MUNICH, 11 May 2026: Singapore Airlines will expand its services between Munich and Singapore, increasing flights from daily to 10 weekly, starting with the winter flight schedule at the end of October 2026.
In addition to the existing daily flights that depart Munich 1230, Singapore Airlines will offer evening flights from Munich Airport on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Evening flights will depart at 2030 and arrive in Singapore the following day at 1515.
Photo credit: Munich Airport.
The airline serves the Singapore-Munich route with an A350-900 aircraft configured with 259 seats.
As Star Alliance members and joint venture partners, Singapore Airlines and the Lufthansa Group will offer 17 weekly connections between Munich and one of Asia’s most important economic and financial hubs.
Munich Airport Senior Vice President Aviation Oliver Dersch said: “We are very pleased that Singapore Airlines is further expanding its commitment to our premium hub in Munich. For our passengers, this means more choices, greater flexibility, and excellent connections to many destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Singapore Airlines General Manager Germany, Austria and Switzerland,
Alastair Haycampbell highlights: “Our new evening departures from Munich create excellent onward connections to destinations, such as Bangkok, Denpasar (Bali), Koh Samui, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, and nearly all routes to Australia and New Zealand. This expanded schedule marks a significant step toward strengthening our footprint in the German market, while also offering our customers greater flexibility and choice. With the introduction of the 2026 winter schedule, Singapore Airlines will operate 24 weekly flights connecting Frankfurt and Munich directly to Singapore.”
The recognition reinforces Centara’s growing reputation as a hospitality leader that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into both its operations and guest experience.
The P‑O‑P Fish, a plastic waste collection installation placed around the properties to encourage guests to participate in plastic recycling.
The report highlights organisations that are perceived to manage sustainability effectively, reflecting not only corporate commitments but also how these efforts are understood and valued by consumers. For Centara, this recognition signals a meaningful alignment between long-term ESG strategy and evolving guest expectations.
This year, Centara has netted strong results across all ESG categories. In environmental sustainability, Centara ranks third among Thai hotel brands and is in the top 5 among all Thai brands researched. In social and governance sustainability, Centara ranks second among perceived Thai hotel brands. Centara holds the second-highest governance perceptions of all Thai brands researched.
Brand Finance Managing Director Asia Pacific Alex Haigh commented: “Centara’s performance in the Brand Finance Sustainability Perceptions Index 2026 reflects how effectively the brand is aligning its ESG commitments with what guests increasingly expect from modern hospitality. In a sector where sustainability continues to grow as a key driver of reputation and choice, Centara stands out for making responsible practices visible and meaningful across its guest experience.”
Sustainable luxury as an expectation, not an add-on
As travel trends evolve, sustainability has become a key factor in how guests choose where to stay, with growing expectations for responsible practices alongside comfort and service. In response, Centara has embedded sustainability into its core brand experience—particularly in its upper-tier offerings—integrating environmental responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement into the guest journey.
This approach is reflected in the Centara Reserve brand, where personalised service, refined design, and thoughtful sustainability practices come together to create a more conscious form of luxury. The upcoming Centara Reserve Krabi, set to open in December 2026, will further bring this philosophy to life—demonstrating how elevated hospitality can coexist with responsible development and operations.
The Rooftop Fam at Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, located on the 26th floor, spans 1,296 square metres and promotes a farm‑to‑table approach, aligning with Centara’s sustainability commitment.
From commitment to measurable action
A structured, data-driven ESG approach underpins Centara’s sustainability journey. Across its portfolio, the group continues to implement initiatives to reduce environmental impact, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen long-term resilience.
Energy management remains a key focus, with multiple properties adopting energy-efficient systems, smart building technologies, and renewable energy solutions. Water conservation and waste reduction programmes are also being actively implemented, alongside a broader commitment to eliminating single-use plastics.
At the corporate level, Centara continues to strengthen its ESG governance framework, ensuring transparency, accountability, and measurable progress across all areas of operation.
Bringing sustainability to life across key properties
Centara’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond policy and is reflected across its hotels and resorts in Thailand and beyond. In Bangkok, Centara Grand at CentralWorld serves as a flagship example, integrating energy-efficient systems, waste management, and smart operational practices to reduce its environmental footprint.
