Vietjet resumes Con Dao routes

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December 1, 2025

SINGAPORE, 1 December 2025: Vietjet will restart its direct services from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao on 3 December 2025, providing international travellers more affordable options to explore one of Vietnam’s most captivating island destinations.

With daily flights between Singapore and two of Vietnam’s aviation hubs, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, travellers can now join a short regional hop with a convenient domestic connection to reach one of Vietnam’s most scenic island destinations.

Tickets are now available for booking as Vietjet restores one daily round-trip service from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Starting 15 December 2025, frequencies on both routes will double to two round-trip flights per day to accommodate surging year-end travel demand to the island.

The resumption of these flights provides an excellent opportunity for leisure and adventure seekers from Singapore to explore Con Dao’s pristine beaches, rich biodiversity, and historic sites.

Known for its untouched beaches, crystal-clear waters and protected marine ecosystems, Con Dao has emerged as one of Vietnam’s most captivating island escapes. The archipelago is home to vibrant coral reefs, sea turtle nesting sites, lush tropical forests and historically significant landmarks. Its serene, low-density environment makes it a rising favourite among Singaporean travellers seeking quiet, nature-led holidays away from crowded resort hubs.

Vietjet is offering promotional one-way fares starting at SGD24 (excluding taxes and fees) for flights from and to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, making travel to Con Dao more accessible for both local and international visitors. Tickets are now available at the airline’s website, via its mobile app, and through Vietjet’s worldwide network of ticket offices and authorised agents.

(Source: Vietjet)

We are the World meets in Bangkok

By

Andrew Wood

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December 1, 2025

BANGKOK, 1 December 2025: A spirited mix of science, innovation, big ideas, and even bigger personalities swept through the Thai capital last week as the “We Are the World” 2025 Global Health Summit wrapped up in Bangkok.

Initiated by Hong Kong entrepreneur Dr Adrian Cheng together with partners Michael Chin and Josephine Ko, the event delivered a refreshing blast of cross-border collaboration and has already been hailed as the unofficial launch of a new “Health Silk Road”.

Hosted over three days, the summit pulled together an impressive constellation of global medical authorities, investors, policymakers, and clinical specialists.

What made this gathering stand out was its bold attempt to close long-standing gaps between Innovation Western Medicine, TCM, Biotechnology, Regenerative Medicine, versus the Traditional Western medical and pharmacy industry.

In a world where health information often travels more slowly than a Bangkok tuk-tuk at rush hour, the founders set out to build a platform where ideas can finally catch up.

*Collectively, they brought more than a thousand years of professional experience and over a million clinical cases.*

For the first time, dozens of clinical experts from the US. Representatives from the FDA regulatory sphere, traditional Chinese medicine, regenerative medicine, and innovative Western medicine spoke on the same stage. Collectively, they brought more than a thousand years of professional experience and over a million clinical cases. The result was a lively exchange of solutions for chronic diseases and pain conditions that have long defied conventional approaches.

Across 52 focused sessions, speakers demonstrated practical examples of integrated medicine in action. Public science briefings unpacked real clinical cases and demystified often misunderstood regulatory frameworks.

A key message was reiterated throughout the summit, “Any form of cell therapy must fully comply with national legislation, undergo thorough animal and human Clinical trials, and receive Local Government formal approval. In addition, according to proposed regional guidelines for Asia, the price per injection should not exceed US$10,000”, agreed the collective experts.

The summit repeatedly emphasised that patients must obtain Clinical Trial information through official local government channels rather than through hospitals, clinics, or doctors.

This guidance is particularly critical given the current absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework for clinical trials and treatment guidelines across Southeast Asia. This regulatory vacuum creates a high-risk environment and permits the proliferation of unverified medical practices, including unauthorised human injections.

The founders’ passion was shaped by their own frustrations with rigid medical systems. Their belief in integrated care began after seeing renewed hope through the combined strengths of Chinese medicine, Western medicine, and regenerative techniques.

