BANGKOK, 25 February 2026: AirAsia brings back its ‘BIG SALE’ campaign featuring base fares for free*, alongside massive discounts of up to 80% across its extensive domestic and international network.
Promotional seats are on sale until 1 March 2026 for travel from 1 June 2026 until 27 March 2027, via the AirAsia website or MOVE app.
Photo credit: AirAsia. Big sale flies ZERO BAHT* fares.
The centrepiece of the ‘BIG SALE’ is the airline’s signature ZERO THB* base fare on Thai AirAsia (flight code FD). Domestically, guests can fly directly from Bangkok’s Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports to cultural hubs and destinations such as Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. It also includes convenient cross-regional routes connecting cities like Phuket and Udon Thani.
For international explorers, these zero-baht fares unlock some of Asia’s most vibrant cities. Travellers can enjoy direct flights from Don Mueang to exciting destinations such as Da Nang, Singapore, Taipei, Kathmandu, Macau, and Johor Bahru, making international travel more accessible than ever.
Beyond the zero-baht routes, the campaign slashes prices across all seats and flights for both Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X (XJ). Travellers can discover discounts of up to 80% on flights to domestic destinations, including Khon Kaen and Roi Et, as well as the southern coastlines of Ranong and Narathiwat.
Those eyeing international getaways can enjoy up to 60% off flights to destinations like Nha Trang, Chongqing, and Vientiane. Meanwhile, long-haul dreamers can save up to 20% on flights to popular medium-haul destinations, including Tokyo, Osaka, Sendai, Shanghai, and the breathtaking landscapes of Almaty. To elevate the journey, guests who bundle their flights with a Value Pack — featuring a hot in-flight meal, travel insurance, and standard seat selection — will enjoy an additional 30% discount on those add-ons.
As AirAsia celebrates 25 years of operations — having flown nearly a billion guests worldwide — this network-wide promotion stands as a testament to the airline’s enduring mission: making air travel inclusive, affordable, and spectacular for all.
*Promotional fares are limited and may not be available on all flights or during public holidays and peak periods. The ZERO THB base fare excludes airport taxes, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees.
SINGAPORE, 25 February 2026: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Spanish Airline Association (ALA) have called for an annual reduction of 4.9% (excluding inflation) in Spanish airport charges over the next five years (2027–2031), a level compatible with maintaining an airport investment plan of nearly EUR10 billion over the same period, and enhancing Spain’s economic competitiveness.
AENA, the operator of most airports in Spain, has proposed an annual increase of 3.8% (excluding inflation) for the five years covered by the Third Airport Regulation Document (DORA III).
Airlines reject this proposal, citing AENA’s consistent underestimation of traffic growth and the excessive regulated returns it has earned during previous regulatory periods.
Between 2017 and 2025, excluding the two pandemic years, actual passenger traffic was on average 15.3% higher than the forecasts set out in DORA I and DORA II. This gap between forecasts and actual figures resulted in AENA earning EUR1.3 billion in excess regulated returns, costs that were ultimately borne by airlines and consumers. In the most recent year for which published data is available, AENA’s regulated return in 2024 reached 10.2%—four percentage points above its expected return—meaning that nearly EUR400 million was overpaid by airlines and passengers in that year alone.
“AENA has gamed the regulatory system for years, earning millions of euros more than it should have, at the expense of passengers, airlines, and the Spanish economy. This must stop. AENA has generated excessive returns through a creative approach to forecasting, and its request for further increases is absurd. If granted, it would deliver the highest regulated return of any comparable airport operator in Europe. This is unsustainable and unrealistic — we need to see a reduction in charges,” said IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe, Rafael Schvartzman.
“Importantly, the proposed reductions in charges by IATA and ALA would not prevent AENA from delivering its planned EUR10 billion investment program during DORA III. According to separate studies commissioned from global consultancies Steer and CEPA, passenger traffic will grow by around 3.6% per year on average, compared with AENA’s forecast of just 1.3% annually. Under these assumptions, AENA would still be able to fully fund its investment plan while earning a return on capital of 6.35% — a more generous return than it was intended to earn under DORA II.
About ALA ALA, the Spanish Airline Association, is the leading association in the Spanish aviation sector. The 72 airlines that are members of ALA transported just over 273 million passengers out of a total of 321 million in 2025, representing 85% of all air travellers in Spain.
BANGKOK, 25 February 2026: Thailand’s hotel industry has expanded almost continuously for close to five decades since the Visit Thailand* boom in the 80’s. The latest Asia Pacific construction pipeline data confirms that this trend remains firmly in place.
