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ITB Berlin: Langkawi refreshes destination narrative
BERLIN, 6 March 2026: Langkawi is redefining how it presents itself to the world, unveiling a refreshed destination positioning at ITB Berlin 2026 that reflects the island’s evolving role within the global travel landscape.
An archipelago of 99 islands off Malaysia’s northwest coast, Langkawi has long been recognised for its natural beauty, biodiversity and geological heritage. Through this renewed destination narrative, the island is sharpening how it introduces these strengths to international audiences.
In 2025, Langkawi recorded 3.2 million visitor arrivals, generating RM8.3 billion in tourism-related revenue. That same year, the island welcomed 370,395 visitors from the UK and Europe, reaffirming the continued importance of long-haul markets within Langkawi’s tourism mix. Europe remains a core source market for the destination, supported by growing interest from emerging regions driven by demand for slower travel, longer stays and experience-rich itineraries.
A broader expression of the destination
Langkawi’s refreshed brand positioning reflects the island’s ability to serve a wide range of travel needs within a single destination. From luxury and wellness experiences to long-stay travel, remote working lifestyles and independent exploration, Langkawi offers choice without sacrificing its natural character. Experiences unfold across varied landscapes. Rainforest paths traverse lowland areas and rise toward elevated terrain, while mangrove networks provide quiet routes for exploration by boat or kayak. Panoramic viewpoints at the Langkawi SkyCab and Sky Bridge offer sweeping views across the island and sea.
International recognition continues to evolve, with Langkawi ranked second among the Top Islands in Asia in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.
Langkawi’s destination story is closely tied to its natural systems and geological past. Surrounding waters support marine life shaped by mangroves and reefs, with dolphins frequently sighted along the coast. Recent years have also recorded increased turtle nesting and sightings of Bryde’s whales, reflecting the vitality of the island’s marine environment.
On land, Langkawi is home to more than 200 bird species, including the Oriental Pied Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill and the rare Great Hornbill. Beneath this biodiversity lie some of Southeast Asia’s oldest rock formations, where ancient fossils reveal the island’s deep geological history.
Ongoing research by Malaysian scientists continues to uncover new species, reinforcing Langkawi’s status as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Guided by the principles of conservation and low-impact development, tourism growth across the island is shaped by environmental stewardship, responsible resort design, and community-based initiatives — aligning with global travellers’ expectations for sustainability-led destinations.
At ITB Berlin, Langkawi engaged with international media, travel trade and industry partners to explore long-term collaborations that support meaningful storytelling, sustained visibility and responsible growth for the destination in the years ahead.
About Naturally Langkawi
Naturally, Langkawi is a story 550 million years in the making. It has a nature that is beautifully unique, wonderfully rare, and vastly accessible. It envelopes the 99 islands and the people who live there, creating a culture rich with stories as unique as the archipelago itself.
A land steeped with captivating legends, myths and folklore as interesting as the people who tell them.
It is a place full of diverse, incredible experiences where moments become memories, naturally.
For more information on Langkawi and its attractions, visit: Naturally Langkawi.
(Source: Your Stories — Naturally Langkawi).
Slow travel to the Himalayas pauses in Pokhara
BANGKOK, 6 March 2026: As travellers increasingly seek slower, more meaningful ways to experience destinations, Centara Hotels & Resorts introduces a new gateway to the Himalayas with the opening of Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection, its first property in Nepal.
Set in the hills above Pokhara, the resort offers an alternative to high-intensity Himalayan travel — inviting guests to slow down, stay rooted in one place, and experience Nepal through everyday life, seasonal rhythms and a deep connection to landscape.
A tranquil base above Pokhara
Located in the peaceful village of Kaskikot, approximately 35 minutes from Pokhara, Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara is surrounded by sweeping views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Rather than positioning itself as a staging point for constant movement, the resort is designed as a calm base — a place to pause, observe and engage with the Himalayas at an unhurried pace.
