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Radisson targets Bali’s digital nomads

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BALI, Indonesia, 17 December 2025: Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of ANTA Hotel Bali Canggu, a member of Radisson Individuals, a new lifestyle serviced apartment project in one of Bali’s most vibrant coastal districts.  

Scheduled to open in 2027, the property will feature 116 serviced apartments and further expand Radisson Hotel Group’s footprint in Indonesia.

Photo credit: Radisson Hotel Group. ANTA Hotel Bali Canggu, a member of Radisson Individuals.

Situated in Canggu, a beach hub popular with international visitors, surfers, and a growing community of expatriates and remote workers, ANTA Hotel Bali Canggu, a member of Radisson Individuals, will offer a contemporary base surrounded by rice fields, temples, and beaches. 

The project is located along Jalan Shortcut Teratai Batu Bolong, approximately a one-hour drive from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, and within a short drive of Echo Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, and Berawa Beach, all renowned for all-level surfing and sunset views. 

Guests will also be close to Subak Uma Desa’s traditional rice fields and local temples, including Pura Batu Bolong and Pura Batu Mejan, which offer cultural and spiritual experiences.

ANTA Hotel Bali Canggu, a member of Radisson Individuals, will offer 116 serviced apartments with terraces and kitchenettes, including 88 studio apartments, 10 one-bedroom apartments, and additional layouts designed for longer stays. Each unit will be configured in line with Radisson Hotel Group’s brand standards, with smart, efficient design and functional storage. 

The property has been specifically designed to appeal to young digital nomads, remote professionals, and long-stay travellers, aligning with the Canggu market profile. 

A generously sized co-working space sits at the heart of the social experience, giving guests a flexible, well-equipped environment to work, collaborate, and connect. This is complemented by social and event spaces that can easily be reconfigured for workshops, private gatherings, wellness sessions, or fitness activities.

The signing of ANTA Hotel Bali Canggu, a member of Radisson Individuals, supports Radisson Hotel Group’s ambition to grow in high-potential leisure markets and diversify its portfolio with more serviced apartments and extended-stay products. The group currently operates three hotels in Indonesia with 579 keys and has three properties (405 keys) under development across a mix of city and resort locations. ANTA Hotel Bali Canggu will complement the group’s existing presence and position the group at the heart of Bali’s evolving digital nomad and lifestyle scene.

Radisson Individuals is Radisson Hotel Group’s soft brand created for independent hotels and regional chains that want to maintain their own identity while benefiting from the group’s global recognition, distribution platforms, and commercial systems. 

(Source: Radisson)

PAL ranks tops for on-time punctuality

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MANILA, 17 December 2025: Philippines Airlines clinches the top spot as the most punctual airline among Asia Pacific carriers during November 2025 with an 84.67% On-Time Performance (OTP) rating according to London-based Citrium. 

The leading aviation analytics company tracks the on-time performance of airlines and airports worldwide to produce punctuality reports for the global aviation industry.

Photo credit: PAL.

PAL’s OTP ratings from August to November 2025 reflect four consecutive months of the flag carrier’s top standing in On-Time Performance among its regional competitors. The airline achieved flight punctuality ratings of 89.37% August 2025, 90.47% in September 2025, and 86.37% in October 2025.

For on-time performance, Cirium counts a flight as on time if the aircraft arrives at the gate within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time. Arrival data is a standard reliability metric reflecting travellers’ desire to arrive at their destinations on time and airlines’ need to comply with assigned airport slot times.

“The PAL team remains committed towards achieving operational reliability and customer satisfaction through on-time performance. The latest flight punctuality results inspire us to work even harder,” said PAL Senior Vice President for the Operations Group. Roland A Narciso. 

“We thank our flight and ground operations teams, engineers, and maintenance service partners for their collective efforts anchored on PAL’s mission to provide a safe, reliable, and pleasant travel experience exceeding passenger expectations,” he added. 

PAL also ranked first in punctuality in April 2025, second in January 2025, and third in March 2025.

The airline also received a four-star rating from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), an airline rating programme based on certified passenger feedback.

(Source: PAL)

Flydubai flies direct to Lithuania

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DUBAI, 17 December 2025: Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, confirms the launch of a new service to Vilnius, marking the start of direct flights between Dubai and the capital of Lithuania. 

The new route reinforces flydubai’s growing footprint in Central and Eastern Europe and opens an important new gateway for travel, tourism and trade.

