winter.
The venture brings together luxury yachting company Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd, Joint Owner/Operator, Four Seasons Yachts, and venerated Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The second Four Seasons Yacht, Four Seasons II, will debut in 2027.
HO CHI MINH CITY, 25 March 2026: Marriott International Inc has signed a multi-property agreement with Sun Group, Vietnam’s leading integrated destination and resort developer, to manage 10 new hotels and resorts, spanning eight of Marriott’s brands and comprising almost 4,500 keys across properties in Phu Quoc and Vung Tau.
The agreement is set to mark the debut of two brands in Vietnam: W Hotels and Moxy Hotels. These new properties are scheduled to open between 2027 and 2030, as integral elements of Sun Group’s developments.
Rendering: W Phu Quoc and Phu Quoc Marriott Resort & Spa.
Ten new hotels and resorts
Moxy Phu Quoc Hon Thom (501 keys, scheduled to open in 2026)
Fairfield by Marriott Phu Quoc Hon Thom (353 keys, scheduled to open in 2026)
W Phu Quoc (526 keys, scheduled to open in 2027)
Phu Quoc Marriott Resort & Spa (826 keys, scheduled to open in 2027)
The Westin Phu Quoc (527 keys, scheduled to open in 2027)
Le Méridien Phu Quoc (432 keys, scheduled to open in 2027)
Courtyard by Marriott Phu Quoc (300 keys, scheduled to open in 2027)
Vung Tau Marriott Hotel (300 keys, scheduled to open in 2030)
Moxy Vung Tau (350 keys, scheduled to open in 2030)
Four Points by Sheraton Vung Tau (350 keys, scheduled to open in 2030)
The signing ceremony was attended by key leaders from both companies, including Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International; Rajeev Menon, President for Asia Pacific Excluding China (APEC), Marriott International; and Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Sun Group.
“Vietnam is one of the world’s most dynamic markets for travel and tourism, so we are thrilled to be able to announce these 10 new hotels and resorts in collaboration with Sun Group,” said Marriott International President APEC Rajeev Menon. “Marriott’s portfolio in Vietnam has doubled since 2022…Our continued collaboration with Sun Group, one of the country’s most visionary developers with a proven track record of creating destination-defining projects, reinforces our commitment to the long-term future of Vietnam – including Phu Quoc, which is rapidly emerging as one of Asia’s most dynamic tourism destinations.’’
Phu Quoc will host APEC 2027, positioning the island on a global stage and creating lasting benefits for the entire region.
At Ruby Beach in southern Phu Quoc, Marriott is slated to launch five new hotels under five distinct brands — W Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Le Méridien, and Courtyard by Marriott within an 88.4-hectare mixed-use development.
Phu Quoc has emerged as one of Asia’s most compelling tourism destinations with many attractions developed by Sun Group. Marriott’s portfolio of hotels is set to serve as hospitality anchors within a synchronised destination mode with direct access to iconic assets such as the world’s longest three-wire cable car to Hon Thom Island, large-scale theme and water parks, internationally acclaimed multimedia shows, the Kiss Bridge and Sunset Town — where fireworks illuminate the sky every night, 365 days a year.
PHUKET, 25 March 2025: A newly released C9 Hotelworks Phuket Hotel & Tourism Market Update 2026 highlights a structural shift underway, as Phuket prepares for its next phase of tourism growth driven by infrastructure expansion and accelerating urbanisation.
The market update compiled by C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett indicates the island’s airport is currently operating at 39% above capacity, handling approximately 17.4 million passengers in 2025, with major upgrades planned through Phase II expansion and the proposed Andaman International Airport.
New zoning reforms and integrated developments are transforming key areas such as Bangtao into more structured urban clusters. Together, these changes signal Phuket’s transition from a resort-driven island toward a more institutionalised tourism market.
Against this backdrop, Phuket’s demand profile is diversifying. Total arrivals reached 8.8 million in 2025 despite a 44% decline in Chinese visitors, reflecting a combination of Thai baht appreciation, shifting travel sentiment, and increased competition from alternative destinations such as Japan and Vietnam. This has accelerated the diversification of source markets, with Russia remaining the largest contributor, while India and South Korea recorded the strongest growth.
The impact of this shift is evident in hotel performance. Average daily rates rose by 5% while occupancy declined by 6%, indicating that rate growth is being sustained rather than driven by broad-based demand expansion. At a submarket level, luxury enclaves such as Surin and Mai Khao continue to command rate premiums. At the same time, Patong remains volume-driven, reinforcing the widening gap between yield-focused and mass-market locations.
