Lufthansa upgrades more destinations to Allegris

By

-

June 1, 2026

SINGAPORE, 1 June 2026: Starting 25 October, Lufthansa will fly to 11 additional new Allegris destinations, including direct services to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore

New Allegris destinations are flagged to fly from Frankfurt and Munich during the upcoming winter timetable, featuring enhanced premium cabin amenities and in-flight service.

New destinations and increased frequencies will also be introduced on the Lufthansa Group airlines: SWISS, ITA Airways, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss, and Eurowings.

All new winter destinations are now available for bookings as the airline focuses more than ever on a premium service experience. Following the introduction of the new in-flight service on all long-haul flights in early May, the number of destinations where passengers can experience the new Allegris cabin will increase significantly starting this coming winter. The new cabin interior was introduced in 2024 and is available to passengers in all classes.

Lufthansa will fly to 11 new destinations in winter 2026/27 with Allegris on board. From Frankfurt, new long-haul routes will include Vancouver (Canada), Houston (US), Denver (US), Atlanta (US), Detroit (US), San José (Costa Rica), Seoul (South Korea) and Kuala Lumpur. Lufthansa will offer the new nonstop service to Malaysia’s capital five times a week starting 25 October.

With the launch of flights to Kuala Lumpur, Lufthansa Airlines is strengthening its network in Southeast Asia and focusing on growth in a dynamic region. The new Boeing 787-9, one of the most modern and efficient aircraft in the Lufthansa fleet, will be deployed on this route, featuring 287 seats in three classes and the new Allegris cabin – just as it will on flights from Frankfurt to Chennai (India) starting in March.

From Munich, the new “Allegris destinations” are Singapore (starting in late October), Washington (US) in March 2027, and Cape Town (South Africa).

In addition, Lufthansa will increase weekly frequencies on several high-demand transatlantic routes this winter: This includes routes from Frankfurt to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), San José (Costa Rica), Bogotá (Colombia), Lagos (Nigeria), and Hyderabad (India), as well as from Munich to São Paulo (Brazil), Mexico City, Johannesburg (South Africa), and Washington (US).

SWISS

SWISS is further expanding its offerings in the 2026/27 winter schedule and, for the first time, is adding a destination in southern India — Bengaluru (India) — to its route network. At the same time, SWISS is bringing the new long-haul experience SWISS Senses to Johannesburg (South Africa) and Shanghai (China) this winter on the Airbus A350.

ITA Airways

ITA Airways will launch a new seasonal direct route from Rome-Fiumicino to Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) for the 2026/27 winter season. This marks the airline’s first foray into the Central American market and further expands its route network on the continent. ITA Airways’ upcoming winter schedule will also be supplemented by two new routes that were already introduced during the current summer season: the Rome-Fiumicino–Houston (USA) and Rome-Fiumicino–London Heathrow (UK) routes.

Brussels Airlines

On 3 June, Brussels Airlines will launch a new route between Brussels and Kilimanjaro (Tanzania). This route was originally planned only as a summer service, but due to strong demand, Brussels Airlines will continue the flights through the winter. Between 28 October and 16 December, the airline will fly to Kilimanjaro once a week, and between 19 December and 21 February, two flights are scheduled per week.

Discover Airlines

Starting in winter 2026/27, Discover Airlines is expanding services to include two new destinations in Morocco. Starting in late October, the holiday airline will connect Frankfurt with the coastal city of Agadir and offer the only direct connection from Munich to the historic royal city of Fès in the northeast of the country. In addition, the airline is continuing the successful expansion of its Nordic offerings and will include flights to Ivalo in Finnish Lapland in its winter schedule for the first time. From mid-December to mid-April, the holiday airline will operate a weekly direct flight from Munich to Finland’s northernmost region.

Edelweiss

Due to strong demand for flights to Scandinavia, Edelweiss will further expand its service to Finland and Norway. In addition, the season to Luleå (Swedish Lapland), which was newly added last year, will be extended. Additional flights to all three countries are in the planning stages and will be announced in the coming weeks. Furthermore, due to demand, capacity will be increased to the Canary Islands, Faro, Bilbao, Seville, and Mallorca.

