Tuesday, September 15, 2026
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HK Express’ Miles deal just got better

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HONG KONG, 4 June 2026: If you’ve been steadily racking up miles through everyday shopping and dining, waiting for the perfect excuse to book a getaway, the wait is over. 

To help customers maximise the value of their miles and travel strictly on their own terms, HK Express Airways (HK Express) has now made “Full Miles Redemption” available as a booking option, and to celebrate, it is launching a limited-time, uncapped 30% Asia Miles rebate.

Photo credit: HK Express.

The Asia Miles rebate started on 1 June, and customers can now use miles to cover flight add-ons, including extra baggage allowance, seat selection, and in-flight meals. 

From now until 15 June 2026, passengers use the “Full Miles Redemption” option to book an “Essential” fare ticket (which includes one small item and 20kg checked baggage allowance) to earn a 30% uncapped Asia Miles rebate. 

Limited-Time 30% Uncapped Asia Miles Rebate Details:

Redemption Period: Now until 15 June 2026 (23:59);

Travel Period: Any dates;

Applicable Fare: Essential (Includes one small item and 20kg checked baggage allowance).

(Source: HK Express)

Vietjet will fly the Singapore-Nha Trang route

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SINGAPORE, 4 June 2026: Vietjet has confirmed that a new direct route connecting Singapore and Nha Trang will be added to its regional network on 11 December 2026.

Airline officials announced the news last week at the Vietnam–Singapore Tech Connect Forum 2026 on 29 May.

Vietjet announces direct Singapore–Nha Trang service.

Scheduled to commence on 11 December 2026, the Singapore–Nha Trang route Vietjet will operate four return flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. 

It will offer Singapore travellers a more convenient way to reach Nha Trang, reducing the need for domestic transfers in Vietnam and providing easier access to Vietnam’s south-central coast and its popular beach resorts.

Renowned for its pristine beaches, rich marine ecosystem, year-round pleasant climate, and world-class hospitality and entertainment offerings, Nha Trang continues to attract visitors from around the world. The new route will complement Vietjet’s existing direct services from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc.

Earlier, in March 2025, Vietjet also announced its direct Singapore–Phu Quoc route in the presence of the Vietnamese leader during his visit to Singapore, contributing to tourism growth and regional connectivity.

Vietjet First Vice Chairman Dinh Viet Phuong commented: “As we continuously expand our flight network, Vietjet aims to serve as a bridge for growth between nations, helping to promote trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange. 

“Direct air links between Vietnam’s high-potential destinations and Asia’s leading economic centres, such as Singapore, are contributing to the development of new growth corridors for tourism, commerce, investment and international connectivity.”

Since launching its first route between Singapore and Vietnam in 2014, Vietjet has carried more than 3.8 million passengers on over 22,000 flights, contributing to stronger bilateral connectivity and meeting the growing travel demand of residents, tourists and the business community. 

The airline currently operates four direct services linking Singapore with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Phu Quoc, offering more than 100 flights per week.

(Source: Vietjet)

Sarawak and RB strengthen regional connectivity

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Your Stories
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KUCHING, 3 June 2026: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) have formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during last week’s ITB China 2026.

The collaboration reflects both parties’ commitment towards strengthening accessibility in Sarawak while supporting broader efforts to position the destination as the Gateway to Borneo. 

From the left: Mr Dylan Redas Noel (STB Marketing Director of North Asia and New Markets), YB Dato Dennis Ngau (Chairman of STB), Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor (Chief Executive Officer of STB), Yang Mulia Puan Colonel Norsuriati Haji Sharbini (Interim Chief Executive Officer of RB), Mr Alirahim Haji Abdul Rani, (Manager Integrated Marketing of RB) and Mr Song Kai (President of Beijing Longway International Travel, RB General Sales Agent in the People’s Republic of China) have formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during ITB China 2026, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthen regional connectivity and enhance Sarawak’s international tourism presence.

The partnership also highlights the growing importance of regional collaboration in supporting tourism growth, improving travel accessibility, and strengthening destination visibility across international markets.

