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Bangkok Beerhouse inferno: Call for nationwide safety review

By
Andrew Wood
-

BANGKOK, 16 July 2026: Skål International Bangkok has called for a nationwide review of fire safety standards at entertainment venues following the devastating Bangkok entertainment venue fire that claimed 32 lives. 

The organisation has also expressed its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost loved ones, while urging stronger enforcement of fire safety regulations and more rigorous inspections across Thailand to help ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.

Bangkok Beerhouse Fire.

Thailand’s tourism industry depends on public confidence. Every visitor has the right to expect that an evening out will end with a safe journey home. Maintaining that confidence is a shared responsibility of venue operators, government authorities and the wider tourism industry.

The fire has shocked the nation and once again highlighted the critical importance of rigorous safety standards in bars, pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues throughout Thailand.

Skål International Bangkok joins the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association in supporting calls for stronger enforcement of fire safety regulations. The Association’s President, Lisa Hamilton, recently stressed that fires at entertainment venues that result in loss of life should never happen again. Her comments deserve the support of everyone involved in Thailand’s tourism and hospitality industries.

As one of Asia’s leading tourism destinations, Thailand has built a worldwide reputation for its nightlife, warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere. Protecting visitors, employees and residents must always remain the industry’s highest priority.

Sadly, this is not the first time the country has experienced such heartbreak.

Many will remember the Santika Nightclub fire in Bangkok during the 2009 New Year celebrations, which claimed more than 60 lives and injured over 200 people. More recently, the Mountain B Pub fire in Chonburi in 2022 claimed 26 lives. Both tragedies prompted widespread calls for reform, yet the latest disaster demonstrates that further improvements are still needed.

Skål International Bangkok believes this latest incident must become a turning point.

The association is calling upon the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Pattaya City, provincial administrations and all relevant government agencies to strengthen inspection programmes and ensure consistent enforcement of safety regulations throughout the country.

Among the measures that deserve immediate attention are:

  • Regular unannounced inspections of entertainment venues during operating hours.
  • Strict enforcement to ensure all emergency exits remain unlocked, unobstructed, clearly marked and fully operational.
  • Routine inspection and certification of fire alarms, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers.
  • Independent inspection of electrical installations and air-conditioning systems.
  • Mandatory staff training in emergency evacuation procedures, together with regular fire drills.
  • Careful monitoring of occupancy levels to prevent overcrowding.
  • Greater scrutiny of venues operating under licences that may not accurately reflect their actual use.

Strong penalties, including immediate closure, for establishments failing to comply with life-safety regulations.

Skål International Bangkok also encourages venue operators to view safety not simply as a regulatory obligation but as an essential investment in their guests, employees and the long-term success of their businesses.

Visitors themselves can also play a role by taking a few moments to identify emergency exits whenever entering a crowded venue and by reporting any obvious safety concerns to management.

Skål International Bangkok President James Thurlby said: “On behalf of Skål International Bangkok, I extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones in this heartbreaking tragedy. Our thoughts are also with those who have been injured and with the emergency services who responded with such courage and professionalism.

Thailand has earned an international reputation as one of the world’s most welcoming tourism destinations. That reputation is built not only on warm hospitality but also on the confidence that visitors can enjoy their experience safely. Every entertainment venue has a responsibility to place the safety of its guests and employees above all else.

We commend the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association and its President, Lisa Hamilton, for speaking out so clearly on this important issue. Their call for stronger enforcement of fire safety standards deserves the full support of the tourism and hospitality industry.

This tragic incident must become a catalyst for lasting change. Regular inspections, properly maintained fire safety systems, unobstructed emergency exits, effective staff training, and firm enforcement of existing regulations should be regarded as the minimum standard, not the exception. By working together, government authorities, venue operators and the tourism industry can help ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”

Andrew J. Wood, Vice President of Skål International Bangkok, added: “Thailand’s tourism industry has shown remarkable resilience over many decades. By strengthening safety standards today, we not only protect lives but also reinforce international confidence in Thailand as a safe, welcoming and world-class destination. Prevention is always better than regret. Every visitor should be able to enjoy Thailand’s outstanding nightlife with complete confidence that their safety is paramount.

