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Sichuan Airlines boosts flights to KUL

By
Steve Ross
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KUALA LUMPUR, 24 December 2025: Tourism Malaysia welcomed Sichuan Airlines on the successful launch of its inaugural direct Chongqing–Kuala Lumpur service. This marks Sichuan Airlines’ second city connection to Malaysia, building upon its established Chengdu route.

The inaugural flight, 3U 3773, touched down at KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at approximately 1145, establishing direct air connectivity between Chongqing and Kuala Lumpur.

Tourism Malaysia. The inaugural flight was officially welcomed by Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion II); Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia; Mohd Shaffreen Nooranee, Manager Marketing Communication & Services at MAHB; Zhou Cunming, Area General Manager (Malaysia/ Singapore/ Indonesia) of Sichuan Airlines and Allen Chan, Managing Director of Jayun Holiday (Sichuan Airlines Malaysia GSA). They were joined by Tourism Malaysia’s mascots, Wira and Manja, as well as the Sichuan Airlines crew to mark the launch of the Chongqing–Kuala Lumpur route.

Operating three times per week, the service links Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) to KLIA (KUL). Utilising an Airbus A321/A320 aircraft, the route offers 160 passengers, significantly enhancing connectivity between Malaysia and Southern China while supporting growth in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

Passengers were warmly welcomed by Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II), Tourism Malaysia; Mdm. Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director, International Promotion Divisions (Asia/Africa) of Tourism Malaysia; Azmi Abdullah, Senior Deputy Director, International Promotion Divisions (Asia/Africa) of Tourism Malaysia; Zhou Cunming, Area General Manager (Malaysia/ Singapore/ Indonesia) of Sichuan Airlines; and officials from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).

Commenting on the launch, Samuel Lee Thai Hung stated that the new service reflects the continued strengthening of tourism relations between Malaysia and China. The direct connectivity improves travel convenience for visitors from Chongqing and surrounding regions, while reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination in Southeast Asia, offering rich culture, diverse tourism offerings, and natural attractions.

From January to August 2025, Malaysia recorded 3.3 million visitor arrivals from China, reflecting a 27.5% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2024. This sustained growth highlights Malaysia’s strong appeal among Chinese travellers, supported by enhanced air connectivity, vibrant urban destinations, renowned culinary experiences, and island getaways.

Tourism Malaysia remains committed to working closely with airlines, airport authorities, and industry stakeholders to expand international air connectivity further. In line with preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), the launch of this inaugural route marks a timely boost in reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a leading global tourism destination. 

The government’s target for VM2026 is twofold: to welcome 47 million international visitors and to inspire a significant surge in domestic travel, ensuring the campaign’s success as a comprehensive strategic framework for the nation’s tourism future.

(Source: Tourism Malaysia)

Dusit Thani Bangkok’s restaurant wins Michelin Star

By
Your Stories
-

BANGKOK, 23 December 2025: Cannubi by Umberto Bombana at Dusit International’s reimagined flagship hotel, Dusit Thani Bangkok, has been awarded One Michelin Star in The Michelin Guide Thailand 2026 – the first time an Italian restaurant in Thailand has received the distinction.

Curated by the renowned Chef Umberto Bombana – best known for his Hong Kong flagship, 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, the world’s only three-Michelin-starred Italian restaurant outside Italy – Cannubi by Umberto Bombana reflects the chef’s lifelong dedication to exceptional produce, terroir, and refined Italian cooking.

His philosophy is brought to life in Bangkok by his longtime protégé, Executive Italian Chef Andrea Susto, who works with the finest locally sourced and imported ingredients to craft classically rooted dishes refined with contemporary technique. Seasonal à la carte offerings, tasting menus, a set lunch experience, and a celebrated white truffle menu – honouring Bombana’s reputation as The King of White Truffles – are complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list of more than 350 labels chosen for their heritage, character, and quality.

Cannubi by Umberto Bombana’s design plays an equal role in shaping the dining experience. Situated on the lobby level of the reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok, the two-level space looks out over the hotel’s dramatic nine-storey waterfall. Inside, the main dining room is crowned with intricately carved golden teakwood panels preserved and meticulously restored from the original hotel’s Benjarong restaurant. These heritage teak elements, combined with flowing lines and atmospheric lighting, create a warmly intimate setting, complemented by private dining rooms accommodating six and twelve guests.