Across its resorts, Centara implements water recycling, reduces single-use plastics, and supports local communities. At the same time, in coastal and island destinations, the group focuses on marine conservation, responsible sourcing, and eco-conscious design to minimise environmental impact.
“We believe that the future of hospitality lies in delivering meaningful experiences that are not only memorable but also responsible. From our urban hotels to our resort destinations, and especially within our luxury brand – Centara Reserve, we are committed to ensuring that sustainability and exceptional service go hand in hand. This is how we build long-term trust with our guests, our partners, and the communities we serve and we live in,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Operating Officer Michael Henssler.
Looking ahead: Strengthening trust through transparency
As sustainability becomes a key driver in travel decisions, Centara is focused on making its ESG efforts more visible and meaningful to guests—bridging the gap between performance and perception through storytelling and on-property experiences.
With a growing international portfolio, the group is well-positioned to lead the next phase of sustainable hospitality in Thailand and across Asia, delivering long-term value through responsible growth, operational excellence, and guest-focused innovation.
See more of the sustainability initiatives and achievements of Centara Hotels & Resorts here.
JAKARTA, 8 May 2026: Three-year-old TransNusa has secured an airline award for passenger growth in Southeast Asia at the annual Changi Airline Award 2026, organised by Changi Airport Group.
Led by aviation veteran Datuk Bernard Francis, the airline made history as the first Indonesian airline to be recognised by Changi Airport Group for achieving the highest passenger growth in Southeast Asia.
TransNusa commencing operations at Changi Airport on 20 November 2023.
“Our regional and domestic network connectivity expansion is based on the needs and demands of our passengers, among other variables,” said Datuk Bernard, adding that TransNusa had developed new routes specifically to meet the changing needs and demands of its passengers,” said the airline CEO.
CAG Chief Executive Officer Yam Kum Weng presented the award to Datuk Bernard at the award ceremony last week, which was attended by about 90 airlines and aviation partners.
SINGAPORE, 8 May 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda has deployed a new feature that automatically displays hotel images with relevant reviews, making it even easier for travellers to see what others say about specific features they’re eyeing for their stay.
The tooling is powered by an AI-driven multimodal content system that helps travellers across Agoda’s platform in a more intuitive way.
When browsing hotels on Agoda, travellers previously viewed photo galleries and reviews in separate sections. To verify if a pool photo matched traveller feedback, for example, they had to search through reviews manually. Agoda’s new feature surfaces relevant review snippets alongside images, bringing visual content and guest opinions together in a single view.
The system processes over 700 million images and millions of reviews across 40+ languages. Using a topic-based approach, the platform maps images and reviews to common attributes such as ‘breakfast’, ‘pool’, or ‘location’. When a traveller views breakfast photos, they immediately see guest comments about breakfast quality and an aggregated sentiment score.
Agoda Chief Technology Officer Idan Zalzberg said: “There is a clear benefit for travellers to connect what they see with what others experienced. Previously, this required time and effort, with travellers jumping between different sections. With the new multimodal content system, travellers get the full picture right there in the photo gallery, making it simpler to make the right choice for their trip.”
The system runs across Agoda’s entire property inventory, curating the best images for each topic and extracting the most relevant review snippets. Each topic shows up to 15 images, guest quotes in the traveller’s language, and a sentiment breakdown showing positive, negative, and neutral feedback percentages.
MADRID, 8 May 2026: The World Travel & Tourism Council welcomed Switzerland Tourism (ST) as a Destination Partner earlier this week
Switzerland Tourism is the destination marketing organisation responsible for promoting Switzerland as a travel destination. Working in partnership with the tourism industry and the public sector, it positions the country as a high-quality, sustainable and year-round destination for leisure and business travel.
Headquartered in Zurich, ST is active in 35 offices across 21 source markets in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. In total, the organisation has around 280 employees, corresponding to 255 full-time equivalents (FTEs).
WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara said: “Switzerland is known for its unique alpine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and wide range of year-round experiences for both leisure and business travellers. We look forward to working together to support sustainable tourism growth and further strengthen Switzerland’s position as a high-quality destination on the global stage.”
