Agoda maps Indonesia holiday searches

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August 11, 2026

SINGAPORE, 11 August 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda revealed that domestic travel interest increased more than fourfold, according to search data for the upcoming Indonesian Independence Day long weekend, taking place from 15 to 17 August, as Indonesian travellers begin to plan their getaways.

While favourites like Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Bali remain the most-searched accommodations, the popularity of nature-oriented regional holiday spots in West Java, such as Pangandaran, Garut, and Anyer, is also rising.

Top 10 domestic destinations for Independence Day long weekend 2026 – Agoda

Bandung
Yogyakarta
Bali
Jakarta
Puncak
Malang
Pangandaran
Anyer
Bogor
Garut

Agoda’s search data shows that cultural and leisure hotspots continue to draw the highest interest for one of Indonesia’s most celebrated holidays. Travellers can enjoy not only famous attractions related to nature, culture, and culinary experiences, but also take part in Independence Day-themed activities at these destinations, from visiting museums and monuments to exploring historic sites.

Earning the top spot was Bandung, offering a popular short-break destination for those travelling from nearby Jakarta and surrounding areas, with renowned historical landmarks such as Gedung Sate, Monumen Bandung Lautan Api, and Gedung Merdeka.

Meanwhile, Yogyakarta, ranking second, makes an ideal destination for cultural heritage, sightseeing, and family-friendly attractions such as Benteng Vredeburg, Istana Kepresidenan Gedung Agung, and Monumen Jogja Kembali.

Finally, as Indonesia’s flagship holiday destination, Bali ranked third, appealing to domestic travellers seeking a beach and resort getaway.

Jakarta, ranking fourth, saw nearly a three-fold increase in travel interest as the capital hosts the centre of Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations. Beyond the festivities, the city continues to attract travellers with its urban attractions, culinary experiences, and staycation options.

Nature-led short-drive getaways lead the growth in searches

Agoda also reports that regional destinations in West Java saw the highest increase in searches during the long holiday weekend. Pangandaran and Anyer saw increases of more than nine- and 10-fold in travel interest.

Cool-weather escapes draw steady travel interest

Agoda’s data also reveals that destinations offering cool weather, scenic hillside views, and diverse culinary offerings are also appealing to domestic travellers seeking a quick getaway during the upcoming Independence Day long weekend. Puncak, Malang, and Bogor have seen a four- to five-fold increase in travel interest, offering accessible, family-friendly leisure options. Malang specifically features amusement parks, a zoo, and museums, making it an ideal holiday for all ages.

Agoda Senior Country Director, Indonesia, Gede Gunawan shared: “The fourfold increase in travel interest during this year’s Independence Day holiday shows just how eager Indonesians are to make the most of the long weekend by travelling and making memories with family and friends. While iconic destinations like Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Bali remain enduring favourites, it’s also exciting to see rising travel interest in alternative getaways such as Pangandaran, Garut, and Anyer, as travellers look for destinations that are close to major cities, more affordable, less congested, and rich in different kinds of travel experiences.”

(Source: Agoda)

Hanoi’s Sofitel celebrates 125 years

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Newsdesk

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August 11, 2026

HANOI, Vietnam, 11 August 2026: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is celebrating its 125^th anniversary with a varied programme of immersive experiences throughout 2026.

Under the theme “125 Years of a Legend,” celebrations blend culture, artistry, entertainment, gastronomy and hospitality to elevate experiential luxury in the capital. The Metropole’s “Live the Legend” experience features a series of curated stays, along with inspired gastronomic and wellness journeys, designed to immerse guests in the heritage and glamour of Hanoi’s Grande Dame.

*Photo credit: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.*

“We are thrilled to open a new chapter in the Metropole’s legendary story,” said Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi General Manager George Koumendakos. “This anniversary allows us to honour that remarkable legacy while inviting guests to experience the timeless soul of the Metropole in fresh, unforgettable ways as we look confidently to the future.”

‘Live the Legend’ Stay Experience

Guests can embrace quiet luxury and create treasured memories with the “Live the Legend Experience,” a stay inspired by the Metropole’s 125-year legacy. This package includes a lavish daily breakfast buffet for two, an elevated Vietnamese lunch at Spice Garden for two, and the exclusive Path of History (and bomb shelter) tour guided by the hotel’s resident historian.

