SINGAPORE, 27 January 2026: Vietjet invites Singapore travellers to start planning their 2026 Vietnam getaways with a limited-time promotion for just 71 hours, offering up to 30% off Deluxe fares across its international network and Vietnam domestic routes.
Until the midnight deadline on 29 January 2026 (GMT +8), passengers booking Deluxe fares via www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile application can enjoy a 30% discount on base fares by applying the promotional code DLXVJ.
Photo credit: Vietjet.
The promotion is valid for travel between 1 February and 31 December 2026, excluding taxes, fees, and selected blackout dates (*).
For Singapore travellers, the promotion applies to Vietjet’s direct services connecting Singapore with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc. It supports onward travel through the airline’s extensive domestic network in Vietnam.
Designed for travellers seeking greater comfort and flexibility, Vietjet’s Deluxe fare includes 20kg of baggage allowance, complimentary seat selection, free flight schedule changes, and additional bundled benefits (**).
Vietnam remains a popular destination for Singaporeans, particularly during the spring travel period when the country enjoys milder weather and a festive atmosphere. From Lunar New Year celebrations to cultural festivals, historic cities, and renowned regional cuisine, the season offers a compelling backdrop for both leisure and experiential travel.
(*) Travel periods may vary by route, blackout dates apply, and public holidays are excluded.
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 January 2026: Tourism Malaysia welcomed Shandong Airlines’ inaugural flight from Jinan to Kuala Lumpur last week, marking a milestone in strengthening air connectivity between China and Malaysia.
The new route operates daily with a Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft seating 176 passengers. Flight time is five hours and 40 minutes.
Zainuddin Mohamed, General Manager Aviation, Marketing & Development – Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Deputy Director General (Promotion II), Tourism Malaysia, Lee Thai Hung, and Hao Shu, Deputy General Manager, Asia – Pacific Region, Air China, presented goodie bags to passengers arriving at KLIA on the inaugural Shandong Airlines flight from Jinan to Kuala Lumpur.
Flight schedule
SC8077 departs Jinan (TNA) at 0825 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0305, plus a day. SC8078 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0405 and arrives in Jinan (TNA) at 0945.
Supporting the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, the new route should boost inbound tourist arrivals from Shandong, China, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for Chinese travellers while enhancing regional aviation connectivity.
“We warmly welcome the inaugural Jinan–Kuala Lumpur flight by Shandong Airlines, which marks a positive step forward in meeting the growing travel demand between China and Malaysia,” said Tourism Malaysia Director General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim.
“This new daily service will make it more convenient for Chinese travellers to discover Malaysia’s diverse attractions, culture, and hospitality, while reinforcing our commitment to strengthening tourism cooperation under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.”
China remains a key source market for Malaysia, as demonstrated by sustained tourism growth: arrivals reached 4.3 million from January to November 2025, a 25.9% year-on-year increase. Recognising the significance of enhanced air connectivity in driving visitor growth, Tourism Malaysia will continue working closely with airlines and travel trade partners in China to promote curated itineraries and travel packages. These efforts will showcase Malaysia’s diverse attractions, rich culinary heritage, vibrant festivals, and renowned hospitality. The added flight capacity supports ongoing efforts to boost visitor arrivals and increase tourism spending from key source markets.
Two-way tourism potential
Jinan is the capital of Shandong Province in Eastern China. It is geographically positioned between the Yellow River to the north and Mount Tai (Taishan) to the south. Known as the “City of Springs” (Quancheng), Jinan is famous for its unique hydrogeology, which allows dozens of natural artesian springs to bubble up throughout the urban centre.
Jinan serves as a major cultural and transport hub on the North China Plain, acting as a gateway for travellers heading to the holy Mount Tai or to the hometown of Confucius in Qufu. Its primary tourist appeal lies in its “Spring Culture,” traditional architecture, and proximity to sacred sites.
(Source: Tourism Malaysia plus additional reporting)
MUSCAT, Oman, 28 January 2026: SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, introduced flights between Muscat and Port Sudan on Tuesday, marking the first operations of an Omani airline between the two cities.
The new service flying three times weekly expands SalamAir’s network across the Middle East and Africa. With this service, SalamAir becomes the first GCC airline to offer direct air links to Sudan, strengthening connectivity between the Sultanate of Oman and Northeast Africa through affordable travel options.
Photo credit: SalamAir.