With direct access to the Sarangkot Loop Trail, guests are encouraged to explore gradually, returning each day to a sense of stillness shaped by mountain light, village life and open skies.
Walking Through Living Culture
Village walks along the Sarangkot Loop Trail form the heart of the resort’s destination-led experiences. Guided routes pass through Chhetri, Bahun and Gurung communities, where daily life continues to be shaped by agriculture, family routines and long-held traditions.
Depending on the season, guests may encounter rice planting in June and July, local harvest cycles, or informal moments of village life — from morning prayers to shared meals. Curated home visits offer opportunities for genuine interaction, including traditional tika blessings and conversations that unfold naturally, without performance or staging.
History encountered in context
Kaskikot holds an important place in Nepal’s history. The area is home to the revered Gupta Kali Temple and the ruins of a former palace associated with the Shah dynasty, which unified Nepal and ruled for nearly 240 years.
Rather than presenting history as a checklist of sights, the resort facilitates access that allows guests to encounter heritage as part of daily life. Local festivals, including Dashain celebrations featuring traditional sword-fight performances, continue to preserve this legacy and can be experienced respectfully through community-led introductions.
A Gentle Approach to the Himalayas
From Pokhara, guests can also connect to Nepal’s iconic landscapes without rushing. The Annapurna Base Camp trek remains one of the region’s most celebrated routes, valued for its changing scenery and cultural depth as much as for its physical challenge.
The trail sits within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), where community-led conservation ensures trekking is responsibly managed — aligning naturally with a slower, more considered approach to Himalayan exploration.
For those seeking perspective rather than endurance, Pokhara also offers paragliding over Phewa Lake and ultralight flights that reveal the scale and serenity of the Annapurna range from above, best enjoyed during the clearest months of October, November, March and April.
A Himalayan hideaway rooted in place
Part of The Centara Collection, Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara features 42 rooms, suites and villas designed to reflect the surrounding environment through warm wooden tones and subtle Nepali design elements. Wellness facilities, destination-inspired dining and curated experiences reinforce the resort’s role as a place to slow down and reconnect — with nature, culture and self.
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Warm, Nepali-inspired interiors and outdoor spaces designed for rest and reconnection.
With this opening, Centara expands into one of South Asia’s most compelling regions, offering travellers a more grounded, human, and unhurried way to experience the Himalayas.
A new gateway to Nepal
As global travel shifts toward depth over speed, Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara introduces a new way into Nepal — one shaped not by distance covered, but by moments noticed, conversations shared, and landscapes experienced at their natural rhythm.
For more information or to book, visit: https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/the-centara-collection/hhn.
(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)
JLL advises on Compass Hotel Nagoya sale
TOKYO, 6 March 2026: JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group announced earlier this week that it has advised on the sale of the Compass Hotel Nagoya, owned by Nagoya Hotel Investments TMK, to ES-CON JAPAN REIT Investment Corporation for a total consideration of JPY4.4 billion.
Opened in 2019, the Compass Hotel Nagoya is an urban-type hotel with 130 rooms, located in the Nagoya Station area, a gateway and economic hub of the Chukyo region.
The area continues to undergo urban enhancement and redevelopment, offering exceptional accessibility for both domestic and international travellers, including tourists and business users alike.
“Nagoya offers both geographical advantages, being close to popular tourist destinations such as the Ise region and Takayama in Gifu, and a strong economic base supported by major companies such as Toyota Motor Corporation.
This unique combination attracts both leisure and business travellers,” said JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group Managing Director, Investment Sales Japan, James Abe.
“Furthermore, with upcoming major events like the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, as well as strong draws such as Ghibli Park and LEGOLAND Japan, along with expectations surrounding the Maglev (Linear) train opening, investor interest in Nagoya’s hotel market is expected to remain robust.”
