TAIPEI, 25 May 2026: Taiwan-based carrier Starlux Airlines has won a Skytrax Five-Star Airline rating, marking the second consecutive year the airline has gained the distinction.
Regarded as the global benchmark for airline excellence, Skytrax recognises carriers that deliver exceptional quality across every stage of the passenger journey. For Starlux, which launched operations in 2020, the continued recognition underscores the airline’s rapid emergence as a leading premium carrier built on service excellence, operational consistency, and a long-term vision to redefine luxury travel.
This recognition comes at a pivotal stage in the airline’s continued international expansion as it scales its long-haul network while maintaining the top-tier service standard that has defined its brand since launch.
As part of its long-haul fleet development, the airline recently introduced its first Airbus A350-1000 and will launch service to Prague on 1 August, marking the airline’s first European route.
About Starlux Airlines Starlux is a boutique international airline serving 31 destinations across Taiwan, the US, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Passengers travelling between Asia and North America can connect through Taipei to five US routes: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Ontario, CA, and Phoenix.
DELHI, 25 May 20226: Air India officially opened its newest signature lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on 23 May, marking another pivot in the ongoing upgrade of the airline’s product and services.
‘The Maharaja Lounge’ is located near Gate A1 in the International Terminal at SFO. Spread over 3,300 sq ft, the lounge features contemporary interiors that blend modern design sensibilities with elements rooted in Indian aesthetics. The lounge offers a seating capacity of 80 guests. It is available to Air India’s first and business class guests, and Platinum and Gold members of the airline’s Maharaja Club loyalty programme.
Photo credit: Air India.
Air India, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, said: “The opening of the Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco builds on the recent launch of our flagship lounge at Delhi, marking the beginning of a new generation of signature lounges for Air India. North America has long been a key pillar of Air India’s network, and our continued investments reflect both this commitment and our ambition to introduce a new standard of travel experiences in the region in the time to come.”
The airline’s newest lounge mirrors the design philosophy of the recently launched flagship Maharaja Lounge in Delhi, positioning this as the second in a series of signature lounges envisioned by Air India.
ABU DHABI, UAE, 25 May 2026: Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, has launched a new frequent flyer partnership with Bangkok Airways’ FlyerBonus programme, enabling members of both loyalty programmes to redeem rewards when travelling across either airline’s network.
Etihad Guest members can now redeem miles for award travel across Bangkok Airways’ network to popular tourist destinations in Thailand, such as Samui Island.
Photo credit: Etihad Airways.
Regionally, the partnership applies to PG’s flights to Luang Prabang, Laos, and Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Bangkok Airways’ FlyerBonus members can redeem their points to explore Etihad’s expanding global network, including new destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Krakow and Salalah via its award-winning hub in Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Guest Miles earned can be redeemed across a wide range of rewards, including flights, cabin upgrades, hotels, holidays and shopping through the Etihad Guest Reward Shop, offering members flexibility and choice at every stage of their journey.
Etihad Guest Managing Director Mark Potter said: “Partnering with Bangkok Airways further enhances the value of the Etihad Guest programme, creating more opportunities for members to redeem their miles on every journey, wherever they choose to fly… Thailand is one of our most valued and in-demand markets. This partnership gives our members access to some of the region’s most desirable destinations while redeeming Etihad Guest Miles along the way.”
The new partnership launches as Etihad continues to expand its presence across Southeast Asia. In 2025, Etihad launched multiple new destinations across the region, including Krabi, Chiang Mai, Phnom Penh, Hanoi and Hong Kong, further strengthening connectivity from Abu Dhabi to key Asian markets and creating more opportunities for Etihad Guest members to redeem miles across an increasingly diverse network.
Etihad operates direct flights from Abu Dhabi to four popular leisure destinations across Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai.
Bangkok remains one of Etihad’s most popular destinations, with six daily flights. From October, Etihad will introduce its flagship A380 on the evening service, significantly increasing capacity ahead of the peak winter travel season and offering travellers greater choice and seamless connectivity between Southeast Asia, Abu Dhabi and beyond.
SINGAPORE, 25 May 2026: Dates for the Arabian Travel Market 2026 have been rescheduled once again, to 14 to 17 September 2026, following consultation with exhibitors and industry partners to maximise participation and business opportunities, the show organisers announced last week.