The MoU was signed by Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of STB, and Yang Mulia Puan Colonel Norsuriati Haji Sharbini, Interim Chief Executive Officer of RB. The signing was witnessed by Dylan Redas Noel, STB Marketing Director of North Asia and New Markets, and Alirahim Haji Abdul Rani, Manager Integrated Marketing of RB, representing STB and RB, respectively.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of STB, and Song Kai, President of Beijing Longway International Travel, RB General Sales Agent in the People’s Republic of China, as well as tourism industry stakeholders and trade partners in Shanghai.

Dr Sharzede said connectivity continues to play an important role in supporting tourism growth and strengthening how destinations position themselves within the increasingly competitive global travel landscape.

“Strategic collaborations such as this are important in strengthening accessibility, enhancing destination visibility, and creating greater opportunities to encourage travel into Sarawak and the wider Borneo region. As the Gateway to Borneo, connectivity remains an important component in supporting our ongoing tourism growth and international outreach efforts,” she said.

The partnership comes at a strategic time as STB continues to strengthen its tourism engagement efforts across China and North Asia through targeted destination marketing initiatives, trade collaborations, and consumer engagement programmes.

Through this collaboration with RB, both parties will strategically advance tourism promotion initiatives while enhancing seamless travel access into Sarawak. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to elevating Sarawak’s global presence, strengthening regional connectivity, and positioning the destination as a compelling gateway to Borneo’s rich and diverse experiences.

Yang Mulia Puan Colonel Norsuriati binti Haji Sharbini, Interim Chief Executive Officer of RB, noted: “We are pleased to strengthen our collaboration with Sarawak Tourism Board and our valued partners in China, as we continue to build on a long-standing relationship rooted in shared growth and connectivity. China remains a key market for Royal Brunei Airlines and the wider Borneo region, and together we see strong opportunities to position Brunei and Sarawak further as

compelling destinations for travellers seeking authentic cultural, nature, and wellness experiences.

Through our established network and ongoing partnerships, we remain committed to enhancing regional access and welcoming more visitors to discover the richness and diversity of Borneo.”

Separately, STB recently launched its first Campus Roadshow & Student Engagement Programme in collaboration with Qunar at Zhejiang International Studies University in China. The initiative was

aimed at introducing Sarawak to university students and young travellers through interactive tourism showcases and engagement activities highlighting the destination’s culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals. Together, the MoU with RB and STB’s recent engagement initiatives in China reflect a broader strategy to strengthen Sarawak’s international market presence through connectivity, destination visibility, trade engagement, and consumer outreach. These efforts continue to support Sarawak’s positioning as the Gateway to Borneo while enhancing the destination’s accessibility and appeal across key international markets.

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board).

HOFTEL Summit Series recruits C9 Hotelworks for content

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PHUKET, 3 June 2026: C9 Hotelworks, a leading experienced branded residences development advisor in Asia, has been appointed branded residences content partner for SEAHIS 2026 in Bangkok and JHIS 2026 in Tokyo, both part of the HOFTEL Summit Series organised by HOFTEL. 

Asia’s branded residences sector has expanded to USD40 billion across more than 50,000 units, and the developers and owners driving that growth are converging on two events this year where C9 Hotelworks will deliver dedicated sector content.

Both events attract the owners, developers, and investors who are actively making capital decisions in this sector.

SEAHIS takes place from 15 to 16 June 2026 in Bangkok. Four dedicated branded-residences sessions will cover market intelligence, deal structures, and development dynamics shaping the sector across the region. For owners and developers with Asia-wide exposure, this is the most concentrated briefing on branded residences available this year.

JHIS takes place on 24 to 25 September 2026 in Tokyo, addressing a market at an earlier, particularly significant inflexion point. 

Japan’s branded residences sector is drawing sustained attention from international capital as the country’s hospitality fundamentals, inbound tourism growth, and regulatory environment converge to create conditions for accelerated sector entry. For developers and investors considering Japan, JHIS represents a direct entry point into that conversation.

For more information on SEAHIS 2026, CLICK and JHIS 2026 CLICK.

(Source: C9 Hotelworks)

Call for common sense to shape travel alerts

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Newsdesk
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SYDNEY, 3 June 2026: The Australian Travel Industry Association’s (ATIA) Campaign for Commonsense has lifted a notch following a major weekend of mainstream media coverage, with the peak body now mobilising its national membership to join the push for urgent travel advice reform on travel through the Middle East. 