Additional benefits include guaranteed early check-in from 1100 and late check-out until 1400, and a complimentary upgrade to the next non-suite room category, subject to availability. The offer is valid for bookings and stays from now until 30 September, with a minimum stay of two nights.

A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has long been a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travellers, including playwrights, ambassadors, royalty, and heads of state.

The hotel includes 358 rooms, divided into two wings — the Heritage Wing, dating back to 1901, and the neo-classical Opera Wing.

(Source: Sofitel Legend Metropole)

Jetstar updates its carry-on baggage model

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Newsdesk

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August 11, 2026

11 August 2026: The move will see Jetstar shift from a strict weight limit to a simpler, size-based carry-on baggage model, similar to other leading low-fares carriers around the world.

From next year, all bookings will include one underseat bag such as a backpack, handbag or laptop bag.

Customers who need more carry-on baggage can pre-purchase Priority Carry-on, which includes a second, larger bag for the overhead locker and the opportunity to be among the first to board.

The change follows extensive research and feedback from customers and crew who consistently identified having bags weighed at the gate and struggling to find room in overhead lockers as the more stressful parts of the airport experience.

Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said: “We know that weighing carry-on bags at the gate can be frustrating for our customers and for our crew.”

“To make packing easier, we’ve decided to remove the 7kg weight limit, so from February, the main thing customers will need to think about is the size of their carry-on.”

“By giving customers an underseat bag with the option to add Priority Carry-on, we can make better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time.”

“Our new carry-on baggage model provides more choice to customers while helping to keep our fares low. You only pay for what you need – travelling with less means paying less, and you can always add more if you need.”

What’s changing for flights departing from 2 February 2027

Every Jetstar Airways booking will include one underseat bag, such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag, at no extra cost.

Customers who need more carry-on baggage or whose bags do not meet the underseat size requirements can purchase Priority Carry-on, which allows a second, larger bag in the overhead locker and lets them board first.

Jetstar will no longer routinely use cabin baggage scales but asks customers to keep carry-on bags to 10kg so they can lift them themselves safely. At no extra cost, customers travelling with an infant can take an additional underseat bag for their baby’s items.

The size limits for each option are:

 Underseat bag (included in every fare): up to 40 × 30 × 20cm

Overhead bag (available with Priority Carry-on): up to 56 × 36 × 23cm, and be among the first to board

Priority Carry-on is limited and starts at AUD25 one-way on selected flights and can vary; for example, there are no changes to Jetstar’s checked baggage allowance, which remains purchasable for up to 40kg per passenger.

This change applies to all Jetstar Airways (JQ) flights departing from 2 February 2027, excluding group bookings (10+ passengers). Customers with existing bookings after that date will be upgraded to include Priority Carry-on at no cost. Carry-on changes will not apply to Jetstar Japan (GK) operated flights.

(Source: Jetstar)

Conrad Kuala Lumpur accepting reservations

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Newsdesk

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August 11, 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 August 2026: Conrad Kuala Lumpur is now accepting reservations ahead of its anticipated opening in late 2026, marking the debut of Conrad Hotels & Resorts in Malaysia.

As Hilton’s largest luxury brand, Conrad is celebrated worldwide for seamlessly blending bold design with intuitive service while creating meaningful connections with each destination. With this first step into the country, Conrad Kuala Lumpur redefines luxury for a new generation of travellers, offering opportunities for discovery and experiences that feel both personal and purposeful.

Located in Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant Golden Triangle, the hotel will bring the brand’s contemporary luxury hospitality to the heart of the city, through locally inspired art and design, world-class dining, curated local experiences, and skyline views.

Key landmarks such as the Twin Towers, KL Tower, and the popular Bukit Bintang shopping district are less than a 10-minute drive away, with Bukit Bintang just a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Connectivity is seamless, with Raja Chulan Monorail Station steps away from the hotel and Bukit Bintang MRT Station within 750 metres.

Conrad Kuala Lumpur is located at 25 Jalan Sultan Ismail, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur 50250, Malaysia.

“As the first Conrad hotel in Malaysia, Conrad Kuala Lumpur represents an exciting new chapter for the brand and for luxury hospitality in the capital,” said Conrad Kuala Lumpur General Manager, Paola Caciolli.

