BANGKOK, 12 January 2026: Bangkok Airways welcomes 2026 with its special airfare promotion, “New Year Super Sale,” covering popular domestic and international routes.
Fares start at THB1,430 per sector for domestic flights and THB2,930 per sector for international flights for bookings made exclusively on the airline’s website by midnight on 14 January 2026, with travel commencing from 1 February 2026.
The promotional fares include airport taxes, fuel surcharges (for international routes), and ticketing fees, subject to the airline’s terms and conditions. The promotion covers 20 domestic and international routes (round-trip).
JAKARTA, 12 January 2026: Indonesia AirAsia will launch a new international route between Bali and Da Nang, Vietnam, on 20 March 2026.
It will become the seventh international route served by Indonesia AirAsia from its Bali hub, strengthening Southeast Asian tourism flows between Indonesia and Vietnam.
“This new service strengthens tourism connectivity across Southeast Asia, giving travellers seamless access between Bali and Da Nang, a route operated exclusively by Indonesia AirAsia. With Vietnam joining AirAsia’s existing connections across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Australia, travellers now enjoy greater choice, flexibility and convenience when exploring destinations throughout the ASEAN region,” said Indonesia AirAsia Acting President Director, Captain Achmad Sadikin Abdurachman.
Vietnam welcomed more than 19 million international visitors in the first 11 months of 2025, up approximately 20.9% from the same period the previous year. This growth underscores Vietnam’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s leading tourism destinations. The Southeast Asian market, including Indonesia, grew 13.8%, with Vietnam as one of its contributing source markets.
Meanwhile, Indonesia received 13.9 million international visitors during the same period, including 80,313 from Vietnam. This reflects the growing potential for two-way tourism exchange between the two countries.
Da Nang, Vietnam’s fifth-largest city, has gained increasing popularity among travellers and on social media, driven by its pristine beaches, modern urban atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and rows of street-side cafés that offer visually appealing experiences. Located along Vietnam’s central coast, the city also boasts rich cultural and natural attractions, including its iconic lantern festivals. It serves as a gateway to renowned nearby destinations, including Hoi An and Hue.
Meanwhile, Bali has long been recognised as one of Southeast Asia’s premier tourism destinations, offering a diverse range of attractions, from the cultural heart of Ubud and popular beaches such as Kuta, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua, to the natural beauty of Uluwatu and Nusa Penida. Supported by well-developed tourism infrastructure and an extensive international flight network, Bali serves as a strategic gateway for travellers continuing their journeys to various international destinations.
PHNOM PENH, 12 January 2026: Air Cambodia will launch three new direct flights this week from Techo International Airport (KTI) to popular tourist destinations in Vietnam.
The airline confirmed the new direct flights from Phnom Penh’s gateway airport to Da Nang, Nha Trang and the holiday island of Phu Quoc on its Facebook page with promotional fares starting at USD100 (one way). The airline deploys its 70-seat ATRs on the routes.
Da Nang
Flights between Phnom Penh and Da Nang, effective 15 January, are scheduled for Monday and Thursday, departing Phnom Penh (KTI) at 1330 and arriving in Da Nang (DAD) at 1240. A third flight is scheduled to depart every Sunday at 1650 from Phnom Penh, arriving in Da Nang at 1900.
Phu Quoc
Flights to Phu Quoc Island start on 16 January, with four weekly flights on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, departing Phnom Penh at 1110 and arriving in Phu Quoc (PQC) at 1215.
The return flights depart Phu Quoc (PQC) at 1245 and arrive in Phnom Penh (KTI) at 1350.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang joins the airline’s network on 17 January. The twice-weekly direct flights (Tuesday and Saturday) depart from Phnom Penh at 1410 and arrive in Nha Trang 1545. The return flights depart Nha Trang at 1615 and arrive in Phnom Penh at 1750.
ABU DHABI, 12 January 2026: Etihad Airways confirms it will start flights to Luxembourg this October, making it the first airline from the Middle East to serve the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Services will commence on 29 October 2026 from its Abu Dhabi home. Bookings are already open on the airline’s website and through online travel agencies. A round-trip economy fare starts at EUR2,708 for the six-hour and 30-minute flight.
Photo credit: Etihad. Luxembourg’s UNESCO world heritage-listed old town.
The new route reflects growing demand from travellers across Luxembourg, the Benelux region, France and Germany for direct access to Abu Dhabi.
Services will operate from Luxembourg Airport (LUX), providing guests with direct access to Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s vibrant capital.
Flights will operate three times per week (Monday, Thursday, and Saturday) on Etihad’s A321LR, configured with a three-class cabin.
