KUALA LUMPUR, 11 December 2025: Golfasian and Go Golfing will organise the inaugural edition of the Malaysia World Masters Golf Championship, to be held from 22 to 28 November 2026 in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
This new addition to Asia’s calendar of international amateur golf tournaments will bring together golfers from around the world for a week of championship play, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.
Photo credit: Golfasian Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
The tournament will be staged across four of Malaysia’s premier golf courses:
Tropicana Golf & Country Resort – a 27-hole layout with lush fairways and modern clubhouse facilities, perfect for kicking off the week in style.
Kota Permai Golf & Country Club is renowned for its immaculate conditioning, fast greens, and reputation as one of Asia’s top-ranked courses.
Saujana Golf & Country Club (Palm Course) – a former host of the Malaysian Open, offering an actual test of skill amid beautiful tropical scenery.
Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (East Course) – one of Asia’s most prestigious venues, home to past LPGA and European Tour events.
Players will be based at the Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur, offering a contemporary retreat in the heart of the city, with easy access to the courses and evening entertainment.
“Golf has a special way of bringing people together, and Kuala Lumpur is the perfect stage for it,” said Golfasian Managing Director Mark Siegel. “Malaysia combines top-tier golf with incredible food, culture, and hospitality. The courses are world-class, the people are welcoming, and the camaraderie we see at these events reminds us why we love this game.”
Echoing that sentiment, Go Golfing, CEO Peter McCarthy added: “The Malaysia World Masters brings together golfers of all ages and handicaps for a celebrated week of competition and friendship. Better still, players are welcomed and looked after better than tour professionals. The hospitality, organisation, caddies, functions and entertainment – it’s all first class.”
The tournament welcomes men and women aged 35 and over, with divisions based on age and handicap. Each day’s play is professionally managed, with live leaderboards, daily prizes, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts competition and celebration. Off the course, golfers can look forward to welcome and awards dinners, social events, and the chance to experience Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant nightlife and cuisine.
The Malaysia World Masters will attract golfers worldwide with strong support from golfers in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, the UK, the US, plus the Middle East and
MUMBAI, 11 December 2025: Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel forex services company, has expanded its network with the opening of its first outlet in Varanasi.
This newly launched outlet broadens the company’s access to five forex outlets across the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Photo credit: Thomas Cook India. Official opening of the Varanasi forex store.
Located in Nadesar, the store offers strong city-centric accessibility positioned to serve both local customers and the significant inflow of inbound and NRI travellers visiting the spiritual capital.
Varanasi sees a high volume of foreign tourists, especially during the winter season, and the new outlet aims to support them with its comprehensive forex services and an exclusive inaugural offer of zero transaction fees.
In addition, the store will serve a broad customer base across Varanasi and nearby cities such as Bhadohi and Jaunpur, creating a strong catchment area for Thomas Cook India’s Foreign Exchange business.
Key customer segments include Varanasi’s large student population travelling overseas, holidaymakers, and foreign nationals seeking currency exchange.
Consumer-services
Currency: 26 global destination currencies;
Overseas Remittances: Thomas Cook Forex’s Send Money Abroad covering over 120 countries;
Prepaid Travel Cards: Partners with Mastercard and Visa; specifically for holidays, includes a Borderless Travel prepaid multi-currency card in 12 global currencies.
Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange – India ka Forex Specialist serves over 1 million customers annually through its website, FX Now app, call centre at 1800-2099-100, and 125+ Forex stores located across 69 metros and tier 2 to 4 cities/towns pan India.
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, Executive Vice President – Foreign Exchange, Deepesh Varma, said: “Varanasi is one of India’s most vibrant spiritual and cultural hubs, witnessing year-round demand from travellers, with a significant number of international tourists. The city also serves as a thriving education centre, home to renowned institutions like Banaras Hindu University and several colleges, resulting in a large student population.
With a significant number of students travelling overseas for higher education and exchange programs, combined with the holidaymakers travelling to international destinations and a steady influx of tourists, Varanasi represents a high-potential source market for our forex services.