Skål International Bangkok hopes this latest tragedy will encourage lasting cooperation between government agencies, venue operators and the wider tourism industry to create safer entertainment environments throughout Thailand.

About Skål International Bangkok
Founded in 1956, Skål International Bangkok is one of Thailand’s oldest and most respected tourism organisations. It forms part of Skål International, the world’s largest global network of tourism professionals, bringing together industry leaders in more than 80 countries to promote friendship, sustainable tourism and professional excellence.

About the Author
Andrew J. Wood is a British-born travel writer, tourism commentator and former hotel general manager with more than four decades of international hospitality experience. Based in Bangkok since 1991, he is recognised as one of Asia’s most respected travel and tourism journalists, writing extensively on hospitality, aviation, destination development and regional tourism trends.

Australia’s core tourism markets return to pre-COVID levels

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 16 July 2026: Australia welcomed close to 9.2 million visitors in the 12 months to May this year, up 9.5% on the previous year and equivalent to 98.2% of 2019 levels.

 The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the latest overseas arrivals data for May 2026 earlier this week, showing that nine of Tourism Australia’s priority markets are back to 2019 levels.

Photo credit: Tourism Australia.

The priority markets showing pre-COVID recovery trends comprised New Zealand, the UK, Singapore, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, France and Italy. 

In its digital newsletter, released on Wednesday, Tourism Australia confirmed arrivals from key markets in Asia delivered strong year-on-year growth, led by Japan (+21%), Malaysia (+21%), Singapore (+13%), South Korea (+5%), and China (+4%). 

Meanwhile, the US saw moderate growth of 5%, while arrivals from Canada remained unchanged. In May 2026, there were 609,040 short-term visitor arrivals.

2.2 Short-term visitor arrivals, Australia – top 10 source countries(a)

Data: Australian Bureau of Statistics.

(Source: Tourism Australia)

CX extends codeshare with Iberia

By
Newsdesk
-

HONG KONG, 16 July 2026: Cathay Pacific is extending its coverage in Latin America with the addition of new codeshare flights to Fortaleza and Recife in Brazil, Buenos Aires in Argentina and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic via Madrid through its oneworld alliance partner, Iberia. 

These new codeshare flights will bring Argentina and the Dominican Republic into Cathay’s codeshare network for the first time while strengthening connectivity between Hong Kong and the emerging Belt and Road region of Latin America.

Photo credit: Cathay Group.

Cathay Pacific currently serves six destinations across four countries in Latin America — Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo in Brazil, Mexico City and Guadalajara in Mexico, Lima in Peru and Santiago in Chile — through codeshare partnerships via gateways in Europe, North America and Oceania. 

The Cathay Group currently flies to 33 destinations in Belt and Road participating countries with close to 600 flights per week, with additional destinations served through codeshare agreements.

To support these new codeshare services, starting 25 October 2026, Cathay Pacific will be adding three more flights per week on its non-stop Hong Kong-Madrid route, bringing the service to a daily frequency.

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “We are delighted to welcome these new destinations in Latin America to our codeshare network. Furthermore, by increasing our Madrid service to daily, we are reinforcing our position as the only airline offering non-stop connectivity between Hong Kong and Spain. These enhancements underscore our commitment to strengthening connectivity between Asia and markets around the world, offering passengers greater choice and convenience, and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as one of the world’s leading international aviation hubs.”

Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong-Madrid flights will operate on a staggered schedule, with the three additional flights on Monday, Thursday and Saturday providing customers with the option of a late-night departure out of Europe. 