Inspired by the spirit of the 1985 anthem “We Are the World”, the founders together donated and supported more than one hundred patients with cancer, diabetes, and severe chronic conditions, helping many regain health and optimism.

More than 1,000 global delegates attended the summit, while the gala finale welcomed over 300 leaders from politics, business, capital markets, medicine experts, and academia. Notable guests included Mohamed Alabbar of Emaar Group, TAY Choon Chong of Temasek’s Vertex Ventures, and Merrill Lynch’s Dr Tony Yin, along with more than 20 ambassadors.

Five primary outcomes shaped the summit’s legacy.

These included breaking cross-border information barriers, setting strict safety principles for cell technologies, rejecting paid endorsements, launching the “Doctor Hero Alliance” with more than twenty top global experts, including a US FDA lifetime award for cell regulations, and creating a strategic partnership with the Chinese Medicine Culture Congress to expand the international reach of Chinese medicine.

The next summit is confirmed for the UAE in 2027, continuing its mission of medical co-creation and shared growth to enhance the world.

(Source: Andrew J Wood)

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand since 1991. Beginning his full-time hospitality career in the early 1980s, he brings more than four decades of experience to the industry. He has held senior roles with Thistle Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Minor Hotels, The Landmark Lancaster Hotel Group, Chaophya Park & Resorts and the Royal Cliff Group. A graduate of Napier Edinburgh University and a former Director of Skål International, he is also a Past President of Skål International Bangkok, Skål Thailand and Skål Asia. Andrew writes widely for travel and hospitality publications, offering insights into tourism trends across Asia and the global visitor economy.

Tourism Australia recruits Aussie Specialists in Vietnam

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Newsdesk

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November 28, 2025

HO CHI MINH CITY, 28 November 2025: Tourism Australia has launched its globally recognised Aussie Specialist Programme (ASP) in Vietnam, to showcase Australia as a holiday destination at events in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

The Aussie Specialist Programme is Tourism Australia’s global frontline travel seller training scheme. The award-winning programme provides international travel sellers with the knowledge and skills to sell Australia more effectively.

Tourism Australia launched the Aussie Specialist Programme in Vietnam earlier this week, supported by five State Tourism Organisations, the Australian Consulate-General (Ho Chi Minh City) and the Australian Embassy, Vietnam (Hanoi).

The expansion of the Aussie Specialist Programme to Vietnam is in response to growing market interest in Australia as a holiday destination.

As of year-end September 2025, Vietnam ranks among Australia’s strongest growth markets for visitor arrivals, which are now 37% higher than the same period in 2019.

The launch events ran from 25 to 27 November, targeting Vietnamese product managers, travel planners and travel agency frontline staff from 91 companies. The sessions helped to equip Vietnam’s travel trade with product knowledge and confidence to meet this surging demand.

Five participating State Tourism Organisations — Destination New South Wales, South Australia Tourism Commission, Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Western Australia and Visit Victoria — presented destination-specific showcases.

The events also spotlighted Australia as a premier MICE destination. They provided crucial visa training, delivered by the Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City and the Australian Embassy in Hanoi.

Tourism Australia Regional General Manager for South and Southeast Asia, Jennifer Doig, commented: “Vietnam has historically been an important partner for Australia, enjoying strong economic, education, and cultural ties. Now, it is rapidly becoming one of our most important emerging markets, evidenced by its 37% growth in visitor arrivals since 2019. Through immersive destination training and invaluable resources under the ASP, we are establishing an accessible platform that will help our partners convert this keen market interest into holiday bookings.

“We are also pleased to officially introduce Junnie Tran as our Business Development Manager, South East Asia. She will drive the growth strategy for Vietnam, managing our relationships with trade partners and launching our ASP platform in Vietnamese. Junnie is instrumental to deepening our market engagement and ensuring our partners have the tools they need to tell the Australian story in this high-yield market. The volume of arrivals from Vietnam is projected to continue climbing, and Tourism Australia’s in-market support is crucial to bolstering this growth.”