Across the region (excluding China), hotel development reached a record 2,323 projects with 433,241 rooms by the end of Q4 2025. Within this total, Thailand recorded 167 active projects comprising 43,067 rooms, reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s most competitive hotel markets.
Bangkok’s famous Chao Phraya River is a magnet for new developments
At the city level, Bangkok leads the region with 68 projects and 16,641 rooms in the pipeline, followed by Phuket with 41 projects and 9,583 rooms. These are not emerging destinations — they are already dense, highly competitive markets where new supply adds pressure incrementally rather than dramatically.
What the numbers are telling operators
On their own, these figures reflect confidence. Taken together, they signal constraint.
Each year, new hotels open in markets where demand is growing but not accelerating as quickly as supply. Even when international arrivals recover, additional room stock spreads demand more thinly across competing properties.
Industry performance data from sources such as STR, alongside regional construction pipeline research, consistently shows that in mature urban and resort markets, supply growth is now outpacing demand growth in many non-peak periods.
The practical consequences are familiar to operators:
• Occupancy becomes harder to defend outside high season
• Average daily rate growth slows as pricing power weakens
• Distribution and marketing costs rise as competition intensifies
In simple terms, more rooms are competing for broadly similar demand, particularly in the mid-scale, upscale, and upper-midscale segments, where differentiation is limited.
Oversupply: Not everywhere, but increasingly visible
This does not imply imminent distress. It does, however, point to structural oversupply in certain locations and segments.
When supply growth consistently outpaces demand growth, hotels often maintain occupancy through discounting, value-adds, or higher commission rates. Over time, this erodes rate integrity and compresses margins, extending recovery cycles after softer trading periods.
Pattaya’s ever-changing profile is set to take a major boost with the development of Aquatique Pattaya, a mega water park and integrated destination project with investment topping THB100 billion.
Pattaya’s hotel room inventory is growing steadily, with hundreds to thousands of rooms expected to be added through 2027, including notable branded developments and large mixed-use tourism projects. This highlights that, like Bangkok and Phuket, Pattaya is experiencing material new supply, contributing to the broader competitive dynamics in Thailand’s hotel market.
Longer-range industry projections estimate that Pattaya’s hotel rooms might grow at an average annual rate of 2.2%, with over 5,700 new hotel rooms anticipated by the end of 27/28, including several sizeable new luxury projects.
• Major developments in the pipeline include the Aquatique Pattaya project by Asset World Corp (AWC), which is investing THB 100 billion in a landmark mixed-use destination on Central Pattaya’s Beach Road, near the Hard Rock Hotel. The project is anchored by the debut of Ritz-Carlton Pattaya, alongside a JW Marriott (398 rooms), Pattaya Marriott Marquis (900 rooms), and an Autograph Collection hotel (306 rooms), adding significant high-end supply to an already competitive market.
As supply continues to expand, performance will be shaped less by headline arrival numbers and more by how effectively hotels compete within an increasingly crowded field. The era when rising tourism lifted all boats has passed. What lies ahead rewards precision, discipline and clear differentiation — not scale alone.
The positive case for expansion
There is also a clear upside to continued development.
New hotel supply brings modern, internationally branded inventory, strengthening Thailand’s global competitiveness. It expands capacity for major events, conventions and incentive travel, and supports growth in luxury and upper-upscale segments aimed at higher-spending travellers.
In 2025 alone, the Asia Pacific added 334 new hotels and 50,002 rooms, with a further 338 hotels (67,317 rooms) expected in 2026 and 349 hotels (64,491 rooms) projected for 2027/8. Thailand is well-positioned to capture a meaningful share of this higher-quality inventory, particularly if air connectivity improves and long-haul demand continues to recover.
For strong operators, a more competitive market can also be cleansing — rewarding hotels with clear positioning, loyal customer bases and disciplined revenue strategies.
What lies ahead
Thailand’s hotel market is not shrinking — it is tightening.
After nearly five decades of sustained expansion, success will depend less on overall tourism growth and more on how intelligently individual hotels respond to rising competition. Location alone is no longer enough. Strategy, execution and differentiation now define performance.
Growth continues — but it increasingly rewards those who manage it well.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a long-time hospitality industry observer, writer and consultant with more than 37 years of experience living and working in Thailand. He has closely followed the evolution of the country’s hotel, tourism and investment landscape across multiple cycles of growth, oversupply, recovery and structural change.
A former hotel executive and advisor to hospitality owners and operators, he writes regularly on hotel development trends, market performance, tourism economics and competitive strategy in the Asia Pacific. His commentary draws on practical operating experience as well as long-term analysis of supply, demand and investor behaviour in mature and emerging markets.