“Our new outlet is designed as a one-stop forex hub, offering convenient access to trusted and seamless foreign exchange solutions right in the heart of the city. We’re excited to bring our full range of innovative solutions, including our Borderless Travel, Study Buddy Cards, and mobile-first forex services, to serve our customers in the region.”
Thomas Cook Forex serves 1000+ corporate clients, 1 million+ active Forex prepaid card users, and over 1 Lakh students studying overseas, using the company’s fee and other remittance services. Thomas Cook operates 23 counters at leading airports in India, Sri Lanka and Mauritius.
TAWAU, Sabah, 11 December 2025: Sabah welcomed a Loong Air charter flight from Shenzhen to Tawau on 6 December carrying 143 passengers and marking the first time an international airline has operated directly to Tawau.
Jointly chartered by Shenzhen Kanghui Travel Service Co Ltd. and Huan Ya Holidays (under Guangzhou Hailang International Travel Service Co Ltd), the charter series schedules four departures from Shenzhen on 6, 10, 14, and 18 December to meet strong year-end travel demand in southern China for trips to Sabah.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Dr Andi MD Shamsureezal bin Mohd Sainal (3rd left), welcoming passengers arriving on Loong Air’s Shenzhen-Tawau route.
All flights depart from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport.
Sabah’s Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Dr Andi MD Shamsureezal bin Mohd Sainal, was on hand at Tawau Airport to welcome the arriving passengers as the state continues to strengthen ties with the Chinese travel market.
“We are pleased to welcome visitors from China, and even within a short charter series, the interest shown in Sabah, particularly Semporna’s world-class marine environment and high-end island resorts, is very encouraging.
“We value this cooperation with our China travel partners and look forward to expanding opportunities that support Sabah’s tourism growth,” he concluded.
According to Sabah Tourism Board (STB) data, China remained Sabah’s most significant international source market, with 534,975 arrivals from January to September 2025, reflecting strong growth and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Currently, Sabah is connected to seven Chinese cities via Kota Kinabalu: Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, and Fuzhou.
Sabah Tourism Board’s Chief Executive Officer, JulinusJeffrey Jimit, said the charter series complements STB’s efforts to strengthen Sabah’s market presence in China.
“These flights offer valuable insights into demand from southern China as we refine strategies for 2026. STB will continue working closely with travel agents and airlines to improve connectivity and ensure Sabah remains visible and competitive.
The Shenzhen charter series is expected to bring more than 1,300 visitors to Tawau and Semporna.
Their itineraries include stays at high-end island resorts and boutique water villas such as Kapalai Water Villas, Mataking Reef Resort, Mabul Water Bungalows, White Sands Resort, Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, Pom Pom Island Resort and other premium overwater accommodations.
Many visitors will also stay in Semporna town to enjoy its seafood offerings and embark on island-hopping trips to Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Pom Pom, Pandanan and the surrounding marine park islands.
Shenzhen Kanghui Travel Service Co Ltd General Manager, Wang Tao, said the charter reflects strong demand for Semporna.
“Semporna continues to attract Chinese travellers. Malaysia’s stable environment, visa-free arrangement and diverse tourism offerings make it a natural choice for this charter service,” he said.
Huan Ya Holidays Chief Executive Officer Liao Lina said the company has operated in the Malaysian tourism market for more than 20 years and in Tawau and Semporna for 16 years.
“We are committed to providing quality travel services. Through close cooperation with local resorts and travel agencies, we have ensured strong support for this charter programme.
“Following the Shenzhen series, there is a plan to introduce a year-round Hong Kong-Tawau charter service in 2026 to bring more visitors to Tawau and Semporna,” she noted.
SHANGHAI, 11 December 2025: China Eastern Airlines (MU) inaugurated its new Shanghai–Auckland–Buenos Aires route last week, with full fifth-freedom rights for passenger and cargo traffic.
The first flight from Shanghai to a major South American city carried 282 passengers. It opens a new “southbound corridor” across the Pacific and offers an alternative to traditional routes via Middle Eastern, European, or North American airlines.
Photo credit: MU. Check in for the 25-hour journey to Buenos Aires.
The journey, which previously took 30 hours, is now reduced to roughly 25 hours. China Eastern Airlines operates the route with Boeing 777-300ER wide-body aircraft.
