Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Home Blog Page 5

GetYourGuide and STB ink MoU

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 20 October 2026: GetYourGuide, the global marketplace for travel experiences, and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the development, distribution, and promotion of Singapore’s diverse tourism tours and experiences to travellers worldwide.

The MoU was signed at GetYourGuide’s Berlin headquarters by GetYourGuide CEO and co-founder Johannes Reck and STB Chief Executive Melissa Ow.

Photo credit: STB. Johannes Reck, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, GetYourGuide and Melissa Ow, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board.

The partnership will leverage GetYourGuide’s insights to build a supply of quality tours and experiences and drive more tourist consumption and spending in Singapore. It is structured around three key areas. 

Market Insights: GetYourGuide and STB will share insights into traveller preferences and demand to identify opportunities to enhance Singapore’s tourism experiences and better meet the needs of international visitors.

Co-ideation: Both parties will work with tourism stakeholders and experience providers to identify and develop new or enhanced Singapore experiences that reflect evolving traveller interests and broaden the range of experiences available to visitors.

Joint marketing: Both parties will explore joint marketing initiatives to raise the visibility of Singapore’s tourism experiences and inspire travellers to discover more of what the destination has to offer.

Notably, the agreement marks GetYourGuide’s first international destination marketing partnership outside Germany, where the company is based, underscoring the strategic importance of Singapore’s standing as a premier destination amidst GetYourGuide’s growth in the region.

“At GetYourGuide, we look forward to connecting Singapore’s attractions and experience providers with global travellers looking to discover the best of what a destination has to offer,” said Johannes Reck. “We’re proud to bring more visibility to Singapore’s best things to do to the world.”

“Visitors today increasingly seek experiences that are meaningful and memorable, and Singapore has so much to offer on that front. This MoU with GetYourGuide gives us a powerful channel to reach global travellers while creating opportunities for our tourism businesses to grow their international reach. We look forward to welcoming more travellers to discover what makes Singapore truly special,” said  Singapore Tourism Board Chief Executive Melissa Ow.

About GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is a global marketplace for travel experiences. Travellers use GetYourGuide to discover the best things to do at any given destination, book and skip-the-line tickets to top attractions, and reserve tours and activities led by local experts. The website and app offer experiences in over 18,000 cities and destinations worldwide.

(Source: Singapore Tourism Board)

AirAsia rolls out 30% deal

By
Newsdesk
-

BANGKOK, 20 October 2026: Thai AirAsia (FD) and Thai AirAsia X (XJ) are launching a massive discount sale “Up to 30%* Off All Seats, All Flights” covering every route across their entire networks.

Book these special fares by 25 October 2026, for travel between 2 November 2026 and 30 September 2027.

Campaign highlights

Special offer: Up to 30% off All Seats, All Flights (across both domestic and international routes).

Booking period: Closes at midnight on 25 October 2026. Bookings are open on AirAsia MOVE and airline websites.

Travel period: 2 November 2026 – 30 September 2027

The deal comes with a one-time flight change fee waiver** with zero processing fees (fare differences may apply) and applies to Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X across a network of 53 routes to 46 cities. 

*Discount applies to one-way travel, base fare only, not inclusive of passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees. 

**Fare differences may apply. T&C apply.

(Source: AirAsia)

Airlines resume flights to Saudi Arabia

By
Newsdesk
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 October 2026: After a comprehensive safety review and operational risk assessment, Malaysia Airlines has resumed scheduled flights from its Kuala Lumpur base to Jeddah (JED) and Madinah (MED), effective 18 October 2026.

Passengers travelling to or from Jeddah and Madinah are advised to verify their flight schedules and update their contact details via ‘My Booking’ on the Malaysia Airlines website or mobile app.

Passengers who booked through third-party platforms or travel agents are advised to contact their booking provider directly about their travel arrangements.

In a press statement, Malaysia Airlines said it “appreciates the patience and understanding of its passengers during the temporary flight suspensions. The airline continues to closely monitor developments in the region, with the safety and security of our passengers and crew remaining our highest priority.”

Airlines resuming operations to Saudi Arabia

  • Malaysia Airlines: Resumed scheduled operations to and from Jeddah and Madinah starting 18 October 2026, following security reviews.
  • Gulf Air: Bahrain’s flag carrier announced that, after temporary cancellations through 17 October, it resumed scheduled flight operations on 18 October.
  • SriLankan Airlines: Resumed flight operations starting 18 October.
  • Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings): Short-term temporary suspensions ended after 16 October. Operational evaluations were initiated to restart flights on a route-by-route basis.

