TOKYO, 10 December 2025: Hotel Okura Co Ltd, a leading global Japanese hotel operator, confirms the Okura Resort Hakone Gora, the first Okura Resort property in Japan, will open in 2029.
Developed in collaboration with Nishimatsu Construction Co Ltd, the new property will be located in the renowned hot spring destination of Hakone.
Photo credit Hotel Okura.
An operational management agreement was signed in July 2025 with Nishimatsu Construction, which will develop and own the property, while designating Hotel Okura as the hotel management company under the Okura Resort brand.
With its rich natural environment and beautiful seasonal landscapes, Hakone, one of Japan’s leading hot spring regions, attracts almost 20 million visitors from within Japan and from overseas every year. A significant number of them stay overnight to enjoy the area’s hot springs, museums and natural surroundings.
The new hotel will be situated in the resort of Gora, an area blessed with abundant hot springs. It will offer views of the Hakone mountains, including the iconic Myojogatake. Guests can experience local attractions, including the area’s famous summer festival, while enjoying the majestic natural surroundings throughout the seasons.
Comprising a West and East Wing, the hotel will feature 58 rooms, each equipped with a private open-air bath drawing on the renowned Owakudani Hot Spring waters.
With a generous average room size of 63 sqm, including balconies, guests will enjoy spacious comfort. The spacious bathing area will feature an indoor hot spring bath and dry and mist saunas. Dining options will include a fine-dining restaurant with a teppanyaki counter and a bar lounge in the lobby, all designed to offer a high-quality retreat in harmony with Gora’s natural beauty.
KUALA LUMPUR, 10 December 2025: Tourism Malaysia and the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) have opened a landmark partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) in Kuala Lumpur.
This collaboration marks a significant step in enhancing Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global medical tourism sector as the country prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) and the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT 2026).
Tourism Malaysia Director General Datuk Manoharan Periasamy (centre left) and MHTC CEO Suriaghandi Suppiah (centre right).
The MOC establishes a strategic framework for both agencies to strengthen Malaysia’s branding as a world-class medical and wellness destination. It outlines joint promotional efforts, enhances industry collaboration, and expands market outreach to attract high-value healthcare travellers. This supports the national tourism agenda for VM2026, which aims to welcome 47 million international visitors, with medical tourism positioned as a key contributor.
Commenting on the collaboration, Tourism Malaysia Director General Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said: “This partnership reflects our commitment to elevating Malaysia as a premier destination that blends exceptional tourism experiences with world-class healthcare services. As we approach Visit Malaysia 2026, the medical tourism segment will play a vital role in attracting quality visitors and boosting tourism receipts. We are confident that this partnership with MHTC will foster meaningful growth opportunities and further strengthen Malaysia’s position on the global stage.”
MHTC CEO Suriaghandi Suppiah commented: “Malaysia Healthcare is proud to partner with Tourism Malaysia to promote the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026. This MOC is designed to strengthen joint promotional activities and ensure a smooth experience for healthcare travellers. Our united efforts will help position Malaysia as a safe, reliable, and preferred destination for medical and wellness treatments.”
Under this collaboration, Tourism Malaysia and MHTC will coordinate targeted promotional activities across priority markets, including ASEAN, South Asia (Bangladesh and Sri Lanka), East Asia (China), the Middle East and Africa. These regions have been identified for their strong demand for quality medical and wellness treatments.
Joint marketing efforts, trade engagements, and data-sharing initiatives will support the development of integrated healthcare travel packages and strengthen Malaysia’s presence in these markets. The partnership aims to increase global visibility, improve product offerings, and ensure seamless travel experiences that attract higher-spending international travellers.
Medical tourism remains one of Malaysia’s most influential niche segments, contributing significantly to the tourism ecosystem through more extended average stays, higher per-visitor expenditure, and multiplier effects across hospitality, retail, transportation, and wellness services. Malaysia’s reputation for internationally accredited hospitals, highly skilled multilingual medical professionals, competitive treatment pricing, and exceptional hospitality continues to make the country an attractive choice for patients seeking quality healthcare abroad. This partnership is timely and essential as Malaysia aims to elevate its position among the world’s leading medical tourism destinations.
This collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and MHTC represents a unified national effort to maximise the potential of medical tourism as Malaysia prepares to welcome millions of visitors in 2026, further strengthening the country’s global tourism competitiveness and contributing to sustainable economic growth.
BANGKOK, 10 December 2025: Bangkok Airways launches its year-end promotion, ‘Super Sale 12.12’, offering low fares for both domestic and international routes.
Fares start at THB1,430 for domestic routes, and THB2,960 for international routes. The promotional fares for international flights include airport taxes, ticketing service fees, and fuel surcharges.
Photo credit: Bangkok Airways.
The sale will open for booking on the airline’s website from 12 to 16 December 2025, for travel from 1 January 2026 onwards.
FlyerBonus members will have exclusive access to book these special fares on 10 to 11 December 2025 before the public sale begins.
This promotion covers 19 destinations (both domestic and international), comprising popular routes such as Bangkok – Chiang Mai, Bangkok – Sukhothai, Bangkok – Trat, Bangkok – Phuket, Bangkok – Krabi, U-Tapao – Phuket, Phuket – Hat Yai, U-Tapao – Samui, Phuket – Samui, Krabi – Samui, Chiang Mai – Phuket (one-way only), Chiang Mai – Krabi (one-way only), Chiang Mai – Samui, Chiang Mai – Bangkok – Samui.
International routes
Bangkok – Luang Prabang, Bangkok – Siem Reap, Bangkok – Phnom Penh, Samui – Singapore and Samui – Hong Kong.
Passengers flying with Bangkok Airways gain a full-service experience with no additional charges. This included 20 kg baggage allowance per passenger, complimentary access to passenger lounges at designated airports, In-flight meal service and FlyerBonus points for future rewards.
DOHA, 10 December 2025: Qatar Airways Group has named Hamad Ali Al‑Khater as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 7 December 2025, succeeding Engr Badr Mohammed Al‑Meer.
Al-Khater joins Qatar Airways Group from Hamad International Airport, where he has served as Chief Operating Officer. In that role, he was responsible for ensuring the safety and reliability of airport operations, while leading its infrastructure expansion.
Photo credit: Qatar. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Hamad Ali Al-Khater.
Before his tenure at Hamad International Airport, he held senior roles across QatarEnergy, driving business development, deal execution, and leading large-scale strategic and operational initiatives.
Qatar Airways Group Board of Directors Chairman, His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, said: “Qatar Airways Group extends its appreciation to Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer for his service. As we welcome Hamad Ali Al-Khater, we look forward to building on Qatar Airways’ strong foundations and expansive global network, anchored by our exceptional team in Qatar and around the world. With this leadership transition, Qatar Airways Group reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class experiences, reliability, and innovation to travellers around the globe.”
MANAMA, Bahrain, 10 December 2025: AirAsia MOVE (MOVE) has once again been crowned Asia’s Best Travel Booking App at the World Travel Tech Awards 2025, marking the third consecutive year it has been recognised with this prestigious title and reinforcing its position as the region’s leading homegrown online travel agent (OTA).
MOVE’s continued recognition is underpinned by significant year-on-year growth across users, bookings and partnerships in 2025.
(Centre) Lim Ben-Jie, Chief People & Partnerships Officer at AirAsia MOVE, accepted the award at the global ceremony held in Bahrain on 8 December, attended by travel industry leaders and innovators worldwide.
Its monthly active users (MAU) remain strong at 15 million. Bookings across major verticals also grew, with hotel bookings up nearly 40% and SNAP (Flight + Hotel bundle) bookings climbing 30%. Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu were the top destinations for SNAP bookers.
MOVE also expanded its direct airline partner network on its platform this year, adding Sri Lankan Airlines, Royal Brunei, Ethiopian Airlines, and Vietjet Air (via GalaxyJoy), bringing the total to more than 70.
AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer said: “Winning this award for the third consecutive year is a meaningful recognition of what we are building, a travel platform born in Asean, made for Asean and now serving Asia and beyond. We have evolved from an airline app into a truly global, multi-airline, multi-product OTA, while staying true to our vision of being Asean’s favourite travel app by creating inclusive, fun and affordable journeys. This year, we’ve also strengthened regional partnerships by working closely with tourism authorities in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Dubai Tourism to drive travel growth together.”