The inaugural Muscat–Port Sudan flight operated with a full load factor of 100%, reflecting robust market response and underscoring the importance of this route in meeting growing travel demand while strengthening community, commercial, and economic ties between Oman and Sudan. The service offers passengers an affordable and convenient travel option between the two countries, with Lite fares starting at OMR69.99.
Commenting on the launch, SalamAir Chief Commercial Officer Steven Allen said: “The launch of Port Sudan reflects our targeted and commercially driven approach to network expansion. We are proud to be the first GCC carrier operating to Port Sudan, and while the route addresses clear travel demand between Oman and Sudan, it will also connect to our GCC network beyond Muscat. By offering affordable fares and reliable connectivity, we aim to support community links, facilitate trade and mobility, and strengthen regional connectivity in line with Oman Vision 2040.”
Flight schedule
OV391 departs Muscat (MCT) at 0640 and arrives in Port Sudan (PZU) at 0830. (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday — A321). OV392 departs Port Sudan (PZU) at 0920 and arrives in Muscat (MCT) at 1430. (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday — A321).
SINGAPORE, 28 January 2026: Swiss International Air Lines will deploy its latest Airbus A350 on the Zurich–Seoul route on 29 March, presenting ‘SWISS Senses’ new cabin products and services for the first time in Asia.
Flying three weekly direct services to Seoul Incheon, the A350 is the first SWISS aircraft to feature an entirely redesigned cabin across four travel classes — first, business, premium economy, and economy. It has 242 seats, replacing the 215-seat A340 on the route.
Photo credit: SWISS. Sweet travels in the Swiss Suite.
SWISS First will feature two Single Suites and one Suite Plus (two persons). while SWISS Business has five individual seat types — Classic Seat, Privacy Seat, Extra Long Bed Seat, Extra Space Seat and Business Suite. (Total:45 seats). Premium economy has 38 seats, and economy has 156.
Korea is the first market in the region to receive the premium Airbus A350 aircraft configured with the new cabin products and services.
The A350-900 aircraft will shave 50 minutes off the flight time between the two cities compared with the A340-300, which has served the route since 2024. Flight time will be around 11 hours and 10 minutes on the direct service.
South Korea is Switzerland’s fourth-largest trading partner in Asia, and this is reflected in the cabin layout, which favours varied seating options in business class.
Flight schedule
LX122 departs Zurich (ZUR) at 1320 and arrives in Seoul (ICN) at 0820, plus a day. Departures from Zurich on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. LX123 departs Seoul (ICN) at 1005 and arrives in Zurich (ZUR) at 1645. Departures from Seoul on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
SINGAPORE, 27 January 2026: Pandaw, a specialist river cruise operator in Southeast Asia and India, updated travel agents this week on its latest product updates for 2026.
As 2026 gets underway, Pandaw introduces ship additions, expanded land programmes and flexible short itineraries in its latest Route News.
Photo credit: Pandaw.
Route news
Three-night cruise from HCMC to Phnom Penh
New city-to-city connector: Designed for easy packaging, the three-night cruise adds a premium Mekong experience between two major city gateways. Travellers get a taste of local life, scenery, and culture without the time commitment of a seven-night cruise.
RV Kerala Pandaw launches
2nd ship for Kerala end of 2026: Pandaw, the pioneer of multi-day Kerala Backwaters cruises, is charting new horizons. At the end of 2026, the 10-cabin RV Kerala Pandaw will join the fleet, purpose-built to glide through Kerala’s waterways.
Photo credit: Pandaw.
Tonle Suites offer added luxury
Double the space: Tonle Suites offer agents a premium upsell opportunity, with double the space of standard staterooms and added benefits such as a private butler, sauna and steam room sessions in the Pandaw Spa, and a large balcony.
ITB Berlin
Pandaw Cruises’ marketing and sales team will attend this year’s ITB Berlin in Hall 25, Booth 318A, to discuss new product developments, itineraries, and partnership opportunities across Southeast Asia and India.
KUCHING, 27 January 2026: Building on its recent Guinness World Records achievement and accelerating momentum towards Visit Malaysia 2026, Sarawak delivered a high-impact presence at the MATKA Travel Fair 2026, Northern Europe’s largest travel trade and consumer exhibition, positioning the destination firmly within the Nordic long-haul travel market.
Held from 15 to 18 January 2026 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, Sarawak’s participation formed a key pillar of the Sarawak Tourism Board’s (STB) European and Nordic market strategy, supporting Malaysia’s national tourism ambition of welcoming 43 million visitor arrivals in 2026, with particular emphasis on high-value long-haul markets such as Europe.