This is the second time the dates have shifted from the traditional slot in early May. The first revision is scheduled for August for a show that convenes annually in the Dubai World Trade Centre.
RX Global, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, Danielle Curtis, said: “We have been listening and working closely with our exhibitors, partners and stakeholders from across the global travel industry, and the decision to move Arabian Travel Market 2026 to 14–17 September reflects that ongoing dialogue and collaboration.
“Our priority is always to ensure that ATM delivers the strongest possible platform for business, networking and partnership opportunities for the international travel community. Following industry feedback, we are pleased that these new dates will allow exhibitors, buyers and visitors from around the world to maximise their participation and engagement at the event.
“We would like to thank our strategic partners, including Dubai World Trade Centre, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, IHG and Al Rais Travel, for their continued collaboration and support in making these revised dates possible. Together, we remain committed to delivering a world-class event that supports the continued growth and evolution of the global travel and tourism industry.”
Now in its 33rd edition, Arabian Travel Market serves as a key global platform connecting destinations, travel suppliers, hospitality brands, airlines, technology providers and industry professionals from across the travel ecosystem.
ATM 2026 will continue to be held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”, exploring the trends, technologies and innovations shaping the future of global travel.
The event will also spotlight ATM Travel Tech, the dedicated co-located show focused on the rapidly evolving travel technology sector, alongside the Tech & Innovation Zone, an immersive hub showcasing the latest developments in AI, immersive experiences, smart mobility, fintech, robotics and sustainable travel solutions.
The ATM conference programme includes the Global Stage, Future Stage, located within the Tech & Innovation Zone, and Experience Hub, which will bring together key tourism leaders and experts to examine the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping international tourism.
Confirmed contributors on the Global Stage include Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, delivering the session “ATM Annual Trends Report: Middle East Momentum & Market Shifts”.
The company will be joined by Euromonitor’s Stephen Dutton, who will lead a session titled “The State of Travel: Inflation, Polycrisis & the New Travel Reality.”
ATM 2026 is expected to welcome thousands of travel professionals and exhibitors from around the world following the confirmation of the revised September dates, highlighting Dubai’s role as a global platform for tourism industry dialogue, collaboration and innovation.
The event was originally scheduled for 4 to 7 May, but due to ongoing military hostilities in the Persian Gulf, the dates were shifted to 17 to 20 August.
The latest shift to 14 to 17 September was decided after further feedback from international exhibitors, buyers, and global travel stakeholders.
KUCHING, Sarawak, 22 May 2026: Sarawak returned to IMEX Frankfurt 2026 for the fourth consecutive year, marking a new phase in its evolution as the Legacy Capital of Business Events in Malaysia and Borneo.
Held from 19 to 21 May 2026 at Messe Frankfurt, IMEX Frankfurt is one of the world’s leading business events trade shows, bringing together global meeting planners, association leaders, convention bureaus, and industry suppliers from around the world.
The Sarawak Pavilion was officiated by Her Excellency YM Engku Puteri Suraya Engku Mohd Afandi, Consul General of Malaysia in Frankfurt, together with Dato Ngui Ing Ing, BESarawak Board Member, Ms Tan Mei Phing, CEO of Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and Acting CEO, Jason Tan Chin Foo.
Building on years of international engagement, Sarawak is shifting beyond destination promotion towards strategic industry development and long-term impact through business events. This vision is supported by major investments in infrastructure and connectivity, including the upcoming expansion of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK2) and the introduction of Sarawak’s regional airline, AirBorneo.
Expected to be completed in 2028, BCCK2 will significantly increase Sarawak’s capacity to host larger international conventions and exhibitions. At the same time, AirBorneo and the continued growth of international hotel brands will strengthen regional accessibility and further enhance Sarawak’s business events ecosystem.
Held under the theme “Driving Impact Together”, Sarawak’s participation at IMEX Frankfurt reflects its commitment to collaboration, sustainability, innovation, and legacy-driven development, aligned with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
While Sarawak’s conventions and exhibitions strategy focuses on creating long-term legacies through knowledge exchange, industry advancement, and social impact, BESarawak is also introducing “Legacy Wonders”, its fresh approach to corporate meetings and corporate incentive travel in Sarawak.