(Source: JLL)
Attacks in the Gulf threaten oil price stability
BANGKOK, 6 March 2026: The immediate concern is not panic, but price. If oil remains below USD115 a barrel, the impact on Thailand and its regional neighbours should be manageable.
If it moves decisively above that level and stays there, the economic consequences will become harder to contain.
BANGKOK, 6 March 2026: Thailand is particularly exposed as a net importer of energy. Higher oil prices quickly filter through transport costs, food prices, aviation fuel, and household expenses. The result is pressure on inflation, margins and consumer confidence at a time when economic recovery remains uneven.
This is not a Thailand-only issue. Across Southeast Asia, higher energy costs affect logistics, airlines and manufacturing. In Northeast Asia, Japan and South Korea face similar challenges due to their reliance on imported fuel.
Australia and New Zealand, while resource-rich in parts, are highly sensitive to fuel costs in aviation, given the long distances involved in regional and long-haul travel.
Stock markets across the Asia-Pacific region have already become volatile. Energy stocks have strengthened, while airlines, transport and tourism-related shares have come under pressure. Investors are increasingly defensive, watching central banks closely as energy-driven inflation risks complicate interest rate policy.
Travel is where the impact becomes most visible. Short-haul and intra-Asia routes are likely to prove more resilient, supported by strong regional demand and competitive carriers. Long-haul travel between Asia, Oceania, Europe, the Americas and Canada is more vulnerable, as fuel costs make thin-margin routes harder to sustain without higher fares.
Thailand’s tourism sector is better positioned than in previous crises, with diversified source markets and strong regional traffic. However, prolonged high oil prices would eventually push up airfares, dampen discretionary travel, and slow momentum into 2026.
Gold prices have risen as investors seek safe havens amid uncertainty. While this reflects heightened risk awareness, sustainability depends on how long tensions persist. If oil prices stabilise and supply fears ease, gold’s rally may lose momentum. If instability deepens, further gains are possible. For now, Thailand’s response remains pragmatic and calm.
Key points shaping the outlook
• Oil prices are the critical variable, with USD115 a barrel seen as a key threshold
• Inflation risks rise quickly when fuel costs remain elevated
• Intra-Asia travel is more resilient than long-haul aviation
• Airlines face margin pressure if fuel costs stay high
• Equity markets remain volatile, favouring defensive sectors
• Gold reflects uncertainty, not necessarily long-term conviction
The hope across the region is that current energy shocks prove temporary. Thailand, like its neighbours, has lived through similar cycles before. If prices stabilise and shipping routes remain open, the economic impact should be containable. If not, the effects will be felt not only in markets and balance sheets, but in everyday travel, costs, and confidence.
About the author
Andrew J Wood is a respected travel, tourism and hospitality commentator with over three decades of experience in the Asia Pacific. Based in Thailand, he has worked across hotel operations, airline strategy and destination marketing, and is a regular contributor on regional tourism, aviation and economic trends.
ITA Airways expands summer season network
ROME, 6 March 2026: ITA Airways will increase flights to Germany during the summer season 2026, offering 47 weekly frequencies between the two countries, the airline announced this week at ITB Berlin.
Flights will connect Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg with ITA’s hubs at Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate.
During the upcoming summer season, ITA Airways will operate flights to 72 destinations, including 19 domestic, 36 international, and 17 intercontinental, with 12 seasonal routes (three domestic and nine international) serving the Italian, Greek, and Spanish islands.
ITA Airways will also resume flights to London Heathrow (LHR). The new connection from Rome Fiumicino to the British capital will offer a twice-daily service.
The new intercontinental flight to Houston, US, will also begin on 1 May 2026, the first direct connection between Rome Fiumicino and the Texas state capital. ITA will fly three weekly services, increasing to five in June. Houston is ITA Airways’ ninth destination in the North American market, further strengthened by an increase in weekly frequencies to Miami, from seven to nine starting in June.
