Wednesday, November 4, 2026
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Royal Brunei Airlines expands Turkish codeshares

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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 10 August 2026: Royal Brunei Airlines, the national carrier of Brunei Darussalam, has expanded its codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, introducing a new codeshare route between Bandar Seri Begawan and Istanbul via Kuala Lumpur, effective 7 August 2026.

The enhanced partnership builds on the airlines’ existing codeshare arrangement via Dubai, offering passengers an additional gateway to Türkiye and beyond. 

Under the expanded agreement, Royal Brunei Airlines will operate flights between Bandar Seri Begawan and Kuala Lumpur, while Turkish Airlines will operate the Kuala Lumpur–Istanbul sector. Both airlines will market the combined journey under their respective flight codes, offering customers a seamless travel experience with greater flexibility and convenience.

The expanded network further strengthens connectivity between Brunei Darussalam and one of the world’s most strategically located aviation hubs, giving travellers easier access to Türkiye, Europe, the Middle East and other destinations across Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network. At the same time, the partnership creates greater opportunities for international visitors to discover Brunei Darussalam during the upcoming Visit Brunei 2027 campaign.

Royal Brunei Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Joshua Law said: “This expanded codeshare gives our guests more options to travel between Brunei and Istanbul via Kuala Lumpur, providing an additional gateway alongside our existing connection through Dubai. Beyond offering greater choice and flexibility, it brings Brunei closer to Türkiye, Europe and beyond, while making it easier for international travellers to discover Brunei and the wider Borneo region. This is how strong airline partnerships create meaningful connectivity—linking destinations, supporting tourism and trade, and opening new possibilities for our customers.”

The new codeshare services are available for booking since 7 August through Royal Brunei Airlines’ and Turkish Airlines’ respective sales channels, subject to operational readiness and system availability.

(Source: Royal Brunei Airlines)

Cebu Pacific opens new routes to Vietnam

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MANILA, 10 August 2026: Cebu Pacific strengthens its connectivity between Vietnam and the Philippines as it resumes direct flights between Hanoi and Clark, and Ho Chi Minh City and Cebu.

CEB is set to relaunch direct flights from Hanoi to Clark on 20 November 20, 2026, operating three times weekly — every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. CEB is also the only airline to offer direct flights between Clark and Vietnam.

Photo credit: Cebu Pacific.

Meanwhile, direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Cebu are set to operate three times weekly starting 26 October 2026 — every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

“The resumption of our direct Hanoi-Clark and Ho Chi Minh-Cebu flights further strengthens connectivity between Vietnam and the Philippines, making it easier for Vietnamese travellers to explore the best destinations our country has to offer. By providing more affordable and convenient travel options, we aim to encourage greater tourism and foster stronger cultural ties between Vietnam and the Philippines,” said  Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao.

To celebrate these routes, CEB is also offering a special seat sale until 11 August 2026, with one-way base fares from Hanoi to Clark and from Ho Chi Minh City to Cebu set at USD1, exclusive of fees and surcharges. Travel is open from 26 October 2026 until 31 March 2027.

Direct flights from Hanoi provide connectivity to the airline’s hub in Clark, an ideal starting point for exploring Central Luzon. Manila is a two-hour drive from Clark, giving travellers easier access to the Philippines’ bustling capital. 

From Ho Chi Minh City, travellers can explore Cebu’s natural beauty, history, and world-famous islands and white-sand beaches.

CEB operates in 35 Philippine and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

(Source: Cebu Pacific)

Mastercard presents Taste by Priceless

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SINGAPORE, 10 August 2026: Mastercard cardholders from around the world can now enjoy Asia Pacific’s first Taste by Priceless dining club at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), marking the official opening of a new premium airport dining experience. 

Available to World Legend, World Elite and World Mastercard cardholders travelling through Hong Kong, the benefit can be accessed regardless of where their card was issued. 

Photo credit: Mastercard.

Located in Terminal 1 near Gate 40, Mastercard’s Taste by Priceless is designed for travellers seeking distinctive dining experiences. Blending culinary storytelling, local chef-led programming and immersive design, Taste by Priceless is offered as part of The Mastercard Collection, Mastercard’s globally connected portfolio of exceptional dining, entertainment and travel benefits. Through The Mastercard Collection, eligible cardholders can access premium experiences throughout their journey.