Flight schedules are as follows (all times local, subject to change and regulatory approval):

The airline’s Madrid route, first launched in 2016 with four flights per week, has become an important link between Asia and Spain for both business and leisure travellers. Cathay Pacific also operates a summer seasonal service to Barcelona with four flights per week.

(Source: Cathay Pacific)

Emirates Skywards launches 5 million Miles

By
Your Stories
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DUBAI, UAE, 15 July 2026: Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, is celebrating Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 with one of its biggest seasonal promotions yet, giving members the chance to win a share of 5 million Skywards Miles while enjoying exceptional shopping, dining and lifestyle experiences across Dubai.

Until 30 August 2026, members who spend AED200 or more with participating Skywards Everyday partners or through Skywards Miles Mall UAE will automatically be entered into a raffle to win 10,000 Skywards Miles.

A total of 500 winners will be selected: 250 from eligible Skywards Everyday transactions and 250 from eligible Skywards Miles Mall purchases. Each qualifying transaction of AED200 earns one raffle entry, giving members even more chances to win throughout the promotion period.

More rewards during Dubai Summer Surprises

Dubai Summer Surprises offers unbeatable value, family-friendly experiences and exciting moments across the city until 30 August. Residents and visitors can enjoy live entertainment, cultural events, fitness activities, dining experiences and exclusive retail rewards.

Skywards members can also maximise their rewards throughout the festival by shopping at Dubai Mall and earning up to 1 Skywards Mile for every USD1 spent, depending on membership tier.

Members can also take part in weekly Skywards Everyday app challenges, offering additional opportunities to earn rewards throughout the Dubai Summer Surprises festival.

50% bonus Miles with Emirates Skywards travel partners

Members can also accelerate rewards across Emirates Skywards’ global partner network with:

  • 50% bonus Skywards Miles on hotel stays, including Emirates Skywards Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Jumeirah and more.
  • 50% bonus Miles on car rentals, including Hertz, Avis & Budget, Europcar, Sixt and CarTrawler.
  • 50% bonus Miles with partner airlines, including United Airlines, Air Canada, Aegean Airlines, Japan Airlines and more.
  • 50% bonus Miles on Emirates Holidays packages.

The offer applies to travel completed by 31 August 2026, with members earning up to 10,000 bonus Miles per partner. Registration is required to participate, and bonus Miles will be credited within 60 days after the end of the offer period.

About Skywards Everyday
Skywards Everyday enables Emirates Skywards members to earn Miles automatically on everyday purchases across hundreds of UAE partners. Members can save up to 5 Visa or Mastercard cards to earn Miles when spending across categories such as shopping, dining, beauty, wellness, leisure, pharmacy, and grocery. Skywards Miles can also be converted into cashback or points across Skywards Everyday’s partner network.

Download the Skywards Everyday app and choose from hundreds of participating partners, including Careem, Costa Coffee, MMI, BinSina Pharmacy, Al Jaber Optical, The Body Shop, NARS, and more. Earn 1 Mile for every AED 3 spent with all partners, except grocery and pharmacy, which offer 1 Mile for every AED 5 spent.

About Skywards Miles Mall
Skywards Miles Mall is Emirates Skywards’ online shopping platform, where members earn and spend Miles on online shopping every day across various categories, including food, fashion, beauty, electronics, health, wellness, grocery, utilities, travel, leisure, entertainment and more from brands like Amazon AE, Deliveroo, Ounass, iHerb, Bloomingdales, Net-A-Porter, Bath & Body Works and Coega Sunwear.

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

Air India goes digital to manage Boeing fleet

By
Newsdesk
-

NEW DELHI, 15 July 2026: Air India has taken a step forward in its transformation journey, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approving the use of Electronic Technical Logbooks (ETLs) as the primary technical document for its Boeing 787 fleet and authorising parallel implementation across its Boeing 777 fleet. 

This will boost Air India’s commitment to leveraging technology to strengthen operational performance, safety, reliability, and sustainability and position it as a technology-enabled, modern global airline.

Photo credit: Air India.