The campaign is a direct response to critical feedback from frontline ATIA members. Travel agents and tour operators report that while clients are transiting through major hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha without incident, Australia’s rigid Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) blanket advisory is exposing these travellers to an unintended travel insurance void. 

Following extensive national exposure across News Corp, all commercial television networks, and widespread radio, ATIA members will now also be able to amplify the call for common sense via a Member Toolkit with social media assets, key talking points for clients, and template letters to key decision-makers.  

Since the conflict started, ATIA has been working in partnership with the Federal Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). However, the campaign has reached a critical inflexion point. Australia is now a distinct international outlier. Key global allies, including the UK, Germany, France, and Ireland, have already updated their risk parameters, downgrading transit through these airports to Level 3. 

While ATIA is a staunch supporter of DFAT and the Smartraveller network, it warns that maintaining an advisory disconnected from the reality on the ground is actively eroding public trust, with returning Australians telling family and friends to ignore official advice. ATIA is demanding a staged, proportionate response that moves airport transit to Level 3 (“Reconsider your need to travel”), recognising that a 90-minute airside transit carries a fundamentally different risk profile to an extended holiday in-country. 

ATIA CEO: Dean Long noted: “This campaign started exactly where it should: with our members. Our travel advisor and tour operator members raised the alarm because their clients are transiting these airports safely every day. Yet, many of them are flying into a travel insurance void because the official advice refuses to decouple a brief airport transit from an in-country holiday.” 

“We have worked constructively and quietly with the government for two months now, but we have reached an inflexion point where Australia is a total outlier. More than 150,000 Australians have transited these hubs safely over the last six weeks alone. We are absolutely not telling people to holiday in Dubai or Doha; we are asking for a staged, commonsense approach for transit passengers.” 

“The greatest risk right now is that Australians stop trusting Smartraveller altogether because the advice doesn’t match the reality on the ground. That is a dreadful outcome for travellers, for the industry, and for the government. Following this weekend’s incredible wave of national media support, we are providing our members with the tools and assets to stand together and push for a commonsense adjustment immediately.” 

(Source: ATIA)

CapitaLand divests in Singapore hotel

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SINGAPORE, 3 June 2026: CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS) is divesting The Robertson House by The Crest Collection in Singapore to an unrelated third party for SGD360.0 million. 

The 336-unit hotel will be divested at 4% above book value and an exit yield of 2.3%. The net proceeds from the divestment are SGD341.7 million, and CLAS will recognise a net gain of approximately SGD38.1 million. The transaction is expected to be completed in 3Q 2026.

Photo credit: CLAS—Robertson House by The Crest Collection in Singapore.

CapitaLand Ascott Trust Management Limited and CapitaLand Ascott Business Trust Management Pte Ltd Chief Executive Officer Serena Teo,

said: “The divestment of The Robertson House by The Crest Collection at an attractive price of close to SGD1.1 million per key underscores CLAS’ disciplined approach to portfolio reconstitution. It further enhances CLAS’s financial flexibility, enabling us to redeploy the proceeds into higher-yielding properties, support our asset enhancement initiatives (AEIs), repay higher-interest debt, and/or fund general corporate purposes. We will continue to pursue value-accretive opportunities in Singapore and other developed markets to strengthen the resilience of our portfolio.”

Singapore remains a key market for CLAS

Post-divestment, CLAS will have four lodging properties in Singapore. Three properties – Ascott Orchard Singapore, lyf one-north Singapore and lyf Funan Singapore are operational. The fourth property, Somerset Clarke Quay Singapore, is currently under redevelopment. The 192-unit serviced residence with a hotel licence is on track to complete around the end of 2026 and is expected to begin contributing income progressively from early 2027.

(Source: CLAS)

Central & South America tourism outpaces global growth

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SINGAPORE, 3 June 2026: Central and South America’s Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to outperform the global average in 2026, driven by strong domestic demand, rising international visitor spending, and lower exposure to geopolitical disruption impacting other regions, according to the latest EIR data from the World Travel & Tourism Council, sponsored by Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner. 

WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) forecasts Travel & Tourism GDP across Central and South America will grow 4.1% in 2026, ahead of the global average of 3.2%.

Photo credit: WTTC. EIR data from the World Travel & Tourism Council, sponsored by Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner.

International visitor spending across the region is projected to increase 7.8%, more than double the global growth rate of 3.7%.  