*Junnie Tran, Business Development Manager, South East Asia, Tourism Australia.*

Research finds that the key factors drawing Southeast Asian markets to Australia include its positioning as a familiar yet fresh destination offering diverse new experiences; its proximity for those seeking holidays closer to home; expanding aviation capacity and direct routes; a pleasant climate and weather; and a vibrant, ever-evolving dining scene.

(Source: Tourism Australia)

Sarawak Tourism Board CEO: Purpose is our Compass

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Your Stories

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November 28, 2025

KUCHING, 28 November 2025: “Purpose becomes our compass in tourism as we preserve Sarawak’s identity while creating meaningful opportunities for our communities,” Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor told a panel during the recent Sarawak Women of Tomorrow (SWOT) Season 4 programme.

She identified leadership as ultimately listening to people who explain their realities, understanding their needs, and ensuring that growth never compromises their dignity, culture, or community wellbeing.

The event continues with mentoring session where panelist participate and share their insights personally with participants of Sarawak Women Of Tomorrow, Season 4.

The Sarawak Women of Tomorrow (SWOT) Season 4 programme, held from 23 to 26 November, brought together leaders, industry experts, and emerging talents for a four-day exploration of future-ready leadership in Sarawak’s digital-green transformation era.

As part of this flagship initiative to strengthen women’s leadership capacity across the state, the programme featured keynote sessions, workshops, exclusive conversations, and mentorship activities.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Officer Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor joined the programme on 24 November 2025, contributing her perspectives during the panel session titled “Leading with Purpose: Authentic Leadership in Complex Times.”

Her participation follows her recent recognition as one of Malaysia’s Top 30 Women of Excellence 2025, a testament to her leadership in elevating Sarawak’s tourism landscape.

From the left: Arinah Najwa Ahmad Said of Grab Malaysia, Datu Dr. Hajah Rashidah Haji Bolhassan (Special Administrative Officer, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak), Datuk Zunaidah Idris (Founder and Vice Chairman of Women Leadership Foundation), Datin Rosmarie Wong Lu Yi (Founder of Ranee Artisan Gallery) and Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor (CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board) during the Sarawak Women of Tomorrow panelist session group photo.

Sharzede’s national recognition, presented at the W Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 12 November 2025, honours her work in positioning Sarawak as a global tourism destination grounded in sustainability, creativity, and inclusivity.

This year’s awards, themed “Excellence as a Spectrum, Not a Summit”, celebrated leaders and changemakers who drive impact through purpose and innovation.

Her leadership has strengthened strategic partnerships, elevated Sarawak’s international visibility, and advanced Responsible Tourism principles — further affirming her standing as one of Malaysia’s notable voices shaping the nation’s tourism industry.

Future-ready leadership

During the panel session, she drew from experiences across rural communities, national platforms, and crisis-era tourism recovery to highlight the importance of authenticity and clarity in leadership.

Held at Pullman Kuching, the session also featured Datu Dr Hajah Rashidah Haji Bolhassan and Datin Rosmarie Wong Lu Yi. Arinah Najwa Ahmad Said of Grab Malaysia moderated the session.

SWOT 2025, themed “Future-Ready Leadership: Navigating Sarawak’s Digital-Green Transformation”, continues the Women Leadership Foundation’s mission to nurture women leaders who can adapt, innovate, and contribute to Sarawak’s long-term social and economic progress. Since 2022, the programme has empowered 129 women leaders from more than 40 organisations, building a growing community of resilient, ethical, and purpose-driven talent across sectors.

Key themes explored during the session included women’s empowerment, inclusive tourism development, crisis leadership, and values-based decision-making. STB’s participation underscored insights drawn from community engagement, Responsible Tourism, and Sarawak’s CANFF pillars — Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals.

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

BWH Hotels opens Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat

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Your Stories

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November 28, 2025

BANGKOK 28 November 2025: BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStayHotels, expands its portfolio in Vietnam with the opening of Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat, a brand-new upscale hotel that puts guests in the heart of an enchanting destination known as the “City of a Thousand Flowers.”