With this approval, Air India has become one of the first airlines to adopt Electronic Technical Logbooks (ETLs) across its entire B787 widebody fleet, completing ETL implementation.

The Electronic Technical Logbook replaces traditional paper-based maintenance records with a secure digital platform, enabling faster, more accurate, and more efficient management of aircraft maintenance and engineering activities. The digital system provides real-time information sharing between maintenance engineers and operational teams, improving coordination, accelerating defect reporting and rectification, and enhancing aircraft dispatch reliability.

The ETL platform also delivers enhanced data integrity, traceability, and regulatory compliance while providing advanced analytics that support predictive maintenance and informed engineering decision-making. In addition, the paperless system significantly reduces paper consumption, supporting Air India’s sustainability objectives.

The achievement reflects Air India’s continued investment in digital technologies to modernise engineering and maintenance operations while maintaining the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance. It is a key step in the airline’s broader vision of building a world-class, data-driven aviation business that excels in operational performance and customer service.

(Source: Air India)

AirAsia and TAT launch three-year campaign

By
Newsdesk
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 July 2026: AirAsia Group (formerly AirAsia X) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have strengthened their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The three-year collaboration, spanning 2026 to 2029, will see AirAsia and TAT work together on integrated promotional initiatives to pioneer new routes and exchange market insights to understand evolving travel trends better and unlock new opportunities for tourism growth.

Photo credit: AirAsia. TAT and AirAsia sign an MOU to promote route development between Thailand and Malaysia.

AirAsia Group currently operates 123 weekly flights between Malaysia and Thailand through AirAsia Malaysia (AK) and Thai AirAsia (FD), connecting travellers across 8 direct routes. From Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia flies to Bangkok (DMK), Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, and Hat Yai; from Penang to Bangkok (Don Mueang) and Phuket; and from Johor Bahru to Bangkok (DMK). Together, the extensive network continues to provide seamless and affordable connectivity between the two countries.

AirAsia Group Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer Farouk Kamal said: “In the first half of 2026, AirAsia flew more than 1 million guests between Malaysia and Thailand, reaffirming the strong demand for travel between these two key countries for our group. Through this strategic partnership with TAT, we look forward to building on this momentum by driving more visitor arrivals, strengthening connectivity and showcasing the very best of Thailand through impactful marketing and tourism initiatives.”

The partnership further strengthens the relationship between AirAsia and TAT while supporting Thailand’s “Amazing Thailand, Feel All the Feelings” campaign and Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) initiative through 2027. 

(Source: AirAsia)

June events lift Sydney hotel performance

By
Newsdesk
-

SYDNEY, 15 July 2026: Several events helped Sydney’s hotel industry achieve year-over-year performance growth in June, according to preliminary data from CoStar, a leading global provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics for property markets.

Photo credit: CoStar.

June 2026 (year-over-year % change): 

Occupancy: 74.1% (+1.1%)

Average daily rate (ADR): AUD243.81 (+2.6%)

Revenue per available room (RevPAR): AUD180.77 (+3.7%)

The market’s occupancy was its highest for June since 2019.

Sydney’s performance reached highs on the night of the penultimate VIVID Sydney (6 June): occupancy (92.7%), ADR (AUD323.93) and RevPAR (AUD300.39). This was the only night during the month that ADR and RevPAR exceeded AUD300. The Al Shami concert and the Sydney Film Festival further supported those monthly highs.

“Given the 0.1% supply decrease in the market, all demand growth builds occupancy in Sydney,” said STR’s regional director Matthew Burke. “The annual Vivid Sydney and Sydney Film Festival underpin demand for Sydney’s historically softest occupancy month.”

Throughout the month, Sydney’s occupancy levels remained above the 60% mark on all but three nights.

“Sydney’s occupancy on the books is tracking two percentage points below the same time last year for July and one percentage point below for August,” Burke said. “However, the overall level remains a positive indicator, given that demand last year was boosted by the British & Irish Lions tour.”