Switzerland Tourism CEO Martin Nydegger said: “Joining WTTC enables Switzerland Tourism to engage more closely with global tourism leaders, contribute Swiss perspectives to international discussions, and help advance a tourism sector that is sustainable, resilient and economically strong. As a nationally mandated, but independently managed body co-financed by taxpayers and industry partners, Switzerland Tourism wants to benefit from WTTC’s industry-led ecosystem, which facilitates direct engagement with global business leaders.”
HONG KONG, 8 May 2026: One of Hong Kong’s most iconic summer traditions is set to make waves once again as the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, organised by Hong Kong Tourism Board, return to Victoria Harbour this June.
Celebrating a landmark 50th anniversary, the sporting spectacular will run from 19 June to 1 July. The boat races also bring a festive programme to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, spanning 13 days and featuring traditional culture, interactive workshops and performances.
Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Set against Hong Kong’s world-famous skyline, the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will bring together teams from around the world from 27 to 28 June, transforming the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront into a vibrant hub of culture, sport and entertainment.
The grand scale of the event belies its humble beginnings.
What started five decades ago as a competitive extension of a local cultural ritual has evolved into a dynamic, citywide celebration that blends heritage with sports.
Dragon boat racing in Hong Kong traces its roots to traditional rituals performed by fishing communities, where vessels were once used to dispel bad luck and pray for peace and safety.
In 1976, the city hosted its first international race in Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter, welcoming just 10 teams and marking the birth of modern international dragon boat racing.
Fast forward to today, this year’s races will welcome over 220 elite teams from 16 countries and regions over the two-day race schedule on 27 to 28 June, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as the Events Capital of Asia.
PENANG, 8 May 2026: The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and Marriott International Malaysia formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly support and promote the Penang Golf Challenge as an annual business and networking platform.
The signing ceremony, witnessed by YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, marked an important step forward in strengthening Penang’s position as a premier destination for business events, corporate engagement, and industry networking.
Photo credit: PCEB. (left centre) PCEB Chief Executive Officer Ashwin Gunasekeran; (right centre) Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow.
Speaking at the ceremony, PCEB Chief Executive Officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said the partnership reflects a shared ambition to create value beyond the event itself.
“The Penang Golf Challenge is envisioned as a platform where business naturally happens. It brings together decision-makers, industry leaders, and corporate stakeholders in an environment that encourages genuine interaction and stronger relationships,” he noted.
Penang’s Chief Minister, YAB Chow Kon Yeow, commented: “The partnership demonstrates the kind of forward-thinking collaboration that will continue to support Penang’s growth. Marriott International is a globally recognised brand, and its involvement brings credibility, visibility, and access to wider corporate networks. This partnership aligns with Penang’s broader aspirations under Penang2030, as we continue to strengthen our competitiveness.”
The Penang Golf Challenge should evolve into an annual signature event that not only enhances business networking opportunities but also further positions Penang as a destination for business events and corporate engagement.
Both PCEB and Marriott International Malaysia expressed confidence that this collaboration will deliver lasting value to the local industry and contribute positively to Penang’s continued development as a leading business events destination.
SINGAPORE, 8 May 2026: Oceania Cruises, a leading culinary and destination‑focused cruise line, has announced it will eliminate non‑commissionable cruise fares (NCF) on all newly launched sailings.
The decision expands earning opportunities for travel advisors and reinforces the brand’s long‑standing commitment to being a trusted, long‑term partner to the travel agency community.
Photo credit: Oceania Cruises. Sales open for inaugural voyages 2027/2028 on Oceania Aurelia.
Effective with the launch of new itineraries, covering the 2028 Summer and 2028-2029 Winter seasons and 2028 and 2029 Around the World voyages, published commission rates will apply to the full commissionable cruise fare.
Travel advisors will earn more commission on every booking, while guest‑facing pricing and overall value remain unchanged. New-season launches are set to open for sale from May to June this year.
“Travel advisors are central to Oceania Cruises’ growth strategy—today and long into the future,” said Oceania Cruises Chief Sales Officer Nathan Hickman. “Eliminating the non‑commissionable cruise fare increases advisor earning potential on every booking and reflects our commitment to building the most advisor‑centric commercial model in luxury cruising.”
