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STB wins best booth creative award at MIDE 2026

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Your Stories
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KUALA LUMPUR, 10 June 2026: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) successfully concluded its participation at the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) 2026 with a strong achievement, winning 3rd Place for the Best Booth Creative Award at the 20th anniversary edition of Malaysia’s premier dive exhibition.

Held from 5 to 7 June 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, MIDE 2026 was themed “Forged by the Ocean — Two Decades of Passion, Purpose and Protection”. The theme united dive industry professionals, marine tourism stakeholders, conservation advocates and travel trade partners to strengthen collaboration and advance regional dive tourism development.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) CEO, Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor proudly receives the 3rd Place Best Booth Creative Award during the 20th-anniversary edition of the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) 2026, held at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur. 

The recognition reflects STB’s continued efforts to elevate Sarawak’s presence in the regional marine and dive tourism sector through a creative and engaging destination showcase. Sarawak’s marine tourism offerings were highlighted through its rich underwater attractions, including the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park, the pristine waters of Kuching and Sematan, Satang Islands, and historic World War II shipwreck dive sites, all of which continue to form key pillars of Sarawak’s marine tourism portfolio under Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).

Marine and dive tourism remain an important niche segment for Sarawak as we continue to diversify our tourism offerings and strengthen our presence in key international markets.

Our participation at MIDE 2026 provided valuable opportunities to reconnect with industry stakeholders, reinforce strategic partnerships, and showcase Sarawak’s unique underwater experiences to both trade partners and dive enthusiasts,” said Sarawak Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor.

Industry representatives and Sarawak-based dive operators engage directly with travel trade partners and dive enthusiasts at the Sarawak Pavilion during MIDE 2026. 

STB’s participation at the Sarawak Pavilion, located at Booth A010–A012, successfully showcased the destination under the brand identity “Sarawak – More to Discover”, while serving as a dedicated platform for engagement with both trade partners and dive enthusiasts.

Throughout the three-day expo, the Sarawak Pavilion attracted strong visitor engagement through immersive destination video screenings, visual showcases of Sarawak’s underwater landscapes, and promotional activities designed to sustain visitor interest and highlight the state’s marine tourism offerings. 

The booth’s creative presentation and destination storytelling contributed to STB being recognised with the 3rd Place Best Booth Creative Award at MIDE 2026.

The participation also facilitated meaningful business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) interactions, enabling Sarawak-based dive operators to connect directly with international buyers, travel agents, and dive enthusiasts, while generating new business leads and exploring future collaboration opportunities, including joint promotions and familiarisation (FAM) trips.

STB strengthened its industry engagement through networking sessions with key dive operators and tourism stakeholders, further reinforcing strategic relationships within the marine tourism sector.

The participation at MIDE 2026 further underscores STB’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, highlighting the importance of protecting marine ecosystems while promoting responsible diving experiences that ensure the long-term preservation of Sarawak’s underwater heritage.

Overall, STB’s participation at MIDE 2026 successfully strengthened destination visibility, enhanced industry engagement, earned recognition for creative booth presentation, and reinforced Sarawak’s

positioning as a premier dive destination in Southeast Asia.

For more information, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board. 

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

TAT presents Amazing Thailand Grand Sale

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 10 June 2026: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) presents the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 throughout June to August, inviting international tourists to discover Thai brands and creative tourism experiences.

Commenting at the official launch, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said: “The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 is designed to make Thai brands a living expression of Thailand’s creativity, from fashion and craft to lifestyle and community products. When a purchase carries a story of place and people, it extends the journey beyond the trip and creates lasting value for Thailand.”

Photo credit: TAT.

The campaign turns Thailand’s seasonal shopping promotion into a broader travel experience, with curated privileges and activities that encourage visitors to explore products and services rooted in local character. TAT expects the campaign to support Thai entrepreneurs, strengthen spending across the visitor journey, and generate more than THB700 billion in economic circulation.

