Tuesday, October 27, 2026
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Air India opens Delhi-Osaka flights

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Newsdesk
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BENGALURU, India, 19 October 2026: Air India confirms it will introduce direct flights between Delhi, India and Osaka (Kansai International Airport), Japan, making it the only airline to operate on the Delhi-Osaka route.

Beginning 2 February 2027, Air India will operate four weekly flights between India’s capital and Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area using its Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

Photo credit: Air India.

Osaka will become Air India’s second destination in Japan after Tokyo (Haneda), where the airline currently operates daily flights from Delhi and four weekly flights from Mumbai. The new service expands Air India’s presence in a market seeing strong demand from Indian travellers and deepening economic, tourism, and cultural ties between the two countries.

The Boeing 787-8 on the route offers 18 full-flat beds in business class and 241 economy seats.

The new service (AI360) will depart Delhi late evening and arrive in Osaka at a convenient time the following morning. 

The return flight (AI359) will depart Osaka late in the morning and arrive in Delhi the same evening, offering seamless connectivity to destinations across Air India’s domestic and international network.

Adding Osaka also lets travellers book ‘open-jaw’ itineraries, flying to Osaka and returning from Tokyo, or vice versa. This added flexibility matters as multi-city travel becomes increasingly popular among Indian visitors to Japan, especially along the country’s famed “Golden Route”, which includes Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Air India is progressively making its Delhi-Osaka flights available for booking via the airline’s official website, mobile app, customer contact centre, airport ticketing offices, and travel agents worldwide.

Japan: A favourite among Indian travellers

Japan continues to gain popularity among Indian travellers. More than 315,000 Indian visitors travelled to Japan in 2025, up 35% from 2024 and nearly 80% above pre-pandemic levels, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO).

Rising interest in Japan’s leisure, cultural, and culinary experiences, along with growing business and people-to-people ties between the two countries, is driving the growth.

(Source: Air India)

SATA award goes to SriLankan Airlines

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NEW DELHI, 19 October 2026: SriLankan Airlines has once again been honoured with the prestigious Visitors’ Choice Award for Leading International Airline at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026. 

The airline, which has received this award in previous years, was the only international airline to be recognised in this category at this year’s event. 

Photo credit: SriLankan Airlines.

The 10th anniversary edition of the awards ceremony was held earlier this month at Hotel Barcelo Nasandhura in Male, Maldives, bringing together prominent industry stakeholders, such as government ministers, distinguished dignitaries, diplomats, and senior representatives from leading airlines and their head offices.

Commenting on the achievement, SriLankan Airlines Head of Commercial Dimuthu Tennakoon stated: “We are honoured to receive recognition at the South Asian Travel Awards 2026. Being named the Leading International Airline in the Visitors’ Choice Awards once again meaningfully acknowledges our commitment to serving our passengers and strengthening our presence in the region. This award inspires us to continue enhancing the travel experience we offer and to build stronger connections with the markets and communities we serve.”

SriLankan Airlines operates an extensive flight network with convenient connections to destinations worldwide. In South Asia, the airline operates nearly 130 flights each week to 15 destinations across India, Pakistan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Bangladesh. 

The airline operates an all-Airbus fleet, comprising A330-200/300 and A320/321 aircraft. 

(Source: SriLankan Airlines).

Centara wins three prestigious honours

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Your Stories
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BANGKOK, Thailand 16 October 2026: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, proudly celebrates a major achievement on the regional hospitality stage as three of its properties have been recognised at the 15th AHA Asia Hotel Awards 2026, a prestigious awards platform honouring outstanding hotels, resorts and hospitality brands across Asia.

This year, Centara received three distinguished awards across key hospitality segments:

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives was named Best Luxury Hotel of the Year, recognising its exceptional luxury resort experience, refined service and distinctive island hospitality in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya received the Best Family Vacation Hotel of the Year award, reinforcing its position as one of Thailand’s leading family resort destinations, offering immersive experiences, extensive leisure facilities, and memorable stays for guests of all ages.

Centara Grand at CentralWorld was honoured as Best MICE Hotel of the Year, highlighting its strong reputation as a premier venue for meetings, incentives, conferences and events in the heart of Bangkok, supported by expansive event spaces, world-class facilities and professional service standards.

The recognition reflects the strength and diversity of Centara’s portfolio, spanning luxury leisure, family-focused resorts and urban MICE hospitality. It also underscores the group’s continued commitment to delivering meaningful guest experiences, service excellence and internationally recognised standards across its hotels and resorts.

The AHA Asia Hotel Awards 2026 marks an important milestone for the regional hospitality industry, having evolved from the CHA China Hotel Awards into an Asia-wide awards platform. Under the theme “Trusted Choice of Excellence”, the awards celebrate high-performing hotels, influential hospitality brands, and industry leaders who drive the continued growth and development of Asia’s hotel sector.