Flight MU745 (Shanghai–Buenos Aires) will depart on Mondays and Thursdays, while MU746 will return on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Before departure, China Eastern Airlines hosted a brief inaugural ceremony at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which featured Argentine-themed decor and commemorative gifts.
Beyond a new air corridor, the route links three continents under fifth-freedom rights. China Eastern Airlines can handle passenger and cargo transfers in Auckland without aircraft change, facilitating trade among China, New Zealand, and Argentina.
SINGAPORE 11 December 2025: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its latest financial outlook for the global airline industry, showing a stabilisation of profitability even as supply chain issues persist.
Airlines are expected to achieve a combined net profit of USD41 billion in 2026 (up from USD39.5 billion in 2025). While this would set a new record, the net profit margin is expected to remain unchanged at 3.9% from 2025.
Net profit per passenger transported is expected to be USD7.90 (below the 2023 high of USD8.50, and unchanged from 2025).
Operating profit in 2026 is expected to be USD72.8 billion (up from USD67.0 billion in 2025), with a net operating margin of 6.9% (up from the 6.6% expected for 2025).
Return on invested capital (ROIC) is expected to be 6.8% (unchanged from 2025). Despite deleveraging and improved operating profitability, ROIC is expected to remain below the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) estimated to be 8.2% in 2026.
Total industry revenues are expected to reach USD1.053 trillion in 2026 (up 4.5% on the USD1.008 trillion expected revenues in 2025).
Load factors are forecast to remain at record highs, with airlines expected to fill 83.8% of all seats in 2026.
Passenger numbers are expected to reach 5.2 billion in 2026 (up 4.4% on 2025).
Cargo volumes are expected to reach 71.6 million tonnes in 2026 (up 2.4% on 2025).
“Airlines are expected to generate a 3.9% net margin and a USD41 billion profit in 2026. That’s extremely welcome news, given the headwinds the industry faces — rising costs from bottlenecks in the aerospace supply chain, geopolitical conflict, sluggish global trade, and growing regulatory burdens, among others. Airlines have successfully built shock-absorbing resilience into their businesses that is delivering stable profitability,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.
“While strong performance of airlines in the face of a changing and challenging operating environment is impressive, the fact that the airline industry collectively does not generate earnings that cover its cost of capital remains an issue to be resolved.
“Industry-level margins are still a pittance considering the value that airlines create by connecting people and economies. They stand at the core of a value chain that underpins nearly 4% of the global economy and supports 87 million jobs. Yet Apple will earn more selling an iPhone cover than airlines will earn transporting the average passenger. And even within the air transport value chain, airline margins are completely out of balance, particularly compared with those of engine and avionics manufacturers and many of our service suppliers. Imagine the additional power that airlines could bring to economies if we could re-balance value chain profitability, reduce regulatory and tax burdens, and alleviate infrastructure inefficiencies,” said Walsh.
Air cargo’s performance is of particular interest, as it has defied many gloomy predictions and held its own amid rapidly changing trading conditions.
“The resilience in air cargo has been awe-inspiring. As trade flows adapt to a protectionist US tariff regime, air cargo has been the hero of global trade, buoyed in part by robust e-commerce and semiconductor shipments to support the boom in AI investments. Notably, air cargo enabled front-loading to deliver products ahead of tariff deadlines, and it flexibly accommodated demand surges as tariffed goods normally destined for the US found new markets. The critical role of air cargo is front and centre as the global economy adjusts to new realities,” said Walsh.
Travellers’ Viewpoint
Air travel continues to deliver exceptional value to consumers. Average real return air fares in 2025 US dollars were 34.7% lower than in 2015. Passengers are expected to benefit from efficiency gains and competitive forces, which will likely keep the 2026 average return air fares 36.8% below the 2015 level.
An IATA public opinion poll conducted in October-November 2025 (14 countries, 6,500 respondents who had taken at least one trip in the past year) found that 97% of travellers were satisfied with their most recent travel experience. Moreover, 88% agreed that air travel improves their lives, 78% rated it good value for money, and 87% said they care about their ability to fly in the future.