“To be recognised as the first Italian restaurant in Thailand to receive a Michelin Star is a tremendous honour,” said Chef Umberto Bombana. “Cannubi by Umberto Bombana is a project very close to my heart, created to express the truth and soul of Italian cuisine through integrity, passion, and respect for exceptional ingredients. Seeing this spirit recognised in Bangkok means the world to me. I am incredibly proud of Chef Andrea Susto and our entire team. This accolade also reflects the vision of the new Dusit Thani Bangkok, where craftsmanship and creativity shape every detail.”

Cannubi by Umberto Bombana’s Michelin Star adds to a remarkable year for Dusit Thani Bangkok, which, since reopening in September 2024, has received one Michelin Key and earned its place among the world’s top 100 hotels, ranking #60 on the inaugural extended list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. The restaurant’s achievement further strengthens the hotel’s emergence as one of the region’s most compelling new dining destinations, with Pavilion, Dusit Gourmet, 1970 Bar, and the dramatic rooftop venue, Spire Rooftop Bar, among the other standout options. 

Cannubi by Umberto Bombana is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, visit dusit.com/dusitthani-bangkok.

About Dusit Thani Bangkok
Part of the landmark Dusit Central Park development, Dusit Thani Bangkok is a reimagined icon that blends timeless Thai elegance with contemporary sophistication. With a prime location overlooking Lumpini Park in the heart of the city, the 257-key property redefines luxury through all-park-view accommodations. It sets the stage for unforgettable experiences with world-class dining and peerless event venues. 

For more information, visit dusit.com/dusitthani-bangkok 

(Source: Your Stories — Dusit Thani Bangkok)

Centara opens resort in Pokhara Nepal

By
Your Stories
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BANGKOK, 23 December 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announces the upcoming opening of its first property in Nepal, Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection, set to welcome guests from January 2026.

Perched atop tranquil Kaskikot, just a 35-minute road trip from Pokhara, this secluded sanctuary combines modern comforts with authentic Nepali charm, offering breathtaking views of the Fishtail Mountain massif and an immersive experience in one of the world’s most remarkable regions.

Centara Hotels & Resorts. Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara.

Part of The Centara Collection, a curated portfolio of distinctive, one-of-a-kind hotels, Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara invites travellers to discover serenity in the Himalayas. The resort features 42 spacious rooms, suites, and villas, each designed with warm wooden accents, private gardens or expansive balconies, and the flexibility to accommodate couples, families, and groups.

Guests can enjoy a wide range of experiences — from yoga and spa rituals at Cense by SPA Cenvaree to guided village walks along the Sarangkot Loop Trail, Annapurna Base Camp treks, paragliding, and ultralight flights over the mountains — immersing themselves in the culture, adventure, and heritage of the Annapurna region. Facilities at launch include an all-day dining restaurant, bar and lounge, outdoor swimming pool, library, and rooftop terrace, a speciality Pan-Asian restaurant, an intimate tea house, and meeting venues.

Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection General Manager Prapaijit Thongma commented: “We are thrilled to bring Centara’s signature Thai-inspired hospitality to Nepal for the first time. With our secluded setting, breathtaking panoramic mountain views, and the deep cultural significance of the Annapurna region, we are ready to welcome travellers from around the world to experience this extraordinary retreat of discovery, wellbeing, and connection.”

To celebrate the upcoming opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts presents ‘Spirit of the Himalayas’, an exclusive launch offer inviting guests to be among the first to experience Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection. Available from now until 31 March 2026 for stays between 1 January and 30 April 2026, the offer includes Stay Three Pay Two, complimentary airport transfers, and special benefits for CentaraThe1 members, including an additional 15% savings and triple points.

To learn more about Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection, and to book this exclusive opening offer, visit 

https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/the-centara-collection/amn

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Yachties head for Thailand International Boat Show

By
Newsdesk
-

BANGKOK, 22 December 2025: Phuket opens its 2026 events calendar on a positive note by hosting the Thailand International Boat Show from 15 to 18 January 2026 at the Phuket Yacht Haven Marina.

Held at the height of the Andaman coast’s peak tourism season, the event highlights the growing role of marine and coastal tourism in Thailand’s visitor economy. It brings together the boating, luxury lifestyle, travel, and property sectors, attracting high-spending visitors, long-stay travellers, and second-home owners to Thailand.