The route will enhance connectivity for both business and leisure travellers and further strengthen economic and cultural ties between the EU and the UAE. With Luxembourg also serving as a gateway market for neighbouring France, Germany and Belgium, the new service strengthens Etihad’s presence across these broader European markets.
Etihad Airways, Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said: “This route is about more than connectivity — it is about building new bridges between Europe and the UAE, unlocking opportunities for business, tourism and cultural exchange.”
Guests will also benefit from access to Etihad’s expansive global network, with seamless onward connections through Abu Dhabi’s state-of-the-art Zayed International Airport (AUH) to a wide range of countries, including popular destinations in Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and India.
Travellers from Abu Dhabi and across Etihad’s network can discover the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a European gem renowned for its castles, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, blending historic charm with modern European sophistication.
KUALA LUMPUR, 12 January 2026: Malaysia Airlines has resumed flights from its home base in Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu, reinforcing its commitment to the Greater China market and strengthening connectivity between Malaysia and Western China.
The inaugural MH526 flight departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1 to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) on 9 January 2026 and achieved an impressive load factor of 91% on its outbound leg.
Photo credit: Malaysia Airlines.
The event was attended by representatives from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), including Sagar Sanjay Dighe, Chief Executive Officer of MAG Culinary Solutions; Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airline Business; and Ibrahim Mohd Salleh, Chief Operating Officer of AeroDarat Services, marking a celebratory and memorable send-off for the new route.
With the addition of Chengdu, Malaysia Airlines now serves seven destinations across Greater China, reflecting continued confidence in the market. Operating daily, the direct route is expected to support growing two-way travel demand and strengthen business and leisure connectivity, and offer passengers seamless onward connections via Kuala Lumpur to destinations across ASEAN, South Asia, and Australasia.
The timing of the service aligns with the extension of mutual visa-free travel arrangements between Malaysia and China, enabling longer stays and encouraging greater travel flows between both countries.
SINGAPORE, 9 January 2026: Hong Kong’s Royal Garden hotel brand is expanding for the first time in 44 years with the opening of The Royal Garden Kowloon East in Tseung Kwan O in January 2026.
The 366-room urban resort is a restyled transformation of the former Crowne Plaza Kowloon East. As the developer that first created The Royal Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui in 1981, Sun Hung Kai Properties has reimagined the property for a new era while preserving its signature quiet elegance.
Photo credit: Royal Garden Kowloon East.
This serene escape from the city’s hectic pace features seven exclusive villas with private gardens, tailored for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts, and pet-friendly.
Dining will be elevated with the launch of Ponentino, which is inspired by The Royal Garden’s original and award-winning Sabatini Ristorante Italiano. Scheduled to open in July 2026, on the highest floor of the hotel, Ponentino will extend onto a spacious outdoor terrace, offering breathtaking views of Tseung Kwan O’s natural beauty, particularly at sunset.
“This contemporary urban resort offers a redefined hospitality experience that caters to the evolving needs of modern travellers while retaining the essence of The Royal Garden legacy,” says General Manager Johnny Cheung. “The Royal Garden Kowloon East represents an exciting milestone for Sun Hung Kai Properties and will be an exciting new addition to Hong Kong’s hospitality scene.”
The Royal Garden Kowloon East will be unveiled in three phases in 2026. Guest rooms and suites this month; exclusive villas and family-focused amenities in March; and the final phase concluding in July with the grand opening of Ponentino.
Opening rate
Book directly at the hotel’s website using the promo code RGKE to receive 25% off, plus up to two complimentary breakfasts per room, daily. This limited-time offer is valid for bookings made until 31 March 2026.
KUCHING, 9 January 2026: Sarawak ushered in 2026 in celebratory fashion, with a landmark Guinness World Record (GWR) achievement at the Kuching Waterfront, reaffirming the state’s position as the Gateway to Borneo and setting the tone for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Crowds gathered along the iconic waterfront on the night of 31 December 2025 to witness Countdown 2026, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP).
From left: YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; YB Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government; and Mr Jacob Yip Chong Wai, Guinness World Records Adjudicator, during the presentation of the Guinness World Records certificate for the Longest Cumulative Distance by a Remote-Controlled Multirotor Drone Relay.
The celebration featured more than 10 performances by leading local, national, and international artists, culminating in a breathtaking musical fireworks display as the clock struck midnight.
In a landmark milestone for the state, Sarawak achieved the Guinness World Record for the Longest Cumulative Distance by a Remote-Controlled Multirotor/Drone Relay, marking a first-of- its-kind accomplishment.
The record-setting journey covered 1,706.7 kilometres across Sarawak over six days, using successive GPS-tracked drones to trace an unbroken aerial path from Tanjung Datu to Lawas.