For more information about the company, its products, and services, visit www.costargroup.com. 

(Source: CoStar)

Minor Hotels’ Kafue River tented camp opens

By
Newsdesk
-

BANGKOK, 15 July 2026: Minor Hotels welcomes the arrival of Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River, the brand’s first tented safari camp and a key milestone in Anantara’s 25th anniversary year. 

The new 13‑key camp is located in Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s largest protected areas, supporting the Government and African Parks’ long‑term ecological restoration in Zambia.

Photo credit: Minor Hotels.

Anantara Kafue is Zambia’s only lodge elevated at least 3.5 metres above the ground, raised on timber platforms to maintain wildlife movement, providing uninterrupted views of the Kafue River. 

Its opening coincides with wildlife restoration initiatives and a steadily recovering wilderness where hippos, elephants, large predators, antelope and over 500 bird species flourish. 

The camp follows a low‑impact, contemporary approach, operating entirely on solar power, using on‑site water purification, bottling and treatment, and eliminating single‑use plastics from the start. 

Anantara Kafue’s signature accommodation, the three Horizon Terrace Suites, are the highest suites in Zambia, each suspended 14.3 metres above the ground and accessed by a glass elevator, with upper‑level star beds and expansive decks. Guests staying in one of the nine Pool and Bush Villas enjoy private plunge pools and dedicated indoor spa rooms, while the 400-square-metre Presidential Villa is designed to offer elevated river views, exclusive boat access and a private spa zone. 

Anantara Kafue is located within Kafue National Park, with private charter flights available from Livingstone or Lusaka to Chunga airstrip. A short domestic flight from Livingstone can also reach the camp. Lusaka International Airport is a four‑hour drive from the property. 

(Source: Minor Hotels)

MH adds two new destinations in China

By
Newsdesk
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 July 2026: Malaysia Airlines launched two new direct services from Kuala Lumpur to Shenzhen (SZX) and Changsha (CSX) last week. 

The route expansion to China reflects surging demand for travel between the two nations, driven by increasingly robust economic partnerships, allowing the national carrier to effectively tap into a broader, more diversified segment of China, its second-largest international market by the number of destinations served.

Photo credit: Malaysia Airlines. MH introduces flights to Shenzhen and Changsha, China.

Malaysia Airlines serves Shenzhen with daily flights using Boeing 737-8 aircraft configured with 174 seats across business and economy cabins. Flight time is four hours and 10 minutes. The average round-trip fare on the route is USD 210.

Flight schedule Shenzhen

MH522 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2105 and arrives in Shenzhen (SZX) at 0115 (plus a day).
MH523 departs Shenzhen (SZX) at 0245 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0645.

Flight schedule Changsha

MH520 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2000 and arrives in Changsha (CSX) at 0105 (plus a day). 
MH521 departs Changsha (CSX) at 0205 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0650.

Daily flights to Changsha use a Boeing 737-8 with 174 seats across business and economy class cabins. Flight time is four hours and 45 minutes. The average round-trip fare on the route is USD 360.

Malaysia Aviation Group Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business Bryan Foong commented on the inaugural flights, saying: “The launch of our services to Shenzhen and Changsha marks a proud milestone in our continuous efforts to expand our network across China. By connecting Kuala Lumpur to these high-growth regional hubs, we are offering travellers greater convenience and flexibility while supporting stronger business, tourism and people-to-people ties between our two countries. As we welcome more visitors under the Visit Malaysia 2026 banner, this expansion also brings us closer to our vision of positioning Kuala Lumpur as a premier gateway to Asia and beyond”.

The new services support Malaysia’s tourism ambitions by leveraging the mutual visa-free arrangements while reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s role as a key regional aviation hub. 

With the introduction of Shenzhen and Changsha, Malaysia Airlines now serves nine gateways across China, including Beijing (PKX), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Xiamen (XMN), Hong Kong (HKG), Taipei (TPE), and Chengdu (TFU), further strengthening its regional network.