Eurowings

Eurowings, Germany’s largest holiday airline, is strategically expanding its offerings in the 2026/27 winter schedule to include high-demand European routes. From Berlin, the Lufthansa Group airline—as the market leader at the German capital’s airport—is particularly strengthening its service to European cities and Nordic winter destinations. New additions to the winter schedule include a route from Berlin to Kuusamo in Finnish Lapland. Eurowings is also increasing frequencies on existing routes to Rovaniemi and Kittilä (both in Finland). Furthermore, Eurowings is continuing the expansion of the “Capital Express” from Berlin: The route to Rome will launch on 2 November and flights to London Heathrow (UK) will also be offered during the winter. From Düsseldorf, Eurowings is extending its service beyond the summer season and will offer year-round flights to Madrid (Spain) in the future.

All destinations in the 2026/27 winter flight schedule are now available for booking.

(Source: Lufthansa Group)

Thai culinary master heads to Himalayan resort

By

Your Stories

-

May 29, 2026

POKHARA, Nepal, 29 May, 2026: Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection confirms the appointment of Chef Thaksorn Than Sertsirikai as Executive Chef.

With a distinguished culinary career spanning nearly four decades, Chef Than brings exceptional international pedigree and a profound passion for gastronomy to one of Nepal’s most celebrated resort destinations.

Lovingly known simply as Chef Than, he has taken his culinary journey to some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality destinations. He has held senior roles at Ambassador Hotel Pattaya, Krabi Resort, Centara Krabi, Novotel Rayong, Sheraton, and Amari Hua Hin. His global footprint extends well beyond Thailand, encompassing professional postings in Singapore, Mali, and Phuket, each chapter deepening a versatile, cross-cultural culinary sensibility that sets him apart in his field.

Chef Than has earned wide acclaim for his mastery of Thai, Chinese, and Western cuisines — refined through decades of experience across diverse cultures and discerning guest profiles. Among his most notable honours is the prestigious Iron Pan Chef award for Thai cuisine, a recognition that speaks to his technical excellence and enduring commitment to his craft.

In his new role at Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, Chef Than is focused on crafting a dining identity that is both globally fluent and deeply rooted in place. He plans to introduce guests to the depth and authenticity of Thai cuisine while championing Nepali gastronomy — using locally sourced ingredients and traditional Himalayan flavours to develop menus that feel both worldly and unmistakably of this region.

Guests can look forward to thoughtfully composed menus that pair signature Thai specialities with reimagined Nepali classics, offering a culinary journey as layered and compelling as the surrounding landscape.

“I am truly excited to be here,” said Chef Than. “I want to share my passion for Thai cooking with guests in Nepal, and at the same time I am eager to learn from the incredible local ingredients and traditions around us — to create something that is both familiar and entirely new.”

Chef Than’s appointment underscores Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara’s ongoing efforts in providing world-class hospitality. With his arrival, the resort further cements its reputation as a premier destination where exceptional dining and immersive Himalayan experiences converge.

ABOUT Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara
Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, part of The Centara Collection, is a secluded Himalayan retreat perched on the hills of Kaskikot, just 35 minutes from Pokhara. With sweeping views of the Annapurna Range and Fishtail Mountain, the resort features 42 spacious rooms, suites, and villas that blend modern comfort with authentic Nepali design and touches of Thai-inspired elegance.

Find out more about Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara at Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection.

For more information about Centara visit www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com.

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Saudia welcomes its first long-range A321

By

Newsdesk

-

May 29, 2026

SINGAPORE, 29 May 2026: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has welcomed its first Airbus A321XLR, becoming the first airline in the Middle East and Africa to take delivery of the extra-long-range narrow-body aircraft.