Airlines extending suspensions or postponing service

Many other international carriers have maintained or extended flight suspensions due to safety assessments and operational repositioning:

  • Etihad Airways & flydubai: Extended temporary cancellations through 18 and 19 October.
  • Air India & Air India Express: Suspended flights through 20 October.
  • Akasa Air & IndiGo: Suspended services to Saudi destinations (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam) through 21 to 24 October.
  • Air France-KLM: Suspended services through to the end of October.
  • Philippine Airlines: Suspended Riyadh routes through 29 November.
  • Cathay Pacific: Delayed return on Hong Kong–Riyadh/Dubai routes until 31 January, 2027.
  • Delta Air Lines: Postponed its planned Atlanta–Riyadh route launch to March 2027.

Note: Schedules and security assessments change rapidly during active re-openings. Passengers are strongly advised to verify flight status directly with the respective airlines before travel.

(Source: MH and airline updates)

A different kind of island luxury in Langkawi

By
Your Stories
-

LANGKAWI, 19 October 2026: You don’t notice it immediately. At first, Langkawi looks like any other island escape done well — good resorts, stunning views, the usual promise of switching off. The kind of place you book when you want something easy, comfortable, reliably beautiful.

And it is all of that. But give it a day or two, and the definition of “luxury” starts to shift a little.

Less spectacle, more space

There are no grand reveals here. No need for dramatic arrivals or overdesigned moments engineered for effect.

Instead, it’s space.

Space between tables  — like those long, unhurried Roti Canai breakfasts that stretch somewhere between morning and afternoon along Pantai Tengah. 

Space between plans — the kind you notice when a short drive quietly turns into a full loop around the island. 

Space to sit somewhere a little longer than you intended, without feeling like you should be somewhere else. 

You start to realise how rare that is.

Elsewhere, luxury tends to announce itself — through scale, through detail, through the feeling that everything has been carefully considered for you.

Here, it feels like the opposite, as if things were left open on purpose.

Nature, but not on display

In Langkawi, nature isn’t something you “go out” to see.

It’s already there, folded into everything.

A morning through the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park doesn’t feel like a checklist item; it feels more like drifting through something that was always moving at its own pace. The limestone cliffs, the stillness of the water, the occasional eagle cutting across the sky — none of it pauses for you, which is exactly why it feels real.

The rainforest doesn’t sit at a distance, waiting to be visited. It leans in — close enough that you hear it before you notice it. The sea isn’t a backdrop; it’s part of your day’s rhythm, whether you planned for it or not.

It doesn’t feel curated. Which, in its own way, feels like the real luxury.

Privacy without trying too hard

There’s a certain kind of quiet here that isn’t engineered — it just exists.Not silence, exactly. But the absence of noise that asks something from you.

Even in places you’d expect to be busy — a sunset along Tanjung Rhu, or a stretch of sand just slightly off the main beach — there’s room to step away without going very far.

You’re not competing for space. You don’t have to adjust your pace to match a crowd. You don’t feel like you’re part of someone else’s itinerary.

And because of that, everything feels a bit more yours. Your morning. Your time. Your version of the place.

A softer kind of indulgence

Luxury, here, isn’t about excess. It’s about ease.

A simple nasi campur lunch that turns out better than expected. A late afternoon that slips into evening somewhere between a beach walk and deciding whether you even need dinner yet. A quiet drink by the water where nothing in particular is happening — and that’s enough.

There’s nothing to perform. No pressure to “make the most of it.” Which, quietly, is what allows you to.

What you actually leave with

You don’t leave Langkawi talking about how much you did. You talk about how it felt.

Unrushed. 

Uncomplicated. 

Surprisingly grounding for a place that, at first glance, looks like a typical island escape.

And somewhere along the way, luxury stops being about more. It becomes about what’s left, once everything unnecessary falls away.

That’s the difference. And once you notice it, it’s hard to unsee.

For more information on Langkawi and its attractions, visit: https://naturallylangkawi.my/ 

(Source: Naturally Langkawi)

Tourism Selangor spotlights medical tourism

By
Newsdesk
-

JAKARTA, Indonesia, 19 October 2026: Selangor, Malaysia, continues to strengthen its position as a preferred medical tourism destination in Southeast Asia, particularly among Indonesian travellers. 