Taste by Priceless in Hong Kong features seasonal menus co-created with acclaimed chefs, blending Asian and Western cuisine with celebrated local culinary heritage. It offers distinct dining experiences, designed to accommodate travellers’ preferences and schedules:  

The Counter — An intimate, chef-led tasting featuring a multi-course menu with dishes such as Shiso & Romaine Salad and Superior Chicken Soup 

The Cove — A relaxed à la carte setting offering refined tapas-style dishes including Pil Pil Prawns and Miso Glazed Cauliflower 

The dining experience is complemented by a selection of Mastercard’s signature desserts and cocktails, created exclusively for Taste by Priceless venues around the world. 

Located at one of the world’s leading international aviation hubs, this Taste by Priceless opening reinforces Mastercard’s strategy of meeting premium travellers where global journeys converge. For example, a Mastercard cardholder from London can enjoy an elevated meal at the Taste by Priceless dining club in Hong Kong International Airport before their return flight home. 

World Legend cardholders enjoy unlimited complimentary access for themselves and up to three guests, while World Elite and World cardholders may access Taste by Priceless at a preferential rate. Once admitted, guests can enjoy the full Taste by Priceless experience, including chef-curated dining, signature desserts and beverages, all included in their visit. Eligible cardholders can access the dining club within three hours of departure, with no prior reservation required. 

Beyond dining, the venue has been designed as an immersive, multi-sensory space that blends Mastercard’s brand heritage with local cultural influences. At its heart is a commissioned installation by emerging Chinese artist Xinran Guan, whose oil paintings explore harmony between the material and immaterial. 

The launch of Taste by Priceless in Hong Kong expands Mastercard’s growing portfolio of elevated airport dining experiences for cardholders, joining Taste by Priceless at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo and a new location slated to open in Mexico City later this year. Beyond the airport, cardholders can also enjoy exceptional dining experiences through Mastercard’s broader Priceless portfolio, including LUMA at Hong Kong’s historic 1881 Heritage and Priceless restaurants in Rome, Mexico City and São Paulo. 

(Source: Mastercard)

Crystal confirms third ocean ship

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MELBOURNE, 10 August 2026: Crystal announced at the weekend that the contract for the construction of the third next-generation ocean ship by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has been activated. 

The vessel, scheduled for delivery in 2034, is covered by the option exercised in 2024, reflecting Crystal’s continued investment in the future of luxury cruising.

Photo credit: Crystal.

The new vessel will join Crystal Grace, currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard, scheduled to debut in 2028, along with her sister ship arriving in May 2031. Together, the three ships will represent the next evolution of Crystal’s renowned approach to exceptional service, spacious design and immersive luxury travel.

Like her sister ships, the new vessel will accommodate 650 guests (based on double occupancy) and measure approximately 62,000 gross tons. The ship will feature spacious all-veranda suites, including an expansive Owner’s Suite and new categories designed to meet evolving guest preferences, such as those of solo travellers. Every accommodation is designed to maximise space, comfort and connection to the sea, complemented by one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in luxury cruising to deliver Crystal’s signature personalised service.

A&K Travel Group CEO, Cristina Levis, commented: “The response to Crystal Grace has exceeded our expectations, reaffirming the demand for authentic, exceptional travel experiences. With each new ship, we are building on Crystal’s legacy while thoughtfully evolving the experience for a new generation of luxury travellers.”

The announcement builds on significant momentum for Crystal, including the successful steel-cutting ceremony for Crystal Grace, the opening of bookings for her inaugural 2028 season and continued strong demand for the brand’s expanding portfolio of global itineraries.

(Source: Crystal)

Miri gears up for Sarawak’s business events 

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Your Stories
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MIRI, Sarawak, 7 August 2026: Sarawak celebrates another achievement as 29 Miri-based business event professionals graduate from the inaugural Sarawak Business Events Accelerator Programme (BEAP). 

The programme prepares local industry players with the knowledge and skills to support Sarawak’s growing portfolio of high-value national and international events.

Miri became the first city to graduate from the Business Events Accelerator Programme.

Co-organised by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and the Miri Business Events Committee in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) Sarawak Chapter, BEAP addresses the growing demand for future-ready professionals who can strengthen service delivery and raise industry standards.