The milestone supports Saudia’s fleet growth programme and reflects its continued investment in advanced aircraft models that enhance operational efficiency, guest experience, and sustainability performance.

With a range of up to 8,700 kilometres and a flight duration of up to nine hours, the A321XLR gives Saudia greater flexibility to operate longer international routes with the efficiency of a narrow-body aircraft. This capability enables Saudia to expand international connectivity more efficiently, aligning aircraft capacity to market demand while maintaining a high-quality onboard experience.

The aircraft also marks the first delivery to feature core elements of “The New Saudia Experience”, Saudia’s new onboard offering focused on comfort, connectivity, entertainment, dining, and service consistency across the guest journey. The cabin is configured with 24 business class suites designed for privacy and comfort, alongside 120 Guest Class seats featuring enhanced seat design, 13-inch personal entertainment screens, and convenient charging ports to support a more comfortable guest journey.

Saudia Group’s fleet investments also deliver broader industrial and economic value to the Kingdom. Through its recent deal with Airbus for 105 confirmed aircraft, the Group is supporting local content, creating opportunities for Saudi suppliers, and strengthening Saudi participation in global aviation supply chains. As part of the agreement, Airbus will continue working with suppliers in the Kingdom to support their qualification for global aviation supply chains, helping build national capabilities and generate long-term economic value beyond aircraft acquisition.

Saudia is scheduled to add 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft to its fleet by 2027, as part of its wider fleet growth program. The aircraft will support network growth across key travel segments, including tourism, business, major events, and pilgrimage travel, contributing to Vision 2030 and the Saudi Aviation Strategy as the Kingdom prepares to host major global events in the years ahead, including the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Expo 2030, and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

(Source: Saudia)

Agoda elevates tourism ties with DOT Philippines

By

Newsdesk

-

May 29, 2026

SINGAPORE, 29 May 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda and the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) announced a strategic partnership this week to promote Philippine tourism, advance workforce development, strengthen sustainable tourism practices, and enable data‑driven policy and marketing collaboration.

Under this partnership, Agoda and DOT will primarily run joint marketing initiatives to promote travel to the Philippines. The collaboration extends to training programs and workshops on topics like digital transformation, service excellence, and industry best practices. Agoda and DOT will also support more sustainable tourism practices through awareness initiatives and knowledge‑sharing.

*An Agoji holding a smartphone displaying the Agoda app.*

Agoda Chief Commercial Officer Damien Pfirsch commented: “Agoda is proud to partner with DOT to encourage inbound travel, collaborate on training and development programs, and support growth across the many incredible tourist destinations in the Philippines. By combining DOT’s leadership with Agoda’s expertise, we will entice more travellers to visit the Philippines while elevating the tourism industry as a whole.”

The partnership also highlights the shared commitment between Agoda and the DOT to promote the Philippines as a welcoming, safe, and accessible destination for domestic and international travellers. Through Agoda’s global network of accommodations, flights, and activities, and the DOT’s destination management initiatives, the joint partnership aims to deliver practical benefits to tourism businesses, empower tourism professionals, and enhance traveller confidence.

(Source: Agoda)

WiT Indie strikes a partnership with Think City Malaysia

By

Newsdesk

-

May 29, 2026

PENANG, 29 May 2026: WiT Indie 2026, the event for independent travel, will relocate to Bangunan UAB in the heart of George Town, Penang, as part of a new partnership with Think City, Malaysia’s urban impact organisation dedicated to making cities more livable, sustainable and resilient.

The event, now in its seventh year, returns under the theme “The Next 20: Small Is Mighty,” bringing Asia’s independent travel community into the creative, heritage and civic fabric of a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Bangunan UAB carries the weight of that history. Built in the 1930s as a godown, it later housed the first overseas branch of Indian Overseas Bank in 1937 before being restored in 2016. Today, it is home to Think City’s George Town operations, a building shaped by commerce, conservation and reinvention, much like the city around it.