Powered by enhancements to its AI-driven AskBo chatbot, a refreshed interface, and exciting offerings such as MOVETIX, its global live-events ticketing platform, and Cancel for Any Reason, MOVE’s next phase will emphasise social discovery, enabling users to find trip inspiration through content and allowing them to book it all seamlessly in one place. With access to over 700 airlines and over a million hotels, MOVE remains committed to being a platform that keeps travellers curious, connected and inspired.
About MOVE (AirAsia MOVE) MOVE, formerly known as airasia Superapp, is the newest online travel agent (OTA) offering travel services such as flights and hotel bookings from over 700 airlines, including AirAsia, and over a million hotels worldwide, plus airport transfers, travel insurance, and duty-free shopping.
SINGAPORE, 10 December 2025: With the world’s largest single-sport event set to return to the US for the first time in over three decades, Brand USA has announced the launch of America the Beautiful Game, a dynamic new trip planning hub designed to guide football fans as they explore the United States before, during, and after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The hub, now live at AmericaTheBeautiful.com/Football, is a go-to resource for discovering things to do, must-try local cuisine, and an initial set of AI-powered sample road trip itineraries that connect all 11 US host cities to nearby destinations and experiences.
The tournament coincides with America 250, and Brand USA is spotlighting 250 things to do across the US through a series of themed content. This edition turns the spotlight on the Beautiful Game, showcasing 50 things to do and see across the US host cities — and beyond — during the tournament.
“The US offers unmatched experiences for football fans both on and off the pitch,” said Brand USA President and CEO Fred Dixon. “The 2026 FIFA World Cup presents an opportunity to combine the love of the sport with the ultimate US holiday. We invite fans to come early and explore the iconic destinations that make America unique in the world. The resources found on AmericaTheBeautiful.com will inspire adventure and give travellers the inspiration they need to have a trip of a lifetime.”
Each city and region offers its own blend of sports history and game-day experiences for every kind of fan, from skyline views and waterfront strolls to cultural centres and legendary sports venues. In addition, each team will also set up standalone base camps and training facilities, with final locations to be announced closer to the start of the tournament.
Brand USA launches America the Beautiful Game, a new trip planning hub designed to guide football fans as they explore the US pre and post the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
PATTAYA, 9 December 2025: The Royal Cliff Hotels Group has been awarded the Trusted Thailand certification in the hotel and accommodation category by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for all four of its properties: Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, Royal Cliff Beach Terrace, Royal Cliff Grand Hotel and Royal Wing Suites and Spa.
This prestigious recognition confirms the highest standards of safety and quality, giving international travellers, particularly those from China, complete confidence and peace of mind when choosing Royal Cliff for their stay.
Representatives of Royal Cliff Hotels proudly receive Trusted Thailand certification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
The Trusted Thailand certification is granted to establishments that meet rigorous safety criteria across multiple areas. These include in-hotel security systems, secure payment procedures, emergency preparedness, accessibility to the hotel, and a multilingual team capable of responding effectively in urgent situations. Such measures are essential for ensuring the safety and comfort of all guests.
Royal Cliff Hotels Group has a highly trained and experienced team specialising in security, first aid, life-saving procedures, emergency evacuation drills, and counter-terrorism preparedness in collaboration with government agencies. The hotels are equipped with world-class safety technology, including 24-hour CCTV coverage, regular patrols by security personnel, and comprehensive emergency response plans for land, sea, and air situations. Notably, the hotel has in-house nurses on duty 24 hours a day.
In Photo: Royal Cliff staff undergo rigorous training with professional teams from government agencies in first aid, life-saving procedures, emergency evacuation drills, and counter-terrorism preparedness.
Guests can enjoy their stay at Royal Cliff with complete peace of mind, confident that every aspect of their experience is safe, secure, and professionally managed. The team is always ready to assist and provide support, ensuring that every visit is not only relaxing but truly memorable.
Perched atop a 64-acre private estate with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group boasts four award-winning hotels. It offers promotions and packages to ensure an exceptional holiday when booking directly with Royal Cliff, with guaranteed best prices.