The awards gala took place in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together leading hotel groups, investors, luxury brands, media representatives, and hospitality professionals from across the region.

Representing Centara at the event were Andrew Shaw, Chief Development Officer (third from left); Claudio Roscigno, Executive Vice President of Commercial (second from right); and Robert Maurer Loeffler, Vice President of Operations & General Manager (fourth from left), who joined the ceremony to celebrate this significant achievement for the group.

As Centara continues to expand its footprint in Thailand and international markets, these awards further strengthen the company’s position as a leading Thai hospitality brand with a growing presence across Asia and beyond.

For more information about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Aussie Specialists convene in Darwin

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 16 October 2026: G’day Australia 2026 hosted 300 Aussie Specialist travel agents in Darwin/Garramilla, Northern Territory this week, 13–15 October.

‘Aussie Specialist’ travel agents came from 17 tourism source markets, including China, the US and Canada, the UK and Europe, India, Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia and New Zealand to participate in the three-day event.

Photo credit: Tourism Australia. This week, G’Day Australia hosted 300 qualified ‘Aussie Specialist’ travel agents from 17 markets, including China, the US and Canada, the UK and Europe, India, Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia and New Zealand.

Designed to expand agents’ knowledge, skills and confidence in selling Australia, the event brought Aussie Specialist certified travel agents together for face-to-face meetings with Australian tourism businesses, with opportunities to see Australia firsthand during pre- or post-event familiarisations across the country, supported by all States and Territories.

Tourism Australia Managing Director, Robin Mack, commented: “We’re extremely proud to deliver this event in partnership with the Northern Territory, home to stunning wilderness areas and National Parks including Uluru: iconic, instantly recognisable to visitors and culturally significant for our First Nations peoples.

“The Aussie Specialist Program is Tourism Australia’s signature training program with 40,000 qualified travel agents selling Australia to the world through their exceptional knowledge of Australia’s tourism offering.

“Together with our airline partners, we are bringing around 300 Aussie Specialist agents to Darwin, with more than half of them visiting Australia for the first time. Before and after the event, they will travel around the country to personally experience what Australia has to offer and increase their ability to encourage visitors to plan and book an unforgettable trip.”

Tourism and Events NT CEO, Suzana Bishop, added: “With 26 sellers showcasing their products and more than 130 Territory businesses providing services and experiences, G’day Australia is creating opportunities right across our visitor economy, from accommodation and dining to transport, retail and tours. 

“These businesses will benefit from immediate spending while helping show international travel agents what makes a Territory holiday exceptional. That firsthand experience can translate into stronger recommendations, future bookings and lasting benefits for our industry.”

In total, G’day Australia welcomed over 500 attendees, including 122 Australian tourism businesses nationwide, with support from Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events NT staff on the ground. 

Tourism Australia delivered G’day Australia 2026 in partnership with Tourism and Events NT and its official airline partner, Singapore Airlines.

(Source: Tourism Australia)

ITA launches Rome Fiumicino–Caracas flights

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Newsdesk
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ROME, 16 October 2026: ITA Airways will introduce a direct service between Rome Fiumicino and Caracas, starting on 30 March 2027. 

The route will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, using an Airbus A330-900.

ITA Airways Chief Executive Officer Joerg Eberhart and the Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Italy, H.E. Maria Elena Uzzo Giannattasio.

The decision to launch the new flight followed close cooperation with the relevant authorities, including the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Italy.

This institutional dialogue helped create the conditions to re-establish a direct, strategic air link between the two countries, as set out in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by ITA Airways Chief Executive Officer Joerg Eberhart and the Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Italy, H.E. Maria Elena Uzzo Giannattasio.

The Rome Fiumicino–Caracas route is important to Italy’s national interests: it strengthens the country’s connectivity with a key Latin American market, fosters economic and trade relations, and supports Italian companies operating in Venezuela by offering new mobility opportunities for people, goods, and business. 

(Source: ITA Airways)

Hilton announces two key appointments

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 16 October 2026: Hilton has announced two key leadership appointments across Asia Pacific — Andrew Ling steps into the role of Regional Head, Focused Service & All Suites Brands, Asia Pacific, and Alex Shockley takes on the role of Senior Director, Lifestyle & Collection Brands, Asia Pacific.

The appointments support Hilton’s continued brand expansion across the region, where its portfolio now spans more than 1,367 hotels, with significant growth opportunities in India, China and Southeast Asia.

Andrew Ling
Alex Shockley

With more than seven years at Hilton, Ling will oversee brand strategy, growth, brand stewardship and performance across the Focused Service & All Suites portfolio, comprising Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Spark by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton. 

His appointment comes as Hilton accelerates its expansion in key markets, including plans for 150 Spark by Hilton and 200 Hampton by Hilton hotels in India.