Held at Mercure Miri City Centre from 14 to 16 July 2026, the Miri edition was the first of two BEAP sessions planned for the year. Participants learned to manage the full event lifecycle, from concept development and financial planning to on-site delivery and post-event evaluation. They also explored the practical application of artificial intelligence to deliver more efficient and innovative event solutions.

Jason Tan Chin Foo, Chief Executive Officer of BESarawak, said developing the industry was essential to Sarawak’s long-term competitiveness.

“Miri possesses the strengths to become a leading business events destination in northern Sarawak. As Malaysia’s pioneering oil and gas city, supported by its diverse tourism offerings and dynamic business ecosystem, Miri has significant potential to attract high-value conferences, corporate meetings and exhibitions. Through BEAP, we are investing in local talent by equipping industry professionals with the skills, confidence and capabilities to deliver world-class business events. This investment in people will strengthen Miri’s competitiveness, unlock new economic opportunities and reinforce Sarawak’s position as a premier business events destination.”

BEAP in Miri also supports MACEOS’ national commitment to making professional development more accessible to industry practitioners across Malaysia. Lim Win Nee, Vice President of MACEOS Education, said: “MACEOS’ priority is to ensure that professional development is accessible to industry practitioners across Malaysia. Bringing this programme to Sarawak supports our commitment to raising national industry standards, strengthening local capabilities and developing a future-ready talent pipeline. By investing in people across every region, we strengthen not only Sarawak’s business events ecosystem but also Malaysia’s overall competitiveness as a destination.”

BESarawak’s capacity-building initiatives are helping Sarawak-based businesses and event professionals build the skills needed to support the destination’s growing business events industry, especially with AirBorneo’s planned regional routes from 2026.

The next BEAP will take place from 11 to 13 August 2026 at Tanahmas Hotel in Sibu.

For more information on BESarawak, visit Business Events Sarawak.

(Source: Your Stories — BESarawak)

Skål Bangkok puts healthcare on the table

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 7 August 2026: Skål International Bangkok will bring tourism professionals together for its August Networking Lunch at The Landmark Bangkok — from 1130 to 1400 on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.

Alongside the opportunity to reconnect with industry colleagues and forge new business relationships, the event will feature a guest speaker, BSI Insurance Broker Ltd CEO Tom Thomson, presenting “Healthcare in Thailand: Are You Properly Covered?”

Photo credit: Skål International Bangkok.

The subject is particularly relevant to expatriates, hospitality professionals and business owners navigating Thailand’s changing healthcare and insurance environment.

The lunch continues Skål Bangkok’s programme of events designed to connect senior tourism and hospitality professionals while providing practical insights relevant to those working and living in Thailand.

Event sponsors include McQuillan Wines, Flow Inter, Sloan’s Beer, Bangkok Vodka, Move Ahead Media, BSI Insurance Broker Limited, CQLAR and Healthi Life.

Event details

Date: Tuesday, 11 August 2026

Time: 1130–1400

Venue: The Landmark Bangkok, 138 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok

Nearest BTS: Nana

Young Skål: THB1,000

Skål members and guests: THB1,200

Non-members: THB1,900

Reservations can be made by emailing [email protected]. 

Guests introduced by Skål members are entitled to the member rate.

(Source: Skål International Bangkok)

NATAS presents a World Within Reach

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SINGAPORE, 7 August 2026: The world is within reach at the 64th edition of the NATAS Travel Fair, Singapore’s largest travel fair convening from 21 to 23 August 2026 (Friday to Sunday) at Singapore Expo Halls 3B, 4 and 5.

NATAS Holidays 2026 returns bigger than before, with a 25% increase in exhibition space and nearly 100 exhibitors. Visitors can explore travel offerings from travel agents, National Tourism Organisations, airlines, cruise operators, hotels and resorts, banks, insurance and other travel-related partners. 

Photo credit: NATAS.

NATAS welcomes 14 National Tourism Organisations to the fair, representing a 40% increase in participation compared to the previous fair in 2025. 

Designated the show’s Destination Partner for the second consecutive year, Papua New Guinea promises to captivate visitors with its rich culture and vibrant showcase. 

Building on that success, visitors can once again look forward to experiencing captivating cultural performances and discovering more about the destination at Papua New Guinea’s booth. His Excellency Kapi Tau Maro, High Commissioner of Papua New Guinea to Singapore and Guest-of-Honour, will grace the opening ceremony.

