DOHA, Qatar 12 June 2026: Qatar Airways has announced the resumption of daily flights between its Doha home base and Philadelphia (PHL), effective 1 August 2026.
The reinstated service expands the airline’s North American network to 14 destinations, further strengthening its connectivity for travellers across the region.
Photo credit: Oatar Airways. Back to Philadelphia.
Qatar Airways will resume direct flights to the largest city in Pennsylvania, operating Airbus A350-900 aircraft equipped with the airline’s award-winning Qsuite business class and Starlink.
The resumption of flights reflects the airline’s commitment to the US market while providing seamless connections to destinations across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East via Hamad International Airport. In the US, the resumed US flights will provide onward connectivity through Qatar Airways’ oneworld partner, American Airlines.
Since launching its inaugural US service to New York in 2007, Qatar Airways has steadily expanded its presence across North America, offering passengers increased flexibility, premium travel experiences, and seamless connectivity to more than 160 destinations worldwide.
Qatar Airways flights to Philadelphia (PHL) Departing daily from 1 August 2026:
Qatar Airways will operate flights to the following North American destinations this summer: Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Montreal (YUL), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Toronto (YYZ), and Washington D.C. (IAD).
SINGAPORE, 11 June 2026: Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has unveiled five destinations – Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid and Manchester – as it inaugurates flights from its home base in Riyadh.
The brand-new airline flying the Saudi Arabian flag took delivery of its first three Boeing 787-9 aircraft ahead of its “official launch” of international services on 10 June to London Heathrow.
Photo credit: Riyadh Air.
The airline previously operated ad hoc flights to London using a leased 747-900, with ticket sales limited to the airline’s staff and their families.
Flights to each destination are scheduled to begin on the following dates:
Each of these five routes will be served by Riyadh Air’s 787-9 Dreamliners.
In addition to these scheduled route launches, Riyadh Air confirmed that its inaugural flight to London, using the brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, took off from Riyadh on 10 June.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas stated: “This is a major step in our journey to connect Riyadh to the world. But this is just the beginning of our rapid expansion in the coming weeks to many more exciting destinations.”
Douglas added: “These routes have been carefully selected to serve key markets for business, tourism, and trade, and are designed to facilitate seamless transit for travellers from Europe to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and beyond, aligning with our ambition to become a global airline and a significant contributor to Vision 2030.”
Riyadh Air’s new 787-9 Dreamliners offer a four-class configuration – Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy.
SINGAPORE, 12 June 2026: Singapore Airlines will launch a new five-times-weekly service from its home base at Changi Airport to Madrid, with a stop in Barcelona, effective 26 October 2026.
SIA will deploy its Airbus A350-900 long-haul aircraft on the Singapore-Barcelona-Madrid route, configured with 253 seats: 42 in business class, 24 in premium economy, and 187 in economy.
Photo credit: SIA. SQ flies beyond Barcelona to Madrid.
It is part of a wider expansion that will progressively increase the frequencies on flights between Singapore and Manchester, Milan, Munich, and London Gatwick in the coming months and enhance connectivity options at its Singapore hub.
The five-times-weekly services to Madrid via Barcelona, subject to regulatory approvals, will replace SIA’s current twice-weekly Singapore-Barcelona services, SQ388 and SQ387, on the route, making Madrid SIA’s 15th destination in Europe and its second in Spain.
Singapore Airlines Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Dai Haoyu, said: “Madrid is an increasingly popular tourist destination, as well as a financial and business hub. These new services will give our customers more choice and greater value when planning their travel.”
The inaugural flight to Madrid, SQ388, is scheduled to depart Singapore at 2330 on 26 October 2026 and arrive in Barcelona at 0640 on 27 October 2026. The flight will depart Barcelona at 0740 and arrive in Madrid at 0850 the same day.
The return flight, SQ387, is scheduled to depart Madrid at 1000 on 27 October 2026, arrive in Barcelona at 1115, depart Barcelona at 1235 the same day, and arrive in Singapore at 0825 the next day. (All times are local).
Spain’s capital is known for its lively culture, world-class museums, and landmarks like the Royal Palace of Madrid. It is also a business and financial hub for the region and for South America.