Built on the pillars of culture, adventure, nature, gastronomy, wellness, and kindness, “Legacy Wonders” offers corporate meetings and incentive delegates meaningful, immersive experiences that foster deeper connections with Sarawak’s heritage, environment, and communities. Through cultural immersion, community engagement, and responsible travel, delegates are encouraged to contribute to and experience the positive legacies being created across the destination.
Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) Chairman Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy State Secretary (Operations), said Sarawak’s presence at IMEX Frankfurt is no longer just about destination visibility.
“Our focus today is on encouraging the global industry to contribute to the PCDS 2030 through meaningful collaboration and long-term growth opportunities,” said Datu Hii.
“Sarawak has evolved beyond being a host destination to becoming a strategic destination partner that collaborates with organisers to maximise the long-term value and impact of their events. This includes supporting legacy and sustainability initiatives, measuring impact, and creating opportunities for investment, innovation, sector growth, and wider industry collaboration. Through this approach, business events can contribute meaningfully to the PCDS 2030 and the broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” he added.
Sarawak is also strengthening its support ecosystem through initiatives such as the Academic Mobility Programme (AMP), which connects universities, industry players, and international partners through technical visits, study exchanges, and knowledge-sharing opportunities aligned with the state’s priority sectors.
“These initiatives reflect how Sarawak is strengthening its position as the legacy capital of business events through investments in both hard and soft infrastructure, while creating opportunities for different groups to contribute to community wellbeing and long-term development. Programmes such as AMP also provide platforms for academia and industry experts to channel their research, knowledge, and expertise into Sarawak’s priority sectors, driving meaningful collaboration and long-term impact across the destination,” said BESarawak Acting Chief Executive Officer Jason Tan Chin Foo.
Leading the Sarawak Pavilion delegation at IMEX Frankfurt, BESarawak was joined by exhibitors representing the state’s business events and tourism ecosystem: Borneo Adventure, Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Cat City Holidays, Mercure Miri City Centre Hotel, Pullman Kuching Hotel, Pullman Miri Waterfront Hotel, and Wah Tung Travel. The pavilion will also feature local F&B partners, The Bibber’s Tale and the Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS), showcasing Sarawak’s rich culinary heritage to the global business events community.
BANGKOK, 22 May 2026: Airbnb is rolling out its summer release, adding new categories of services, including exclusive access to the FIFA World Cup 2026, car rentals, grocery delivery and airport pickups.
“Travel shouldn’t just be convenient. It should be meaningful. That’s what we’re building at Airbnb says co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky. “This summer, we’re giving people even more from incredible places to stay and boutique hotels that feel like Airbnb, to unforgettable World Cup experiences and services that make your trip easier.”
Photo credit: Airbnb
FIFA World Cup 2026
Airbnb offers the FIFA World Cup experiences across six host cities. Join World Cup Champions Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy for an intimate watch party in LA as the USA takes on Australia. Or step onto the pitch to train with Argentine football icon and former manager of Inter Miami, Javier Mascherano.
Grocery delivery
Have groceries waiting at your Airbnb when you arrive, or order them anytime during your trip. In select cities, hosts can even receive the order and pre-stock your home before you check in, across more than 25 US cities in partnership with Instacart.
Airport pickups
Book a private car service to and from your Airbnb through Welcome Pickups. Your driver tracks your flight and meets you curbside when you arrive, and Airbnb guests get 20% off every ride. Now available in over 160 cities worldwide.
Luggage storage
Store your bags before check-in or after checkout through our partnership with Bounce. View nearby drop-off locations in the app, and see exactly how far they are from your listing. Airbnb guests get 15% off and access to over 15,000 locations in 175 cities.
Car rentals
Nearly a quarter of Airbnb guests rent a car during their stay. Starting this summer, you can discover rental cars directly in the app. It shows nearby vehicles and suggests the right car for your group.
DUBAI, UAE, 22 May 2026: Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) continues its expansion with the addition of four new hotel brands to its global footprint.
The latest brand additions comprise Almanac Hotels, Regal Hotels, STORY Hotels and TemptingPlaces Collection. Together, their 22 new properties strengthen GHA’s portfolio across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, expanding GHA’s presence in ever-popular cities such as Hong Kong, Barcelona, Vienna and Prague, while entering emerging markets like Zagreb in Croatia and Rabat in Morocco.