Globally, WTTC data forecasts that Travel & Tourism will contribute USD12 trillion to the world economy in 2026, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP and supporting 376 million jobs worldwide. Over the next decade, global Travel & Tourism GDP is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 3.6%, 1.5 times faster than the wider global economy, which is forecast to grow at 2.4%.   

According to WTTC’s research, the region continues to benefit from resilient domestic travel demand and comparatively lower exposure to geopolitical disruption linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with affected transit routes and source markets playing a smaller role than in other regions. 

Several markets across Central and South America are forecast to post strong Travel & Tourism growth in 2026. Ecuador is expected to lead the region in Travel & Tourism GDP growth at 11.6%, while Bolivia is projected to grow by 10.3%, supported by a 25.8% surge in international visitor spending. Argentina’s Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to grow 4.9% in 2026, while Colombia is projected to record growth of 5.7%, reinforcing the region’s broad-based momentum.     

Brazil, one of the region’s largest Travel & Tourism markets, is forecast to continue growing in 2026, with Travel & Tourism GDP projected to increase 2.1%, while international visitor spending is expected to rise 3%. WTTC data also forecasts particularly strong momentum in Venezuela, where Travel & Tourism GDP is projected to grow 33.2% in 2026, alongside a 34.8% increase in international visitor spending.   

Central America is also expected to post strong results. Guatemala’s Travel & Tourism GDP is forecast to grow 6.1% in 2026, with international visitor spending projected to rise 9.3%. In Panama, the sector is forecast to grow 8.4%, with international visitor spending expected to increase 8.9% next year.     

WTTC data indicates that continued investment in connectivity, destination infrastructure, traveller confidence, and workforce development will be critical to sustaining the region’s growth trajectory and maintaining competitiveness amid evolving global travel patterns. 

The organisation also highlighted the importance of affordability and stable travel environments as key drivers of resilience, while warning that inflationary pressures and weaker consumer sentiment remain downside risks in some markets. 

WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara said: “Central and South America continues to emerge as one of the world’s most dynamic Travel & Tourism regions, with strong domestic demand, rising international spending, and growing traveller confidence supporting growth across many markets. 

Countries such as Ecuador, Bolivia, Guatemala, Panama, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela are demonstrating the sector’s enormous potential when supported by investment, connectivity, and a long-term strategic focus. The region has a real opportunity to strengthen its global competitiveness and secure sustained long-term growth.”

According to WTTC’s latest research, Travel & Tourism is forecast to support 18.5 million jobs across Central and South America in 2026, representing 8.3% of all jobs in the region.

WTTC’s Economic Impact Research is produced in partnership with Oxford Economics and is among the world’s most authoritative datasets on the economic contribution of Travel & Tourism.  

For more information about WTTC, visit wttc.org. 

LOT introduces flights to Almaty

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 3 June 2026: LOT Polish Airlines has inaugurated a direct connection between Warsaw and Almaty on 1 June, making it the second destination in Kazakhstan in LOT’s network.

Flights operate four times per week in the summer and will reduce to three weekly flights during the winter season.

LOT Polish Airlines inaugurated direct flights between Warsaw and Almaty.

With this new connection, LOT strengthens its presence in Central Asia and offers passengers from Kazakhstan convenient transfers in Warsaw.

For many travellers, this will be their first opportunity to discover Kazakhstan’s largest city — a modern metropolis nestled at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains. For many years, the region remained outside the mainstream of European tourism, but is now increasingly attracting the attention of business and tourist travellers, as well as digital nomads.

During the summer season, passengers will be able to enjoy LOT Polish Airlines flights to the former capital of Kazakhstan four times a week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Flights take off from Warsaw at 2240 PM. On the return leg, flights depart from Almatt every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 0920 local time. 

During the winter season, flights from Warsaw are reduced to three times a week — on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The return flights to Warsaw depart on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flight time on the outbound route is around six hours and 30 minutes, and the return trip to Warsaw is approximately one hour longer, using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

“The launch of operations to Almaty confirms the continued expansion of LOT Polish Airlines’ route network and the growing importance of the Central Asian region. This part of the world is playing an increasingly important economic and business role, and the new route is a response to the growing demand for direct connections between Europe and Kazakhstan. Almaty is a city that perfectly reflects the country’s modern spirit – a dynamic destination open to new investment opportunities and international cooperation. Thanks to our transfer hub in Warsaw, we can provide our passengers arriving from Kazakhstan with convenient access to LOT Polish Airlines’ extensive flight network, covering Europe and North America,” said LOT Polish Airlines Board Member Chief Commercial Officer, Robert Ludera.