The summer schedule features new direct flights from Rome Fiumicino to Malaga, Valencia and Marseille, as well as an increase of seven weekly flights to Tunis between June and September, in addition to seasonal connections between Olbia and Turin and between Olbia and Genoa, both operating in August with one weekly frequency on Saturdays.
ITA Airways continues its integration into the Lufthansa Group, which includes 63 projects aimed at generating benefits, including increased revenues and reduced costs.
Since the launch of operations in October 2021, ITA Airways has expanded its fleet from 52 aircraft to 106 Airbus aircraft, 72% of which are next-generation models, with an average age of 6.3 years.
(Source: ITA Airways)
Buy a fare and the chance to win gold
SINGAPORE, 6 March 2026: Vietjet invites international travellers to discover Vietnam’s vibrant festivals showcasing its rich cultural heritage and festive street scenes with its special promotion, “Fly Vietjet, Strike Gold,” running until 19 May 2026.
As part of the campaign, passengers stand to win prizes, including a grand prize of one bar of gold (1.2 oz), weekly gold and silver rewards, and e-vouchers for future travel.
For more details, check Vietjet’s website: www.vietjetair.com.
To celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March, Vietjet is also offering up to 83% off Eco fares (excludes taxes and fees).
Travellers can apply promo code SALE83 when booking via the airline’s website or the Vietjet Air mobile app. The booking window closes on 8 March 2026, for travel between 1 April and 31 December 2026 (Travel periods may vary by route, blackout dates apply, and public holidays are excluded).
Vietjet Commercial Director Ha Nang Viet said: “Through the ‘Fly Vietjet, Strike Gold’ campaign, we aim to offer accessible travel while sharing the spirit of optimism, prosperity and good fortune with passengers around the world.”
Following the Lunar New Year season, March to May is an especially rewarding time to explore Vietnam, with Ideal weather across the country, from the far north mountains of Sapa to the beaches of Phu Quoc island in the south.
Vietjet’s extensive Asia-Pacific network makes Vietnam more convenient and accessible for spring getaways, family visits, or business trips.
Singapore travellers can fly to Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc, unlocking easy access to Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, natural wonders, and dynamic food scene.
(Source: Vietjet)
PG reports 2025 performance
BANGKOK, 6 March 2026: Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited (PG) reported its 2025 annual operating results last week, confirming an operating profit of THB5,589.2 million, an improvement of THB135.6 million or 2.5% over 2024
Higher revenues from airports and related businesses mainly drove the increase, up 11.6% and 10.9%, respectively, compared with 2024.
In its executive summary filed with the Stock Exchange of Thailand on 27 February, the company reported a net profit of THB3,549.2 million, with earnings per share of THB1.69.
On international routes, passenger numbers declined due to geopolitical tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. The majority of passenger revenue came from the company’s website and direct connect systems. The company’s average passenger load factor was 76.1%, down 4.2 percentage points from 2024.
Meanwhile, the company’s total expenses increased by 0.4%, primarily due to higher administrative expenses and foreign exchange losses. Consequently, the company recorded profit before income tax of THB4,343.1 million and a net profit of THB3,580.3 million.
Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited President and CEO Puttipong Prasarttongosoth stated in the SET report that during its fiscal year ending 31 December 2025, the company served 4.2 million passengers, a 2.5% decrease from the previous year. The passenger load factor stood at 76.1% while domestic passengers accounted for 88.7% of all passenger traffic. The proportion of international passengers decreased due to the impact of geopolitical conflicts.
QT4 2025 standouts
However, in QT4 2025, which is Thailand’s peak tourist season, the company increased flights on popular routes such as Bangkok–Samui, Bangkok–Krabi, and Bangkok–Trat. Passengers in the fourth quarter reached 1 million, a decrease of 3.1%, with an average passenger load factor of 76.1%
The company returned one Airbus aircraft upon completion of the lease agreement, necessitating the optimisation of seat capacity to align with its network strategy and profitability. In October 2025, the PG discontinued the Bangkok–Lampang route, following the termination of the Lampang–Mae Hong Son route in July 2025. As a result, total seat capacity in the QT4 2025 decreased by 5.1% compared with 2024.