Boat show venue: Phuket Yacht Haven Marina.

“Marine and coastal tourism are no longer niche segments; they are becoming core drivers of visitor spending across Thailand’s coastal destinations,” said the Thailand International Boat Show’s organiser, JAND Events CEO David Hayes. “For the 2026 show, on-land exhibition space is close to full, many leading in-water brands have returned from last year, and the superyacht presence reflects continued confidence in Thailand as a base for high-value tourism and marine activity.”

Demand for water-based activities — including yacht chartering, island-hopping, watersports and luxury coastal living — continues to grow, particularly during the January high season when international visitors, regional travellers and second-home owners are most active in Phuket. 

Reflecting its role within Thailand’s tourism and marine ecosystem, the event is supported by key government and provincial authorities, including the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Phuket Province, reinforcing its position as a nationally recognised platform for marine tourism and related industries.

The 2026 edition will feature a diverse lineup of marine exhibitors, highlighting Thailand’s growing appeal to both global yacht brands and regional buyers. Leading yacht names, including Beneteau, Prestige Yachts, Sunreef Yachts, Gulf Craft and Excess, will be showcased alongside multihulls from Fountaine Pajot, Leopard Catamarans, Lagoon and Max Cruise Marine. A key highlight for the Thai market is the Asian Premiere of the Aquila 42 Coupe, presented by Primus Marine, offering visitors an exclusive first look at the model.

Phuket has become one of the region’s preferred destinations for superyachts, driven by its cruising grounds, marina infrastructure and appeal to high-net-worth travellers. Reflecting this, the 40-metre SeaBear, formerly owned by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, will anchor the Superyacht Lounge at the Thailand International Boat Show, presented by Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous. Its presence at the show reinforces Phuket’s growing role as a base for large yachts and a hub for luxury marine tourism in Thailand.

Beyond boating, the Thailand International Boat Show reflects the broader luxury lifestyle ecosystem connected to marine tourism. Real estate developers such as Redwood Luxury Development, ABOV Patong, and Reignwood Park, alongside premium lifestyle brands, will participate, underscoring continued interest in Phuket as a second-home destination where visitors combine property ownership with marine activities, dining, and leisure experiences.

The programme is complemented by the one-day Thailand Yachting Conference, taking place on 14 January 2026 at The Slate, Nai Yang Beach, where industry leaders, marina operators and policymakers will discuss the future of boating, marine tourism and related economic opportunities in Thailand.

The fourth Thailand International Boat Show will take place from 15 to 18 January 2026 at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, with the Thailand Yachting Conference convening on 14 January 2026 at The Slate, Nai Yang Beach.

For more information, visit www.thailandinternationalboatshow.com. 

(Source: Thailand International Boat Show)

Emirates: Sweet dreams above the clouds

By
Your Stories
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DUBAI, UAE, 22 December 2025: Emirates curates the restorative sleep ritual in the sky with new loungewear, indulgent bed linen, and a thoughtful turndown service for First Class customers. 

Further elevating the transition to relaxation, First Class customers are invited to enjoy premium drinks served in new cut-crystal glassware, relish moments of calm with the latest noise-cancelling headphones from Bowers and Wilkins, and unwind with an Emirates A380 Shower Spa experience enhanced by a new range of VOYA products.

Luxurious new loungewear for First Class customers

On select long-haul flights this month, Emirates First Class customers will be offered new loungewear, slippers, and eye masks, designed to deliver refined comfort and effortless elegance on board. Crafted from super-soft modal, the collection blends a sumptuous feel with breathability and lightweight ease. The premium fabric incorporates fully traceable botanic fibres sourced from sustainably grown beech trees, providing a temperature-regulating finish ideal for restful sleep. The two-piece loungewear set features a relaxed top-and-bottom silhouette, with a fluid drape that is both elegant and comfortable, whether for enjoying drinks at the A380 Onboard Lounge or for a serene sleep in Emirates’ fully enclosed First Class suites.

The women’s set is presented in soft blush pink and light grey, while the men’s design has a sophisticated two-tone grey palette. Matching slippers and eye masks complete the ensemble. Slippers feature a plush inner sole for added comfort, while the eye mask is lined with ultra-soft silk to promote uninterrupted rest.