Through the state’s Heal & Explore Selangor initiative, visitors can access high-quality healthcare services while experiencing the state’s rich culture, culinary offerings, natural attractions, and recreational destinations.

Photo credit: Tourism Selangor. Tourism Selangor representatives at the Malaysia Healthcare Expo (MHX) Indonesia 2026 in Jakarta, promoting the Heal & Explore initiative.

Located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and surrounding Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, Selangor has a well-connected transportation network that supports international travel. Visitors from Indonesia can fly directly to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA2), or Subang SkyPark Airport, all of which provide convenient access to hospitals, hotels, and tourist attractions across the state.

As part of its efforts to promote medical tourism, Tourism Selangor participated in the Malaysia Healthcare Expo (MHX) Indonesia 2026 in Jakarta from 15 to 18 October as part of the MedTravel Selangor: Heal & Explore initiative, which promotes integrating quality healthcare services with comprehensive travel experiences.

Healthcare institutions joining the Expo included Sunway Medical Centre, Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara, KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital, Avisena Specialist Hospital, Ara Damansara Medical Centre, Columbia Asia Hospitals, KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital, and Selgate Healthcare. 

These hospitals and healthcare providers offer a wide range of medical specialities, including comprehensive health screenings, cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, fertility treatments and IVF, supported by modern medical technology and experienced healthcare professionals.

Selgate Healthcare also plays an important role in expanding access to quality healthcare services throughout Selangor through its extensive healthcare network. Strategic partners such as Le Méridien Petaling Jaya and AirAsia Ride further support the initiative, enhancing the visitor experience through premium hospitality, seamless mobility, and convenient access to medical centres and key attractions across Selangor.

What sets Selangor apart from other medical tourism destinations is its ability to offer a holistic experience that combines quality healthcare with a diverse range of tourism products suitable for every type of traveller. Beyond healthcare and hospitality, family travellers can enjoy attractions such as SplashMania Waterpark, i-City Shah Alam, Skyline Luge, Monkeys Canopy Resort, and Gamuda Gardens Fun Park. In contrast, solo travellers can enjoy café-hopping, food adventures, shopping, and cultural and heritage attractions.

Visitors seeking a more authentic side of Selangor can discover destinations such as Kuala Selangor, Sekinchan, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Jugra, Mah Meri Cultural Village, Puncak Alop, and The Beacon Resort, which offer immersive nature, cultural, and wellness experiences that complement their journey.

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare tourism promotion in Indonesia, Tourism Selangor participated in the Malaysia Healthcare Expo (MHX) Indonesia 2026, organised by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and held from 15 to 18 October 2026 at Central Park Mall, Jakarta. Through this platform, Tourism Selangor introduced the Heal & Explore Selangor initiative and the MedTravel Selangor: Heal & Explore publication, showcasing Selangor’s healthcare tourism ecosystem, which combines quality medical treatment, premium hospitality, and diverse cultural, culinary, and nature-based experiences for Indonesian travellers.

About Tourism Selangor
Tourism Selangor is Selangor State’s Official Tourism Promotion Agency, established to increase local and international tourism to Selangor by enhancing and developing the state’s known and undiscovered beauty.

Spanning over nine districts, including Petaling, Gombak, Klang, Sepang, Hulu Langat, Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Kuala Langat and Hulu Selangor, the area is known as an extraordinary holiday and event destination. 

(Source: Tourism Selangor).

Travelodge Gangnam Yeoksam Seoul opens

By
Newsdesk
-

SEOUL, 19 October 2026: Travelodge Hotels Asia officially opened Travelodge Gangnam Yeoksam Seoul, its fifth hotel in South Korea with 360 rooms and the largest in the group’s  Asia network

Fully renovated to reflect Travelodge’s refreshed brand look, the hotel offers travellers a comfortable base in the heart of Gangnam, close to COEX and the district’s business, shopping, dining, fashion and cultural destinations.

Travelodge Gangnam Yeoksam Seoul is designed around the essentials of a good stay, with well-appointed rooms, comfortable beds, modern bathrooms, a satisfying breakfast and practical spaces to relax and recharge.

The hotel offers a spacious co-working lounge, a fitness centre, and meeting facilities for up to 60 people. Guests who need to work can use the business centre as a casual workspace. In contrast, the guest lounge provides space to relax, with a microwave and hydration centre available for added convenience.

BON Food Service, an established Korean food-service operator with experience in catering and food-service operations, provides breakfast. A GS25 convenience store is also scheduled to open at the hotel by the end of October.