Tickets for the new Madrid service have been available since 1 June 2026 via SIA’s distribution channels.
NEW DELHI, 11 June 2026: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a hotel management agreement with Atmosphere, a luxury real estate and hospitality development company focused on creating premium lifestyle destinations, to introduce Dusit’s upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.
Spirituality, wellness and adventure tourism, the project is envisioned as an upscale mixed-use development that combines contemporary hospitality with immersive, wellness-led experiences inspired by the surrounding natural landscape.
Thoughtfully planned to harmonise with its natural surroundings, Dusit Princess Rishikesh will comprise 300 keys, including hotel rooms and luxury duplex villas, catering to both leisure and business travellers. The property will offer a comprehensive range of facilities, including a lobby lounge, business centre, all-day dining restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, fully equipped gym, yoga room, and versatile multipurpose spaces.
Further enhancing the lifestyle offering, Dusit Princess Rishikesh will also feature a clubhouse with curated wellness and recreational amenities, including a spa, infinity pool, a restaurant with approximately 250 covers, a squash court, a mini-plex, a bowling alley, indoor games, and other leisure experiences.
The signing builds on the momentum generated by the opening of dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla, in December 2024 and further strengthens Dusit’s development pipeline across India.
“India continues to be a strategic growth market for our company, with strong long-term potential across both gateway cities and emerging leisure destinations,” said Dusit International Vice President – Development (Global) Siradej Donavanik. “The signing of Dusit Princess Rishikesh reflects our commitment to growing thoughtfully in India through destinations that align with evolving traveller trends and owner aspirations. Rishikesh, with its unique blend of spirituality, wellness, and natural beauty, is an excellent example of the kind of destination where we believe our brands can create meaningful and memorable experiences for our guests. As we continue to expand our brand presence in the country, we will maintain our focus on destinations that are well-positioned to benefit from growing demand for leisure, wellness, and experience-led travel, supported by strong market fundamentals and sustainable growth potential.”
Atmosphere Chairman and Managing Director Sanchit Jain added: “We are delighted to collaborate with Dusit International for this landmark hospitality development in Rishikesh. The vision for Atmosphere has always been to create destination-led experiences that combine luxury, wellness and nature in a meaningful way. With Dusit’s globally recognised hospitality expertise and strong wellness-driven approach, we are confident that Dusit Princess Rishikesh will emerge as a distinguished retreat for travellers seeking immersive and elevated stay experiences in Uttarakhand.”
About Dusit International Established in 1949, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Real Estate Development, and Hospitality-Related Services.
Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.
SINGAPORE 11 June 2026: Key events helped Adelaide post improved average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR), according to May preliminary data from CoStar, a global provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets.
Photo credit: CoStar.
May 2026 (year-over-year % change):
Occupancy: 72.7% (-0.9%)
ADR: AUD198.79 (+6.6%)
RevPAR: AUD144.43 (+5.7%)
Adelaide’s performance peaked across the key performance metrics during the Australian Tourism Exchange (Wednesday, 13 May): occupancy (88.3%), ADR (AUD243.62) and RevPAR (AUD215.09). Levels were further helped by the PRECI conference taking place across the same dates.
The night before produced the month’s second-highest levels: occupancy (87.4%), ADR (AUD239.85) and RevPAR (AUD209.60).
These were the only two nights with RevPAR above AUD200.
“Demand grew year over year, but occupancy came in lower as the market absorbed an additional 1.6% of supply,” said STR Regional Director Mathew Burke. “The market is expected to see future occupancy declines as a wave of new supply opens across the city. It will take time for demand to catch up.”
SYDNEY, 11 June 2026: The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has welcomed Monday’s announcement that Jetstar and Qantas tickets are now on sale for domestic services from Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), describing the development as a significant and long-awaited step forward for Australian travellers.
The launch follows the confirmation of services linking WSI to Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, connecting some of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations to a brand-new 24-hour international airport.
Photo credit: ABC News — supplied by Western Sydney Airport Co Ltd.