Enhanced bed linen with 300-thread-count cotton

From 2026 onwards, Emirates is further elevating the First Class sleep experience by introducing premium 300-thread-count cotton bed linen, including pillows, duvet covers, and mattress covers. Soft to the touch and impeccably finished, the new bedding is the perfect accompaniment to the indulgent and private First Class suites. Each suite features a spacious seat that reclines from upright to lie-flat, with an automatic door for complete privacy.

Refined turndown service with luxury chocolate

Emirates’ First Class turndown service evokes the quiet elegance of a five-star hotel suite. The ritual includes a beautifully prepared bed with a duvet, a bespoke wellness card encouraging relaxation and sweet dreams, and a delicately placed BYREDO Chamomile Pillow Mist on the duvet fold. To complete the experience, a luxury chocolate is presented on the bed, featuring premium chocolatiers such as Valrhona, Canonica, Coco Jalila, and Neuhaus.

New VOYA collection in the Emirates A380 Shower Spa

The iconic Emirates A380 Shower Spa has been refreshed with newly designed display units, thoughtfully styled to complement the colour palettes of retrofitted aircraft. Featuring a refined, speckled-stone aesthetic, each hand-finished piece is unique in tone and texture, reinforcing the wellness-led ambience.

To accompany the refreshed displays, Emirates continues its partnership with luxury Irish skincare brand VOYA, introducing two new fragrance collections. The two ranges include Tranquillity, scented with calming lavender and eucalyptus, and Revitalise, featuring uplifting honeysuckle and neroli, and include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body moisturiser, and face wash. A coconut-and-jasmine soap, along with a pump hand wash and hand cream, completes the shower spa experience. Individual hand creams are also presented in the First and Business Class washrooms.

Elegant nightcaps served in crystal-cut glassware.

New crystal-cut glassware has been introduced to complement Emirates’ existing First Class dining collection. Elegant and refined, the glassware is used to present select spirits, premium cocktails, mocktails and iced coffees, including the newly introduced iced café latte and iced Americano. Completing the collection, a new brandy balloon glass will be introduced to present Emirates’ exclusive Hennessy Paradis Cognac and Tesseron brandy.

Immersive sound with next-generation Bowers & Wilkins headphones

In early 2026, Emirates will introduce the latest-generation Bowers & Wilkins First Class headphones, the E2, custom-tuned exclusively for Emirates’ First Class suites. Designed to deliver exceptional clarity, comfort, and immersion, the E2 model offers enhanced active noise cancellation and a more natural sonic profile for long-haul listening. The new E2 model delivers up to 27% better noise reduction, smoother sound, and improved isolation. The headphones are ergonomically optimised for extended wear and seamlessly integrate with Emirates’ award-winning ice inflight entertainment system. Customers can also explore a curated Bowers & Wilkins playlist onboard, selected by the brand’s sound engineers to showcase the headphones’ exceptional audio performance. For moments when communication with Emirates cabin crew is needed, activating voice transparency mode with a button press allows ambient sound to pass through before returning the listener to complete serenity.

Tickets can be purchased on www.emirates.com at Emirates Sales Offices or Emirates Retail Outlets, through the Emirates App, from travel agents, or through online travel agents.

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates).

NCL showcases 2027/2028 sailings

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 22 December 2025: Norwegian Cruise Line presents its 2027/28 Northern Hemisphere winter sailings, with 320 additional voyages focused on the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Mexican Riviera. 

Photo credit: NCL. Norwegian Viva in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Sailing standouts

Two ships homeport in San Juan

Two of NCL’s newest ships will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, offering week-long voyages to the Southern Caribbean. 

From 13 November 2027 through 22 April 2028, Norwegian Prima will feature Saturday turnarounds and seven-day itineraries calling at Road Town (Tortola), British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St Lucia; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; and St Thomas, US Virgin Islands. 

Norwegian Viva will operate Sunday turnarounds from 14 November 2027 through 23 January 2028, with more south-bound seven-day voyages, including calls in Aruba and Curaçao.

Florida Homeports 

With seven ships departing from homeports across Florida, guests can choose from a variety of itineraries sailing to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. Many of these itineraries include a stop at NCL’s private destination in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. 