Based in Thailand, Andrew J Wood is a frequent contributor to regional business and travel publications and is widely recognised for his clear, data-driven insights into the forces shaping Asia’s hotel industry.
* Thailand’s first major “Visit Thailand” type national tourism promotion campaign dates back to 1987, when the Tourism Authority of Thailand (the national tourism office) declared that year “Visit Thailand Year” to mark the 60th birthday of the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and launched a widespread international campaign to encourage travel to the kingdom. That initiative is widely regarded as the first concerted, formal tourism-promotion effort that set the tone for decades for destination marketing.
SINGAPORE, 25 February 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda, through its strategic partnerships arm Rocket Travel by Agoda, has teamed up with China Airlines, a Taiwan-based carrier, to launch a new hotel booking platform.
The new StayMiles platform enables China Airlines members and customers to book hotels globally and seamlessly earn and redeem miles, enhancing their travel rewards experience.
Photo credit: China Airlines.
The collaboration redefines China Airlines’ travel rewards by delivering customers a more seamless experience through expanded hotel bookings with flight services and strengthened loyalty.
As the sole digital travel partner, Rocket Travel by Agoda will manage the platform, guiding the complete customer journey from search and booking to customer service, while providing access to a comprehensive array of global properties. Every hotel booking through StayMiles allows travellers to earn miles, adding value to each trip.
“This partnership with China Airlines marks an exciting milestone, especially as travel loyalty evolves into more integrated and rewarding experiences. We’re appreciative of the trust in our ability to deliver robust, value-driven platforms and offer the best supply available today. Our tailored solutions empower members to earn and redeem miles effortlessly within a seamless booking environment,” said Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Rocket Travel by Agoda.
With StayMiles, China Airlines members can redeem hotel stays for as few as 1,000 miles using an intuitive slider, offering greater flexibility and control. Members can now earn up to 10,000 miles per night on local hotel stays and weekend getaways, making it easier to accumulate rewards beyond international flights and increasing overall program engagement.
China Airlines’ customers will be able to book hotels across key global markets, including Taiwan, North and Southeast Asia, North America, Canada, and Europe. By connecting members to over 600,000 hotels worldwide, the partnership underscores our commitment to broadening travel choices and enhancing the overall travel experience for loyalty programme members.
HO CHI MINH CITY, 25 February 2026: Vietnam Airlines will resume flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket on 2 April with four weekly flights served by an A321 configured with 184 seats.
The airline confirmed that scheduled flights would begin every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, as outlined in a timetable update distributed to travel agencies in Vietnam late January.
Past efforts to establish routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the popular holiday island in southern Thailand performed poorly due to what ticketing agents described as a slow pickup in traffic on the return sectors from Phuket to the two Vietnamese cities. The airline suspended flights during the post-COVID years.
Effective 2 April, the airline has confirmed a schedule through to the end of May, initially to test market response to its one-hour, 50-minute flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket. Round-trip fares start at USD199 according to a search of the Vietnam Airlines booking website.
Flight schedule
VN621 departs Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 1600 and arrives in Phuket (HKT) at 1750. VN620 departs Phuket (HKT) at 1845 and arrives in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 2045.
Vietnam Airlines will go head-to-head with rival Vietjet, which also flies the Ho Chi Minh City-Phuket route, offering travellers daily services on an A321 with 212 seats. The round-trip fare on the route averages USD180 before competition increases with the arrival of Vietnam Airlines’ four weekly flights effective 2 April. This is a significant move as it breaks the current monopoly on the route, which has been served exclusively by VietJet Air for several years.
While Vietnam Airlines’ service is scheduled to begin on 2 April, availability on the airline’s booking website is not always reflected when searching for flights. Quite often, Phuket appears as a destination on the airline’s booking engine, but seats are not available for the direct flight option on one of the sectors. Or they only appear for dates much later at the end of the second quarter.
(Source: Vietnam Airlines plus additional reporting)
BANGKOK, 24 February 2026: AirAsia is expanding on the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s “Feel All the Feelings” tourism campaign that invites travellers to pack their bags and follow in the footsteps of the famous Thai rapper and singer “Lisa” (Lalisa Manobal).
The highlight of this collaboration is the low-cost airline’s “FLY YOUR FEELINGS” campaign, which offers fare deals linked to the promo code “TATXLISA” when booking through the AirAsia MOVE app.
Photo credit: AirAsia. Asia Aviation and Thai AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Phairat Pornpathananangoon confirmed that AirAsia is giving away an exclusive grand prize: Free Domestic Flights for One Full Year.