WiT Founder Yeoh Siew Hoon said: “It is only through collaboration that the small gets mightier, and we are pleased that this partnership with Think City will enable us to be closer to, and more connected with, the creative and heritage community of George Town. The new space and its location will enable us to create the most vibrant, creative and collaborative WiT Indie ever with the local travel community in Penang. Bangunan UAB is not just a venue, it is a witness to George Town’s transformation, and Think City has been part of that transformation since the beginning.”

Established in 2009 with a specific purpose — to kick-start urban regeneration in George Town and stimulate economic growth for the city and the state — Think City has spent 15 years asking a single question: how do we build a sense of ownership in city communities, so that people take pride in their city and become active in its development?

The work that followed — across the North Seafront precinct, from the Padang and Esplanade to the Seawall, Fort Cornwallis, the moat reinstatement, and the Astaka — was about restoring the conditions for a liveable, sustainable, and inclusive city.

Think City Managing Director Dato’ Hamdan Abdul Majeed said: “Cities endure because people continue to find reason to gather within them. That is what we have worked to create in George Town, not just physical infrastructure, but the fabric of a place that draws people in and gives them reason to stay, return and invest their energy. It is with this spirit that we are delighted to welcome Asia’s independent travel community to Bangunan UAB and to George Town. Having the entrepreneurs, storytellers and travellers who give places their meaning convene here is exactly the kind of activation that a living heritage city needs.”

The partnership is a deliberate alignment of two complementary missions. Think the city’s regeneration work lays the foundation; WiT Indie activates it. Thriving cities, as Think City’s work has consistently shown, are sticky. They attract talent, creative communities, and sustained economic activity not through infrastructure alone but through the quality of the experience they offer.

Bringing the independent travel ecosystem into the heart of George Town deepens that stickiness, connecting a global community of travellers and entrepreneurs to a city that has earned its place on the region’s cultural map.

Since its launch in 2018, WiT Indie has been held at Penang Institute as part of a partnership with the state government’s think tank.

Siew Hoon said: “We’re grateful to Penang Institute for their support from the very beginning. With their support and community outreach, we’ve been able to grow our event to what it is today.”

Penang Institute, Executive Director Dato’ Dr Ooi Kee Beng, added: “We welcome any initiative that we feel can enhance Penang’s cultural economic stature and diversity over time. We give them advice, context and connections to help them realise how correct they have been in seeing Penang as a steady step up the ladder towards international success.”

WiT Indie was created by WiT (Web in Travel), part of the Northstar Travel Group, to focus on the independent travel sector, a sizeable and growing market enabled by the different waves of technology that have empowered travellers at every stage of the travel journey – from dreaming to planning, booking and experiencing.

A smooth first day for HKIA’s brand new T2

By

Newsdesk

-

May 29, 2026

HONG KONG, 29 May 2026: Hong Kong International Airport’s new Terminal 2’s passenger departures facilities commenced operations on Wednesday, marking a milestone in the territory’s development as Asia’s leading aviation hub.

Hong Kong Airlines is the first airline to relocate its check-in counters from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. The departure process in T2 ran smoothly on its first day of operation, with 36 flights departing from around 0800. Relocation of the other 14 airlines’ check-in services will continue in batches until 10 June.

*Photo credit: HKIA. T2 opens with 36 flights departing on the first day.*

T2 is served by a full suite of public transport options: Airport Express, airport buses and taxis. Car Park 3, providing over 1,000 spaces, is seamlessly connected to T2.

A wide range of retail shops and a food court have also opened at T2, offering diverse dining and shopping options. Four dining outlets in the food court and a convenience store will operate around the clock.

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), Chief Executive Officer Vivian Cheung said: “Positioned to serve leisure travel and mainly regional short-haul flights, T2 is seamlessly connected to and complements T1, which mainly focuses on long-haul and transfer/ transit services. Together, the two terminals strengthen HKIA’s capacity to meet growing passenger demand while enhancing passenger experience.”