Photo credit: Flydubai. New airline link between Dubai and Lithuania.

With the start of operations to Vilnius, flydubai becomes the first UAE carrier to offer nonstop connectivity between Dubai and Lithuania, giving customers more choice and convenience for business and leisure travel. The route will operate three times per week, providing seamless links to Dubai’s global aviation hub.

Lithuania Minister of Transport and Communications, Juras Taminskas,commented: “The arrival of this company marks a new stage in our country’s aviation. In the first year of operations alone, around 40,000 passengers are expected to be carried.”

Beyond improved connectivity, the Dubai-Vilnius route is expected to strengthen economic cooperation, attract visitors seeking new cultural and leisure experiences, and create a significant new link for Lithuanian travellers to access Dubai’s world-class attractions and onward destinations, including the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Thailand.

Commenting on the launch of flights, flydubai Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and E-commerce Jeyhun Efendi said: “These new flights will play an essential role in stimulating tourism and trade flows between the UAE and Lithuania, offering passengers more convenient travel options and opening new opportunities for businesses and visitors in both countries.”

Economy Class customers can also benefit from complimentary immersive in-flight entertainment and delicious meals, reflecting flydubai’s ongoing investment in elevating the overall customer journey.

Flight details

The new service is offered as part of the flydubai and Emirates codeshare partnership, enabling passengers to benefit from smoother itineraries, a single ticket, through-check-in of baggage, and access to an extensive combined network of more than 240 destinations worldwide.

Flights from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) will operate three times a week to Vilnius International Airport (VNO). ​

Return Business Class fares from DXB to VNO start from AED7,505, and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED2,225. Return Business Class fares from VNO to DXB start from EUR1,440, and Economy Class Lite fares start from EUR390.

(Source: Flydubai)

Air India interlines with Scoot

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DELHI, 17 December 2025: Air India has signed a new unilateral interline partnership with Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA).

Air India’s interline partnership with Scoot further strengthens its reach across Southeast Asia, North Asia and Australia via Singapore, enabling Air India guests to seamlessly access most of Scoot’s network with over 70 destinations across 18 countries in these regions.

Photo credit: Air India. One stop in Singapore to destinations in Southeast Asia, including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in Thailand.

The agreement adds destinations to Air India’s extended international network that were not previously covered by any of the airline’s existing partnerships. They include the following destinations:  Macau SAR in China; Padang and Labuan Bajo in Indonesia; Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi, Ipoh, Kuantan, Miri, Sibu, Malacca and Kota Bharu in Malaysia; Davao and Iloilo City in the Philippines, Samui Island, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai in Thailand; and Nha Trang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam.

Air India guests can fly nonstop from Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai to Singapore and continue their journey with Scoot to destinations across the Scoot network, including additional points. To enhance customer convenience, both airlines have implemented Inter-Airline Through Check-In (IATCI), allowing passengers booked on a single ticket to receive boarding passes for both Air India and Scoot flights at the point of origin, ensuring a seamless transfer experience at Singapore Changi Airport. Checked baggage is delivered to the final destination. (Subject to the applicable local laws and regulations).

“Asia Pacific remains the world’s fastest-growing region for aviation, with intra-regional air travel demand surging at significant rates,” said Air India Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal. “Our new interline partnership with Scoot taps into that momentum, meeting the rising Indian traveller appetite for seamless access to far-flung corners of the continent – from Malaysia’s rainforests to Vietnam’s beaches and Indonesia’s emerging cities.”

Air India operates 49 weekly flights from India to Singapore, including triple-daily flights from Delhi, double-daily flights from Mumbai, and twice-daily flights from Chennai.

The interline itineraries between Air India and Scoot will be progressively made available across Air India’s channels, including its official websites and mobile apps, as well as through travel agents worldwide.

(Source: Air India)

Star Voyager presents short break cruises

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HONG KONG, 17 December 2025: StarCruises will introduce two-night Xiamen and three-night Sanya cruises as part of Star Voyager’s upcoming Hong Kong homeport season during Q1 2026

Departing from the centrally located Ocean Terminal, these sailings will operate from 13 February to 29 March 2026, offering travellers convenient access to China’s vibrant southern coastal destinations.

Photo credit: StarDream Cruises.

Offering short weekend or midweek escapes, the cruises showcase the scenic beauty, rich culture, and local cuisine of Sanya and Xiamen. 