At the  heart of modern Central Asia

Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world, the largest economy in the region, and one of the European Union’s most important trading partners in this part of the globe. Despite the relocation of the capital to Astana, Almaty remains the country’s financial and business centre where major banks and numerous international companies are headquartered.

Its strength lies not only in its economic importance, but also in its exceptional tourism potential. Few global metropolises can boast such a spectacular location nestled in southeastern Kazakhstan, at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains. Within less than an hour of leaving bustling boulevards and cafes, travellers can enjoy mountain trails, resorts, and spectacular vista points located over 2,000 metres above sea level.

(Source: LOT Polish Airlines)

Summer travel scam alert

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Newsdesk
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SYDNEY, 3 June 2026: QR code fraud, fake booking confirmations and “reservation hijacking” scams are becoming harder for travellers to spot, says Jürgen Himmelmann, travel expert at Global Work & Travel.

Holidaymakers are being warned to slow down before scanning QR codes, clicking booking links or entering card details, as travel scams become more convincing ahead of the summer rush.

Travel scams linked to QR codes, fake booking confirmations and “reservation hijacking” are gaining attention across travel media, with The Points Guy warning travellers about “quishing” scams and Reader’s Digest reporting that fake booking confirmations and travel updates are among the scams concerning US travellers this summer.

Himmelmann says the biggest risk is that these scams no longer look obvious. “The old idea of a travel scam was someone selling a fake tour on the street. The newer version is much harder to spot because it often looks like normal travel admin.

“A QR code in an airport, a hotel payment message, a flight rebooking link or a booking confirmation email can feel completely routine when you are tired, rushing or trying to get online abroad. That is exactly when people make quick decisions.

“The scam I would be most alert to this summer is what I call the four-tap scam. You scan, open, enter details and approve payment before you have properly checked who you are paying.”

Recent warnings have highlighted fake QR codes placed over legitimate ones, phishing messages that appear to come from trusted travel brands, and scams that use real booking details to trick travellers into making payments. Wired recently reported on “reservation hijacking”, where scammers use genuine booking information to make fake payment requests appear more credible.

Himmelmann says travellers should watch out for four common scams this summer:

Fake QR codes in airports, hotels and taxi ranks

Scammers can place stickers over genuine QR codes, sending travellers to fake payment pages or login forms.

Fake booking confirmation emails

These can appear to be from a hotel, airline, Booking.com, Expedia, or another travel platform, but the link directs travellers to a fraudulent payment or verification page.

“Reservation hijacking” messages

These use real details, such as your hotel name, travel dates, or booking reference, to make the scam feel legitimate.

Street-level distraction scams

Solo travellers remain vulnerable to “friendly chat” bar scams, bracelet scams, charm scams and fake donation approaches in busy tourist areas.

“The habit that defuses most of these scams is simple: do not act through the link or QR code in front of you. Open the official app, type the website into your browser, or go directly to the hotel, airline, or transport provider.

“If a message says your booking will be cancelled unless you pay now, that is the moment to pause, not panic. Genuine travel companies do not usually need you to make urgent payments through a random link.

“Travellers should also consider using a virtual card or a travel money card with spending limits, because it reduces the damage if details are compromised. Keep your main debit card away from unfamiliar payment pages while travelling.”

Travel insurance may not always cover losses from authorised card payments, phishing attempts, or scams in which the traveller has willingly entered their details, so holidaymakers should check the policy wording before they travel.

“A lot of people assume travel insurance covers every bad thing that happens on holiday. It does not. If you transfer money to a scammer or enter your card details on a fake site, your first point of contact is usually your bank, not your insurer.

“That is why prevention matters. The safest travellers this summer will be the ones who treat every payment link, QR code and urgent booking message as something to verify first.”

About Global Work & Travel
Founded in 2008, Global Work & Travel is headquartered on the Gold Coast, Australia, and has offices in the UK and Canada. It curates 60 culturally educational travel experiences to over 30 countries.