The core offer is 15% off round-trip fares to eight headline destinations featured in Lisa’s commercials. They are: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Nan, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, and Phang Nga (fly to Phuket).
10% Off all other domestic routes
Booking Period: 1 March – 31 May 2026
Travel Period: 15 March – 30 September 2026
Exclusive Add-on
Present an AirAsia boarding pass to enjoy special car rental rates with AVIS, starting at just THB599 per day.
Asia Aviation and Thai AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Phairat Pornpathananangoon confirmed that AirAsia is giving away an exclusive grand prize: Free Domestic Flights for One Full Year.
“This ultimate reward will be given to the first three travellers who successfully fly with AirAsia to all eight highlighted provinces featured in Lisa’s ‘Feel All the Feelings’ campaign (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Nan, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, and Phuket for Phang Nga). We believe this challenge will inspire a whole new perspective on exploring Thailand, perfectly aligning with TAT’s vision.”
Travellers ready to take on the challenge and follow in Lisa’s footsteps for a chance to win free flights for a year can start accumulating their flights between 15 March and 30 September 2026. For full campaign details, terms, and conditions, visit the official Facebook page: FlyAirAsia.
SINGAPORE, 24 February 2026: Vietjet has signed multiple agreements with leading US corporations and financial institutions, totalling more than USD6.3 billion (SGD7.99 billion).
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam, alongside senior Vietnamese and US officials. government officials in Washington DC, where General Secretary To Lam attended the opening session of the United States-led Board of Peace, an international body established to support peace, stability, and reconstruction in Gaza, at the invitation of US President Donald Trump.
Photo credit: Vietjet. Vietjet and Pratt & Whitney signed an agreement for the selection of Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and maintenance services for 44 Airbus aircraft, valued at approximately USD5.4 billion (SGD6.85 billion)
The event comes amid continued momentum in Vietnam–US relations, particularly across the economic, financial, and technology sectors. On this occasion, the State Bank of Vietnam and the US Department of the Treasury also issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to enhanced cooperation under the Vietnam–US Macroeconomic and Financial Policy Dialogue framework.
As Vietjet continues to expand its international network, the strengthened fleet and financing capacity also support growth in high-demand regional markets, including Singapore, where Vietjet currently operates direct routes linking Singapore with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Phu Quoc.
USD5.4 Billion (SGD6.85 Billion) Engine and Maintenance Services Agreement with Pratt & Whitney
Vietjet and Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, a global leader in aircraft engines and engine services headquartered in the United States, signed an agreement covering the selection of Pratt & Whitney GTFTM engines and comprehensive maintenance services for 44 A321NEO and A321XLR aircraft. The total estimated value of the contract is approximately USD5.4 billion (SGD6.85 billion).
Under the agreement, Pratt & Whitney will provide new-generation engines to optimise operational performance, reduce operating costs, and lower emissions, advancing Vietjet’s sustainable development and green transition strategy.
Boeing 737-8 Aircraft Financing Agreement with US Partner
Vietjet also signed an aircraft financing agreement with Griffin Global Asset Management to finance six Boeing 737-8 aircraft, valued at approximately USD965 million (SGD1.22 billion) at list prices.
The agreement marks a significant step in Vietjet’s strategy to diversify international funding sources while strengthening its financial capacity and capital structure in line with global standards.
A Milestone in Vietnam–US Aviation and Economic Cooperation
With a combined value exceeding USD6.3 billion (SGD7.99 billion), the agreements carry significance beyond their commercial impact. They support deeper collaboration in technology and finance, contribute to job creation, and strengthen value chain integration between the two economies.
Vietjet Managing Director Nguyen Thanh Son said: “These agreements in the United States reflect Vietjet’s strong commitment to expanding the scale of international partnerships and developing a modern, sustainable fleet. They provide a solid foundation to enhance our financial strength, elevate operational standards, and support long-term growth for the aviation industry in Vietnam and globally.”
SAMUI ISLAND, Thailand, 24 February 2026: Centara Reserve Samui reaffirmed its dedication to sustainability and meaningful community support through a heartfelt silent auction and donation initiative benefiting a local Special Needs School.
Samui Special Needs Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and their families on Samui. The foundation provides educational, developmental, and social support, with a particular focus on children with autism and learning difficulties, aiming to enhance their quality of life and promote inclusion within the community.
This year, the silent auction carried special significance, featuring handcrafted artworks created by students from the Special Needs School. Each piece reflected the children’s creativity, care, and individuality, transforming the initiative into a meaningful connection between guests and the local community. Proceeds from the auction were donated directly to support the school and its students, contributing to essential learning resources and development.