Located in Yeoksam, Gangnam, Travelodge Gangnam Yeoksam Seoul offers convenient access to Seoul’s business district, cultural landmarks and shopping destinations. Just 600 metres away, Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs showcase Korea’s royal history, while Bongeunsa Temple, near COEX, offers a glimpse into traditional Buddhist culture.

Business travellers can reach COEX Convention & Exhibition Centre, Starfield Mall, and Library within a 15-minute bus or subway ride. The Gangnam Station Shopping District offers dining, shopping, and nightlife, while Lotte World, about 30 minutes away by subway, offers family entertainment. For fashion, beauty and café culture, guests can explore Garosu-gil and Apgujeong Rodeo.

To celebrate the opening, Stay Gold in Gangnam offers eligible guests who book directly from October 2026 to January 2027 a chance to win a 24K gold bar through the hotel’s Fortune Wheel.

(Source: Travelodge Hotels Asia)

Follow the flavours to explore Asian destinations

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 19 October 2026: A favourite dish can give travellers a reason to look beyond a familiar gateway, according to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, which identifies strong interest in food-led travel among travellers from Taiwan, Vietnam and South Korea. 

A market breakfast, a regional recipe or a dish glimpsed online can make an unfamiliar place feel worth the journey. To celebrate World Food Day (16 October), Agoda shares six destination picks where a meal can start a longer stay.

Chiayi, Taiwan

Chiayi makes a persuasive case over a simple bowl of turkey rice: tender meat, warm rice and savoury gravy. Follow it with snacks at Wenhua Road Night Market. The city’s International Band Festival brings music into its streets at year’s end, giving visitors an evening of flavours and song.

Dong Van, Vietnam

On the rocky plateau around Dong Van, buckwheat is more than a flower to photograph. Its seeds become pancakes, noodles and cakes. Autumn’s buckwheat bloom and festival draw visitors into the area’s food and cultural traditions; market meals can turn a scenic stop into a trip built around local flavours.

Andong, South Korea

Andong’s old market is the place to try jjimdak, chicken braised with vegetables and glass noodles. When winter settles in, look for another local speciality: lightly spicy Andong sikhye, a rice drink traditionally served to guests at New Year. Together, they give travellers a taste of the city beyond its historic sites.

Shodoshima, Japan

Olive groves, soy sauce breweries and hand-stretched somen noodles make this Seto Inland Sea island a destination for curious eaters. Winter is a peak season for somen production, when visitors can see the craft behind the delicate noodles before sitting down to enjoy a bowl.

Chiang Rai, Thailand

A bowl of nam ngiao introduces Chiang Rai’s northern Thai cooking through its aromatic broth and local ingredients. Add sai oua sausage and chilli dips to the table, then stay for the city’s Loi Krathong traditional festival during the evening of 25 November.

Iloilo City, Philippines

Iloilo’s batchoy, noodles in a rich, savoury broth, is a great reason to explore its markets and local eateries. The Dinagyang Festival, which takes place in January, adds street dancing and music. Travellers who come for the celebration can make time to discover the food that gives the city its everyday character.

“Food can put a place on someone’s travel list before they know what else is there,” said Agoda Senior Vice President Supply Andrew Smith. “Sometimes the restaurant reservation comes first; sometimes it’s a local dish someone has seen on a social media post. Either way, that meal can lead travellers beyond the usual hubs. We’re highlighting the places behind those flavours and giving travellers a reason to explore further.”

(Source: Agoda)

Air Canada and United expand Canada-US connectivity

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 19 October 2026: Air Canada and its Star Alliance partner, United Airlines, have confirmed new transborder routes for summer 2027, expanding direct access to US destinations with convenient connections across the United States.

Beginning next summer, Air Canada will launch new service between Toronto and Louisville, Montréal and Indianapolis, and Edmonton and Newark. Air Canada will also increase capacity on the Edmonton-San Francisco route by deploying the larger Airbus A220.

Photo credit: Air Canada.

The new routes broaden Air Canada’s US network by adding links from Canadian airports to more US cities. 

Toronto-Louisville service will begin in late April, before increasing to daily service in May. New Montréal-Indianapolis service will add another non-stop US destination from Montréal. At the same time, Edmonton-Newark will provide a new direct link to the New York region and convenient connections through one of United Airlines’ global hubs.