To celebrate the new routes, Malaysia Airlines is offering special all-in return introductory fares starting from MYR 1,088. The promotional fares are available for purchase from now until 8 August 2026. 

(Source: Malaysia Airlines)

Nepal promotes fixed homestay tours

By
Newsdesk
-

KATHMANDU, 15 July 2026: Nepal’s Community Homestay Network has confirmed that members will offer fixed tour departures following the country’s release of its 2028 tourism strategy.

Eight multi-day itineraries are now on offer for guaranteed departure beginning 6 September 2026. The eight-day Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Culture, Crafts, and Nature will be the first fixed trip, with more than 100 multi-day departures now available to book for travel through December 2027 across the eight itineraries.

Photo credit: CHN.

The announcement follows the newly formed Balen government that has declared its ‘Visit Nepal 2028’ national tourism campaign. It will lead off with the launch of a 2027 Nepal Wellness Year campaign and forecasts that tourist arrivals will top 2.5 million by 2029, with tourism receipts doubling.  

The new strategy will focus on diversifying tourism beyond mountain trekking, for which Nepal is best known, shifting the country’s attention to spotlight community experiences, nature and culture, with a focus on new destinations. There are also plans to upgrade the visa process to a fully digital online system and to upgrade aviation infrastructure by installing e-gates at airports.

Community Homestay Network Founder Shiva Dhakal says the timing couldn’t be better for expanding the Network’s itineraries across the country. 

“I’m encouraged by the recent announcement of the new government’s strategy to ensure more focus is placed on community tourism. Support for community-led experiences, such as those offered by Community Homestay Network, will provide travellers with richer experiences across our stunning country. It also ensures that more local people benefit from the positive impact of tourism when it’s done mindfully, intentionally and collaboratively. 

“All our itineraries are co-created with local communities and are designed to amplify their voices and stories, and to share their way of life with travellers while empowering them in their own entrepreneurship journeys. 

“The introduction of fixed departures for the first time indicates the growth in demand for this style of travel, so the Balen government is certainly dialled in when it comes to the evolution of tourism in Nepal,” says Dhakal. 

New fixed-departure itineraries are available to book now.

Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Culture, Crafts, and Nature – This eight-day trip unveils the soul of Kathmandu Valley through authentic Newari experiences. Travellers will engage with artisans in Bungamati, cook momos in Kirtipur, hike to Nagarkot, and connect with local people via homestays, blending culture, nature and community. Prices start at USDD1,165pp with departures from 6 September  2026.

Live The Tharu Way: Journey Through Culture, Wildlife and Rural Life – This nine-day itinerary travels from Kathmandu to Nepal’s Terai, spending time with the Indigenous Tharu people in Bhada and Bardiya, and going on a Jeep safari to spot elephants, rhinoceroses and the elusive Bengal tiger. Priced from USDD2,245pp with departures from 11 October 2026. 

Eastern Nepal: The Road Less Taken – This eight-day Eastern Nepal adventure starts in Kathmandu, journeys to Dhankuta for Aathpahariya homestays and hikes, and ends in Janakpur with Mithila art and a visit to Janaki Temple, blending nature, culture, and sustainability. Priced from US$1,770 pp with departures starting 20 September 2026. 

About Community Homestay Network
Community Homestay Network was developed to promote responsible, sustainable tourism in Nepal and to encourage entrepreneurship in local communities, significantly benefiting women, youth, and marginalised communities while safeguarding local culture and tradition. With a strong focus on co-creation, Community Homestay Network (CHN) collaborates with 51 communities across Nepal, actively engaging residents to help develop and manage their tourism services. Locally owned and operated, the award-winning Community Homestay Network currently offers 51 different experiences for travellers to book. These consist of 41 community homestays and 10 experiences focused on spending time with local artisans. 

For more information on Community Homestay Network, visit: https://communityhomestay.com. 

(Source: CHN)

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