From Miami, the ‘Cruise Capital of the World’, Norwegian Joy will feature three and four-day Bahamas escapes between November 2027 and April 2028, while Norwegian Jewel presents a mix of 10 and 11-day voyages to the Southern Caribbean and Panama Canal from November 2027 through January 2028. 

Departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Norwegian Aqua will operate seven-day Western Caribbean cruises every Sunday from October 2027 through April 2028, visiting the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Mexico, and Great Stirrup Cay. 

November 2027 through March 2028, Norwegian Breakaway offers a mix of shorter four- and five-day Bahamas and Caribbean voyages, and Norwegian Epic sails seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries departing on Fridays.

On 19 November 2027, Norwegian Dawn will return to Jacksonville, Florida, and kick off her second season from JAXPORT. Through April 2028, the ship will sail four and five-day Bahamas itineraries calling at Freeport, Nassau, and Great Stirrup Cay.

(Source: NCL)

Tourism Malaysia appoints new Director General

By
Newsdesk
-

PUTRAJAYA, 22 DECEMBER 2025: The Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) has appointed YBrs Encik Mohd Amirul Rizal bin Abdul Rahim as the new Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, effective 8 December 2025.

He replaces YBhg Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, who retired on 6 December 2025. The appointment was made by YB Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. 

Mohd Amirul Rizal, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

Mohd Amirul Rizal holds a Master’s Degree in Tourism Management from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). He began his career with Tourism Malaysia in 2002 and has since held various portfolios in the country’s tourism marketing and promotion.

He previously served in the Research Division before assuming the positions of Director of Tourism Malaysia Terengganu State Office, and Director of Tourism Malaysia, Seoul, South Korea Overseas Office, in 2008. 

He has also served in the Domestic Promotion and Events Division and the International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa), and most recently as Senior Director of the Advertising & Digital Division. In addition, he served as Head of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) Secretariat.

With 23 years of experience in tourism marketing and promotion, he is well-positioned to strengthen the country’s tourism industry and establish Malaysia as a leading global tourism destination ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

(Source: Tourism Malaysia)

SCAT boosts Central Asia–Thailand connectivity

By
Newsdesk
-

BANGKOK, 22 December 2025: The Tourism Authority of Thailand welcomed SCAT Airlines’ new twice-weekly Shymkent–Bangkok service last week, establishing direct air connectivity between Thailand and Kazakhstan.

The press launch was attended by Margulan Baimuhan, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Thailand; Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, America, Middle East, and Africa; and Nikolay Buryakov, Commercial Director of SCAT Airlines.

Margulan Baimuhan, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Thailand; Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, America, Middle East, and Africa; and Nikolay Buryakov, Commercial Director of SCAT Airlines.

Chiravadee noted that Central Asia is recognised as a high-potential market for Thailand, supported by favourable travel conditions, including Thailand’s tourist visa exemption, which allows stays of up to 30 days with the option to extend to 60 days.

SCAT Airlines operates the Shymkent–Bangkok service twice weekly using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 176 seats in an all-economy configuration. 

Flight schedule

Flights depart Shymkent (CIT) on Monday and Thursday and return from Bangkok (BKK) on Tuesday and Friday. Flight time is six hours and 25 minutes.

DV469 departs Shymkent 2020 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 0430. (Monday, Thursday).
DV470 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 0540 and arrives in Shymkent (CIT) at 1005. (Tuesday, Friday). 

The new Shymkent–Bangkok route complements existing Thailand–Kazakhstan air links, including scheduled services by Air Astana and SCAT Airlines from Almaty and Astana to Bangkok and Phuket, as well as AirAsia services from Almaty to Bangkok. This expanded network enhances travel choice while supporting access to Thailand’s key gateways.

Kazakhstan remains an important source market for Thailand. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand welcomed approximately 50,000 to 60,000 Kazakh tourists annually. The market rebounded strongly after the pandemic, with 172,489 visitors in 2023 (189% year-on-year increase) and 195,089 in 2024 (13.10% increase).

From 1 January to 14 December 2025, Thailand recorded 152,783 visitors from Kazakhstan. Growth has been supported by expanded scheduled and charter flights, eased visa access, sustained market development efforts and continued interest in Thailand as a long-haul leisure destination.