While the initial flight schedule is modest, ATIA says the significance of what WSI represents to the broader travel network is substantial.
From 25 October 2026, Jetstar will operate up to 14 flights a week between WSI and Melbourne, four weekly flights to the Gold Coast, and three weekly flights to Brisbane. From 28 March 2027, Qantas will add four weekly services to both Brisbane and Melbourne, operated by QantasLink Embraer E190 aircraft.
For travel agents and tour operators across the country, the arrival of a new gateway into Greater Sydney opens genuine new options for building domestic itineraries and packages, particularly for the fast-growing Western Sydney catchment area. More flights mean more options for travellers, and more opportunities for travel businesses to serve a broader range of customers.
WSI will also become a significant freight hub, with the airport’s integrated 24-hour Cargo Precinct opening on 26 July 2026 and Qantas Freight among the first operators to fly from the facility.
ATIA CEO Dean Long commented: “This is exciting news for Australian travellers and for the travel industry. Yes, it is a small number of flights to start with, but they connect to some genuine holiday hot spots and mark the beginning of what WSI will grow into.
“More flights always mean more options for travellers, and more options mean more business for the travel agents and tour operators who are there to help Australians plan their trips.
“Western Sydney International is a transformative addition to Australia’s travel landscape. It gives millions of people in western Sydney direct access to the network for the first time, and it gives the whole country a new gateway. We look forward to watching this airport grow and to the increased connectivity it will bring for Australian travellers.”
Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) is located 41 km west of Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) and 44 km from downtown Sydney.
Designated a 24-hour airport, in contrast to Kingsford Smith, which has a nighttime curfew for landings and take-offs, WSI will open for commercial passenger flights on 25 October, with a single 3.7 km-long runway and a terminal building capable of handling 10 million passengers annually. That compares with 41 million passengers that move through Kingsford Smith (SYD).
Singapore Airlines will serve WSI from its Singapore home base starting daily flights effective 23 November 2026.
PATTAYA, 11 June 2026: Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2026 officially kicked off on Wednesday, 10 June and runs through 12 June at the NICE Pattaya Convention and Exhibition Centre in Chon Buri, Thailand.
On the eve of the opening celebrations, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) released fresh updates regarding the event’s scale, strategic theme, and core showcases for this year.
Photo credit: TAT
Promotion of major events
A notable takeaway from the show’s opening celebration is Thailand’s vision to become a regional event hub. The Thailand Pavilion is actively showcasing upcoming events slated for the country, specifically highlighting Tomorrowland Thailand to target high-yield travellers.
One of many events scheduled in and around Pattaya is the Sattahip Amazing Race Festival, and Toyota Sattahip Triathlon 2026, presented by MAMA, from 13–14 June 2026 at Ao Dong Tan, Sattahip, Chon Buri.
The event features a full race programme comprising:
• New Standard S2 triathlon — 750-metre swim, 20 km cycle, and 5 km run, completed over two rounds;
• Sprint triathlon: 750-metre swim, 20 km cycle, and 5 km run;
• Sprint duathlon: 5-kilometre run, 20 km cycle, and 2.5 km run;
• Breakfast Run road races: 10 and 5 km;
• Open Water Swim races: 10, 5, 3, and 1 km.
The event should welcome at least 8,500 participants and generate at least THB120 million in direct and indirect economic activity.
TTM numbers and market signals
Record turnout: The event is hosting 429 global buyers (increases 5.7% over 2025), 428 Thai sellers, and more than 60 international media representatives. Information on the breakdown of sellers and the number representing Hidden Gem destinations is missing this year. TTRW has requested more information on the breakdown.
Shift in market interest: Buyers from the Americas (15%) have seen a significant spike, signalling strong renewed long-haul confidence in Thailand. The remaining buyer share is led by ASEAN (33%), East Asia (28%), and Europe (24%).
Business velocity: TAT projects the event will facilitate over 15,400 pre-scheduled business-matching appointments over the next three days.
Core Theme: “Healing is the New Luxury” This year’s edition focuses heavily on wellness tourism, physical and mental restoration, and sustainable travel.