The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 features four main activities for travellers. 

Go Shop Get Bag: Travellers spending THB2,000 or more per receipt at participating businesses can register online and redeem a shopping bag at designated points. 

Once Shop One Prize: Registered shoppers have the chance to win prizes, including an electric vehicle and travel packages valued at more than THB1 million. 

Shop On Top: 10 limited-edition Thai brand prizes worth more than THB200,000 for shoppers who record their purchases online. 

Top Seller: Participating businesses that achieve campaign sales targets, with Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards based on accumulated sales of THB10 million, THB5 million, THB3 million, and THB500,000.

Travellers can also receive privileges and discount codes through the campaign website for immediate use at participating shopping centres, department stores, duty-free retailers, credit card providers, an online shopping platform, hotels, resorts, and spas.

Participating businesses include Central Group, The Mall Group, Siam Piwat, One Bangkok, MBK Center, Pantip at Ngamwongwan, MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center, Diana Complex, Jungceylon, Terminal 21, Asiatique The Riverfront, King Power Duty Free, CP Axtra, Gateway Ekamai, Lasalle Avenue, Phoenix Pratunam, Mastercard, Visa Thailand, UnionPay, Shopee, Sri panwa Phuket Luxury Pool Villa Hotel, Baba Beach Club Hua Hin, The Sukosol Bangkok, The Nimman Hotel, AVA Hotel Udon Thani, Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort, and Fah Lanna Spa.

(Source: TAT)

AirAsia X embarks on crisis counselling partnership

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Newsdesk
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SEPANG, 10 June 2026: AirAsia X (AirAsia Group)* has formalised a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Board of Counsellors Malaysia (BOC), also known as Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia, reinforcing its commitment to emergency preparedness, psychosocial support capabilities, and safety resilience across its regional network.

Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate in areas including emergency response preparedness, deployment of registered counsellors during crises, psychosocial first aid (PFA), disaster response exercises, and specialised training programmes for AirAsia Group personnel.

​[L-R] YBrs. Tuan Haji Sadli Bin Osman, Registrar & Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Board of Counsellors; Yang Berhormat Puan Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development; Captain Suresh Bangah, Group Chief Operations Officer, AirAsia Group & Captain Saravanan Subramaniam, Chief Safety & Quality Officer, AirAsia Group

Through the partnership, BOC will provide trained, registered counsellors to support employees, survivors, victims, and family members affected by emergencies or crises across the group’s operational network. 

The collaboration will also see both parties jointly enhance emergency response protocols and operational readiness through simulation exercises, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and continuous capability development programmes.

 AirAsia Group Group Chief Operations Officer Captain Suresh Bangah said: “Safety and the well-being of our guests have always been at the core of everything we do at AirAsia. This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening not only operational preparedness, but also the human aspect of a crisis response through professional psychosocial support.

“By working together with the Board of Counsellors Malaysia, we are reinforcing our ability to provide timely care, compassion and assistance to affected individuals, families and to our Allstars during challenging situations, while continuing to strengthen our overall emergency response framework across the region.”

As part of the collaboration, AirAsia Group will also facilitate transportation and logistical support for counsellors deployed during emergency response situations, training programmes and simulation exercises across selected destinations within the AirAsia network, enhancing preparedness for Group-related incidents.  

The MOA further reflects both organisations’ shared commitment towards promoting a stronger culture of safety, resilience and preparedness, while ensuring compassionate care remains an integral component of crisis management and humanitarian response.

*The name change from AirAsia X to AirAsia Group Berhad is subject to shareholder approval at the company’s 19th Annual General Meeting and registration by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM).

(Source: AirAsia X)

Cardamom Tented Camp on your canvas

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Newsdesk
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PHNOM PENH, 10 June 2026: CARDAMOM Tented Camp in Cambodia has announced an Artist-in-Residence Programme running from 21 June to 5 July, 2026.