“Kuala Lumpur is a city shaped by heritage, creativity and constant movement, and our hotel has been designed to help guests discover those layers in a thoughtful and inspiring way. From design and dining to wellness and curated local experiences, Conrad Kuala Lumpur will offer a stay that feels deeply connected to the city while delivering the intuitive service and contemporary luxury that define Conrad.”

The hotel will feature 481 rooms and suites, ranging from 40 sqm deluxe rooms to the expansive 220 sqm Conrad Suite. Conrad Kuala Lumpur will also offer six dining and bar venues.

As part of its exclusive pre-opening offer, Hilton Honours members will enjoy a special rate for stays between 1 February 2027 and 31 July 2027 with breakfast (up to two persons) and 15,000 points, applicable for a minimum two-night stay.

(Source: Hilton)

Etihad extends African codeshares

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August 11, 2026

SINGAPORE, 11 August 2026: Etihad Airways has recently signed three partnership agreements with African airlines: an interline agreement with Fastjet in Zimbabwe, followed by agreements with Air Peace in Nigeria and Africa World Airlines in Ghana.

The interline agreement with Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, signed in Lagos on 22 July, opens 20 destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa to Etihad’s guests.

The Memorandum of Understanding with Africa World Airlines, the Accra-based carrier serving Ghana and the wider region, signed in Accra on 24 July, sets out cooperation across codeshare, interline, cargo and loyalty.

Fastjet Zimbabwe extends Etihad’s reach into Southern Africa ahead of the airline’s Harare flights.

The July agreements also build on Etihad’s strategic joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, and together they enable Etihad to carry its guests far beyond the destinations it serves with its own aircraft.

The African partnerships follow a deliberate sequence. In April, Etihad announced six new destinations across the continent, positioning Abu Dhabi as an efficient corridor between Africa, India and Asia for guests and for cargo, where demand is outpacing supply in trade-linked sectors. The new partnerships mean that when those routes launch, guests will be able to connect onward across West and Southern Africa from day one. The timing mirrors the UAE’s own deepening ties with the continent, exemplified by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed with Nigeria in January 2026.

Etihad Airways Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer, Arik De, said: “Africa is one of the fastest-growing aviation regions in the world, and this month we have moved quickly to grow with it. Three agreements in July, each shaped to its market: the reach of Fastjet in Southern Africa, the breadth of Air Peace’s network and the depth of a strategic framework with Africa World Airlines. When our new African routes take off, the partner network behind them will already be in place.”

(Source: Etihad)

Book Review: Heritage Hotels of Asia

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Andrew Wood

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August 11, 2026

BANGKOK, 11 August 2026: The finest heritage hotels are not simply elegant buildings or luxurious places in which to stay. They are witnesses to a changing world, shaped by the people, politics, commerce and great journeys of their time.

This fascinating connection lies at the heart of Heritage Hotels of Asia, an impressive two-volume work by distinguished writer Kenneth Barrett, edited by Jaffee Yee Yeow-Fei.

*Raffles Hotel in Singapore, which was renovated during 1989-1991, using 1915 as the benchmark year.*

When I first picked up Heritage Hotels of Asia, I felt an immediate sense of excitement. Here was an invitation to step inside some of the region’s most magnificent hotels and discover how profoundly they have shaped the character, atmosphere and sense of place of their destinations.

Meticulously researched, these volumes contain an encyclopaedic wealth of historical detail. Through Kenneth Barrett’s lucid and immersive writing, complemented by a rich collection of illustrations, readers are given the feeling of crossing each hotel’s threshold for themselves. The history, grandeur and distinctive personality of every property gradually unfold, bringing its stories vividly to life.

Grand hotels and history are inseparable. These remarkable properties are far more than elegant places to stay. Each reflects the rich tapestry of the country, region or city in which it stands. Through architecture, art, tradition and carefully preserved historical references, they connect travellers with their surroundings while immersing them in the atmosphere of another era.

At the same time, they offer a haven of luxury, gracious hospitality and elegant service. This compelling combination of history, culture and refinement is what makes the great heritage hotels of Asia so captivating.

The opening pages establish that the history of the modern hotel is also the history of modern travel. Hotels developed as improvements in stagecoach design made long-distance journeys more tolerable. The arrival of steam trains and the expansion of railway networks brought travel within reach of a wider public. Across Asia, hotels followed the great trade routes, accommodating administrators, merchants, scholars, tourists and adventurers.