Nestled in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Da Lat is an oasis of cultural charm and natural beauty, with a refreshingly cool climate and a wealth of attractions for all travellers. Commanding a prime location close to the city centre, Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat is within walking distance of Da Lat Market, Xuan Huong Lake and Con Ga Church, and surrounded by casual cafés and scenic photo spots.

The 91-key hotel was designed to meet the needs of both leisure and business travellers, featuring contemporary rooms and suites – including connecting options for families – with panoramic views of the city or mountains. Throughout their stay, visitors can swim in the year-round heated pool, work out at the fitness centre, or feel rejuvenated at the spa, while children can enjoy fun activities at the kids’ club. Culinary options include authentic Vietnamese and Western cuisine at the all-day dining venue, an elegant Japanese restaurant, a stylish lobby lounge, a vibrant beer garden and a sophisticated cigar lounge.

Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat is also a hub for meetings and events, with a grand ballroom and several smaller function spaces providing intuitive options for every occasion, from executive meetings and training sessions to gala dinners and one-of-a-kind weddings.

“As Vietnam is one of the key markets for BWH Hotels, we are excited to introduce guests to this exceptional new property in Da Lat. With its fresh air, breathtaking scenery, lush floral landscapes and a wide range of attractions—from historic palaces and pagodas to golf courses and organic farms—this is the perfect place to unwind, create memorable experiences, or make a lasting impression. We look forward to supporting the growth of tourism in the City of a Thousand Flowers,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC, Olivier Berrivin.

With the opening of Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat, BWH Hotels now offers five hotels and resorts across Vietnam, spanning destinations including Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang, with many more in the pipeline.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com and worldhotels.com.

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels)

Tongcheng Travel reports 3Q 2025 results

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Newsdesk

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November 28, 2025

HONG KONG, 28 November 2025: Tongcheng Travel Holdings Limited, a leading travel platform in China, announced this week its unaudited consolidated results for the three months ended 30 September 2025 (3Q 2025).

Tongcheng Travel, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ma Heping, commented on the company’s 3Q 2025 performance, noting that China’s travel industry continued to exhibit growth, buoyed by the emergence of diversified, personalised, and experience-oriented travel demand.

“Thanks to our effective user engagement initiatives and enriched product and service offering, we have built a substantial user base while achieving steady growth. Entering the fourth quarter, we continue to see strong travel enthusiasm and demand, underscoring the industry’s underlying resilience.

“We remain confident in the long-term growth trajectory of China’s travel industry. In an evolving landscape, Tongcheng Travel will continue to capitalise on market opportunities through precise execution while navigating challenges. We will continue to pursue strategic investment opportunities that align with our long-term vision to fuel sustainable growth.”

3Q 2025 highlights

Revenue and Adjusted Profit

Revenue increased by 10.4% year over year to CNY5,509.1 million.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by 14.5% yoy to CNY1,510.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin stood at 27.4%.

Adjusted net profit increased by 16.5% yoy to CNY1,060.2 million. Adjusted net margin reached 19.2%.

User base reached a historic high

Monthly paying users (MPUs) increased by 2.8% yoy to 47.7 million.

Annual paying users (APUs) increased by 8.8% yoy to 252.9 million.

Twelve-month accumulated number of travellers served increased by 7.3% yoy to 2,019.4 million, further cementing its position in China’s mass market.

Core OTA businesses

Revenue of core OTA business increased by 14.9% yoy to CNY4,608.8 million.

Revenue from transportation ticketing services increased by 9% yoy to CNY2,208.7 million, supported by its user insights and the enrichment of value-added products and services.

Revenue from accommodation reservation services increased by 14.7% yoy to CNY1,579.5 million, achieving a record high in daily room nights sold.

Revenue from other businesses increased by 34.9% yoy to CNY820.6 million.