Also beginning next summer, United is launching new seasonal service to St John’s from its Newark hub, adding new service from Denver to Ottawa and Québec City, increasing flights between Washington, D.C., and Québec City, and increasing daily seats between Denver and Winnipeg by 65%.

The new routes build on Air Canada and United’s long-standing partnership and their Transborder Joint Business Agreement. Since the agreement was established in 2022, 20 new routes have opened between Canada and the US, and more than 4.3 million passengers have flown jointly on United and Air Canada. Together, Air Canada and United Airlines serve 10 Canadian gateways.

Building on these benefits, Air Canada and United Airlines have agreed to renew and expand their Transborder Joint Business Agreement, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals. Air Canada has submitted an application to Transport Canada seeking approval of the amended and restated agreement.

(Source: Air Canada)

Qatar inks aircraft financing deal in Japan

By
Newsdesk
-

DOHA, Qatar, 19 October 2026: Qatar Airways Group has marked a milestone in aircraft financing by signing its inaugural Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO) transaction, covering three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. 

HSBC and JP Lease Products & Services Co Ltd (JLPS) were integral partners in the financing, with HSBC acting as debt arranger and sole lender, and JLPS underwriting and arranging the JOLCO equity.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways. From left: JP Lease Products & Services Co Ltd. President and Chief Executive Officer, Teiji Ishikawa; Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Hamad Al-Khater; HSBC Qatar Chief Executive Officer, Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi.

The signing marks the first of three transactions planned under Qatar Airways Group’s inaugural JOLCO programme in Japan, supporting a total of seven aircraft. JLPS is serving as the programme’s equity arranger. The transaction establishes the Group’s presence in the Japanese aircraft financing market and further strengthens its financial partnerships across Asia.

The transaction represents more than a financing milestone. Qatar Airways Group’s entry into the Japanese JOLCO market demonstrates confidence from a highly selective investor community that supports top-tier airline credits. This first-of-its-kind agreement underscores the Group’s financial strength, credibility, and ability to attract diversified international capital, and sets a positive precedent for the wider investment community.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Hamad Al-Khater, said: “We view the JOLCO market as a strategic long-term funding source and expect to maintain a consistent presence as we finance future fleet investments and growth opportunities.

“This transaction provides Qatar Airways with an important foothold in the Japanese financing market, offering access to a deep pool of capital on extremely attractive financial terms. It further diversifies our funding sources, broadens our investor base, and positions the Group to support its future aircraft financing requirements efficiently and competitively.”

(Source: Qatar Airways)

Emirates Holidays releases Thailand Pass

By
Newsdesk
-

DUBAI, 19 October 2026: Emirates Holidays has launched the Thailand Pass, offering exclusive benefits across shopping, dining and leisure activities for customers travelling to and throughout Thailand.

Available to Emirates Holidays customers* travelling to Thailand, the pass unlocks offers of up to 40% off, with no minimum spend.

Photo credit: Emirates Holidays.

Emirates Holidays customers can redeem their offers by simply presenting their vouchers and a copy of their passport at the reception of the participating mall or outlet to collect their Welcome Package. 

The offers include shopping and dining vouchers at 14 participating malls in Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Krabi, and Chiang Mai. The Thailand Pass also includes a complimentary shuttle service between CentralWorld and Central Village Bangkok, plus complimentary VIP lounge access at both venues.

The pass also unlocks Buy 1 Get 1 Free offers on a selection of top attractions and experiences across Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi, including Playsquare Laser Tag, Playmondo, Swensen’s, Auntie Anne’s, Aquaria Phuket, OTO Playpark and Monowheel, along with an additional 5% discount on Karmakamet wellness products.

The launch comes as Thailand remains one of Emirates Holidays’ most popular destinations, with bookings up 10% year-on-year. It also builds on Emirates’ continued investment in Thailand. The airline recently deployed its Airbus A350 to Phuket and now operates retrofitted Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft to Bangkok with new premium economy cabins. The airline operates 49 weekly flights to Thailand.

The Thailand Pass is available on package bookings made until 31 March 2027*

*Thailand Pass is available for Emirates Holidays customers booking from the following markets: Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Canada, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, USA, Zimbabwe.

(Source: Emirates)

1...456...846Page 5 of 846

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now


Contact Us
TTR Weekly (TTRW) is published in Bangkok, Thailand, registered since 1978.
/ month
placeholder text
/ month
placeholder text
Press releases, announcements, events for calendar should be sent to: [email protected]
/ month
placeholder text

Copyright © 2023 TTR Weekly, all rights reserved.