Alex Shockley, who brings almost a decade of international experience with Hilton, will lead the Lifestyle & Collection Brands portfolio across Asia Pacific, including Canopy Hotels, Curio Collection by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Tempo by Hilton and Motto by Hilton. 

As Hilton introduces these brands to new markets across Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Hong Kong, and looks to double its lifestyle hotel presence in China, Shockly will focus on strengthening brand presence and delivering distinctive, locally relevant guest experiences.

(Source: Hilton)

Royal Caribbean: Explore Europe year-round

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 16 October 2026: Royal Caribbean expands its 2028-29 Europe lineup, offering more ways to explore the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Canary Islands across seven ships. 

For the first time, holidaymakers can explore Europe year-round on Rhapsody of the Seas, from summer adventures with overnight stays in Egypt to winter getaways to the Canary Islands. 

Photo credit: Royal Caribbean — a bird’s-eye view of Odyssey of the Seas.

Throughout the season, travellers can discover sought-after destinations across Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, and Northern Europe, including Royal Caribbean’s return to Copenhagen and Stockholm, on seven- to 12-night holidays. 

Bookings for the European 2028-29 season are now open as of 15 October.

Europe 2028-29 Highlights

Rhapsody of the Seas — From Athens (Piraeus), Barcelona, and Lisbon, Portugal. 

Rhapsody will kick off Royal Caribbean’s year-round Europe season with seven- to 12-night holidays from Athens (Piraeus), Barcelona and Lisbon. 

Explorer of the Seas — From Ravenna (Venice).

From May to October 2028, Explorer will offer seven-night Mediterranean holidays to the Greek Isles and Croatia, with longer stays in Santorini to soak up the island’s iconic caldera views, whitewashed villages, and spectacular sunsets, plus Royal Beach Club Santorini. 

Jewel of the Seas — From Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Returning to Copenhagen, Stockholm, and the Baltic, Jewel will sail from May to August 2028 on seven- to 11-night adventures visiting Helsinki; Visby, Sweden; Gdansk (Gdynia), Poland; and Klaipeda, Lithuania, with itineraries highlighting Scandinavia’s striking coastlines and centuries of Nordic history and culture. 

Liberty of the Seas — From Barcelona, Athens (Piraeus), and Rome (Civitavecchia).

From May to October 2028, Liberty will take holidaymakers on seven- and eight-night getaways to the Greek Isles, plus Mediterranean adventures to Provence (Marseille), France, Sicily (Palermo), Italy, and Cagliari, Sardinia. 

Mariner of the Seas — From Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens (Piraeus), and Ravenna (Venice).

Returning to the Mediterranean, Mariner will deliver seven-night holidays exploring some of the region’s most sought-after destinations, including Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Porto (Leixoes), Portugal, and Dubrovnik, Croatia. 

Odyssey of the Seas — From Rome (Civitavecchia).

From April to October 2028, Odyssey will return to Rome (Civitavecchia) for seven-night adventures through the Greek Isles, including visits to destinations like Ephesus, Turkey, and Mykonos, Greece. 

(Source: Royal Caribbean)

AirAsia delivers discounts for Thai nationals

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 16 October 2026: To boost domestic tourism during the year-end high season, Thai AirAsia (FD) has teamed up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to launch the “Fly Across Thailand, Heal Your Heart on Every Trip” campaign. 

Thai travellers can now enjoy a special THB500 discount per booking on all domestic routes by applying the promo code FLYTODOM.

Photo credit: AirAsia. Thai nationals gain THB500 off domestic fares.

Travellers can apply the code and book flights from 15 October to 15 December 2026 exclusively via the airline’s website and MOVE app, with travel running from 15 October 2026 to 15 January 2027.

Thai AirAsia Head of Commercial, Tansita Akrarittipirom, noted that the end of the year through early next year is a peak travel period for international tourists and a time when many Thais return to their hometowns.

“We operate 22 direct routes from Don Mueang Airport, three direct routes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, and nine cross-regional routes — totalling up to 134 flights per day.” 

To activate the offer, apply the FLYTODOM promo code at checkout for bookings made between 15 October and 15 December 2026, for flights departing between 15 October 2026 and 15 January 2027. 

Bookings must be made directly through the airline’s website or MOVE app. This privilege is for Thai nationals only, and promo codes are limited.

In addition to this great promotion, Thai AirAsia is rolling out “Silver Care” service for travellers aged 60 and above. Seniors will now enjoy a dedicated check-in counter, priority baggage claim at their destination, and adjacent standard seats (subject to availability) to ensure a comfortable and smooth journey for all ages.

(Source: Thai AirAsia)

Asia: Top spots for Australian travellers

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Newsdesk
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SYDNEY, 15 October 2026: Vietnam has become the fastest-growing major destination for Australian travellers, according to the latest ATIA Travel Trends data.