Focus on China’s mass travel market

Mass travel demand continued to grow steadily, with strong growth across various travel scenarios, including family trips, graduation trips, and educational tours. Leveraging effective user acquisition strategies and exceptional operational capabilities, Tongcheng Travel has further consolidated its position in China’s mass travel market.

During the period under review, the group’s average MPUs increased by 2.8% yoy to 47.7 million, while APUs grew by 8.8% yoy to 252.9 million, both reaching historic highs. The accumulated number of travellers served over the past 12 months increased by 7.3% to 2,019.4 million.

The group’s core OTA business maintained its growth momentum from 1H2025, with total revenue increasing by 14.9% yoy to CNY4,608.8 million. The group’s revenue from the accommodation business increased by 14.7% to CNY1,579.5 million, achieving a record high in daily room nights sold. It prioritised addressing users’ growing demand for higher-quality hotels, leading to a meaningful increase in the proportion of higher-quality hotel room nights sold on its platform.

The group’s transportation business delivered solid growth, with further enhanced monetisation capabilities. During the period under review, revenue from transportation ticketing services increased by 9% to CNY2,208.7 million.

The group’s other businesses demonstrated remarkable performance. During the period under review, revenue from other companies totalled CNY820.6 million, up 34.9% yoy, mainly driven by the hotel management business. Positioned as a secondary growth driver of the company, the asset-light hotel management business sustained its strong growth momentum, with efforts focused on expanding its hotel network while prioritising quality growth. As of the end of September 2025, the number of hotels in operation under the group’s hotel management business platform had risen to nearly 3,000, with 1,500 in the pipeline. In addition, the group completed the acquisition of Wanda Hotel Management (Hong Kong) Co., Limited (Wanda Hotel Management) on 16 October 2025.

Looking ahead, the group will remain focused on its core OTA business to further strengthen its position in the domestic market. Meanwhile, it will intensify efforts to develop the outbound travel business to amplify its global market presence. With the strategic integration of Wanda Hotel Management, Tongcheng Travel’s hotel management business is poised for accelerated expansion, laying a robust foundation as its second growth driver.

(Source: Tongcheng Travel Holdings Limited)

MOVE taps Vietjet flights and fares

By

Newsdesk

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November 28, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 November 2025: AirAsia MOVE, a regional online travel agency (OTA) platform, has announced a new partnership with GalaxyJoy, the digital lifestyle loyalty platform of Vietnam’s leading investment group, Sovico.

This collaboration enables MOVE to add Vietjet Air’s flight inventory to the MOVE platform, offering more competitive Vietjet Air flight options to travellers across Asean.

*From left to right: Nadia Omer, Chief Executive Officer of MOVE and Hoa Lan Huong, Chief Executive Officer of GalaxyJoy.*

Through this partnership, MOVE and GalaxyJoy will work closely to provide travellers with more benefits, including attractive flight prices and promotional offers, as well as the ability to earn AirAsia points and SkyPoint for every Vietjet Air booking made through the MOVE platform. This integration further supports MOVE’s continued efforts to enhance the overall travel experience by offering relevant airline ancillaries such as seat selection and baggage options, all within a single platform.

MOVE Chief Executive Officer Nadia Omer commented: “This partnership enables us to add award-winning Vietjet Air’s flights into our platform, and we look forward to sharing Vietjet Air’s extensive route network with MOVE’s 15 million monthly active users.”

GalaxyJoy Chief Executive Officer Hoa Lan Huong shared: “As the developer and operator of Vietjet Air’s loyalty programme Vietjet SkyJoy, we are delighted to play a bridging role in connecting Vietjet’s extensive flight network with MOVE, one of the region’s leading online travel platforms.

“This collaboration represents a significant step for GalaxyJoy in expanding its regional partnerships across ASEAN. By integrating Vietjet Air’s flight inventory into the MOVE platform, travellers across ASEAN will now enjoy easier access to Vietjet’s expanding route network, competitive fares and loyalty programme.”