Sarawak delegates engaged with visitors at the MATKA Travel Fair 2026 in Helsinki, Finland. The Sarawak destination booth served as a high-engagement platform, providing Nordic travellers and trade partners with information on the region’s strengths in eco-tourism, nature-based adventures, and indigenous culture.
“Our continuous presence at MATKA Travel Fair 2026 shows the importance of this market,” said Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board.
“As Malaysia works towards its Visit Malaysia 2026 target of 43 million visitor arrivals, Sarawak is committed to playing a meaningful and differentiated role in that journey. The Nordic market values authenticity, sustainability, and meaningful travel, and Sarawak offers all three at scale.”
STB’s participation at MATKA Travel Fair 2026 reflects Sarawak’s commitment to contributing to Malaysia’s national tourism goals by strengthening engagement in high-yield European and Nordic markets, particularly at the start of 2026. This momentum builds on encouraging recovery trends, with Nordic visitor arrivals to Sarawak growing by nearly 30% from January to December 2025, reflecting renewed demand and increasing confidence in long-haul travel to the destination.
As one of Malaysia’s most distinctive destinations, Sarawak’s participation at the region’s largest travel exhibition went beyond destination promotion. Through immersive cultural showcases, targeted trade engagements and sustainability-led storytelling, Sarawak reinforced its readiness to welcome discerning long-haul travellers seeking nature, culture, and purpose-driven experiences. This sustained presence in the Nordic region reflects STB’s long-term market development approach, which prioritises relationship-building, trade readiness, and alignment with evolving traveller values.
A significant audience gathered to watch a traditional sape performance at the MATKA Travel Fair 2026 in Helsinki. The strong turnout underscored the Nordic market’s interest in authentic and meaningful cultural experiences, as showcased by Sarawak.
Over the four-day fair, Sarawak’s destination promotion booth served as a high-engagement platform for Nordic travel agents, tour operators, media representatives, and influencers.
Structured business meetings and destination briefings generated new trade contacts and qualified leads, strengthening Sarawak’s pipeline for post-event follow-up and conversion.
Destination presentations focused on Sarawak’s strengths in eco-tourism, nature-based adventures, indigenous culture, and community-based tourism, aligning firmly with the Nordic travellers’ preference for responsible, immersive, and low-impact travel experiences.
Cultural storytelling emerged as one of Sarawak’s most compelling engagement tools at the MATKA Travel Fair 2026. On-stage sape music and traditional dance performances drew a strong audience
interest, while hands-on bead-making workshops at the MATKA Experience Zone offered visitors a direct and personal connection to Sarawak’s living heritage.
Sarawak’s impactful presence at MATKA Travel Fair 2026 reinforces its growing visibility in the Nordic region at a pivotal moment for Malaysia’s tourism sector. By combining record-breaking global recognition, authentic cultural storytelling, and strategic market engagement, Sarawak continues to strengthen its position as a compelling long-haul destination during Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
PATTAYA, 27 January 2026: The Royal Cliff Hotels Group team, led by Panga Vathanakul, Managing Director, recently visited the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind to present a donation and share a meaningful end-of-year celebration with the students and teachers.
The visit aimed to spread joy, warmth, and encouragement through both personal interaction and a specially prepared meal. Royal Cliff’s award-winning culinary team created a selection of all-time favourite dishes, including American fried rice, grilled chicken, Thai papaya salad, and Royal Cliff’s signature banana in coconut milk. The thoughtful gesture brought smiles to the children and teachers, creating a warm and joyful year-end celebration.
Royal Cliff’s award-winning culinary team curated a selection of all-time favourite dishes. The thoughtful gesture brought smiles to the children and teachers, creating a warm and joyful celebration.
An awareness-building activity was also organised for Royal Cliff team members, during which staff participated in a brief, guided exercise to better understand the everyday challenges faced by people with visual impairments. The activity encouraged appreciation for students’ resilience and abilities while reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and respect.
Children’s welfare and community health remain among Royal Cliff Hotels Group’s key priorities. The Group actively supports society through various initiatives, such as providing scholarships, donating educational materials, and contributing to projects for schools, hospitals, and welfare centres. Royal Cliff firmly believes that by supporting education and wellbeing, young people can grow into responsible individuals and become a positive inspiration to others.
Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind has played a vital role in providing education for blind and visually impaired children, empowering them to become independent members of society. The school offers three years of kindergarten education, followed by junior and secondary schooling. Students may then continue their Grades 10–12 at the Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational School for the Blind, which provides essential vocational and life skills training. Upon completing their education, students are recruited by Royal Cliff management to join the hotel team.
Royal Cliff staff took part in a brief, guided exercise to better appreciate the everyday challenges faced by people with visual impairments.
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 that charm travellers from all corners of the world. The resort offers a world of exceptional experiences through thoughtfully curated promotions and packages. Guests are encouraged to book directly with Royal Cliff to enjoy the best available rates and exclusive value-added privileges. To secure the premium experience you deserve, visit www.royalcliff.com, call our Reservations at (+66) 38 250 421 ext: 2732, or drop an email to [email protected].
SINGAPORE, 27 January 2026: Among the major hotel markets worldwide, Shanghai, London and Dubai are projected to open the most hotel rooms in 2026, according to pipeline data from CoStar, a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets.
Leaders in projected 2026 room openings include London (5,822) and Istanbul (3,017).
Asia Pacific
2025 openings (actual): 189,471 rooms
2026 openings (projected): 251,234 rooms
Shanghai (7,457) and Beijing (3,991) are among the markets with the most projected room openings in the region this year.
Middle East & Africa
2025 openings (actual): 18,273 rooms
2026 openings (projected): 54,238 rooms
Top markets by projected 2026 room openings include Dubai (5,053) and Qatar (2,406).
Americas
2025 openings (actual): 99,056 rooms
2026 openings (projected): 132,479 rooms
The US is led in projected room openings by New York City (4,852) and Phoenix (3,650). Elsewhere in the region, Cancun (1,839) is a top market for new inventory in 2026.
For more information about the company, its products, and services, please visit costargroup.com.
MUMBAI, India, 27 January 2026: Travel promoters and content suppliers will join OTM 2026, a leading travel trade show, scheduled in Mumbai from 5 to 7 February 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre.
Recognised by NielsenIQ as the leading travel trade show in India and Asia for two consecutive years, OTM 2026 is expected to host over 2,200 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, with 45 plus National Tourism Organisations already confirmed and more than 30 destinations participating at the mart.
(PRNewsfoto/Fairfest Media Limited). OTM, a leading Travel Trade Show in India, will host 2,200 exhibitors from 60 countries at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai this February.
The show is also set to welcome 50,000 trade visitors and 1,000 hosted and VIP buyers, bringing together the global travel ecosystem at a time when India has emerged as one of the world’s most strategically important outbound tourism markets.
Before the pandemic, India was often viewed as a promising but still emerging outbound market for many destinations. Today, that perception has shifted decisively. Rising disposable incomes, expanding air connectivity and a growing appetite for long-haul and experience-led travel have positioned India as a primary growth engine for global tourism.
OTM 2026 clearly reflects this transition, marking a defining moment for both the platform and India’s role in global destination strategy.
Countries that were once considered niche or aspirational for Indian travellers are now actively engaging with India as their next growth market.
Confirmed participation at OTM 2026 spans a wide spectrum. They include delegations from Bhutan, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Georgia, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya (KATO), Korea, Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Türkiye, Uganda and Zambia, alongside city and regional destination bodies such as Visit Almaty, Visit Brussels and Danang Tourism Promotion Centre.
Several of these destinations are participating exclusively at OTM 2026, underscoring the platform’s strategic importance as their primary interface with the Indian travel trade.
Destinations including Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Türkiye and Uganda are investing in long-term trade partnerships and market development through OTM.
OTM 2026 will also see the participation of Malaysia Airlines as the Partner Airline, with the biggest pavilion at OTM, as well as the biggest-ever participation by Air India, showcasing the airline sector’s role in supporting India’s expanding global travel footprint.
European destinations
Established Western markets continue to reinforce their commitment to India. Major European destinations, supported by participation from organisations such as the European Tourism Association, as well as countries including France and Greece, will be present at the event.
Participation from the US Commercial Service further highlights sustained strategic interest from North America. Africa is also emerging as a key focus region, with multiple African tourism boards participating officially as countries across the continent increasingly position India as a core source market for leisure, adventure, wildlife and experiential travel.