Sustainability focus: The mart is being run under a strict Sustainable Event framework, featuring carbon footprint monitoring and a “Zero Waste to Landfills” policy. Participants include TAT STAR-certified operators (aligned with Sustainable Tourism Goals) and CF Hotels members.
HONG KONG, 11 June 2026: HK Express Airways (HK Express) officially commenced operations at Terminal 2 (T2) of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on Wednesday.
The relocation to T2 will enhance HK Express’s customer-handling capabilities, elevate the customer travel experience, and provide better facilities to support future growth in capacity and the route network.
Photo credit: HK Express. Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics Joan Hung, Deputy Director-General of Civil Aviation Clara Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong Vivian Cheung, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan, Chief Executive Officer of HK Express Jeanette Mao and Executive Director, Airport Operations of Airport Authority Hong Kong Steven Yiu visited HK Express’s check-in counters at T2 of HKIA. (Second from left to second from right).
On its first day of operations at T2, HK Express’s early-morning peak period ran smoothly, with customers experiencing efficient, well-organised check-in and bag drop processes. A total of 47 flights departed, marking the start of the airline’s full-scale operations at the new terminal.
“As the largest airline operating at Terminal 2, HK Express’s move to T2 represents not only a significant operational upgrade, but also a more solid platform for our future growth. With T2’s enhanced customer-handling capacity, advanced facilities, and new technology, we are confident we can further improve the customer experience by optimising service processes and accelerating the expansion of our route network to seize opportunities arising from the continuous growth in travel demand for Hong Kong and the region. We expect to achieve double-digit percentage growth in passenger traffic for the full year and will actively support the Airport Authority Hong Kong in achieving its target of over 70 million annual passenger trips,” said HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao.
With the summer travel peak season approaching, HK Express has made comprehensive preparations to meet the continuously rising demand for travel. The airline is also preparing to launch its Wuxi route on 17 July 2026, further expanding its regional route network and offering customers a wider range of travel options. In the future, HK Express will continue to drive the adoption of smart technologies, enhancing the customer experience through automation and digital services to deliver a more seamless and efficient journey.
BANGKOK, Thailand, 10 June 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda reveals the most affordable domestic and international flight routes across Asia this wet season.
Based on one-way bookings made between March and May for departures between June and August 2026, Agoda reveals Thailand punches strong on domestic value, with fares on the Phuket-Bangkok route starting from just THB327.
Photo credit: Agoda.
For international routes, Thai travellers can fly from Phuket to Singapore with fares starting at THB 751. Among other Asian markets, South Korea’s Busan to Jeju route leads domestic affordability at THB261, while the Tokyo-Taipei route tops the international chart at THB196.
The wet season in Thailand presents slightly lower temperatures and prompts a desire for value-driven getaways. Agoda’s latest data maps the most affordable domestic and international flight routes of the season, helping travellers make the most of their budgets without giving up on a satisfying holiday experience.
For Thai travellers looking to fly within the country this season, the Phuket-Bangkok route tops the value chart, with fares starting from just THB327. Bangkok has something for everyone, from iconic temples and world-famous street food to lively nightlife and shopping that ranges from luxury malls to open-air markets. June to August also falls during Thailand’s rainy season, when fewer tourists mean airlines tend to offer more competitive fares.
Regionally, South Korea’s Busan-Jeju route leads domestic affordability across all eight surveyed markets, with flights booked from THB261. Other affordable routes include Kuala Lumpur-Penang from THB327, Bangalore-Goa from THB719, Ho Chi Minh City-Tuy Hòa (Phú Yên) from THB784, Fukuoka-Tokyo from THB817, Jakarta-Bandar Lampung from THB1,013, and Taichung-Penghu from THB1,372.
For Thai travellers crossing a border this season, the Phuket-Singapore route presents the headline deal of THB751. It puts Changi Airport within reach. Singapore is also a perennial favourite for Thai passport holders, with visa-free entry, world-class food, and duty-free shopping on offer.