Passengers departing from T2 complete check-in and bag drop using new smart self-service counters before proceeding to the centre of the departures hall and entering the restricted area through security gates embedded with facial recognition technology. They then undergo security screening at the smart security screening channels and complete immigration clearance procedures before taking the Automated People Mover (APM) to T1 for boarding.

In the next phase, T2 passengers will be using the boarding gates in the new T2 Concourse (T2C) for both departures and arrivals. T2C is expected to start operation before the end of next year, in line with traffic demand.

(Source: HKIA).

UTMB World Series signals Vietnam race

By

Newsdesk

-

May 29, 2026

29 May 2026: A new UTMB World Series adventure is set to unfold in the Vietnamese highlands as Vietnam Highlands Trail by UTMB debuts in Đà Lạt, Vietnam, from 8 to 10, 2027.

Held under the patronage of the Vietnam People’s Public Security Sports Association and the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee, and co-organised by Nexus Sport Events, this new event marks the arrival of the UTMB World Series circuit in Vietnam with the ambition of becoming a benchmark trail running event in the region.

As trail running continues to grow across Asia, the Vietnam Highland Trail by UTMB offers runners a new opportunity to live the UTMB World Series experience in one of the country’s most iconic trail destinations.

Today, more than 290,000 Asian runners hold a valid UTMB Index, including 22,000 in Vietnam (the 6th-most in Asia). In comparison, 3,000 Vietnamese runners already have a myUTMB account, highlighting the rapid development of the sport across the region.

The Vietnamese community also benefit from strong female participation, with women representing 38% of the runners. Among them is Hà Thị Hậu (VNM, UTMB Index 789), Vietnam’s leading elite trail runner and currently the athlete with the highest UTMB Index in the country, across both men and women.

“The first time I participated in the UTMB Finals, I dreamed that one day Vietnam would have a race of its own in this prestigious series. And I know that dream was never mine alone; it was also the dream of countless Vietnamese runners. Today, seeing it become reality is a feeling I simply cannot put into words. I hope the Vietnam Highlands Trail by UTMB will inspire Vietnamese runners to reach higher, bring world-class elite athletes to our country, and spread the beauty of Vietnam’s nature to the world.”

A historical land of convergence

Beyond the trails and the mountains, the Highlands reveal a land shaped by centuries of cultural and natural convergence. On one hand, the region brings together long-established indigenous communities, generations of settlers from across Vietnam, and French-inspired architecture, creating a unique cultural identity. On the other hand, the landscape itself reflects this convergence, from dense tropical forests in the lowlands to the cool mountain climate above, where nature transforms with altitude. Hidden within these forests lies a preserved and authentic natural heritage, rare and elusive, emblematic of the Highlands.

Vietnam’s iconic peaks

With five races on offer, 100K, 50K, 20K, 10K and 5K, Vietnam Highlands Trail by UTMB is the first trail running event in Đà Lạt to connect runners across four of the region’s most iconic peaks, Langbiang, Bidoup, Pinhatt and Elephant Mountain.

Each peak offers its own distinct terrain, ecological layer and landscapes. From the panoramic alpine landscapes of Langbiang and the untouched primary forests of Bidoup, to the ridgelines overlooking Tuyen Lam Lake at Pinhatt and the denser, more technical trails of Elephant Mountain, the courses take runners through a diverse and immersive journey across the Vietnamese Highlands.

“Bringing UTMB to Vietnam is more than launching a race — it is opening Vietnam to the global trail running community and bringing world-class standards closer to Vietnamese runners. We believe Vietnam Highlands Trail by UTMB will become a place where athletes not only challenge themselves, but also discover the beauty, culture and spirit of Vietnam”, said Nexus Sport Event Chairman Nguyen Tu Anh.

UTMB International Executive Director Florian Lamblin concluded: “Bringing the UTMB World Series to Vietnam for the first time is above all a human adventure built with local communities. Through the Vietnam Highlands Trail by UTMB, we hope to shine a light on the cultural richness, landscapes, and spirit of Đà Lạt and the Central Highlands.”