“We are excited to be returning to Hong Kong in February for the 2026 season,” said StarDream Cruises President Michael Goh. “These new two and three-night cruises meet the growing demand for shorter, more flexible holidays, while also encouraging more visits and engagement with the different vibrant coastal destinations, including Sanya and Xiamen.”

New Short Cruise highlights

Three-night cruises to Sanya – ‘Tropical Escape to Sanya’ departs on Sunday.

Two-night cruise to Xiamen – ‘Cultural Discovery Cruise: Xiamen’ departs on Wednesday.

Two-night high seas getaway – ‘Weekend Sea Breeze Cruise’ departs on Friday.

Star Voyager will also introduce a five-night sailing from Hong Kong to Vietnam, featuring Nha Trang and Da Nang, with an additional stop at Sanya. Departs on Sunday, 8 March 2026

(Source: StarDream Cruises)

Air Arabia links Sharjah and Krabi

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 17 December 2025: Air Arabia has launched a daily direct service from Sharjah to Krabi, offering more than 66,700 seats annually between the UAE and the southern Thailand beach resort.

Commenting on the launch, Air Arabia’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Adel Al Ali said: “Operating our first flight to Krabi marks another milestone in expanding our network in Southeast Asia. This new daily service offers our customers greater convenience and strengthens the growing travel and trade links between the UAE and Thailand.”

Photo credit: Air Arabia. The airline flies both A320s and A321s.

The Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier now flies to three destinations in Thailand — Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi.

Flight schedule

G9732 departs Sharjah (SHJ) at 0815 and arrives in Krabi (KBV) at 1750 (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday).
G9733 departs Krabi (KBV) at 1840 and arrives in Sharjah (SHJ) at 2250.

G9756 departs Sharjah (SHJ) at 2245 and arrives in Krabi (KBV) at 0810 plus a day. (Departs Sharjah on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday).
G9757 departs Krabi (KBV) at 1010 and arrives in Sharjah (SHJ) at 1420. (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).

Air Arabia operates an A320 with 183 seats on the daily Sharjah-Krabi route — flight time: six hours and 15 minutes.

(Source: Air Arabia)

Taiwan presents bike-friendly byways

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Newsdesk
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TAIPEI, 16 December 2025: Taiwan boasts an extensive island-circling cycling route network and a diverse landscape spanning cities, mountains, and coastlines, offering riders a wide range of cycling environments. 

Visitors can travel at a relaxed pace between urban areas and the mountains and sea, while also enjoying local culture, cuisine, and natural scenery. This makes Taiwan an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts worldwide seeking a deeper travel experience. 

Taiwan welcomes cycling enthusiasts from around the world. Bring the necessary gear and explore Taiwan in depth. (Photo credit Gunning Xiexinyuan Historical Inn)

The Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) has long been committed to improving the cycling tourism environment. In addition to continually enhancing cycling routes, the TTA promotes its “Bike-Friendly Accommodation” certification to upgrade lodging services, so cyclists can store and clean their bikes with confidence, get proper rest, and more easily take on the next leg of their journey.

When travelling by bicycle, riders often find that some accommodations lack adequate space to store their bikes. As a result, bicycles may be left outdoors, which increases the risk of theft. 

But the good news is that Taiwan is a safe and welcoming destination, and Taiwan Tourism Administration-certified “Bike-Friendly Accommodations” offer secure bike parking. Some properties even allow guests to bring their bicycles into their rooms, giving cyclists greater peace of mind as they rest.

In addition to basic bike parking and cleaning services, some Bike-Friendly Accommodations offer even more cyclist-friendly support. Based on guests’ riding plans, they may serve breakfast early or provide breakfast boxes to ensure riders enjoy carefully prepared, satisfying meals. Some properties also offer late check-out for guests who have participated in intense races or early-morning training. This allows them to keep their luggage in the room, freshen up with a shower, and then proceed to their next destination. 

Of course, some accommodations also provide bicycle rentals or direct visitors to nearby rental shops or bike-sharing stations. This makes it easy for travellers without their own bikes to enjoy leisurely rides without the hassle of transporting a bicycle. These are some of the ways Bike-Friendly Accommodations make cycling travel in Taiwan stand out.

For international travellers who often plan overseas cycling trips and seek a wide range of route experiences, Taiwan is now a top choice in Asia. The island offers diverse natural scenery, a welcoming travel environment, and a wide variety of local cuisine. It also features a well-developed network of cycling routes and bike-friendly accommodations throughout Taiwan. The cycling experience is varied, offering safe urban rides, coastal roads, or challenging mountain terrain.