Operating profit for QT4 2025 was THB 823.7 million, an increase of 7.1%, and net profit was THB 441.5 million.
Puttipong concluded that despite challenges from the slowdown in tourism and geopolitical factors in 2025, “Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited maintained its profitability, aided by fleet restructuring, strategic investments, and upgrades to sustainability standards, thereby strengthening its long-term resilience.”
(Source: Bangkok Airways report SET)
Singapore welcomes Disney Adventure
SINGAPORE, 6 March 2026: Disney Cruise Line celebrated a landmark occasion as the Disney Adventure arrived at its new home port of Singapore earlier this week.
As the cruise ship docked at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore, the skies lit up with a dazzling array of fireworks, marking the start of an extraordinary new chapter in Southeast Asia’s cruise market.
The Disney Adventure will set sail on her maiden voyage from Singapore on 10 March 2026, with three- and four-night sailings.
“The arrival of the Disney Adventure in Singapore marks a significant milestone in our global expansion, introducing Disney cruising to Asia for the very first time,” said Disney Signature Experiences president Joe Schott. “Honouring Disney Cruise Line’s legacy of unforgettable journeys, our newest ship brings together our signature storytelling and creativity in an exciting new destination.”
The arrival of the Disney Adventure is part of an unprecedented period of growth for Disney Experiences as the cruise line targets a 13-ship fleet by 2031, following the debuts of Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny over the last two years.
Singapore’s position as Asia Pacific’s leading cruise hub is anchored by comprehensive air links with direct flights from over 160 cities and world-class cruise infrastructure, including the recently expanded Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore.
In 2025, Singapore’s cruise industry grew, achieving over 2 million passenger throughput from 375 ship calls. The Disney Adventure’s five-year homeporting commitment marks a major milestone to catalyse fly-cruise demand and capture a significant share of the region’s rapidly expanding cruise audience. The ship is expected to generate substantial economic impact across the tourism and maritime sectors while reinforcing Singapore’s role as a leading cruise hub in the Asia Pacific.
Singapore Tourism Board Chief Executive Melissa Ow said: “Disney Cruise Line’s decision to homeport their newest ship in Singapore is a testament to our appeal as a premier cruise destination. Singapore’s repertoire of compelling onshore tourism experiences is a fitting complement to the Disney Adventure’s unique entertainment-led vacation at sea. The Disney Adventure’s arrival brings us a step closer towards realising our Tourism 2040 vision to drive quality tourism growth. Together with Disney Cruise Line, we’re excited to bring magical experiences to travellers from around the world.”
The Disney Adventure will offer seven different themed areas for guests to enjoy and explore onboard, with itineraries designed to entertain guests for multiple days at sea.
In addition to its international F&B offerings, the ship features 17,000 square feet of retail space. Several retail experiences on the Disney Adventure are new to the Disney Cruise Line fleet, including the World of Disney store, National Geographic Store, and the Duffy and Friends Shop. Entertainment highlights onboard include the all-new musical spectacular, ‘Remember’, developed exclusively for the Disney Adventure; as well as shows like ‘Duffy and the Friend Ship’, which will feature original tunes and songs; as well as thrilling Marvel-themed attractions like the Ironcycle Test Run – the longest roller coaster at sea.
(Source: Disney Cruise Line)
Gulf airports struggle to reopen
DUBAI, 6 March 2026: The aviation situation in the Persian Gulf remains highly volatile due to the regional conflict, resulting in the suspension of all commercial flights or restricting them to emergency repatriation efforts at all major airports, with one exception, Muscat, Oman.
While some airports are technically “open,” regular commercial schedules are largely suspended or restricted to emergency repatriation efforts.