On stage, visitors can expect an exciting lineup of stage programmes from 1300 to 2000 daily, featuring performances and informative travel talks by destination partners and travel agents.

Visitors who spend a minimum of SGD500 at the fair will be eligible to participate in the NATAS Lucky Dip, where they can win a range of attractive prizes, including flight tickets from Singapore Airlines or China Southern Airlines.

“NATAS Holidays 2026 brings the world within reach by connecting consumers with travel agents, destinations and exclusive holiday offers all together. Whether visitors are planning their next getaway or finding inspiration, this is the place to book their dream holiday. Visitors can also enjoy destination showcases and cultural performances that bring the world closer to home,” said NATAS President Steven Ler.

Etiqa Insurance Singapore continues as Official Travel Insurer, marking another year of a trusted and longstanding partnership. As a valued partner, Etiqa Insurance Singapore continues to support travellers with comprehensive travel insurance that provides confidence and peace of mind throughout their journeys. Visitors to the fair can also enjoy exclusive event-only promotions.

“Travel creates opportunities for discovery, connection and memorable experiences. While no journey is without uncertainties, being prepared can make all the difference. Through our continued collaboration with NATAS, we aim to help travellers embark on their journeys with confidence, knowing they have trusted protection and support when it matters most,” said  Etiqa Insurance Singapore acting CEO Claudia Soh.

NATAS names valued partners: Singapore Airlines as Strategic Airline Partner, Travel Guide, and Strategic Media Partner; and Yoowifi as Preferred Roaming Partner, for their continued support and dedication to the NATAS Travel Fairs. NATAS also thanked Air Niugini, Blackmores, China Southern Airlines, Australian Fruit Juice (S) Pte Ltd, Freshening Industries Pte Ltd, and HONSEI for their generous contributions. 

Visit NATAS Travel Fairs for more information. NATAS Holidays 2026 will be held from 21 to 23 August 2026, from 1000 to 2130 daily. Admission is free.

(Source: NATAS)

Australia Marketplace meets in Kuala Lumpur

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 7 August 2026: Tourism Australia’s flagship trade platform, Australia Marketplace Southeast Asia, was hosted in Kuala Lumpur last week, signalling significant opportunities for growth in tourism across the region. 

Close to 200 delegates, uniting leading Australian tourism operators with key travel partners from six Southeast Asian markets — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Photo credit: Australia Marketplace.

Australia Marketplace Southeast Asia bridged the Australian tourism industry with Southeast Asia’s key travel agencies and tour operators through scheduled appointments and networking opportunities over two-and-a-half days.

Malaysia is an important, longstanding market for Australia, and industry relationships with key travel agencies and partners across the region are being strengthened.

Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager, South and Southeast Asia, Jennifer Doig commented: “Southeast Asia is a powerhouse region for Australia’s visitor economy, and we have seen incredible growth from the markets here. Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam continue to rank among the top source markets for arrivals in Australia, with Thailand and the Philippines showing strong potential for growth. Malaysia remains a vital market, and in the twelve months to May 2026, total arrivals from Malaysia grew by 10% year-on-year, bringing approximately 200,000 visitors to Australia and making it our 11th-largest international market.

“Tourism Australia’s platforms such as Australia Marketplace are crucial, empowering our local tourism industry to establish and strengthen relationships with the travel professionals who understand Southeast Asian travellers best. We look forward to welcoming the region’s diverse travellers with Australia’s premium and distinctive travel experiences.”

In the twelve months to May 2026, Australia recorded 9.16 million international short-term arrivals, up 9.5% year-on-year. Tourism Australia’s latest consumer research shows that Southeast Asian travellers, particularly those from Malaysia, rank key hubs such as Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and Perth as their most desirable Australian destinations, closely followed by experiences that feature beautiful natural scenery and unique wildlife.

Australia aims to be a destination for all, going above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences for travellers across Southeast Asia’s diverse segments, including high-yield travellers, groups, multi-generational families and Muslim travellers.

(Source: Tourism Australia)

PHIST 2026 ponders sustainable profits

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PHUKET 7 August 2026: For many businesses, sustainability has become a way of life, but the constant effort to “reduce, reuse and recycle” isn’t always reflected in their bottom line. 

It’s a key concern and central to the conversation at PHIST this year about how to turn sustainability into profitability – a conversation led by tourism pioneer Banyan Group. Executive Chairman and Founder KP Ho

More than 1,300 tourism and hospitality professionals will attend  PHIST 2026 – a full-day event co-organised by the Phuket Hotels Association, C9 Hotelworks and Greenview. 