For Bike-Friendly Accommodations in Taiwan, visit: Taiwan Stay
For cycling routes in Taiwan, visit: Taiwan Bike Routes

(Source: Taiwan Tourism Administration)

Horse riding adventures in Chile

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LONDON, 16 December 2025: February 2026 will see the start of the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese Zodiac cycle, and the popularity of equine-focused travel and wellness is on the rise, as people recognise their potential as powerful therapeutic allies. 

It’s a fitting moment to encourage travellers to connect with horses at Las Torres Patagonia, where baqueanos — Patagonian cowboys — continue a centuries-old horsemanship tradition within Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park.

Hotel Las Torres is home to 150 horses that graze each night freely and are rounded up at dawn to provide the authenticity travellers crave.

As the only property in the Torres del Paine National Park permitted to offer equine activities, Las Torres Patagonia gives guests a taste of cowboy culture — Patagonia-style. Its gaucho baqueanos are longstanding custodians of local horsemanship and share their time-honoured skills and traditions with guests, both on the Reserve’s estancia and while exploring the National Park on horseback.

Hotel Las Torres is home to 150 horses that graze each night freely and are rounded up at dawn, providing both the cultural authenticity travellers crave and the reflective, restorative experiences that align with this trend.

Authentic farm-to-saddle encounters

The baqueanos are descendants of horse riders who came to work on ranches in this remote region more than 100 years ago. The term derives from the concept of ‘baquía’, someone with deep knowledge of the land. 

Guests are welcome to visit the stables and horse corrals during their stay; however, the Baqueano Cultural Experience allows them to spend a morning learning about traditional clothing, saddles and other horse tack, participating in stable care, learning how to nail a horseshoe, and receiving hands-on instruction in horsemanship. 

They take a break to enjoy the ritual of yerba mate tea, served in a communal gourd and part of a sacred tradition of camaraderie and reflection, while enjoying sopaipillas with pebre (pumpkin bread and fresh salsa).

Signature horse rides 

Guests saddle up to witness the iconic sights of the National Park

Horseback experiences led by baqueanos into the National Park traverse the vast Patagonian steppe, river flats, and forest margins, with panoramic mountain backdrops. 

Rides are offered for a variety of skill levels — from introductory lessons to beginner half-day and advanced full-day excursions — each providing insights into the region’s wildlife, geology, and cultural storytelling. 

Las Torres Patagonia is open annually from October through to the end of April. Photo credits: Hotel Las Torres. 

As a reserve within a National Park, Las Torres Patagonia is dedicated to conserving Patagonian nature and promoting responsible tourism. 

The grazing impact of the herd on the park is regulated by their ‘holistic planned grazing system (as certified by the Savory Institute since 2021), which rotates the horses to different areas to prevent overgrazing and soil erosion from their hooves. Las Torres Patagonia emphasises horse welfare and responsible interaction — experienced baqueanos oversee all horse handling and riding activities, stable routines prioritise equine health and rest, and guest activities are designed to be educational and low-impact on the animals.

Las Torres Patagonia is open for the season between October and the end of April. Rates start from UKP1,755 per person for a two-night all-inclusive package, based on two people sharing a double room. 

About Las Torres Patagonia
Las Torres Patagonia is a natural and cultural reserve located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile’s southernmost region. A family-owned business in Chilean Patagonia with more than 30 years in the tourism industry, Hotel Las Torres is committed to conserving Patagonian nature and culture and promoting sustainable tourism. 

For more information, visit: Las Torres Patagonia – Torres del Paine. 

(Source: Hotel Las Torres)

2026: Asia’s top five travel trends

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SINGAPORE, 16 December 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda has published its 2026 Travel Outlook Report, spotlighting five key trends and insights that will define the next year of travel in Asia. 

Agoda’s findings indicate a growing preference for local adventures, as more travellers seek to explore hidden gems and secondary destinations. 

Additionally, food is taking centre stage as a reason to travel, with more Asian travellers seeking destinations that offer unforgettable food culture.

The findings, derived from a survey of Asian travellers as part of Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, also reveal that travellers are keen on maximising value, ensuring every travel dollar is well spent. Some travel habits are shifting toward shorter, more frequent trips with family, alongside emerging trends such as microtravel. Against this backdrop, AI has also emerged as a new digital travel companion to help with inspiration and planning.