Extending this commitment to sustainability, Centara Reserve Samui also gave new life to materials from its 2024 Christmas tree, which had been crafted entirely from reclaimed wood. The wood was thoughtfully repurposed into tables and chairs and donated to the same Special Needs School, providing much-needed furniture that the school had been lacking for everyday classroom use.
Teachers shared their heartfelt appreciation, noting that their students had been short of basic tables and chairs, and that these simple yet vital items would make a meaningful difference in their daily learning environment. Alongside the furniture donation, the silent auction raised THB18,000, further supporting the school’s ongoing needs.
Centara Reserve & The Centara Collection Corporate Director of Operations and General Manager at Centara Reserve Samui, Neil Li, shared: “Every year, we use our Christmas tree as more than a festive symbol. It is our opportunity to share a message that truly matters. Sustainability is not something we speak about once a year – it is something we live and practice every single day, through the choices we make and the responsibility we carry. We do this because we believe in protecting and preserving a better planet, not only for ourselves, but for our children and for generations to come.”
This initiative reflects Centara Reserve Samui’s ongoing commitment to responsible hospitality – where refined experiences, environmental mindfulness, and heartfelt community support come together to create lasting, positive impact for both people and planet.
About Centara Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 84 properties span all major Thai destinations, as well as the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 24 February 2026: Hilton names Etienne Dalançon as general manager of the Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, set to open in late 2026.
With over two decades of expertise in luxury hospitality and a proven track record of operational excellence, Dalançon will spearhead the launch of the landmark property, bringing the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand to Malaysia for the very first time.
Photo credit: Hilton. Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur — Etienne Dalançon, General Manager.
Located in the heart of the city’s Golden Triangle in the Bukit Bintang district, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur will feature 268 suites, seven culinary and cocktail experiences, a wellness centre, and meeting and event spaces.
Dalançon joins Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur following his tenure as general manager of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. He has held senior leadership roles in luxury hotels across Asia and Europe.
“I am honoured to embark on this next chapter in my Hilton journey and lead the talented team at Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur,” said Dalançon. “Together, we will create unforgettable moments for our guests, blending the brand’s sincerely elegant service with the vibrant spirit of Kuala Lumpur.”
SINGAPORE, 24 February 2026: Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, announces reservations are now open for its inaugural World Journey, setting sail on 6 January 2029.
Endless Worlds will take place aboard EXPLORA I, spanning four continents and 63 unique destinations with overnight stays in 12 destinations.
Photo credit: Explora Journeys. Komodo Islands, Indonesia.
Representing significant milestones for the brand, the 128-day journey will be defined by 44 maiden calls visiting destinations and regions new to Explora Journeys — from the Indian Ocean, Australia and New Zealand to the waters of the South Pacific and Peru.
Guests may choose the full 128-day World Journey from Dubai to Barcelona (6 January to 14 May 2029), or opt for two slightly shortened versions with the same departure date: a 112-day World Journey concluding in New York City on 28 April 2029 and a 108-day World Journey ending in Miami on 24 April 2029.
Seven passages: A global adventure
Across seven passages, guests experience the world as one continuous journey.
Dubai to Singapore (20 nights)
Begins with a passage through the desert landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula and the ports of India before navigating the coastlines of Sri Lanka and Langkawi.
Singapore to Sydney (23 nights)
A passage reveals the radiant spirit of Bali and the prehistoric landscapes of Komodo and Papua New Guinea, before following the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney.
Sydney to Auckland (14 nights)
From Australia’s vineyards to New Zealand’s fjords via Tasmania shifts the focus to the dramatic contrasts of the southern hemisphere.
Auckland to Tahiti (17 nights)
A passage across the Pacific to Fiji and the Cook Islands, traversing the turquoise tranquillity of French Polynesia.
Papeete to Valparaíso (14 nights)
A passage to rediscover the coral-haloed calm of Fakarava and the solitary mystery of Pitcairn with the ancient stone echoes of Easter Island.
Valparaíso to Miami (21 nights)
A passage traces the spine of South America, where extended time in Lima allows for deeper inland immersion into the sacred Quechua legacy of Cusco and Machu Picchu. The journey continues through the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and then uncovers art-rich Cartagena and the idyllic beaches of the Caribbean.
Miami to Barcelona (20 nights)
The final chapter: A passage through the Atlantic’s Mosaic pauses in New York City, then strikes out across the Atlantic toward the volcanic peaks of the Azores with stops in Lisbon and Cadiz, prelude to the ship’s arrival in Barcelona.