PHIST 2026 will feature exclusive sessions with Banyan Group’s KP Ho.

Staged at Angsana Laguna Phuket on 7 September 2026, this is a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, solution building, and action-taking. More than 25 expert-led sessions, panel discussions, workshops and fireside chats will examine the key issues shaping the industry’s future, from decarbonisation, ESG reporting and responsible supply chains to biodiversity, food systems, technology, destination stewardship and more.

Headlining this year’s event will be KP Ho, who created Banyan Group in 1994 and has built it into one of the world’s most successful luxury hospitality enterprises – without ever losing sight of his founding ethos: “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People.” At PHIST 2026, KP Ho will reveal his vision for the future of sustainable business in conversation with Delivering Asia Founder & CEO David Johnson.

“The future of hospitality belongs to businesses that can demonstrate the value sustainability creates – not only for the environment, but for their guests, employees, investors and local communities,” said KP Ho. “PHIST has become one of the industry’s most important platforms for sharing the innovation, partnerships and practical solutions that will shape tourism in the years ahead.”

PHIST 2026 will also hear from top-level executive and entrepreneurial speakers, including Bjorn Courage, President of the Phuket Hotels Association and General Manager of InterContinental Phuket Resort, Nida Wongphanlert, Managing Director of 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts, Jeff Smith, Vice President – Sustainability at Six Senses, Maitri Fischer, Founder & CEO of Eco Mantra, Willem Neimeijer, CEO of YAANA Ventures, Branavan Aruljothi, Country Head of Booking.com, Laurence Onfroy, Vice President – Asia Pacific at Beyond Green, Tali Goldman, CEO of Market For Good, Ken Kuguru, Managing Director of Winnow, and Tawee Impoolsup, Country Manager of Scholars of Sustenance (SOS Thailand).

Beyond the panel discussions and presentations, visitors can discover the Green Groove Sustainability Exhibition, showcasing innovative technologies, products and services, and dedicated Non-Profit and Farm Zones will connect hotels with local producers. The PHIST Spotlight Video Awards will celebrate industry leadership.

PHIST 2026 will take place at Angsana Laguna Phuket on Monday, 7 September 2026, from 0900 to 1800. Attendance is free of charge, with advance registration required.

To learn more, please visit phist.phukethotelsassociation.com. 

(Source: PHIST)

Banyan Group opens Sichuan resort

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Newsdesk
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EMEISHAN, China, 7 August 2026: Banyan Group, an independent global hospitality company, has expanded its flagship Banyan Tree brand’s presence in China with the opening of Banyan Tree Mount Emei in Sichuan Province. 

Nestled in the foothills of Mount Emei (also known as Emeishan), the resort serves as a gateway to the Mount Emei Scenic Area, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed for both its cultural and natural significance and known for its rich biodiversity.

Photo credit: Banyan Group.

A Mountainside Sanctuary Embraced by Nature

Inspired by the traditional courtyard homes of western Sichuan, the resort reinterprets the region’s architecture in a contemporary form that follows the natural contours of a forested valley. Its design, landscaping and guest experiences draw on the surrounding environment and local culture.

During development, seven century-old camphor trees, along with all existing trees with a trunk diameter greater than 10 centimetres, were retained in their original locations. Pathways through the bamboo forest follow the natural terrain, allowing bamboo to grow through and alongside the walkways while preserving the site’s character.

The guest arrival, framed by mature camphor trees, leads to an open-air courtyard inspired by the traditional Chinese architectural principle of “four waters returning to the hall” (si shui gui tang), in which pitched roofs channel rainwater into a central courtyard. Throughout the resort, filtered light, mountain air, the sound of water and views across bamboo groves and forested slopes create a quiet dialogue between architecture and nature.

The resort comprises 130 rooms and villas across six categories, each with a private outdoor hot-spring pool.

Getting there 

Banyan Tree Mount Emei is a five-minute commute from Emeishan High-Speed Railway Station and around two minutes from the entrance to the Mount Emei Scenic Area. 

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is approximately two hours away by car, while Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is around two hours and 15 minutes away. Leshan Airport, which is expected to begin operations later in 2026, will be approximately 40 minutes from the resort by car.

(Source: Banyan Group)

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