Muscat, Oman, remains open and is the most stable transit point. It has become a critical “southern bypass” for international traffic. However, its “open” status comes with major regional caveats.
Key details for travellers
Repatriation priority: If flights land or depart from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, they are most likely repatriation flights for stranded travellers.
Airlines are contacting passengers directly and advising travellers not to head to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking and have been told to do so. Here is the latest update on operations at two airports in Dubai, and airports in Abu Dhabi and Doha, Qatar. Limited flights are operating from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Muscat, Oman, is open to flights.
Qatar Airways began operating limited relief flights from 5 March to support passengers stranded across the region due to the current situation. The following services were scheduled: Flights from Muscat to London Heathrow, Berlin, Copenhagen, Madrid, Rome, and Amsterdam; a flight from Riyadh to Frankfurt.
Airport status
Here is the current status for the major hubs:
| Airport | Current Status | Reopening / Resumption Notes |
| Dubai (DXB/DWC) | Limited Resumption | Only “limited operations” for stranded passengers began on 2 March. Emirates has cancelled all scheduled flights through at least midnight on 7 March. |
| Abu Dhabi (AUH) | Limited Resumption | Only “limited operations” for stranded passengers began on 2 March. Emirates has cancelled all scheduled flights through at least midnight on 7 March. |
| Doha (DOH) | Suspended | Etihad has suspended scheduled commercial flights until at least 1400 on 6 March. Currently only operating select evacuation/repatriation flights. |
| Riyadh (RUH), Saudi Arabia | Operational | Remains open and active, though with significant cancellations (roughly 10 to 15%) and delays mainly on routes that must cross restricted northern airspace. |
| Kuwait (KWI) | Highly Restricted | Most commercial movements are currently suspended or diverted. |
Airspace closures: The main hurdle isn’t just the airports themselves, but also airspace closures, restrictions, and the validity of aviation insurance coverage for flights passing through the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain.
This has forced even operational airports like Riyadh to cancel routes that would normally pass through these zones.
Airline policies: Emirates and Etihad offer free rebooking for dates up to 20 March or full refunds. Qatar Airways offers date changes for bookings through 10 March.
Muscat: A more stable transit point
Oman (MCT): Currently, it remains one of the more stable transit points in the region, with Oman Air continuing to operate schedules where airspace permits.
While airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha face severe suspensions, Muscat has become a critical “southern bypass” for international traffic. However, its “open” status comes with major regional caveats.
Key advice for travellers
Check in early: Because Muscat is handling diverted traffic and bypass routes, the airport is busier than usual. Arrive at least four hours before international departures.
Airspace risks: While Omani airspace is open, some international regulators (like France’s DGAC) have advised their airlines to avoid the area due to “spillover risks” from regional tensions.
Transit warning: If you are transiting through Muscat to destinations like London or Bangkok, your flight is likely on time. If you are transiting to a neighbouring Gulf city (such as Dubai), your second leg is likely to be cancelled.
Flight operations status
International routes: Most long-haul flights to Europe, Asia, and Africa are operating as scheduled, though many are experiencing delays due to longer flight paths to avoid closed airspace.
Oman Air and SalamAir: Both national carriers are maintaining the majority of their networks.
Regional closures: Even though the airport is open, flights to several specific destinations are cancelled because the destination airspace is closed.
Cancellations to and from Muscat (4–6 March 2026)
Oman Air has officially cancelled all flights to the following cities through at least 6 March:
- UAE: Dubai (DXB)
- Qatar: Doha (DOH)
- Kuwait: Kuwait City (KWI)
- Saudi Arabia: Dammam (DMM)
- Other: Bahrain (BAH), Amman (AMM), Baghdad (BGW), and Copenhagen (CPH).
Warning: Security advisories from the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) currently designate the region as “high risk.” Flight status is changing hourly.
(Source: Airline travel advisories)