(Source: Jürgen Himmelmann, travel expert at Global Work & Travel: https://www.globalworkandtravel.com).

Trip.com awardees take home cash grants

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SHANGHAI, 3 June 2026: Trip.com Group’s 2nd Tourism Innovation Awards honoured 10 standout projects across five categories – Museum, Theme Park, Architecture & Engineering, Resorts, Events & Shows, during the company’s Envision 2026 event last week.

Each project received a USD60,000 grant under the group’s USD100 million Tourism Innovation Fund, presented during Envision 2026. 

Trip.com Group Co-founder and Chairman James Liang.

This year’s winners included Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort, recognised for setting a new benchmark in immersive theme park technology, and the Almaty Museum of Arts (Kazakhstan), honoured for opening up a major new cultural destination at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing travel frontiers. Other projects in London, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Bangkok, and Shanghai were also honoured.

Singapore

Mandai Wildlife World (Mandai Wildlife Reserve): Honoured in the Resorts and sustainable innovation categories. It was recognised as the world’s first integrated destination deeply combining wildlife conservation with high-end eco-resort experiences. Trip.com spotlighted its “Conservation + Vacation” model—notably the Mandai Rainforest Banyan Tree resort, which elevates its entire structure to preserve native mature trees—alongside its “Ultra-Low Energy Consumption” design certification and the sprawling Rainforest Wild Asia park.

Bangkok

Jurassic World: The Experience (Bangkok): Honoured in the Theme Park / Immersive Entertainment category. Located at Asiatique The Riverfront, this 6,000-sqm attraction is Southeast Asia’s first officially licensed experience space from Universal Pictures. It was awarded for its innovative shift away from static exhibitions, instead using advanced animatronic technology, cinematic lighting, and a moving narrative that lets visitors walk through a live recreation of Isla Nublar.

Other winners

Shanghai 

Shanghai, host city for Envision 2026, recognised initiatives that highlighted cutting-edge, community-driven content ecosystems and the integration of immersive mega-events — such as its massive race-weekend tourism packages — thereby redefining how inbound travellers experience the city.

LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort was officially named an Innovation Contribution Award winner.

Abu Dhabi

TeamLab Phenomena: Celebrated as an experiential digital art landmark on Saadiyat Island, blurring physical and digital boundaries with real-time responsive installations.

Zayed National Museum: Honoured for its striking architecture featuring solar-thermal “falcon wings” that seamlessly combine national symbolism with sustainable engineering.

London

ABBA Voyage: Honoured in the immersive technology/entertainment category for its groundbreaking digital avatar concert experience.

Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station: Recognised for its massive cultural pop-culture impact and viral appeal that continues to drive global fan tourism.

Trip.com Group, Co-founder and Chairman James Liang commented: “Travelling is about experiencing something new, and innovation is the spark that turns imagination into journeys and curiosity into discovery. We established the Tourism Innovation Awards to champion and empower pioneering minds shaping the future of travel. The brilliant trailblazers we’re recognising this year from across the globe highlight the incredible potential that emerges when technology and creative vision come together to reimagine what is possible.

“Innovations like these, and the countless innovators who drive travel forward, are the reason our industry — and humanity — will continue to thrive as we move towards the future with ceaseless steps and boundless creativity.”

Latest product line-up

Trip.com Group also highlighted how innovation is being applied across its own platforms, products and services, with new capabilities rolling out across its core business units during Envision 2026.

Flights: Launched new integrated services such as Online Check-In, while AI-driven market intelligence equips airline partners with sharper signals to optimise operations.

Hotels: One-click personalisation and smart carts generate 10,500 incremental room nights and 4,000 multi-room bookings daily.

Trains: A one-stop multi-modal rail platform is driving 50% year-on-year growth in rail-flight cross-sell, with expanded integration across rail providers in Europe.

Attractions & Tours: Smart Ticketing Solutions, including Self-Service Ticket Machines at high-traffic attractions, have served over 1 billion users across eight markets since their 2024 launch.

Trip.Biz: AI agents now auto-approve low-risk corporate travel requests with a 98%+ approval rate, and Trip.Biz covers the cost if its AI makes a mistake.

Content & Community: AI-powered influencer matching now connects merchants with the most relevant creators for their audience, helping partners convert inspiration into demand and discovery.

(Trip.com Group)

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