(Source: MOVE)

Airbnb bookings in Thailand surge in H1 2025

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Newsdesk

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November 28, 2025

BANGKOK, 28 November 2025: Travel to Thailand is on the rise, according to recent data from Airbnb, with nights booked by international guests climbing almost 20% in the first half of 2025 compared to last year.

During the same period, long-term stays rose by around 20% year-on-year, highlighting Thailand’s growing appeal not just for holidaymakers but also for digital nomads, remote workers and travellers seeking extended, immersive stays.

This trend reflects a shift towards slower, more meaningful travel, with guests choosing to stay longer, explore new corners of the country, and experience local culture more deeply.

“Thailand’s timeless appeal lies in its balance of vibrant cities, serene beaches, rich culture, and genuine hospitality, qualities that continue to inspire travellers from around the world,” said Airbnb’s Country Head for Southeast Asia and India, Amanpreet Bajaj.

“We’re seeing guests extend their stays and explore beyond the usual tourist trails, discovering emerging gems like Koh Chang and Nonthaburi. This growth not only reflects evolving traveller preferences but also reinforces Airbnb’s role in promoting more sustainable and dispersed tourism across Thailand.”

US and European markets power Thailand’s growth

The US was the top market for international Airbnb visitors to Thailand in H1 2025, with strong growth also recorded from European countries.

France, Germany and the UK lead the surge, recording double-digit growth in H1 2025 when compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, in APAC, Australia continues to drive regional momentum. The top international origin countries for Airbnb guests travelling to Thailand in H1 2025 were:

USA
UK
Germany
France
China
South Korea
Australia
Canada
Singapore

Lesser-known and coastal destinations on the rise

While Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket remain perennial favourites among international travellers, lesser-known coastal cities are rising in popularity. Chang Island saw the largest increase, with international bookings rising by over 70% in H1 2025. Hua Hin and Cha-am also recorded a noteworthy growth as travellers sought quieter, more local experiences.

Screen tourism sparks travel inspiration

Few things spark wanderlust quite like seeing a destination on screen. From sweeping beaches to dramatic cliffs, Thailand’s landscapes have captured the spotlight worldwide, and travellers are now chasing that same magic in real life. Bookings in Samui and Krabi by international guests grew by around 30% respectively in H1 2025, as travellers sought to experience the same backdrop they’ve seen on screen.

(Source: Airbnb Thailand)

Hong Kong Airlines codeshares with Turkish

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Newsdesk

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November 28, 2025

HONG KONG, 28 November 2025: Hong Kong Airlines has expanded its codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines to strengthen its international route network further.

Building upon their existing cooperation, the two airlines have extended their codeshare arrangement to include Hong Kong Airlines’ services to Australia.

Turkish Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines upgrade codeshare agreement.

Passengers will now enjoy enhanced connectivity via Hong Kong, with seamless access to Sydney and Melbourne — two of Australia’s major cities — for a smoother one-stop travel experience.

Under the new agreement, Hong Kong Airlines places its “HX” code on Turkish Airlines flights between Hong Kong and Istanbul. In parallel, Turkish Airlines adds its “TK” code to Hong Kong Airlines-operated flights connecting Hong Kong with Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Sydney, and the upcoming Melbourne service scheduled to commence in December 2025.

Hong Kong Airlines Executive Vice President Louis Li said: “Istanbul is one of the world’s most historic and dynamic metropolises, as well as a key gateway to Europe. Since we established our codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines in 2018, our collaboration has become tighter, enabling Hong Kong Airlines passengers to connect conveniently through Istanbul to destinations across Europe, while Turkish Airlines travellers can easily transfer via Hong Kong to major cities across Asia, including Japan and Thailand. The codeshare partnership not only deepens our business relationship but also enhances the overall travel experience for our customers.”

Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi stated: “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Hong Kong Airlines, building on Hong Kong’s role as a key gateway in Asia and offering travellers even greater convenience and choice across our networks. This collaboration further connects Türkiye with Asia and beyond, reflecting our shared commitment to seamless global travel.”