Regionally, the Tokyo-Taipei route tops the international affordability chart from THB196. Other attractive international options include Pekanbaru-Kuala Lumpur from THB523, Kuala Lumpur-Singapore from THB555, Taipei-Osaka from THB1,078, Busan-Fukuoka from THB1,111, Ho Chi Minh City-Kuala Lumpur from THB1,111, and New Delhi-Dhaka from THB1,732.
Agoda Country Director, Thailand and Indochina, Akaporn Rodkong said: “Thailand’s travellers are some of the most value-savvy in Asia, and this wet season’s data reflects that appetite.
Our mission at Agoda is to enable travellers to see the world for less through affordable, accessible flight, accommodation and activity options. With flight and hotel bundles, seasonal campaigns, and coupon stacking all available on the platform, Thai travellers are better equipped than ever to make the most of every trip.”
BANGKOK, 11 June 2024: Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF) returns for a third year, welcoming extreme travellers and global explorers to Bangkok, Thailand, from 22 to 25 October 2026.
The four-day event brings together seasoned mega-travellers who have visited many countries, including some who have visited all 193 UN member states, and passionate individuals aspiring to push their travel boundaries further.
The first round of speakers has been announced to inspire the crowd, sharing their incredible travel stories and lessons from their travels in some of the world’s most extraordinary places:
Jamie Aleman: Panamanian, Jamie Alemán, is the first individual in human history to achieve the impressive trifecta or ‘travel grand slam’ of exploration, having travelled to all 193 UN member countries, explored both the North and South Pole, and journeyed into outer space.
Eunhee Park – A defector from North Korea (DPRK): Eunhee Park was born and raised under one of the most restrictive regimes in the world before she made the life-altering decision to defect — risking imprisonment, forced labour, or execution.
Thor Pedersen: Thor is the only person in history to have reached every country in the world completely without flying. On 23 May 2023, Thor Pedersen reached the final country, the Maldives, completing his mission and claiming world history.
Michelle Cabrera: Known online as @michellegoesthere, Michelle is a solo adventure traveller and content creator. Her journey began not with a bucket list or a plan, but with a one-way ticket to a small village in Nepal and a leap of faith that set off a chain of transformative experiences across countries she never expected to visit.
Mike Boisvert: Known online as The Skate Nomad, Mike is a Canadian creator who has built a passionate global following by doing something refreshingly simple — travelling the world solo with a skateboard and a camera. His mission is to document skateboarding culture in every corner of the planet.
Co-founder of ETF, award-winning travel photographer, podcaster, blogger, and filmmaker Ric Gazarian says this third iteration of the festival promises to be an unparalleled convergence of the world’s most accomplished and adventurous travellers.
“The Extraordinary Travel Festival is a celebration of global exploration and human connection,” says Gazarian, whose website, @GlobalGaz, features stories and images from his own extensive travels to 190 of the world’s 193 UN-recognised nations.
“Following the tremendous success of our previous gatherings, we are excited to bring this unique community together once again in Bangkok, a city that truly embodies the spirit of travel”, says Gazarian.
Building on the success of past festivals, ETF offers attendees a robust schedule of speakers, complemented by vibrant parties and a gala dinner. The festival will feature more than 30 storytellers who will deliver engaging keynotes and host insightful breakout sessions and lively panel discussions.
Attendees will gain invaluable insights, share captivating travel tales, and learn practical strategies from those who have gone the distance. While many speakers and attendees have achieved the rare feat of visiting all 193 sovereign countries – an accomplishment only approximately 500 known people can claim – the festival aims to inspire and inform all who share a deep love for travel, regardless of their current country count.
Photo credit: ETF. Official transport, meet and greet.
About Extraordinary Travel Festival The Extraordinary Travel Festival unites hundreds of the world’s most travelled individuals, including country collectors, overland adventurers, explorers, extreme travellers, and those pushing the boundaries of what it means to experience the world. The event will feature more than 30 speakers, including adventurers who have climbed the Seven Summits, visited every sovereign nation, and explored some of the most remote corners of the globe. The festival will also bring together leaders and members of major communities, including Travel Massive (80,000 members), NomadMania (56,000 members), Every Passport Stamp (40,000 members), and Pangea, creating unparalleled networking opportunities among the world’s most dedicated travel enthusiasts.