Khmer artist Im Pesey will take up residency at the nature-first tented camp, which is accessible only by river and surrounded by 18,000 hectares of indigenous forest in Botum Sakor national park in the southwest of the country.

Photo credit Cardamom Tented Camp. Art, nature and imagination: (top) a selection of oil on canvas works by Im Pesey; (bottom) Marsha Niemeijer, Cardamom Tented Camp creative setting, and Im Pesey.

The camp is in advanced discussion with two other Khmer artists for residencies later in the year.

All artists in the programme are being invited to reflect on the surrounding nature in their work. 

They will hold at least two workshops with guests during their stay. A dedicated open-air artist’s workspace called the Art Pavilion has been created at the camp.

The inaugural residency with Im Pesey will be entitled “Melody of the Forest.”

The artist said: “Through direct observation and immersion in the camp’s environment, I aim to develop a series of paintings and drawings that translate sensory experiences into expressive visual forms.”

Rather than just creating literal documentation of the forest, Pesey said that his work during the residency will focus on atmosphere and mood, emotional memory and coexistence between humans and nature. While there, Pesey plans to create watercolour paintings, ink-wash studies, mixed-media sketches, and small- to medium-scale paintings.

Workshop participation

Artists will include at least two workshops where guests can join the artist for nature observation and drawing. The workshops are designed for participants of all skill levels.

“We are initially creating the artist-in-residence program for Cambodia-based painters, illustrators, sculptors, filmmakers, researchers, writers and more artists whose work is inspired by themes of nature, conservation and tranquillity,” said the camp’s artist residency director, Marsha Niemeijer.

Niemeijer added: “We want to encourage dialogue between the artist, the environment and our guests and build a dynamic community with creative outcomes inspired by nature.”

The inspiration behind the artist-in-residence programme came, in part, from The Long Run’s 4Cs operational framework for responsible tourism entities. The 4Cs guidelines emphasise cultural goals alongside those of conservation, community, and commerce.

Im Pesey currently shows his work at Phnom Penh’s Gallerist art gallery, which is helping Niemeijer source artists for the residency programme.

Each artist will receive a stipend from Cardamom Tented Camp, accommodation and full board. Artists in the programme will donate at least one artwork created during their stay for permanent display at the camp.

(Source: Cardamom Tented Camp)

Air India and THAI codeshare plans

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Newsdesk
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NEW DELHI, 10 June 2026: Air India and Thai Airways International (THAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier this week to build on their existing interline agreement and boost connectivity between Thailand and India.

The MoU was signed on 07 June 2026 on the sidelines of the ongoing IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Photo credit Air India. AI CEO Campbell Wilson and TG CEO Chai Eamsiri sign MoU.

Air India and THAI intend to enter into a codeshare agreement this year, subject to the requisite regulatory approvals, designed to expand travel options for travellers between India and Thailand and deliver enhanced customer value across their respective networks.

The two Star Alliance member carriers intend to place their respective designator codes (‘AI’ for Air India and ‘TG’ for THAI) on each other’s flights between India and Thailand as well as on select international routes from the two countries, providing their customers with convenient access to several destinations across Asia, North America, and Europe. The specific terms governing the proposed codeshare agreement will be announced in due course.

Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, said: “This MoU with THAI brings together two carriers with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to service excellence. It also supports Air India’s broader ambition to strengthen India’s connectivity with the world, offering our customers more choice and greater value.”

THAI Chief Executive Officer Chai Eamsiri added: “The MoU with Air India marks a meaningful milestone in our strategy to strengthen the regional connectivity and better serve passengers travelling between Thailand, India and destinations beyond.”

(Source: Air India)

Air Astana launches seasonal flights to Cyprus

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 1O June 2026: Air Astana introduced seasonal flights last week from Astana and Almaty  to Larnaca in Cyprus, scheduled until September using Airbus A321LR aircraft.

Flights to Larnaca, Cyprus, from Astana operate twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while flights from Almaty operate on Thursdays and Sundays. 