Australians made 588,490 trips to Vietnam through August 2026, up 17.4%. In August alone, trips jumped 30.3%.

China and Japan are also surging. Trips to China rose 13.1% to 750,870, and Japan is now just shy of one million Australian visitors. Together with Vietnam, they added almost 250,000 trips over the year.

Australians took 12.77 million overseas trips in total, up 3.2%.

The findings come from the ATIA October 2026 Travel Trends Report, based on Australian Bureau of Statistics overseas arrivals and departures data analysed by ATIA. (Reporting period: overseas departures to August 2026). 

Asia climbs the rankings

Australians made 750,870 trips to China in the year to August, up 13.1%. 

India has also increased in popularity as a destination with 622,820 Australian visitors, up 5.3%.

Vietnam was the fastest-growing major destination, up 17.4% to 588,490 visitors. That leaves it just 60 trips short of the UK, on 588,550.

Favourites hold firm

Indonesia remains Australians’ most popular destination, with 1.81 million trips, up 3.2%. New Zealand follows with 1.50 million, up 5.6%.

Japan ranks third, with 989,240 Australian visitors, up 8.1%.

Classic favourites still in demand

The US and UK remain two of the most popular long-haul destinations for Australians, with 678,390 and 588,550 Australian visitors respectively in the year to August. Both eased on last year, while Asia saw the strongest growth.

Seven of Australia’s top ten destinations grew year on year.

August standouts

Australians made 986,230 overseas trips in August, up 1.5% on the same month last year.

Vietnam led the month, up 30.3% to 45,630 trips. Fiji rose 13.7% to 41,950, Indonesia climbed 10.6% to 178,830, and New Zealand grew 6.6% to 120,830.

Travellers can find an ATIA-accredited travel agent or tour operator at traveltick.com.au.

ATIA Director of Compliance and Membership Nina Hedges commented: “Australians’ appetite for travel keeps growing. Australians took 12.77 million overseas trips over the past year, up 3.2%, with almost 400,000 more journeys than the year before. That’s a strong vote of confidence in travel.

“Asia has become the region Australians can’t get enough of. Travel to China is up more than 13% on last year, and Japan is sitting just shy of one million Australian visitors. That’s a remarkable shift in a short space of time.

“Vietnam is the one to watch. It’s growing faster than any other major destination and sits just 60 trips behind the UK. On current trends, it won’t stay behind for long.

“The US and UK are still important markets, with more than half a million Australians visiting each of them every year. Wherever people are heading, an ATIA-accredited travel agent or tour operator can help them plan with confidence and book with a business that meets the industry’s standards.”

(Source: ATIA www.atia.travel)

Lufthansa Group’s offer for TAP Air Portugal gains green light

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 16 October 2026: Lufthansa Group welcomes the Portuguese government’s decision to select its offer in the privatisation process for TAP Air Portugal. 

Lufthansa will initially acquire a minority stake in the Portuguese national airline while “pursuing a clear strategic agenda: to support TAP Air Portugal’s growth, preserve its national identity and strengthen Portugal’s connectivity, particularly with North and Latin America.”

Photo credit: Lufthansa Group

Deutsche Lufthansa AG Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO Carsten Spohr stated in the group’s press release released Wednesday: “With today’s decision, the Portuguese government has paved the way for TAP Air Portugal to continue this success story together with Lufthansa Group. 

“At the same time, this allows us to consistently pursue our internationalisation strategy and sustainably strengthen our position in the South Atlantic market. Lufthansa Group welcomes today’s announcement by the Portuguese government to initiate the process for the full privatisation of TAP Air Portugal”.

Lufthansa Group has offered a purchase price of EUR1.025 billion for the minority stake in TAP Air Portugal. This amount could rise to EUR1.2 billion for a 49.9% stake, due to up to 5% of shares initially offered to employees, as well as a ticking fee.

In the long term, BigGo Finance, an online market intelligence platform, suggests the “structure allows Lufthansa to pursue a majority buyout (potentially raising total investment to around EUR2.55 billion) once regulatory approvals clear and financial integration benchmarks are met.”

The Lufthansa Group’s airlines currently offer 353 weekly flights to six destinations in Portugal, representing a 75% increase in capacity compared with 2019. More than 500 skilled professionals currently work for Lufthansa Group companies in Portugal. With the construction of the new Lufthansa Technik site in Santa Maria da Feira near Porto, where ground was broken in June, this number is expected to increase to more than 1,000 direct jobs by 2030.

Lufthansa Group is working with the Portuguese government and Parpública to finalise the transaction documents and expects to sign the acquisition agreements shortly. The acquisition remains subject to approval by the relevant authorities.

(Source: Lufthansa)

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