Agoda’s top five trends defining travel in Asia in 2026:

Domestic travel takes centre stage

If 2026 has a travel anthem, it’s “There’s No Place Like Home.” Across Asia, the appeal of domestic travel is growing, with survey results revealing that over a third of Asians (35%) plan to travel more domestically than internationally—a rise from just 15% last year. Travellers are not just revisiting familiar spots but are also venturing into lesser-known locales, uncovering hidden gems that offer unique experiences. The shift towards domestic travel is especially pronounced in Japan and Thailand, where 67% and 66% of respondents, respectively, plan to travel more domestically in 2026.

Travellers are following their taste buds around the world

Food is taking centre stage as a reason to travel, with more Asian travellers seeking out new flavours. Survey results revealed that culinary experiences have risen to the top three motivators for Asian travellers, up from sixth place last year. Asia’s most significant share of foodies comes from Taiwan, Vietnam, and South Korea, where 47%, 35%, and 34%, respectively, cite food as a key reason for travel.

Nothing beats a great deal for the budget-savvy traveller

In 2026, Asian travellers are making it clear that a smart deal is the key to unlocking more adventures. Survey results revealed that 2 in 5 travellers plan to spend between 6% and 10% of their income on travel, with price the top priority when choosing accommodations for 39% of travellers, ahead of location (30%) and reviews (18%). The hunt for bargains is extreme in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia, where most travellers look for stays under USD50 per night.

Frequent family trips shape 2026 travel plans

Travel habits are shifting as some Asian travellers embrace shorter, more frequent getaways, often with family. Survey data show that 35% plan to take four to six trips in 2026, allowing for meaningful time together without extended breaks from work or school. Microtravel is also on the rise, with nearly a third (32%) of respondents planning 1-3-day trips. Indonesians stand out for their travel ambitions, planning the most trips and travelling the longest distances in the region. 32% say they will take 11 or more trips in 2026, and 14% expect to travel for 13 days or longer, outpacing their regional peers.

AI steps up as the new travel essential

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a trusted travel sidekick for Asian travellers, with nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents saying they are likely to use AI to plan their next trip. Asian travellers plan to use AI at every stage of their journey, with the top three desired uses being: recommending local attractions, providing translations, and creating tailored travel plans. Agoda is one step ahead, leveraging AI to personalise search results based on preferences and past user behaviour.

(Source: Agoda)

Festive fare deals boost holiday travel

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 16 December 2025: As the year-end holiday season approaches, digital travel platform Agoda reveals the most affordable domestic and international flight routes across Asia. 

The list provides travellers with insights into routes that offer opportunities to celebrate without breaking the bank. Based on bookings made from September 2025 onward for departures between 20 and 31 December, Agoda reports that Thailand was the top destination for budget-friendly domestic flights, with one-way fares starting at USD6. For international journeys, Malaysia and Indonesia share the spotlight, having offered flights during this period for just USD25.

The Christmas and New Year’s holiday season is one of the most significant travel periods of the year. With schools on break and many workplaces offering extended holidays, travellers seize the opportunity to travel, whether to reunite with family, explore new destinations, or simply unwind and spend quality time with loved ones. 

This convergence of cultural celebrations and vacation time off makes it one of the busiest and most cherished travel periods of the year. For many travellers, it’s more important than ever to find the best deals to maximise the holiday experience.

In the realm of domestic travel, Thailand stood out for having the most affordable one-way flights, such as the Udon Thani-Bangkok route, priced at USD6. This makes it an excellent choice for those eager to experience Bangkok’s vibrant holiday atmosphere, when the city comes alive with dazzling lights, festive markets, and cultural celebrations. 

Following closely are South Korea and Malaysia, with fares available at USD9 for routes such as Jeju to Seoul and Bario to Miri. The most economical domestic flights were in India (USD15), Indonesia (USD18), Vietnam (USD22), Japan (USD25), and Taiwan (USD45).

For international travel, Malaysia and Indonesia tied for the most budget-friendly fares, with flights from Johor Bahru to Phuket and from Pontianak to Kuching priced at USD25. These routes offer ideal escapes to sunny islands and lush landscapes during the holiday season. Thailand ranks second, with flights from Krabi to Kuala Lumpur priced from USD28. Completing the list are South Korea (USD32), Japan (USD39), Taiwan (USD46), Vietnam (USD46), and India (USD73).

(Source: Agoda)

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