(Source: Hong Kong Airlines)

Malaysia targets Europe’s Muslim travellers

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Newsdesk

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November 28, 2025

JOHOR BAHRU, 28 November 2025: The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), successfully concluded a week-long European Representative Familiarisation (FAM) Trip, tagged “A Muslim Friendly Voyage of Discovery”.

Designed to heighten Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for the European Muslim travel market ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), the event was held from 21 to 27 November 2025.

It brought together 10 representatives from Bosnia, France, Spain, Türkiye, and the UK, comprising muftis, influencers, and travel agents. Over seven days, the delegates embarked on a journey across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor, visiting cultural, historical, natural, and religious sites that showcased Malaysia’s unique identity as a welcoming and inclusive destination for Muslim travellers.

“Muslim-friendly tourism has long been an aspiration for MATTA, and this Fam Trip represents an important step forward in realising that vision. For many years, we have seen the potential of this segment, not only for Malaysia as a welcoming and culturally diverse destination, but also for our members to serve a growing global Muslim travel market,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.

This initiative forms part of Malaysia’s broader strategic effort to strengthen its presence in the European market, which represents the most significant global tourism expenditure at EUR979 billion in 2023 and is also home to a resident Muslim population of approximately 46 million.

Participants were hosted at several Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR)-certified hotels, including Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites (Selangor), Royale Chulan Seremban (Negeri Sembilan), and Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa (Johor), allowing them to experience first-hand Malaysia’s certified Muslim-friendly accommodation and services.

Networking sessions and official dinners hosted by Tourism Selangor, Majlis Perbandaran Seremban, Tourism Melaka, and Tourism Johor provided valuable platforms for industry engagement, further enhancing Malaysia’s visibility and appeal within Europe’s growing Muslim travel segment.

“With VM2026 approaching, this is our chance to personally introduce participants to something truly special: our colourful culture and incredible heritage derived from our diverse population, delivered through the high-quality, seamless experience of our Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) ecosystem,” said Islamic Tourism Centre Acting Director General Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin.

The itinerary featured notable highlights such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Kompleks Kraf, Badan Warisan Malaysia, Melaka’s historical quarter, Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, Masjid Kampung Hulu, Nasyrul Quran Complex, and Masjid Sri Sendayan. Delegates also explored local culture, SMEs, and creative industries, strengthening their understanding of Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings.

“By bringing representatives from Europe to experience Malaysia first-hand, we are opening doors to new opportunities. They witness for themselves the richness of our culture, the warmth of our people, and the strength of our Muslim-friendly ecosystem, from certified accommodation to guided experiences that reflect Malaysia’s identity. This journey is more than a FAM Trip; it is an introduction to what Malaysia truly offers as an inclusive and faith-considerate destination,” Wong added.

On that note, he added, “Most importantly, this initiative is designed for the benefit of our members. We want to ensure that MATTA members are well-positioned to tap into the European Muslim market, build meaningful connections, and showcase their expertise and offerings with confidence.”

Malaysia’s strong Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure positions the nation as an attractive destination for European Muslims, especially as such facilities and services may not be widely available across Europe. Beyond leisure travel, opportunities also continue to grow in education, Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), and medical tourism, supported by visa-free access for European nationals.

“Our relationship with MATTA has always been rock-solid, and this FAM Trip truly takes our public-private partnership to a new level. We know European travellers are a desired market for destinations around the world, including Malaysia. By focusing on its Muslim niche market, we’re tapping into a global market worth a staggering USD 235 billion by 2030, an enormous opportunity for local businesses,” Alyssa added.

(Source: MATTA)

Vietjet resumes Con Dao routes

We are the World meets in Bangkok

Tourism Australia recruits Aussie Specialists in Vietnam

Sarawak Tourism Board CEO: Purpose is our Compass

BWH Hotels opens Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat

Tongcheng Travel reports 3Q 2025 results

MOVE taps Vietjet flights and fares

Airbnb bookings in Thailand surge in H1 2025

Hong Kong Airlines codeshares with Turkish

Malaysia targets Europe’s Muslim travellers

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