To secure the premium experience, visit www.royalcliff.com, call reservations at (+66) 38 250 421 ext. 2732, or email [email protected].
Royal Cliff staff undergo rigorous training with professional teams from government agencies in first aid, life-saving procedures, emergency evacuation drills, and counter-terrorism preparedness.
BANGKOK, 9 December 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts introduces Centara Karon Villas Phuket, an exclusive villa-only extension located next to Centara Karon Resort Phuket, just a few minutes away from the golden sands of Karon Beach.
This intimate retreat features 50 modern villas, each designed for those who value space and privacy. Guests can choose from one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations, with many villas boasting private plunge pools, spacious balconies, and separate living areas, creating the perfect setting for romantic escapes, family holidays, or group retreats.
Privacy is at the heart of the experience, complemented by exceptional facilities including a 3,000 sqm pool area with four swimming pools, SPA Cenvaree for holistic treatments, and a fully equipped fitness centre. Families will appreciate the Chang Dee Kids’ Club and E-Zone, while couples can unwind at Pink Social, a chic coffee lounge that transforms into an evening bar. Dining options range from Bistro Grill & Bar’s Thai and international cuisine to poolside bites at Tropix, Koh Kool, and Splash Deck.
Centara Hotels & Resorts VP of Operations and General Manager of Centara Karon Villas Phuket, David Martens, shared: “Centara Karon Villas Phuket is more than a place to stay — it’s a sanctuary where guests can immerse themselves in privacy, comfort, and the beauty of Phuket. We are thrilled to expand our portfolio with this new villa concept in a destination where Centara has deep roots and is well known. This marks an exciting step in bringing a fresh product line to the Phuket market, offering guests a new way to experience the island.”
To celebrate its opening, check out the Place to Be offer with up to 25% savings, daily breakfast, and exclusive perks for CentaraThe1 members.
BANGKOK, 8 December 2025: Tourism has entered an age of restless reinvention, and across the global industry a consistent message is emerging: Travellers are seeking experiences that feel authentic, human, and rooted, rather than packaged or predictable.
The voices championing this narrative include the UN Tourism (UNWTO), the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and international networks such as Skål International.
Monks in Asia receiving alms.
Thailand-based Italian tourism thinker Roberto Causin expresses this shift with sharp clarity. He argues that the traditional formula of flights, hotels, and buffet breakfasts no longer satisfies modern expectations.
Today’s travellers are looking for journeys that shake off the routine, open the senses, and connect them with real people and real places.
More than a decade ago, the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) was already championing this movement, pioneering programmes that placed local communities at the heart of tourism’s value chain.
Farm-to-table dining, meet-the-maker experiences, artisan engagement, and village immersion all grew from these early innovations. They helped lay the foundation for what is now widely known as regenerative tourism, an approach where tourism strengthens destinations instead of merely using them.
Tourists helping to make local village (OTOP) products. A very hands-on experience.
Thailand’s long-running OTOP (One Tambon One Product) programme is a strong example. By empowering villages to produce unique cultural goods, from textiles and pottery to herbal remedies and snacks, OTOP transforms heritage into income and dignity. It remains a benchmark of booming community-based tourism in Asia.
Proximity tourism
One of Asia’s most compelling attributes is the global rise of proximity tourism. Travellers are beginning to realise they do not need to fly 10,000 kilometres to feel amazed. They are rediscovering the beauty of the nearby, driven by environmental awareness, value-for-money thinking, and a growing interest in roots tourism as people explore ancestral places and their personal identity.
Moving beyond Instagram moments
The world may still chase the perfect sunset shot, but travellers increasingly want substance behind the image. They want reassurance that the oceans will remain blue, that cultural heritage is respected, and that communities genuinely benefit from tourism rather than being overrun by it. In short, they want authenticity with integrity.
AI Is Impressive — But it’s not hospitality
Technology now shapes every stage of the travel journey. Yet, as Causin notes, AI without people becomes merely a GPS without a journey.
“Without genuine smiles and sincere hospitality, AI is only a tool. It cannot deliver the experience itself. Travel remains fundamentally a human-to-human exchange.”