Priority registration for UTMB Index holders will open on 2 June, and general registration will open on 4 June on the official website: https://vietnamhighlands.utmb.world/.

About UTMB World Series
UTMB World Series is the trail-running circuit that brings together the best athletes in the sport and amateur runners at top international events held in some of the most beautiful places on the planet.

The UTMB® World Series is rooted in a passion for the mountains and respect for the environment and offers trail running enthusiasts the chance to experience the UTMB adventure across the globe, with events taking place in Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas. Launched in May 2021 in collaboration with UTMB Group and The IRONMAN Group, the UTMB World Series circuit brings together 64 events across 29 countries.

Vietjet starts flights to Prague this October

By

Newsdesk

-

May 29, 2026

SINGAPORE, 29 May 2026: Vietjet has announced the launch of its new Hanoi–Prague service, with all-inclusive Eco fares starting from just US$405 (SGD 518).

The new route marks the airline’s expansion into Europe and further strengthens connectivity between Vietnam and the European Union. Additionally, the new route will provide passengers with convenient access to more than 20 countries and territories across Vietjet’s 186-route network.

Set to commence on 10 October 2026, the Hanoi–Prague route will be operated by Vietjet’s Airbus A330 aircraft via Almaty, Kazakhstan. Initially, it will schedule two return flights per week on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Flights will depart from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi at 0825 and arrive at Vaclav Havel Airport in Prague at 1855.

The return service will depart Prague at 2055 and arrive in Hanoi at 1620 the following day (local time).

Tickets are available now via the airline’s website, its mobile app, official ticket offices and agents worldwide.

Vietjet CEO Nguyen Thanh Son shared: “This is an important milestone in Vietjet’s strategy to become a global aviation group. With a new-generation fleet, modern technology, and a continuously expanding network, Vietjet will soon operate many more routes to Europe, enabling passengers to conveniently connect between Europe and the Asia-Pacific, including destinations across Vietnam and Thailand. With Vietjet, Europe is now closer than ever. We are offering more affordable fares than ever before alongside high-quality and world-class service, strongly boosting demand for visiting relatives, tourism, and economic and cultural exchange between the two regions.”

Prague Airport CEO Jiří Pos added: “Vietnam is the most significant market in the Southeast Asian region in terms of passenger numbers. In 2025, more than 75,000 people travelled between Prague and Hanoi in both directions. The new connection will make travel easier for the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic and their families.

“At the same time, we expect growth in tourism and greater accessibility of Vietnam for Czech travellers. Equally important is the strengthening of trade relations between the Czech Republic and Vietnam. Vietnam also represents a major gateway to Southeast Asia.”

CzechTourism CEO František Reismüller explained: “An air connection between Prague and Hanoi is essential for inbound tourism to the Czech Republic. Vietnam is among the markets with great potential, not only in its own right, but also as a transit point for other Southeast Asian countries.

“The new route will therefore significantly facilitate travel to the Czech Republic, support arrivals from Southeast Asia, and open up further opportunities for the development of tourism and trade relations.”

(Source: Vietjet)

Tourism Australia names EGM global sales

By

Newsdesk

-

May 29, 2026

SYDNEY, 29 May 2026: Tourism Australia has announced the appointment of Kathryn (Kath) O’Brien as the organisation’s Executive General Manager Global Markets, bringing more than 20 years of industry experience in tourism and aviation to the role.

O’Brien will be responsible for managing Tourism Australia’s network of international offices across 16 global markets, as well as airline and distribution channel partnerships.

*Kathryn (Kath) O’Brien, Executive General Manager (EGM) Global Markets.*

Commenting on the appointment, Tourism Australia Managing Director Robin Mack said O’Brien has a proven track record of leading international teams across tourism and aviation.

“She brings to Tourism Australia significant skill and experience, having worked across a range of international-facing roles in sales, distribution, product and marketing strategy to deliver both revenue growth and strong stakeholder relationships,” said Mack.