The achievement was officially confirmed on stage by Guinness World Records adjudicator Jacob Yip Chong Wai from Hong Kong, followed by the presentation of the GWR certificate to YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Sarawak.
“This Guinness World Record achievement represents Sarawak’s confidence as a progressive, united and forward-looking state,” said YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. “It reflects who we are today, a Sarawak that embraces innovation while remaining deeply rooted in our culture, people, and landscapes. As the Gateway to Borneo, this moment belongs not only to Sarawak, but to the region we connect and the future we are shaping together.”
The announcement was accompanied by the world premiere of the “Gateway to Borneo” drone film, a cinematic showcase capturing Sarawak’s landscapes, cultures, and communities from a bird’s-eye perspective.
Looking ahead, the milestone underscored Sarawak’s readiness to build momentum for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 by leveraging creativity, technology, and storytelling to strengthen its position as a vibrant, globally relevant destination.
For more information on Sarawak attractions and tourism, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board.
MANILA, 9 January 2026: A surge in holiday travel during the Christmas long break underscored the strength of domestic tourism in the Philippines, the Department of Tourism reported, noting the popularity of beaches, heritage sites, mountain retreats, and island destinations.
Leading holiday destinations saw robust visitor turnout, with Boracay Island in Western Visayas recording the highest arrivals at 118,745 tourists from 15 to 28 December 2025, as Filipinos gathered to celebrate Christmas by the beach.
The region also welcomed cruise passengers during the holidays, with Star Navigator and Norwegian Sun making multiple port calls.
Photo credit: Department of Tourism Philippines.
In second and third place, Cebu City welcomed 102,124 visitors. At the same time, Panglao Island in Bohol hosted 62,240 tourists, reflecting sustained domestic travel to Central Visayas despite the region having faced a series of natural calamities earlier in the year.
Meanwhile, Tacloban City in Eastern Visayas saw some 25,194 overnight guests. The most-visited tourist destination in the region was Malajog Beach in Calbayog City, Samar, with approximately 56,543 tourists.
In the Cordilleras, Baguio City — long regarded as a favourite Christmas destination — recorded 117,137 visitors from 15 December to New Year’s Eve, drawn by its cool weather, festive lights, and seasonal sound-and-light shows.
In Bicol, Camarines Sur attracted 92,000 visitors over the holiday break, while neighbouring Albay welcomed 45,000 tourists, many travelling along scenic routes framed by views of the iconic Mayon Volcano.
Northern Luzon destinations also saw steady holiday traffic. La Union recorded 47,338 foreign and local visitors seeking a beach escape, while Ilocos Sur welcomed 32,232 tourists drawn to its heritage streets and coastal landscapes. Meanwhile, Nueva Vizcaya received 10,012 visitors, many opting for nature-based and countryside travel during the break.
Island destinations remained popular for a “summer in December” experience. El Nido, Palawan, welcomed 40,000 tourists, while Coron recorded 17,850 visitors. Puerto Galera also drew 13,204 holiday travellers.
In Mindanao, the Province of Sarangani in SOCCSKSARGEN* welcomed 26,191 visitors, reflecting growing interest in the region’s diverse landscapes.
Siargao Island attracted 32,742 tourists, while Bukidnon recorded 9,488 visitors drawn to its rolling mountains and cool climate. Camiguin Island likewise welcomed 6,558 tourists during the Christmas season.
In Metro Manila, the historic Walled City of Intramuros once again became a focal point for holiday visits, as Filipinos flocked to its illuminated streets, churches, and heritage landmarks.
“The strength of domestic tourism in the Philippines remains a driving force of our travel industry. The Christmas holidays once again showed how Filipinos continue to explore and support our own destinations,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
“From ridge to reef, cities to heritage towns, domestic travel helps communities recover and thrive, boosts the economy, and supports more equitable tourism development across our regions.”
ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026
DOT is spearheading preparations for the 45th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), 28 to 30 January, with the Cebu City Tourism Commission hosting cultural and heritage activities for delegates attending the three-day Travex travel mart.
“As we prepare for ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, we are confident in the Philippines’ readiness to welcome our ASEAN neighbours with excellence and warmth,” Secretary Frasco added.
“Through this milestone event, we aim to showcase the Filipino brand of hospitality while strengthening regional cooperation and building a resilient, competitive tourism industry for the future.”
SOCCSKSARGEN
*Acronym for its core areas: SOuth Cotabato, Cotabato (Province), Sarangani, Koronadal (City, the regional centre), Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos (City).