C9 Hotelworks managing Director Bill Barnett.
Looking ahead, Phuket is entering a supply-driven expansion cycle. With 41 new hotel projects and over 8,000 keys in the pipeline, new supply is concentrated in integrated lifestyle destinations such as Bangtao/Cherngtalay.
At the same time, tighter enforcement of unlicensed accommodations is expected to rebalance the competitive landscape. As infrastructure improves and regulatory oversight strengthens, Phuket’s growth trajectory in 2026 is expected to normalise, with long-term performance increasingly dependent on product differentiation and the ability to capture evolving regional travel demand.
To download and read the C9 Hotelworks Hotel & Tourism Market Update 2026, CLICK.
BANGKOK, 25 March 2026: The current crisis in the Gulf did not emerge in isolation. It is the result of years of rising tension, shifting alliances and a gradual erosion of the diplomatic norms that once helped contain regional rivalries.
Decisions are also being taken faster. Responses are more immediate. And the space for quiet diplomacy has narrowed. What once unfolded over months is now compressed into days.
What makes this crisis different is speed and reach
At the centre of the crisis lies a familiar axis: Iran, Israel and the US. Yet the dynamics have changed. This is no longer a contained confrontation. It is a conflict with global reach.
The early phase was marked by rapid escalation. Targeted strikes, counter-strikes and a surge in military readiness signalled intent on all sides. Each move carried a dual purpose: tactical gain and strategic messaging.
For Israel, the objective was clear. Act decisively and draw the US deeper into the confrontation. For Washington, the calculation has been more complex. Support an ally, project strength, but avoid a wider war that could spiral beyond control.
This tension defines the conflict
Public messaging suggests restraint. Military movements suggest preparation. The result is a strategic ambiguity that keeps all actors on edge.
Iran, meanwhile, is playing a longer game. Its response has been calibrated rather than impulsive. By avoiding immediate overreaction, Tehran retains flexibility while allowing pressure to build across multiple fronts. This is not a weakness. It is positioning.
The ripple effects are already visible.
Airspace disruptions across the Middle East have forced airlines to reroute, increasing flight times and operational costs. Key shipping lanes face heightened risk, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global energy supply passes.
Energy markets have responded instantly
Oil prices have surged on the mere perception of disruption. Even limited instability in the Gulf carries disproportionate consequences for global supply chains. For economies already managing inflation and fragile recovery cycles, this is a serious concern.
Tourism is often one of the first sectors to feel the impact
Perception matters as much as reality. Images of conflict, even if geographically contained, travel quickly. Travellers reconsider plans. Insurance costs rise. Airlines adjust capacity. The result is a cooling effect that can extend far beyond the immediate zone of conflict.
For Asia, the implications are indirect but significant
Higher fuel costs place pressure on airlines, which in turn affects fares and route planning. Long-haul travel becomes more expensive. Confidence, always a delicate factor in tourism, becomes harder to sustain.
At the same time, there are potential shifts in travel patterns. Destinations perceived as stable may benefit from diversion, while those seen as exposed could face sudden declines. The balance is fluid and can change quickly.
Financial markets are reflecting this uncertainty.
Energy stocks strengthen while broader indices show volatility.
Investors are recalibrating in real time, weighing risk against opportunity.
What happens next in the Gulf Crisis?
Three paths that could shape energy, markets and global stability
The first is containment. Diplomatic pressure increases, back-channel negotiations gain traction, and the conflict stabilises without expanding. This is the preferred outcome for global markets and the travel industry.
The second is controlled escalation. Limited strikes continue, tensions remain high, but both sides avoid actions that would trigger a full-scale regional war. This creates prolonged uncertainty, keeping energy prices elevated and confidence subdued.
The third is expansion. A miscalculation, a misread signal or an unintended consequence pulls additional actors into the conflict.
At present, the situation sits between the first and second scenarios.
The risk is not only in deliberate action, but in misinterpretation. In a fast-moving environment, signals can be misunderstood. Intent can be misjudged. And events can move beyond the control of those involved.
This is why understanding the adversary matters.
Not in a narrow military sense, but in recognising the broader forces at play. Political pressure, economic vulnerability and strategic ambition all shape decision-making. Without that understanding, responses risk being reactive rather than informed.