SCAT Airlines has continued to expand its international network in recent years, adding more thann10 destinations across Asia and Europe in 2025. Operating from its hub at Shymkent International Airport, the Shymkent–Bangkok service should further strengthen travel flows, cultural exchange and economic ties between Thailand and Kazakhstan.

(Source: TAT)

WTTC relocates HQ from London to Madrid

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 22 December 2025: After 35 years headquartered in London, the World Travel & Tourism Council confirmed it will relocate its “Global Office” to Madrid, Spain, in 2026, marking a “reshaping year” for the organisation.

Five destinations expressed interest in hosting the Global Office – Dubai (UAE), France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland – with the evaluation criteria based on six crucial areas: Office rental and operating costs; the tax, incentives and competitive environment; fast-track visas and work permit frameworks in the destination; government support; cost of living to attract and retain talent; and proximity to international organisations.

Photo credit: WTTC: Time up for London as WTTC opts to move HQ to Madrid.

The decision to select Madrid was endorsed by all 17 members of WTTC’s Operating Committee, following a comprehensive assessment of WTTC’s long-term strategic and operational needs, and was announced on 18 December. The move to Madrid is likely to take place during Q1 2026.

Members agreed that Madrid offered the most attractive option due to the city’s competitiveness, a more favourable tax environment, government support, easier visa processing for employees and overall lower operating costs. 

Brexit-related challenges, such as constraints on talent mobility, have made the UK less attractive to WTTC as it seeks to build its leadership position.

Establishing an office in Spain (Madrid) gives WTTC immediate access to a significantly broader and more diverse talent pool, encompassing nearly 350 million qualified professionals across the region, as well as proximity to international organisations, enabling structured collaboration.

The city was also selected for its strong international connectivity via Madrid-Barajas Airport, a competitive business environment, government incentives, synergies with international organisations in the sector, such as UNWTO, and alignment with WTTC’s global mission. The new office will form a central part of WTTC’s worldwide network, supporting its highly respected advocacy, research and member engagement activities across the globe.

WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre commented: “The unanimous decision to establish our Global Office in Spain (Madrid) reflects a clear view among the Operating Committee about what WTTC needs to succeed in the years ahead. This move ensures we operate more efficiently, deliver greater value to our members, access the best global talent, and maintain a truly international outlook, with strong support from the Spanish government. 2026 will be a year in which we will reshape WTTC, so it is focused on its members, stronger research capability and deeper government advocacy in the travel and tourism sector.”

(Source: WTTC)

Bali hotels elect team leaders

By
Newsdesk
-

BALI, 22 December 2025: The Bali Hotels Association held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) earlier this month, confirming the appointment of a new chair and vice chair for 2026.

BHA members representing 171 hotels in Bali attended the association’s Annual General Meeting. They endorsed the newly elected Chair, Fransiska Handoko, General Manager of Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali and Vice Chair, Simona Chimenti, General Manager of The Pavilions Bali.

The newly elected Chair, Fransiska Handoko, General Manager of Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali and Vice Chair, Simona Chimenti, General Manager of The Pavilions Bali

They assume leadership of the association from the outgoing Chair, Franklyn Kocek, General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Seminyak.

The newly elected Chair, Fransiska Handoko, is no stranger to the association’s business. She served as Chair of BHA in 2022, becoming the association’s first female chairperson. 

Following her appointment as head of the association, she emphasised the importance of aligning hotels with evolving tourism regulations and sustainable practices, with a focus on promoting sustainability, strengthening hotel-government relations, and supporting responsible tourism across Bali’s hospitality industry.

“It is a privilege to serve once again as Chair of BHA. In 2026, we will strengthen our commitment to sustainable hospitality, empower local talent, and accelerate initiatives that help our industry adapt to changing global expectations. Together with our members, we will continue elevating Bali as a leader in responsible and culturally rooted tourism,” Fransiska stated.

Looking ahead under the leadership of the newly appointed Chair and Vice Chair, the association will prioritise strategic partnerships, innovation-led growth, and initiatives that reinforce Bali’s reputation as a premier global destination.

BHA’s guiding principle, “Hospitality with Purpose,” continues to reflect its dedication to tourism that is culturally respectful, environmentally responsible, and economically beneficial to the island and its communities. The association remains a trusted voice for the hospitality industry and an essential resource for travellers to Bali.

(Source: BHA)

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