Photo credit: Air Astana.

Flight time is five hours and 40 minutes from Astana to Larnaca and six hours and five minutes from Almaty to Larnaca.

Larnaca, located on the south-eastern coast of Cyprus, is a finance centre and one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. 

In addition to Cyprus flights this summer, Air Astana will also operate seasonal services to leisure destinations in Turkey, Georgia and Montenegro.

(Source: Air Astana)

Marriott expands its India and Nepal footprint

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Newsdesk
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NEW DELHI, 10 June 2026: Marriott International has signed a landmark agreement with CG Hospitality Global to open three new hotels in South Asia.

The agreement will introduce Marriott’s premium hotel brands to key urban, economic and leisure destinations across Nepal and India.

Left to right: Rahul Chaudhary, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of CG Hospitality Global, Dr Binod Chaudhary, Chairman CG Corp Global & CG Hospitality,
David Marriott, Chairman of the Board, Marriott International Inc, Rajeev Menon, President – APEC, Marriott International &
Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International.

Anticipated to open in 2031 and adding nearly 450 keys to the company’s portfolio, The Ritz-Carlton Kathmandu, The Westin Kathmandu and JW Marriott Hotel Siliguri are poised to become coveted addresses for discerning travellers and residents.

CG Hospitality Global is Nepal’s largest and most diversified multinational conglomerates, with interests spanning hospitality, FMCG, financial services, cement, electric vehicles, telecom, education, infrastructure and real estate, amongst others. 

Headquartered in Nepal CG Hospitality Global shares a strong and growing association with Marriott through multiple hospitality developments across the region, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding world-class hospitality experiences in South Asia.

The Ritz- Carlton, Kathmandu, Nepal

Marking the brand’s debut in Nepal, The Ritz-Carlton, Kathmandu will feature 150 rooms, including 30 suites. The hotel will be located just 5 km from the Tribhuvan International Airport.

The Westin Kathmandu, Nepal

Located just 7 km from Tribhuvan International Airport, the Westin Kathmandu will feature 150 rooms and suites. 

JW Marriott Hotel Siliguri, India

JW Marriott Hotel Siliguri will feature 150  rooms and suites, alongside wellness spaces and will be located just 10 km from Bagdogra Airport. 

The three-property signing is the latest in a series of milestones reflecting the growing association between Marriott and CG Hospitality Global, including the recent 75  signings and 50 open properties for Series by Marriott in under two years. 

Outside of India, CG Hospitality Global and Marriott also opened The Farm at San Benito, Autograph Collection in the Philippines, marking the debut of the Autograph Collection brand in the country, while CG Developers announced JW Marriott Residences at Dubai Islands, Central, Dubai’s first JW Marriott-branded residences.

(Source: JW Marriott)

Delta marks inaugural HKG-LAX flights

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Newsdesk
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HONG KONG, June 10, 2026: Delta Air Lines marked its return to Hong Kong on Monday, inaugurating daily nonstop service to Los Angeles and reconnecting one of Asia’s most important markets with Delta’s premier US West Coast gateway.

Delta’s flight DL89 took off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 2305 on 6 June and arrived at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) at 0505 8 June, to a water cannon salute. 

Photo credit: Delta. A water cannon at the Hong Kong International Airport welcomed DL89.

DL88 took off from Hong Kong for Los Angeles at 0925 on 8 June after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the departure gate, attended by representatives from Delta, the US Consulate General, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and LA Tourism Board.  

“This service marks another step in Delta’s long-term growth across Asia-Pacific, as we expand our network to further serve the evolving needs of our customers,” said Delta’s vice president – Asia Pacific, Jeff Moomaw. “We’re thankful for our partners in Hong Kong and for our customers who choose Delta, and we’re proud to offer an elevated, premium experience throughout their journey.”

Delta’s new nonstop service from Hong Kong to Los Angeles provides more than 30 convenient one-stop connections from LAX.