The Gulf has long been a region where local tensions carry global consequences. What is different now is the degree of interconnectedness. Energy markets, aviation networks and tourism flows are all tightly linked.
A disruption in one area quickly transmits to others
For the travel and tourism sector, the lesson is clear. Agility is essential. Monitoring developments, adjusting capacity and maintaining clear communication with travellers will be critical in the weeks ahead.
For investors and policymakers, the challenge is to navigate uncertainty without overreaction. And for the wider global community, the stakes are high.
This is not simply a regional conflict. It is a test of how power is exercised in a more fragmented, faster-moving world.
The next moves in the Gulf
From containment to escalation — how this conflict could unfold
Watch for signals, not statements.
Diplomacy will continue behind closed doors, even as public rhetoric hardens.
Oil remains the key indicator.
Sustained price rises suggest prolonged tension. Sharp spikes may signal escalation.
Aviation will react quickly.
Route changes, capacity cuts and fare increases will be early warning signs.
Markets will stay volatile.
Short-term swings will reflect uncertainty more than fundamentals.
The real risk is miscalculation.
In a fast-moving conflict, the greatest danger is not intention, but error.
About the Author Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer who has lived in Thailand since 1991. With more than four decades in the international hospitality industry, he has held senior leadership roles with several leading hotel groups. A past President of Skål Asia, former National President of Skål Thailand, and a two-time President of Skål International Bangkok, he writes widely on tourism and hospitality trends across Asia and is widely published.
(All images are illustrative representations created by AI for this article and should not be interpreted as factual depictions of real events)
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 March 2026: A recent survey has revealed that 48% of Southeast Asian travel businesses believe that the prospects for their businesses in Q2 2026 are worse than they had anticipated at the start of the year, due to the impact of the Iran War.
The report by the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) and Pear Anderson showed that inbound operators in particular were pessimistic about future enquiries, with 74% of inbound travel businesses much gloomier about prospects than at the start of the year, compared with 50% of outbound travel businesses.
Singaporean travel businesses were the most pessimistic overall, with two-thirds (67%) expecting enquiries in Q2 2026 to be worse than what they expected at the start of the year, compared to 64% in Malaysia, 54% in Indonesia, 50% in the Philippines, and 43% in Thailand.
Almost three-quarters (72%) of outbound travel businesses reported at least some postponements and cancellations for trips to the Middle East, 70% to Europe, and 58% to other regions, demonstrating that the impact on travel was beyond connectivity.
As for a potential redirection of outbound travel flows, 64% of businesses believed Southeast Asia would benefit, followed by East Asia (47%) and Europe and Central Asia (24%). Thai travel businesses were the most confident that Europe would see growth in interest (56%), likely due to the higher number of direct flights to Europe already operating to Thailand, whilst the Philippines saw a greater chance of travel interest being redirected to domestic travel (30%).
For inbound travel businesses, 54% have received cancellations for May, with the number sharply decreasing for cancellations received in June (21%), and just 3% seeing cancellations from October and onwards, a sign that travellers are taking a wait-and-see approach. 62% of businesses reported that some trips were postponed or cancelled by Middle East travellers, with a higher share (67%) among travellers from Europe, signalling the significant role that Middle East transit hubs play in facilitating inbound travel to the ASEAN region.
Fuel price increases, leading to higher airfares, as well as fuel shortages in general, remain a concern for Southeast Asian travel businesses, who noted their impact on inbound operations in-destination and their potential knock-on impact on travellers’ purchasing power in the medium-term.
“The high percentage who believe that travel will be redirected to Southeast Asia confirms that we must work together as one ASEAN to support our tourism and travel ecosystem,” said ASEANTA President Eddy Soemawilaga. “Travel businesses commenting on the current situation were quick to point to the overall resilience of the Southeast Asian travel industry, and that they believed traveller demand would recover once the situation stabilises.”
“There is no denying that travel businesses, whether outbound or inbound, are suffering at the moment,” stated Hannah Pearson, director at Pear Anderson. “Whilst on the face of it the lack of transit flights to the Middle East is immediately impacting flows both in and out of the region, ASEAN has an opportunity to present itself as an alternative transit hub between Australia and Europe, potentially opening up more direct flight routes – and new opportunities.”
About ASEANTA The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) was founded in 1971 as a non-profit organisation dedicated to the development and promotion of tourism within the ASEAN region. It was formed through collaboration between the private and public tourism sectors of several ASEAN countries.