Passengers are counting on a safe, sustainable, efficient, and profitable airline industry. The IATA public opinion polling demonstrated the vital role that travellers see the airline industry playing:
90% agreed that air connectivity is critical to the economy
88% said that air travel has a positive impact on societies, and
82% said that the global air transport network is a key contributor to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
83% care about the success of the aviation industry
The air transport industry is committed to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Travellers are expressing high levels of confidence in this endeavour: 79% agree that the industry is demonstrating a commitment to working together to achieve its ambitious goal, and 77% agree that aviation leaders are taking the climate challenge seriously.
HO CHI MINH CITY, 11 December 2025: Vietnam Airlines will launch a new direct route between Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen, starting 15 December 2025.
It follows the introduction of flights from Hanoi to Cebu, Philippines, on 2 December and the 22 November launch of five weekly flights between Hanoi and Jakarta, Indonesia.
Photo credit: Vietnam Airlines. Promotions for the new service to Denmark.
Ahead of the Copenhagen launch, Vietnam Airlines hosted 100 Danish and Nordic travel tour operators and retail travel sales agents. In a Facebook post, a Vietnam Airlines representative noted that “establishing the route was a key step in completing the airline’s European network.”
The airline schedules three weekly services between the two cities, departing Ho Chi Minh City on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and returning from Copenhagen on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. It will deploy a Boeing Dreamliner 787 with 312 seats on the route. Flight time is 13 hours and 15 minutes on the outbound leg to Copenhagen and 11 hours and 40 minutes on the return flight.
To launch the service, the starting round-trip fare is USD976 (Kayak — December search)
Flight schedule
VN39 departs Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 2245 and arrives in Copenhagen (CPH) at 0600. VN38 departs Copenhagen (CPH) at 1050 and arrives in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 0430
Hanoi to Cebu
Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines launches direct flights from Hanoi to Cebu on 2 December, the first direct route connecting Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, with Cebu, Philippines, a renowned tourist destination known as the “heart of Central Philippines.” Cebu offers a wide range of experiences, from heritage and culture to white-sand beaches, scuba diving excursions, and island adventures.
The inaugural flight VN643 departed from Noi Bai on the evening of 2 December and landed in Cebu at 0330 on 3 December, carrying 100 passengers. It marks another milestone in Vietnam Airlines’ strategy to expand its Southeast Asia network.
Flights from Hanoi to Cebu depart every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. In the opposite direction, the Cebu–Hanoi flights operate every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with a flight time of three hours and 40 minutes. The airline deploys a 184-seat A321 on the route. The starting round-trip fare is USD308 (Kayak search December).
Flight schedule
VN643 departs Hanoi (HAN) at 2250 and arrives in Cebu (CEB) at 0330. VN642 departs Cebu (CEB) at 0455 and arrives in Hanoi (HAN) at 0735
SYDNEY, 11 December 2025: Qantas confirms the return of international flying from the Gold Coast, with direct flights to Auckland on sale now and set for take-off in June 2026.
The new route will mark the first time Qantas international services have operated from the Gold Coast in almost five years, adding more than 52,000 seats annually across the Tasman and boosting tourism in both directions.
Photo credit: Qantas. Flights to Auckland from Australia’s Gold Coast are back in the 2026 timetable.
Starting from 16 June 2026*, Qantas will operate three flights per week year-round from the Gold Coast to Auckland, connecting Queensland’s tourism capital with New Zealand and providing customers with enhanced connectivity across the Tasman.
Qantas will be the only airline offering business class on the route between the two cities, providing both leisure and business travellers with a premium option on the popular trans-Tasman route.
More connections to Apia (Samoa) with flights via Auckland
Qantas has also announced the launch of flights from Sydney to Apia (Samoa) via Auckland*, providing Australian travellers with additional options to reach the Pacific through Auckland. Operating on alternate days to the airline’s direct Brisbane–Samoa flights, the new service creates near-daily Qantas connectivity between Australia and Samoa.