Flights from Hong Kong to Los Angeles will operate daily on Delta’s Airbus A350-900, featuring four product experiences: Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main.

Delta One Suites offer lie-flat seating with a sliding door, premium bedding and a seasonal chef-curated four-course meal. Delta Premium Select provides wider seats with deeper recline and enhanced amenities for a more spacious and relaxing journey.

Customers flying Delta One receive exclusive access to the new Delta One Lounge at LAX, offering nearly 200 seats, a rotating chef-curated menu, a year-round Sushi bar, a wellness room with full-body massage chairs, and a design aesthetic inspired by the natural and architectural beauty of Southern California. These travelers also benefit from private security at Delta One check-in and dedicated, concierge-style service from curb to gate.

The new route also strengthens Delta Cargo’s transpacific network, creating a vital new air-freight corridor between Hong Kong, the world’s largest air cargo hub, and the US.

This route builds on Delta’s momentum in Los Angeles, where the airline operates as the airport’s largest global carrier with more than 150 peak-day departures to over 50 destinations worldwide.

(Source: Delta)

Metropole wins prestigious Triple Crown

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Newsdesk
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HANOI, 10 June 2026: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, an iconic heritage hotel in Vietnam’s capital, has earned Condé Nast Traveler’s coveted “Triple Crown,” an elite distinction the publication describes as “the most definitive collection of the best hotels in the world.”

The achievement, featured in the magazine’s June 2026 edition, celebrates hotels that have secured all three major honours from Condé Nast Traveler: the Hot List (best new hotels), Gold List (editor favourites) and Readers’ Choice Awards (reader-voted). Only 396 hotels worldwide have achieved the three honours in a single year.

Photo credit: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

“Those who appreciate the finer things from a hotel stay – impeccable service, rich history, and, in this instance, beautiful spaces showcasing a seamless blend of classic French sophistication and Vietnamese heritage – will relish stepping into a bygone era of elegance at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi,” Condé Nast Traveler notes.

Editors praised the hotel’s service as “superb across the board” and its guest rooms as “opulent.” Rooms in the original three-story Heritage Wing “channel 1920s French and Indochine glamour with dark hardwood floors, vintage illustrations and art-deco marble bathrooms,” while those in the seven-story neo-classical Opera Wing are “equally luxurious but slightly more modern, making them popular with families and business travellers.”

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, General Manager George Koumendakos said: “Receiving the Triple Crown from Condé Nast Traveler is a profound honour for our entire team as we celebrate the hotel’s 125th anniversary this year.”

Since first opening its doors in 1901, the Grande Dame of Vietnamese hospitality has witnessed over a century of history. To commemorate this remarkable milestone, the hotel will host a series of exclusive events under the theme “125 Years of a Legend” throughout the year, honouring its extraordinary heritage while embracing a vibrant future as one of Southeast Asia’s most legendary luxury destinations.

(Source: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi)

Grand adventure begins with Centara

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Your Stories
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BANGKOK, 9 June 2026: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, invites travellers to beat the heat and unlock more rewarding stays with its exclusive Your Next Grand Adventure offer, curated for CentaraThe1 members.

Available to book from today until 31 July 2026 for stays until 31 October 2026, members can enjoy increased savings of 20% on all eligible rate plans at Centara hotels and resorts worldwide. From vibrant city retreats and beachfront havens to family-friendly adventures and cultural destinations across Thailand, the Maldives, Japan, and beyond, this limited-time offer opens the door to more memorable travel experiences.

Guests who book direct can elevate their stay even further with exclusive privileges, including 15% savings on drinks, dining, and spa treatments, adding extra indulgence to every moment.

Whether planning a spontaneous romantic getaway or a longer family holiday, CentaraThe1 members can log in to access their exclusive rates. Not yet a member? Sign up for free to take advantage of this global offer and start enjoying more benefits with every stay.

To discover more and plan your next grand adventure, visit: https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/grand-adventure2026.

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

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