The book traces the origins of Asia’s modern hotels to Spence’s Hotel in Calcutta, opened in 1830. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and advances in steamship travel subsequently accelerated the movement of travellers eastwards and helped create the beginnings of luxury tourism.

Hotels gradually became far more than convenient places to sleep and eat. By the closing years of the 19th century, the era of the grand hotel had arrived. These magnificent establishments became centres of colonial society, commerce, diplomacy and entertainment. Their dining rooms, ballrooms, bars and verandahs served as meeting places where deals were negotiated, news exchanged and reputations made.

One of the book’s strongest points is its extraordinary scope. Volume II presents the histories of 56 remarkable properties across 13 countries and territories, taking the reader on a grand journey through Southeast and East Asia.

Among the hotels featured are The Strand in Yangon, Myanmar; Malaysia’s Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and Hotel Majestic; and Singapore’s legendary Raffles, together with the Goodwood Park Hotel, Fullerton Hotel and Capella.

Indonesia is represented by historic names such as Hotel Majapahit, Phoenix Hotel, Hotel Savoy Homann, and Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, while the Philippines includes The Manila Hotel and Rizal Park Hotel.

Thailand’s heritage collection includes Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Chakrabongse Villas, 137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai, and Centara Grand Beach Resort in Hua Hin.

The journey through former French Indochina includes Vietnam’s Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Hotel Continental, Hotel Majestic and Dalat Palace Hotel; Cambodia’s Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and Bokor Palace; and Settha Palace Hotel in Laos.

Moving further east, the book features Hong Kong’s iconic The Peninsula and Tai O Heritage Hotel; China’s Fairmont Peace Hotel, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai, Beijing Hotel and Astor Hotel; Taiwan’s celebrated Grand Hotel; and Japan’s Nikko Kanaya Hotel, Fujiya Hotel and Tokyo Station Hotel.

This impressive geographical sweep gives the book much of its strength. Some of the properties were purpose-built as grand hotels, while others began life as mansions, government buildings, warehouses, railway hotels or private residences before being carefully conserved and transformed. What unites them is a compelling historical narrative and a genuine connection to the culture and character of their cities.

Beautifully presented and illustrated with historic photographs, postcards, posters and luggage labels, this is both a pleasure to read and a book to treasure. It would make a perfect birthday or Christmas gift, but it is considerably more than an attractive coffee-table book.

It is destined to become an invaluable reference for hoteliers, architects, designers, tourism professionals, hospitality students and everyone who appreciates the history, character and romance of travel.

World Scientific Publishing Singapore publishes Heritage Hotels of Asia Vol I and II. They are available in Kinokuniya Bangkok and all major bookstores in the region or purchased online directly from the publisher: www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/14649

HERITAGE HOTELS OF ASIA

Volume 2: Southeast & East Asia
Copyright 2026 by Kenneth Barrett and Jaffee Yee Yeow-Fei
All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-981-98-2491-5 (hardcover)
ISBN 978-981-98-2492-2 (ebook for institutions)
ISBN 978-981-98-2493-9 (ebook for individuals)

About the reviewer

Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer, tourism commentator, former hotelier and tourism consultant who has lived in Thailand since 1991. He is CEO of A&P Media and contributes regularly to travel and hospitality publications across Asia and internationally.

Having stayed in many of Asia’s celebrated heritage hotels during his extensive career and travels, he brings both a hotelier’s understanding and a traveller’s appreciation to this review.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, he held senior executive and general management positions with leading hospitality organisations across Asia and Europe, including Thistle Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Minor International, the Landmark Lancaster Hotel Group, Chaophya Park Hotels and Resorts and the Royal Cliff Hotels Group.

He has been a member of Skål International Bangkok since February 1992, a former Director of Skål International, a Past President of Skål International Asia, Thailand, and a two-time Past President of Skål International Bangkok.

Jazeera Airways boosts Egypt flights

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Newsdesk

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August 10, 2026

KUWAIT, 10 August 2026: Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s low-cost carrier, has increased flight frequencies to Egypt, further strengthening connectivity between Kuwait and one of its most important travel markets.

With a total of 16 additional weekly flights to Sharm El Sheikh, Alexandria, Sohag and Hurghada, Jazeera Airways now operates 126 flights a week direct from Kuwait to Egypt, including Cairo, Sphinx, Assiut and Luxor.