New Auckland Lounge
Coinciding with the route announcement, Qantas is preparing to open its new International Lounge at Auckland Airport on 17 December. The footprint of the new lounge is 60% larger than the previous space, providing capacity for more than 370 customers across dedicated zones for dining, relaxing and working.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace commented on route expansion, saying: “It marks a massive milestone for the Gold Coast with Qantas international services returning after almost five years. There’s been real demand for a premium option to Auckland, and we’re the only airline offering business class on this route.
“Our new Auckland to Samoa service launching the same day gives Sydney and Brisbane travellers near-daily Qantas connectivity to the Pacific, strengthening our trans-Tasman and Pacific network.”
Key information
The new route will operate year-round on a Boeing 737 aircraft, three times per week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Gold Coast (OOL) to Auckland (AKL) will operate as QF209, scheduled to depart at 1305 and arrive in Auckland at 1810.
The inaugural flight will depart on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, with one-way economy fares starting at AUD$364.
Passengers will be able to connect with Jetstar services from Auckland to domestic destinations across New Zealand, including Christchurch (CHC), Wellington (WLG), Queenstown (ZQN), and Dunedin (DUD).
BANGKOK 10 December 2025: WorldHotels, part of BWH Hotels, announces the launch of its exclusive 2026 Osechi Ryori collection from Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro, a member of WorldHotels Distinctive Collection.
This annual New Year tradition, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, features beautifully presented dishes symbolising prosperity, longevity and good fortune.
Located beside Ikebukuro Station, one of Tokyo’s bustling transport hubs, Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro is a popular choice for both local and international travellers.
For this festive season, the hotel offers an elevated Osechi experience featuring a blend of Japanese, Western, and Chinese flavours, ideal for families, couples, and returning Japanese expatriates who wish to celebrate the New Year with authenticity and convenience.
Guests can choose from one, two, or three layers, each representing a different culinary tradition. These limited-edition sets are available for home delivery or in-store pickup and are designed for those who wish to enjoy a premium New Year’s feast without the preparation.
Three distinctive culinary layers
Western Cuisine (100 sets): Crafted by Executive Chef Akira Kobayashi, the Western layer features luxurious ingredients such as Black Wagyu Roast Beef, Foie Gras with Caramelised Apple, Abalone and Octopus with Caviar, and smoked seafood specials.
Japanese Cuisine “HANAMUSASHI” (110 sets): Led by Chef Koichi Honbutsu, this traditional Washoku tier includes New Year favourites such as Yellowtail Saikyo-Yaki, Chestnut Kinton, Red and White Kamaboko, Black Beans, and seasonal delicacies that represent luck and celebration.
Chinese Cuisine “KEI-LIN” (100 sets): Prepared by Chinese Head Chef Masanori Midorikawa, guests can enjoy indulgent dishes such as Sweet and Spicy Lobster Tail, Steamed Ezo Abalone with Ginger Sauce, XO Clam Stir-Fry, and aromatic braised meats.
Reservations and key information
Reservations period: Closes 22 December 2025
Delivery: 30–31 December (specific time cannot be chosen)
Pickup: 1F Cake & Bakery (Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro)
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro remains committed to sharing Japan’s festive culture with international guests through exceptional dining, warm hospitality and memorable seasonal experiences.
About WorldHotels WorldHotels is a privately held hotel soft brand within the BWH® Hotels global enterprise. Founded by independent hoteliers dedicated to the art of hospitality, WorldHotels offers one of the finest portfolios of independent hotels and resorts around the globe, expertly curated to inspire unique, life-enriching experiences that connect people and places. WorldHotels comprises four unique collections, each with its own personality and style, appealing to today’s traveller. The collections include: WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotelsTM Elite, WorldHotelsTM Crafted and WorldHotelsTM Distinctive.
KUCHING, 10 December 2025: Sarawak Delta Geopark cleared all the hurdles to achieve UNESCO Global Geopark acceptance at the council’s meeting last September and now awaits the ‘Final Endorsement’ by the UNESCO Executive Board in May 2026 to formally welcome it into the ranks of the prestigious global geopark community.
This achievement is the result of a long-term effort that began in 2009, with a serious push starting in 2019. This will make it the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Sarawak and only the third in Malaysia (after Langkawi and Kinabalu).
Photo credit: Sarawak Tourism Board.