Manila airport passenger volume peaks
Meanwhile, the Philippines News Agency reports that passenger traffic at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) reached nearly 2.6 million during the holiday season, up 6.86% year over year (YoY).
New NAIA Infra Corp (NNIC) released traffic data for 20 December to 4 January, showing a passenger volume of 2,589,889. Flights also increased 3.29% YoY, with 13,766 flights during the holiday break.
HONG KONG, 9 January 2026: Cathay officially launched its 80th-anniversary celebrations earlier this week, marking eight decades of serving its home city, its people, and its global customers since 1946.
To mark this milestone year and honour its legacy, Cathay will host a series of special events throughout 2026, all anchored by the unifying theme “80 Years Together”.
Cathay officially kicked off its “80 Years Together” anniversary celebrations at a special event, hosted by Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam (fifth from right), Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau (fifth from left), Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer Alex McGowan (fourth from left), and Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Sharpe (fourth from right).
As a prelude to its “80 Years Together” celebrations, Cathay presented a special aircraft livery on one of its long-haul Airbus A350 passenger aircraft at a launch event. Adorned with the airline’s iconic “lettuce leaf sandwich” design and the 80th anniversary year mark, the livery pays homage to the much-loved green-and-white striped paint scheme, echoing Cathay’s storied legacy while symbolising its continued growth and progress. A second “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery on one of Cathay’s Boeing 747 freighters will also be revealed in the coming weeks.
Speaking at the event, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “Today marks not just an important milestone for Cathay, but a celebration of our ‘80 Years Together with Hong Kong. Guided by our purpose to move people forward in life, Cathay and Hong Kong have grown together over the past eight decades, supporting each other through thick and thin.
“Looking ahead, through our investment of well over HK$100 billion into our fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, Cathay will continue to elevate the customer experience as we strive towards our refreshed vision to become our customers’ most loved service brand. At the same time, we remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub.”
Photo credits: Cathay Group.
Cabin crew members donning Cathay Pacific’s vintage uniforms across various design eras also made a special appearance, paying tribute to the generations who have defined the signature Cathay service in the skies. Throughout 2026, around 1,000 to 2,000 of Cathay’s cabin crew and ground employees will wear and showcase these vintage uniforms at work, bringing the evolution of the Cathay brand to life in true Cathay fashion.
KUALA LUMPUR, 9 January 2026: AirAsia rolled out its annual fixed-fare initiatives on Thursday, which flag low fares for the upcoming festive seasons: Lunar New Year and Hari Raya.
This year, the fixed-fare initiatives are being launched concurrently with the airline’s two festive seasons. During the festive season, AirAsia schedules 1,578 flights across both Lunar New Year and Hari Raya, offering more than 31,000 seats at fixed fares.
(Second from left) En. Farouk Kamal, Deputy Group CEO (Corporate), AirAsia Aviation Group; YB Tuan Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia; YB Datuk Haji Hasbi Bin Habibollah, Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia and Dato’Dato’ain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, at the launch of AirAsAirAsia’sal fixed fares earlier this week.
Minister of Transport, YB Loke Siew Fook commented: “Ensuring Malaysians travel home affordably during key festive seasons continues to be a priority for the government. AirAsia’s d-fareatives reflect the airline’s commitment to this goal, keeping air travel within reach for more families. Such efforts work hand in hand with existing government measures, including the RM400 FLYsiswa programme, which assists students travelling between Peninsular and East Malaysia.”
AirAsia Malaysia CEO Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “AirAsia is kicking off the new year with double festive celebrations, offering our annual fixed fare initiatives for both the Lunar New Year and Hari Raya. With more than 31,000 seats available during the festive period, this initiative is part of our commitment to help Malaysians travel affordably and plan ahead. We are proud to support government efforts in ensuring smooth and accessible travel for all, particularly during high-demand periods.”
During the Chinese New Year period, flights to Sarawak are priced at MYR328* all-inclusive, one-way, from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Miri, Sibu, and Bintulu, while flights to Sabah are priced at MYR398, one-way, to Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, and Sandakan. Book now until 24 February 2026, for travel between 13 and 24 February 2026.
Flights for Hari Raya are priced at MYR328 all-in one-way to Sarawak and MYR398 all-in one-way to Sabah on routes from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, and Sandakan. Book now through 26 March 2026 and travel between 18 and 26 March 2026 to enjoy fixed-fare flights.
Over the past three years, AirAsia has made more than 137,000 fixed-fare seats available for travel between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak, and has introduced 761 additional flights to East Malaysia to meet increased demand, ensuring families can plan their journeys home with greater certainty and affordability.
*Promotional fixed fares quoted are for one-way travel, including passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Valid for selected flights only. T&C apply.