Home to one of the largest Egyptian expatriate communities, Kuwait continues to generate strong year-round demand for travel to the country. In response to this sustained demand, Jazeera has continued to expand its network in Egypt in recent years, serving multiple destinations across the country.

By enhancing travel options, Jazeera provides greater flexibility and convenience for passengers travelling for family visits, business, employment, education, and tourism.

Jazeera Airways Chief Commercial Officer Paul Carroll said: “Egypt remains one of the most important markets in our network, with consistently strong demand from both leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) travellers. By increasing frequencies to Sharm El Sheikh, Alexandria, Sohag and Hurghada, we are giving our customers greater flexibility, more travel choices, and increased connectivity between Kuwait and key destinations across Egypt. These additional services reflect our continued commitment to investing in markets with high demand and supporting the longstanding ties between our two countries.”

(Source: Jazeera Airways)

Taiwan destinations on SG mission

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Newsdesk

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August 10, 2026

SINGAPORE, 10 August 2026: Central Taiwan’s counties of Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua and Nantou jointly hosted a B2B tourism networking event in Singapore on 6 August, marking the first time the four destinations have collaborated to promote Central Taiwan as a single travel destination in the Singapore market.

The event brought together more than 100 participants, including representatives from 16 Singapore travel agencies, three Taiwan-based airlines (China Airlines, EVA Air, and STARLUX Airlines), American Express, the four county governments, and 25 Taiwanese tourism businesses, including hotels, leisure farms, tourism factories, attractions, and travel operators.

*Photo credit: Taiwan Tourism Administration. 100 ways to wander Central Taiwan.*

The event was organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Miaoli County Government in partnership with the Taichung City Government, Changhua County Government and Nantou County Government.

Among the distinguished guests were Ambassador Tong Chen-Yuan, representative of the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore, and Taiwan Tourism Administration Singapore Office Director Paul Shih.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Tong noted that Singapore remains one of Taiwan’s most important inbound tourism markets. Between 2023 and 2025, annual visitor arrivals from Singapore remained at around 450,000, with 463,893 visitors recorded in 2023, making Singapore one of the few international markets to have fully recovered beyond pre-pandemic levels.

Four Signature Travel Experiences Introduced to the Singapore Market

The promotion centred on four signature themed itineraries:

Miaoli – Blessings & Banquet Journey
Taichung – Urban Lifestyle & Creativity
Changhua – Railway Heritage & Culinary Discovery
Nantou – Sustainable Mountain Wellness

NATAS Travel Fair launch

The four themed itineraries will be officially launched at the NATAS Travel Fair in Singapore from 21 to 23 August through leading travel agencies.

(Source: Taiwan Tourism Administration)

Cathay Group announces its 2026 H1 results

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August 10, 2026

HONG KONG, 10 August 2026: The Cathay Group announced at the weekend its 2026 interim results for the first half of the year

The Cathay Group, including its airlines, subsidiaries, and associates, declared an attributable profit of HKD6.2 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with HKD3.7 billion in the first half of 2025.

The attributable profit for H1 2026 included non-recurring gains of HKD1 billion, mainly from the non-cash deemed partial disposal gain of approximately HKD1.4 billion arising from the dilution of the group’s equity interest in Air China Limited.

The group’s first-half result has allowed it to announce a first interim dividend to ordinary shareholders of HK26 cents per share, totalling HKD1.6 billion. This represents a 30% increase per ordinary share when compared with the first interim dividend of 2025.

Cathay Group Chair Guy Bradley said: “The Cathay Group achieved a strong financial performance in the first half of 2026. Our result was positively impacted by ongoing underlying demand for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo, improved performance from HK Express, and stronger contributions from associates. As a Group, we carried more passengers and cargo and operated more flights than in the first half of 2025.

“Having got off to a strong start in the first quarter, we faced a more challenging second quarter due to the situation in the Middle East and the resulting significant increase in jet fuel prices. This resulted in our jet fuel costs almost doubling from the first quarter to the second quarter. That we were able to achieve our first-half performance despite these circumstances is testament to the resilience we have built into our business in recent years.”