Tourism and connectivity initiatives
Sarawak is leveraging the Geopark’s status to drive regional tourism, highlighted by the launch of new Geopark Tourism Packages tagged The Sarawak Delta Geopark Packages Vol 2, in November. It delivers an expanded collection of 42 new thematic itineraries curated by 13 local tour operators, showcasing the Geopark’s geological, cultural, adventure, and biodiversity attractions.
It also coincides with the planned introduction of the Sarawak-owned airline, AirBorneo (taking over from MASWings), which plans to launch services initially with turboprop aircraft and upgrade to jet operations in July 2026.
Sarawak’s state government is exploring direct international routes, including a proposed service to Jeju Island in South Korea (which is also a UNESCO Global Geopark). This move aims to create a symbolic link in tourism between the two UNESCO-recognised geological destinations.
Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026)
The launch of the new Geopark packages is a key component of Sarawak’s strategy to position itself as a premier destination for sustainable and cultural tourism ahead of the national Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
In addition, the formal endorsement of UNESCO Global Geopark status in May 2026, the launch of a Sarawak-branded airline, and the new, comprehensive tourism packages will showcase Borneo Island to a broader international audience.
The Sarawak Delta Geopark is a significant region recognised for its unique blend of geological, biological, and cultural heritage, spanning over 3,100 square kilometres across Kuching, Bau, and Padawan districts.
Surreal atmosphere with limestone features at Wind Cave. Source: sarawakforestry.com.
Featured Geopark destinations
Here are the main attractions and themes you can expect in the Volume 2 packages. The packages are centred around the three main areas of the Geopark: Kuching, Bau, and Padawan.
Thematic itinerary highlights
The 42 packages fall under broad themes designed to appeal to different types of travellers, emphasising authenticity, sustainability, and storytelling.
1. Geological wonders and adventure
These packages focus on the physical landscape, rock formations, and adrenaline-fueled activities.
Ancient rock formations and fossil sites: Guided trails to areas showcasing ancient schists, serpentinites, and other geological features that tell the story of the Earth’s history in the region.
Cave Exploration: Tours focus on the Wind and Fairy Caves, including their unique ecosystems (biosites) and geological structure.
River adventures: Kayaking, rafting, and boating excursions, such as the Semadang River Kayak experience.
2. Culture and community immersion
These itineraries focus on engaging with the diverse indigenous communities and historical sites.
Longhouse Stays: Authentic experiences at places like Annah Rais Homestay to learn about the traditional customs, cuisine, and daily life of the Bidayuh community.
Living museum visits: Deep-dive tours of the Sarawak Cultural Village to witness traditional longhouses, cultural performances, and hands-on activities like weaving.
Historical city tours: Exploring Kuching’s colonial history (White Rajahs era) and heritage landmarks like Fort Margherita and the Old Court House, connecting them to the Geopark’s role as an ancient trading hub.
Gastronomy tours: Packages that specifically highlight the region’s distinctive, local, and flavour-packed gastronomy, often tied to village-level cooking.
3. Biodiversity and ecotourism
Focusing on the delta’s rich flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.
Wildlife encounters: Visits to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre to see orangutans and other wildlife.
Birdwatching: Specialised tours to the Selabat Mudflats and coastal areas for viewing migratory shorebirds.
Mangrove and delta cruises: Evening tours to spot wildlife, particularly fireflies in the mangrove ecosystems, showcasing the biodiversity of the delta.
The Sarawak Delta Geopark Packages Vol 2 offers a more profound and transformative journey, reinforcing Sarawak’s reputation as a world-class, responsible travel destination in anticipation of its full UNESCO Global Geopark recognition in 2026.
How to book Geopark tour packages?
Contact Sarawak’s tour operators
The packages were developed by members of the Association of Sarawak Inbound Agencies (ASIA). It is highly recommended to contact established local tour operators in Kuching, Sarawak, and ask specifically for the “Sarawak Delta Geopark Package Volume 2”.
Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia Sarawak. Launch of the Sarawak Delta Geopark Packages Vol 2, featuring 42 thematic itineraries presented by 13 tour operators in Sarawak.
(Source: Sarawak Tourism Board and additional reporting)
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.