About Pear Anderson Pear Anderson is a boutique consultancy firm specialising in Southeast Asian tourism. It partners with organisations across the spectrum of tourism-related organisations to build a lasting foundation in these markets, providing sales representation, unique insights, research, and training. The global Muslim travel segment is a core specialisation, and Pear Anderson provides insight and access to it.
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 March 2026: Tourism Malaysia welcomed Juneyao Airlines’ inaugural direct flight connecting Sunan Shuofang International Airport in Wuxi and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on 20 March. It marked another important milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Malaysia and emerging cities in China.
Operating the route with a 164-seat A320neo, the new flight links Wuxi with Kuala Lumpur, with three weekly departures on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Flight time is five hours and 15 minutes.
Juneyao Airlines introduces direct flights from Wuxi to Kuala Lumpur.
Flight schedule
HO1563 departs Wuxi (WUX) at 2150 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0310 (plus a day). HO1564 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0410 and arrives in Wuxi (WUX) at 0945. Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
This new scheduled route marks Juneyao Airlines’ continued expansion into Malaysia, following the successful launch of its Shanghai-Kuala Lumpur route.
The Wuxi-Kuala Lumpur service also improves accessibility for travellers connecting through Kuala Lumpur to other Malaysian destinations such as Tawau and Penang.
China has flights to Malaysia from 30 cities to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kota Kinabalu, totalling 871 flights weekly.
“The launch of the latest direct service between Wuxi and Kuala Lumpur reflects the growing momentum in Malaysia–China tourism connectivity,’ said Tourism Malaysia Director General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim. “The introduction of this route by Juneyao Airlines not only strengthens air connectivity between China and Malaysia, but also opens the door for more travellers from Wuxi and the surrounding region to discover Malaysia’s unique charm, rich culture and diverse travel experiences”.
On arrival in Malaysia, passengers on the inaugural flight were welcomed by Tourism Malaysia Senior Deputy Director Noriah Jaafar and representatives from Juneyao Airlines.
The launch of this scheduled service aligns with the strategic goals of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) by expanding international access and strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s position as a regional hub. Improved air connectivity is expected to encourage repeat visits, boost tourism expenditure, and further elevate Malaysia’s appeal as a destination known for its vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, diverse shopping, and unique travel experiences.
China remains one of Malaysia’s most significant source markets for tourism. In 2025, Malaysia welcomed 4.7 million visitors from China, a 25.1% year-on-year increase, highlighting the market’s strong recovery and sustained travel demand.
SINGAPORE, 24 March 2026: Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess arrived in Singapore on Sunday, 22 March 2026, at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre as part of her 131-night World Cruise before sailing on the next chapter of her epic journey — a 56-night journey to Alaska and the West Coast of the United States.
Carrying 2,000 guests, Coral Princess is currently navigating a 35,000+ nautical mile ‘Circle Pacific’ itinerary spanning 60 ports across 19 countries with calls to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This milestone voyage marks the most destinations ever visited on a Princess world Cruise, reinforcing the brand’s leadership in global exploration.
Photo credit: Marina Bay Cruise Centre Coral Princess.
The journey began in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on 5 January 2026, taking guests through the Panama Canal, Hawaii, French Polynesia, the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia after more than 70 days at sea.
The remaining part of the World Tour comprises several segments, which can be combined into a 56-night cruise from Singapore to Los Angeles.
The 14-night Thailand & Vietnam Cruise features stops in Samui Island and Laem Chabang, a Gulf of Thailand coastal port (overnight in Bangkok), Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City), Hanoi (overnight), Da Nang, before arriving in Hong Kong on 5 April, where the ship will stay overnight.
On an 11-night Japan, Korea and Taiwan cruise, the ship will continue north on a tour of Asia, visiting Taipei and Seogwipo in South Korea, before an extensive journey in Japan and arriving in Yokohama on 16 April.
The 31-night Alaska & North Pacific Crossing cruise will visit destinations in Japan, Alaska, Canada, Mexico and California. The ship will visit Japan (Miyako, Aomori, and Hakodate) before crossing the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean and embarking on an extensive programme in Alaska. The ship then sails to Canada to visit Victoria and Vancouver, then onward to Seattle, Astoria (Oregon) and Santa Barbara. The ship will then make a maiden call at Ensenada, Mexico, and the journey will end in Los Angeles on 16 May.