OTM has reinforced its positioning as a focused B2B market-access platform that delivers measurable ROI. The 2026 edition will see participation from airlines, hotels and resorts, destination management companies, cruise operators, attractions, travel technology providers and the wider travel and tourism ecosystem. Structured engagement remains central to the platform, with 50,000+ pre-scheduled B2B meetings expected to facilitate targeted conversations and meaningful commercial outcomes for exhibitors and buyers.
Insights and industry direction
Complementing the exhibition, the OTM Forum will host a programme of thought-leadership and market-intelligence sessions, bringing together senior leaders from destinations, airlines, travel platforms, corporate travel, MICE, weddings, and technology.
Key sessions will examine themes such as India’s journey toward becoming a 100-million outbound traveller market, evolving demand drivers amid global disruption, the role of agentic AI in travel, the future of corporate travel, emerging destination demand and the renewed relevance of intermediaries in India’s travel ecosystem.
Confirmed speakers include senior executives from Cleartrip, Paytm Travel, TBO, Sabre, SOTC Travel, Skyscanner, Thomas Cook India, Indigo, RateGain, Thrillophilia, Pickyourtrail and Dream Set Go, alongside leaders from tourism boards including Switzerland Tourism, Sarawak Tourism Board, Malaysia, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
The event will also feature CineLocales, a dedicated marketplace connecting global destinations with film, television and OTT production stakeholders, highlighting the growing convergence of tourism, content and destination branding.
Event details
OTM 2026
Dates: 5, 6 & 7 February 2026
Venue: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai
Organiser: Fairfest Media
About OTM and Fairfest Media OTM is organised by Fairfest Media. Founded in 1989, Fairfest Media is a global trade show organiser and media company that provides platforms for doing business in the world’s fastest-growing markets. Fairfest recently acquired WTE Miami, the fastest-growing travel show in the US, which will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Centre on the 27th and 28th of October, 2026.
SINGAPORE, 27 January 2026: Singapore Airshow will be held at the Changi Exhibition Centre from 3 to 8 February, featuring eight aerial displays by six air forces and two commercial aircraft manufacturers, promising a thrilling showcase of aerobatics and aerial capabilities for aviation fans.
This edition’s flying display line-up brings together a mix of modern combat and commercial aircraft. Making its debut at Singapore Airshow 2026 is the Royal Australian Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II, an advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Returning to Singapore Airshow 2026 are several renowned military aerobatic teams known for their precision flying performances, including the Indian Air Force’s Sarang helicopter display team, the Indonesian Air Force’s Jupiter aerobatic team and the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s Bayi aerobatic team.
Representing the host nation, the Republic of Singapore Air Force will present its Integrated Display Team featuring the F-16C fighter jet and the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, demonstrating the close coordination and precision of the pilots and the dedication and professionalism of the ground crew to ensure the aircraft are flight-ready.
Commercial aviation enthusiasts will not be disappointed, with two headline-making aircraft in the line-up. Airbus’ A350-1000 will return to the skies over Changi Exhibition Centre with its signature blend of elegance and power. COMAC’s C919 narrow-body airliner will also take to the air, reflecting the rapid advances in next-generation commercial aviation.
Organiser of the Singapore Airshow, Experia Events’ Managing Director Leck Chet Lam said: “The flying displays are always among the most anticipated highlights of the Singapore Airshow, and the 2026 line-up reflects the strong international support for the event. We are pleased to present a diverse mix of military and commercial aircraft that showcases both cutting-edge technology and the skill of aircrew from around the world. We look forward to welcoming industry professionals, aviation enthusiasts and the public to enjoy these spectacular aerial performances.”
Flying displays will be held daily at 1200 on 3 February, and at 1100 on 4 and 5 February; during Weekend@Airshow, they will be held twice a day at 1100 and 1530 on 7 and 8 February.
In addition to the aerial performances, Singapore Airshow 2026 will feature an extensive static display comprising more than 35 aircraft spanning commercial, business, military and unmanned platforms from leading manufacturers and operators, including Airbus, Bombardier, COMAC, Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream, Pilatus and Textron Aviation, alongside military assets from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, German Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and United States Air Force.
Weekend@Airshow tickets can be purchased from SISTIC at the following prices: SGD39 for adults, SGD19 for children aged 3 to 12 years, and SGD250 for the group package, which includes four tickets and one car park label.
About Singapore Airshow The biennial Singapore Airshow is organised and managed by Experia Events Pte Ltd. For more information on Singapore Airshow, visit www.singaporeairshow.com.