Destinations must think in synergy
Modern travellers are seeking destinations that feel coherent, meaningful, and whole. That requires synergy, blending cuisine, culture, community products, landscape, and hospitality into experiences that tell a genuine story, not just a slogan.
Village pottery — additional income opportunities.
Tourism is ultimately a living ecosystem of people, landscapes, flavours, stories, and small miracles. And today’s voyagers want to be guided to places where locals live quietly, beyond the billboard and beyond the algorithm.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer, former hotelier, and long-time Thailand resident. A past President of Skål International Asia and Skål International Thailand, he writes extensively on tourism trends, sustainability, and community-based travel across the Asia-Pacific region.
PHUKET, 9 December 2025: AirAsia Malaysia (AK) announced on Monday the launch of a new route connecting Phuket to Penang, which is due to join the airline’s regional network on 13 March 2026.
The airline will deploy an A320 for the one-hour and five-minute flight. AirAsia previously served the Phuket-Penang route daily from July 2018 until October 2020. It suspended flights due to widespread travel disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The airline’s decision to resume flights suggests passenger traffic between the two destinations is recovering enough to test the market with a four-weekly service while leaving open the option to increase to daily if the service succeeds.
Photo credit: AirAsia: New route to link Penang and Phuket, March 1016.
Flight schedule
AK1820 departs Penang (PEN) at 1235 and arrives in Phuket (HKT) at 1240 (four weekly flights — Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday). AK1821 departs Phuket (HKT) at 1310 and arrives in Penang (PEN) at 1515.
Penang stands out as one of Malaysia’s leading medical-tourism hubs and a key tourism gateway in Southeast Asia, offering world-class hospitals alongside a rich heritage and vibrant food culture.
Phuket, meanwhile, is globally recognised for its beaches, wellness centres and dynamic lifestyle appeal. A direct Penang–Phuket service connects these complementary strengths to create a compelling leisure and medical travel corridor, giving guests greater convenience, flexibility and choice while supporting year-round demand and two-way economic activity.
Penang’s medical-tourism sector continues to show strong momentum, recording over 200,000 foreign patients and nearly MYR500 million in revenue as of August 2025, with international arrivals growing steadily since 2023, led by Indonesia, China and Thailand.
This growth also mirrors broader regional travel patterns, including Malaysia’s position as Thailand’s top source of foreign tourist arrivals with more than 4 million Malaysians visiting the kingdom as of November this year — further reinforcing the potential and relevance of enhanced connectivity between the two destinations.
With four weekly flights between Malaysia and Thailand, the airline continues to expand its second route to Thailand from its Penang hub, further enhancing seamless travel and providing more options through its network, which connects to over 130 destinations across Asean and beyond.
AirAsia Malaysia CEO Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “As we approach Visit Malaysia 2026, we remain committed to supporting the nation’s tourism ambitions by strengthening inbound connectivity to key local destinations. Thailand consistently ranks among Penang’s top five sources of foreign tourists, and in 2025 alone, we flew nearly 200,000 guests between Penang and Bangkok.
“With the launch of the new Penang–Phuket route, both inbound and outbound tourist traffic will increase, and AirAsia is further enhancing its role in driving tourism growth from this important market.”
“As one of AirAsia’s five major hubs in Malaysia, Penang offers direct connections to 12 domestic and international cities, including Singapore, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Medan and Shenzhen.
“With the new Penang–Phuket route, we are offering Thai travellers from Phuket and travellers across Asean more convenient, affordable, and seamless travel options. This expansion strengthens Penang’s role as a key regional hub. It supports the state’s efforts to boost tourism and economic activity, while highlighting its famous beaches, hawker cuisine, cultural heritage, medical facilities and vibrant nightlife.”
As part of the launch celebrations, AirAsia offers special promotional fares from Penang to Phuket, starting from just THB1,690 all-in one-way.
Flights from Phuket to Penang are also available from THB1,690 all-in one-way (MYR179)*. The promotion opened on 8 December and closes at midnight on 21 December 2025, for travel between 13 March and 24 October 2026, exclusively on the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com.
*All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees. Terms and conditions apply.