She joins Tourism Australia from Air New Zealand, where she is currently General Manager Australia, responsible for leading distribution, commercial, partnerships, sales, marketing, and operations for the airline in Australia.

Before Air New Zealand, O’Brien held roles at Experience Co, where she was global Chief Commercial Officer, and at Hamilton Island Enterprises, where, during her 17-year tenure, she held numerous roles, including global general manager sales.

She will commence her new role at Tourism Australia on 10 August.

(Source: Australia)

Princess Cruises calls Singapore home

By

Newsdesk

-

May 29, 2026

SINGAPORE, 29 May 2026: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Princess Cruises have announced a three-year partnership to significantly expand the cruise line’s presence in Singapore, reinforcing the city-state’s role as a leading cruise hub in the Asia Pacific.

Spanning 2027 through 2030, the collaboration should generate more than 150,000 passengers and deliver economic benefits across Singapore’s tourism and maritime sectors.

The agreement comes at a time of accelerating demand for cruises in the Asia Pacific. Fuelled by rising affluence, an expanding middle class, and a strong appetite for immersive travel experiences, Singapore remains well-positioned to capture the region’s growing opportunities.

As part of this commitment, Princess Cruises will deploy three ships, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess and Grand Princess, to Singapore, with the number of sailings set to double by 2030.

Supported under STB’s Cruise Development Fund (CDF), the ships will offer extended itineraries of 10 to 28 days, giving travellers more time to explore destinations across the region.

Deployment will accelerate the fly-cruise segment

Princess Cruises’ 2027-28 Southeast Asia programme offers a curated collection of longer, destination-rich itineraries operated by Diamond Princess, connecting Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. Highlights include visits to 29 destinations across nine countries, with voyages designed as longer-duration sailings of up to 28 days that connect multiple regions. This follows on from the 2026-2027 season, when Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will homeport in Singapore simultaneously from November 2026 to February 2027.

Singapore’s role as a seasonal homeport for Princess Cruises is expected to attract a strong base of international cruise passengers, particularly from mid- to long-haul markets such as Australia, the UK and the US.

This deployment will further accelerate growth in the fly-cruise segment and strengthen Singapore’s position as a homeport of choice in Asia, underpinned by strong global air connectivity and world-class cruise infrastructure. Singapore’s plethora of tourism products also creates opportunities for travellers to extend their journeys with pre- and post-cruise stays in Singapore.

Singapore Tourism Board, Assistant Chief Executive, Experience Development Group, Jean Ng said: “This three-year partnership with Princess Cruises is a testament to Singapore’s position as Asia’s premier cruise hub.

“Princess Cruises’ expanded deployment broadens our premium cruise experiences and supports our Tourism 2040 vision to drive quality tourism growth through a strong pipeline of differentiated products. With Asia Pacific emerging as a key growth region for cruising, Singapore is well-positioned to capture fly-cruise demand and connect the world to the best of Asia. We look forward to Princess Cruises bringing their exciting cruise itineraries to more travellers.”

Princess Cruises Vice President Asia Pacific Matthew Rutherford added: “Singapore is a cornerstone of our Asia Pacific strategy and an exceptional homeport from which to expand our regional footprint. This multi-year deployment underscores our confidence in Singapore’s connectivity and strong cruise ecosystem. We’re seeing growing demand for longer, more immersive journeys, and this programme allows us to deliver richer itineraries across Southeast Asia and beyond while attracting more international guests to the region.”

(Source: STB/Princess Cruises)

Lufthansa upgrades more destinations to Allegris

Thai culinary master heads to Himalayan resort

Saudia welcomes its first long-range A321

Agoda elevates tourism ties with DOT Philippines

WiT Indie strikes a partnership with Think City Malaysia

A smooth first day for HKIA’s brand new T2

UTMB World Series signals Vietnam race

Vietjet starts flights to Prague this October

Tourism Australia names EGM global sales

Princess Cruises calls Singapore home

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now

Stay ahead with the latest travel news on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.