By removing NCFs entirely on newly launched sailings, the company is simplifying advisor compensation, improving earnings transparency, and reinforcing its position as the partner of choice for travel advisors worldwide.
This strategic shift comes as Oceania Cruises enters its next phase of growth, including the recent announcement of an order for the fifth ship in its Sonata‑class fleet. As capacity expands and long‑term demand grows, the company continues to invest in travel advisors as the cornerstone of its commercial strategy.
BALI, Indonesia, 8 May 2026: Vio Travel, an Asia-Pacific online DMC, has become the first in Asia to be certified under the Preferred by Nature Standard for Sustainable Travel Activities V1.1, a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)- Recognised Standard.
Vio Travel’s Indonesian operations are the first to gain certification, following an independent audit confirming full compliance across the standard’s four core pillars: responsible management, people, nature and climate. Other Vio country offices will follow.
Photo credit: Vio Travel.
The audit confirms 100% compliance across all audited areas across the company’s Indonesia operations:
Responsible management – ensuring all management and business practices are legal and responsible;
People – upholding people’s well-being and human rights;
Nature – protecting nature and the environment;
Climate – actively reducing and mitigating climate impacts.
Indonesia is the first destination to achieve certification, with the same standards set to be progressively extended across Vio Travel’s network of 15 destinations. Importantly, this milestone reflects validation rather than transformation, formal recognition of practices already embedded within the business.
The official award ceremony took place in Bali on 30 April 2026, after working with local suppliers on sustainable practices.
Vio Travel’s Sustainability Coordinator, Novita Rosiana Dewi, led the certification process from the ground up, translating the company’s long-held values into the required documented frameworks.
Vio Travel Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Dominik Schaufler, commented: “We act as an extension of our partners’ businesses on the ground. The standards we uphold — and the suppliers we work with — directly shape the experiences their clients have. Our roadmap is clear: to progressively extend this sustainability framework across our network, applying the same rigorous standards that earned certification in Indonesia.”
Vio Travel operates across 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific, serving company partners with travel agents and tour operators globally, managing ground operations, supplier networks, and itinerary delivery in markets where trusted local execution is critical. Its corporate headquarters are in Bangkok, Thailand.
Preferred by Nature is one of the world’s leading sustainability certification bodies. Its Standard for Sustainable Travel Activities V1.1 is a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Recognised Standard – the global benchmark for credible and transparent sustainability standards in tourism.
MIRABEL, Canada, 8 May 2026: Malaysia’s AirAsia has placed an order for 150 latest-generation A220-300 aircraft, the largest single firm order placed for the A220 that propels the programme beyond the 1,000 firm order milestone.
The contract was announced at a ceremony this week at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, attended by Capital A Chief Executive Officer and Advisor to AirAsia Group, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft Lars Wagner.
Photo credit: Airbus. AirAsia orders A220 for regional routes.
The event took place in the presence of the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada and the Honourable Christine Frechette, Premier of Quebec.
The purchase agreement makes AirAsia the first customer to order a 160-seat version of the A220, an increase of 10 seats, made possible by adding extra overwing exits on each side of the aircraft.
The A220 complements AirAsia’s existing Airbus fleet and will play a key role in advancing the group’s network and growth. The aircraft will service destinations across ASEAN and into Central Asia, freeing up larger aircraft to fly longer routes.
“We have built AirAsia by making bold decisions at the right moment, not the easiest moment. This order reflects our long-term discipline and the scale of our ambitions. The A220 unlocks new markets and routes and brings us closer to building the world’s first true low-cost network carrier,” said Capital A CEO and Advisor to AirAsia Group Tony Fernandes. “Our partnership with Airbus spans more than two decades and has been central to everything we have achieved. Today is another milestone in that journey, and there are many more to come.”
“The A220 will provide an optimal platform for AirAsia, combining low operating costs with the range that will enable the carrier to open new routes across Asia and beyond,” commented Airbus CEO Commercial Aircraft Lars Wagner. “Airbus and AirAsia teams have been working tirelessly to reach this landmark agreement, which is fully aligned with the airline’s new network strategy.”
The A220 can carry between 100 and 160 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). At the end of March 2026, 501 A220s had been delivered to 25 operators worldwide.