After completing her World Cruise, Coral Princess will join seven other Princess ships in Alaska for Princess Cruises largest Alaska season, featuring eight ships, including the debut of the new Star Princess, 180 departures and 19 destinations.
Looking Ahead: 2027 World Cruise Grand Circle Pacific voyage
Coral Princess will sail the 129-night cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles on 6 January 2027, visiting over 60 destinations across 20 countries. The voyage will feature a transit of the Panama Canal and visits to Hawaii, the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan, Alaska and Canada.
SINGAPORE, 24 March 2026: Singapore Airlines has suspended direct flights to Dubai until 30 April, the airline confirmed in a statement released last Friday.
Citing the “geopolitical situation in the Middle East”, the airline confirmed the cancellation of SQ494, departing Singapore for Dubai, and the return flight SQ495, departing Dubai for Singapore.
Photo credit: SQ.
Flight schedule
SQ494 departs Singapore (SIN) at 1430 and arrives in Dubai (DBX) at 1800. SQ495 departs Dubai (DBX) at 1945 and arrives in Singapore (SIN) at 0730 (plus a day).
Up until the suspension announced on 20 March, the airline served the route daily, deploying a 264-seat B77-300ER with a flight time of seven hours and 15 minutes.
SQ advises customers to visit SIA’s Flight Status page (https://tinyurl.com/389fx3ys ) for the latest information on their flights.
In contrast, Emirates schedules four daily flights between Singapore and Dubai according to the winter timetable 2025-2026, deploying an A380-800 with 510 seats. However, some of the services have been suspended due to missile and drone attacks on Dubai.
Before the war with Iran disrupted travel to the Gulf countries, the average round-trip fare on the route was USD550. On 24 March, Google Flights quoted a fare of USD564 in economy class.
BANGKOK, 24 March 2026: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirms Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2026 will take place from 10 to 12 June 2026 at the NICE Pattaya Convention and Exhibition Centre, spotlighting tourism attractions in Chon Buri province’s eastern seaboard and across Thailand.
The event reinforces Thailand’s position as a leading destination for international business events and tourism investment, while underscoring TAT’s continued focus on traveller confidence, safety, and well-being.
TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, said: “Hosting this year’s edition in Chon Buri allows us to present a wide range of tourism products and business opportunities under our ‘New Thailand’ strategic direction and the ‘Healing is the New Luxury’ campaign. We aim to strengthen international partnerships and drive sustainable growth across the tourism sector.”
Now heading for its 23rd edition, TTM+ 2026 should welcome over 400 Thai sellers and 400 international buyers from more than 50 countries, generating over 11,000 pre-scheduled business appointments. The programme will feature product showcases, curated networking sessions, and knowledge-sharing forums addressing global tourism trends, sustainability, and innovation — delivering both commercial value and strategic industry insights.
Pattaya is located in Chon Buri province, and TTM+ 2026 will highlight a diverse portfolio of both established destinations and emerging attractions beyond the famous beaches and entertainment that have made Pattaya a popular gateway destination, just 130 km southeast of the Thai capital, Bangkok.
The Nong Nooch Pattaya International Convention and Exhibition Centre (NICE) venue is located in the famous Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden on the outskirts of Pattaya. It is designed to host a wide variety of events, including international trade shows, conventions, concerts, and grand banquets.
The centre spans a total area of 15,500 sqm and can accommodate more than 12,000 people. The main exhibition area (5,760 sqm) can be used as one grand hall or divided into three smaller halls to suit different event sizes.
TTM+ 2026 is projected to generate significant tourism revenue, creating a positive economic impact for businesses, communities, and supply chains across Thailand.
Pattaya City is just a 24 km drive from the TTM venue at Nong Nooch.
SINGAPORE, 24 March 2026: Travellers can book seats on United’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring the first United Polaris Studio suites, roomier seats, larger seatback screens and Bluetooth connectivity at every seat in every cabin
The inaugural international flight, UA1, is scheduled for 22 April from San Francisco to Singapore, with ticket sales open since 19 March on the airline’s website and app.
Photo credit: United.
The aircraft will also launch its second international route, UA901 from San Francisco to London, on 30 April. Over the next few weeks, customers may see the plane flying on select domestic routes between San Francisco and Houston as the plane prepares for international service.
United plans to have at least 30 7879’ss with the elevated cabin interiors flying worldwide by the end of 2027:
Eight new Polaris Studio suites; 56 Polaris seats; 35 Premium Plus seats; 39 Economy Plus and 84 Economy seats.