The group’s airlines and subsidiaries reported an attributable profit of HKD4.9 billion for the first half of 2026, compared with HKD3.8 billion in the first half of 2025. The net results from associates, the majority of which are recognised three months in arrears, reflected an attributable profit of HKD410 million, compared with a loss of HKD181 million in the first half of 2025.

Investments raising the bar for customers

Cathay continues to make important investments to drive its long-term growth, elevate the customer experience, and enhance connectivity at its home hub, Hong Kong.

Bradley said: “We have already committed around HKD150 billion in investments into our fleet, cabin and lounge products, and digital innovation. This investment reflects our commitment to growing our business for the long term, contributing to the development of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub and thereby leading to even greater opportunities for Cathay and Hong Kong as a whole.

“Looking ahead in the next 10 years, we target to have 150 new aircraft join our fleet, and a network serving 150 destinations, if the market conditions are favourable. These aircraft would provide more capacity to support our growth plans and help build connectivity at our home hub.”

Cathay continues to elevate the customer experience both in the air and on the ground. In addition to retrofitting more of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with its award-winning Aria Suite, new Premium Economy and refreshed Economy cabins, Cathay Pacific will introduce its all-new Aria Studio Business class and a new Economy cabin onboard its regional Airbus A330 aircraft by the end of this year.

The airline is also enhancing its existing cabin products, including providing customers with more legroom in the Economy cabins on its Airbus A321neo aircraft by removing some seats.

On the ground, having reopened its flagship Hong Kong lounge The Wing earlier this year, Cathay Pacific will open its first-ever lounge in New York when it moves into the newly redeveloped Terminal 6 at John F Kennedy International Airport, which is currently scheduled to open later this year. Customers can also look forward to a redesigned lounge experience at The Wing, Business in Hong Kong and the Cathay Pacific Lounge in Tokyo Narita in 2027.

Meanwhile, Cathay Cargo continues to strengthen its freighter fleet to support its growth plans. This has included increasing its Airbus A350F freighter order to eight aircraft and signing a lease agreement for an A330P2F converted freighter for Air Hong Kong, which will primarily operate freighter services for Cathay Cargo.

(Source: Cathay Group)

Radisson Hotel Group and Accenture tap ChatGPT AI

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Newsdesk

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August 10, 2026

SINGAPORE, 10 August 2026: Radisson Hotel Group has collaborated with Accenture to launch an AI-powered hotel discovery app on ChatGPT, helping travellers move from trip intent to search, comparison, and planning through natural conversation.

Available as RadissonHotels in ChatGPT, the app enables travellers to search for Radisson Hotels properties across over 100 countries and more than 1,000 hotels through natural conversation.

*Photo credit: The Radisson Blu, Madrid Prado.*

By starting a new ChatGPT conversation with RadissonHotels at the start of the prompt, travellers can ask for advice on planning a family-friendly weekend stay in Amsterdam or a hotel in Paris with a gym and spa near the Eiffel Tower. The app will respond with relevant Radisson Hotels properties with live inventory and rates, location context, amenities, hotel details, and interactive map-based results. When ready, travellers are directed to complete the reservation through the Radisson Hotels website.

Radisson ChatGPT app workflow

The launch marks an important step in Radisson Hotel Group’s move toward agentic commerce: a shift from traditional, channel-based booking journeys to AI-led experiences in which discovery, comparison, and decision-making occur through conversation. As travellers increasingly turn to AI to ask questions, narrow down options, and plan trips, hospitality brands need to be visible, accurate, and actionable at the moment of intent.

This shift is already underway. According to Accenture’s Consumer Pulse Research, 87% of travellers are open to collaborating with an AI-powered travel agent to find the best option, and 71% of travellers say that at least half of their spend for hotels or airlines will be influenced by AI over the next 12 months. Radisson Hotel Group is seeing the change firsthand, noting that organic and direct web traffic channels that have historically driven online bookings are giving way to new touchpoints like ChatGPT.

(Source: Radisson Hotel Group)

Agoda maps Indonesia holiday searches

Hanoi’s Sofitel celebrates 125 years

Jetstar updates its carry-on baggage model

Conrad Kuala Lumpur accepting reservations

Etihad extends African codeshares

Book Review: Heritage Hotels of Asia

Jazeera Airways boosts Egypt flights

Taiwan destinations on SG mission

Cathay Group announces its 2026 H1 results

Radisson Hotel Group and Accenture tap ChatGPT AI

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