Photo credit: GHA. Regal Hotels International joins the GHA network.
GHA CEO Chris Hartley commented: “Our continued expansion reflects the strength of our alliance proposition and the growing desire for collaboration within the independent sector. With the addition of these brands, we are diversifying our portfolio and the value we deliver to over 35 million GHA Discovery members.”
Almanac Hotels
Almanac Hotels is a family-owned boutique hospitality brand founded by Austrian entrepreneur Herbert Haselbacher and his daughter Tina, with flagship properties in Barcelona, Vienna, and Prague — all in prime city locations. The brand creates immersive, design-forward stays that honour the past while embracing neighbourhood restaurants and bars that champion locality, and collaborations with regional artists and creatives.
Regal Hotels International
One of Asia’s leading hotel operators, founded in 1979, brings a portfolio of 11 properties in Hong Kong and beyond into GHA Discovery. Spanning its three brands – Regal, Regala and iclub – the group offers 6,800 rooms and over 30 dining venues.
STORY Hotels & Resorts
STORY Hotels & Resorts delivers upscale hospitality experiences rooted in local culture and contemporary luxury at its five hotels in the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian Ocean. From beachfront resorts to urban escapes, the brand blends contemporary design, wellness, and curated dining.
TemptingPlaces Collection
With exceptional properties such as Château d’Augerville Golf & Spa Resort in France and Dent Blanche Resort in Switzerland, TemptingPlaces Collection embodies the French touch, combining elegance, freedom, discretion and expertise.
New hotel openings
Since the beginning of the year, existing brands have also expanded GHA Discovery’s footprint by adding 14 new hotels and resorts worldwide, spanning luxury resorts, urban hotels, and heritage properties. Standout openings include the highly anticipated Capella Kyoto in Japan, Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi in Florence, Corinthia Rome, Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp in Zambia, and Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, among others.
SINGAPORE, 22 May 2026: Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, has unveiled its lists of the Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels for the Asia Pacific.
Singapore tops the list of best destinations for events in the Asia Pacific, with the top hotel listed as the Hilton Singapore Orchard.
The annual lists are also issued regionally for North America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America & the Caribbean.
Commenting on Singapore’s success in the latest Cvent listing, Singapore Tourism Board’s Executive Director, Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel, Carrie Kwik, said: “This accolade is a testament to the depth of our industry’s commitment — grounded in world-class infrastructure and driven by bold innovation that sets new possibilities for what exceptional events can deliver.”
Top meeting destinations in the Asia Pacific
The top five cities remained consistent year over year, with Singapore maintaining its top ranking for the eighth time. Seoul made the most notable move in the top tier, rising one spot to seventh, while Bali dropped one place to eighth. The rest of the top 10 held steady, underscoring the stability and deep-rooted appeal of Asia Pacific’s leading MICE destinations.
Top Meeting Hotels Asia Pacific
Hilton Singapore Orchard rose two spots to claim the top position in Asia Pacific for the first time, building on three consecutive years of top-three recognition since 2023.
Hyatt Regency Sydney held steady second place, while Hilton Sydney made an impressive jump of six places to enter the top tier in third place. ANA InterContinental Tokyo was the region’s biggest mover, ranking fourth. Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park rounded out the top five.
About Cvent Cvent is a leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider with 5,500+ employees and 30,000+ customers worldwide as of 31 December 2025. Founded in 1999, the company delivers a comprehensive event marketing and management platform and offers a global marketplace where event professionals collaborate with venues.
SINGAPORE, 22 May, 2026: Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled its 2028-2029 Voyage Collection, featuring 238 new sailings around the world.
The season features three Grand Voyages, a 150-night World Cruise, and destination-rich, all-inclusive sailings through Africa & Arabia, Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, and the South Pacific.
Photo credit: Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Guests can now pre-register their interest at RSSC.Com/2028-2029-Voyage-Collection before reservations open on 28 May, 2026. Guests in Asia who book by 8 July 2026 will enjoy a low 7.5% deposit.
As part of the collection, Seven Seas Prestige, which is set for delivery in late 2026, will make her Canada and New England debut in fall 2028 with five 11-night itineraries. Regent’s newest ship, Seven Seas Prestige, will be 40% larger than Regent’s previous ships, yet accommodates only 10% more guests.
Seven Seas Splendor will visit Alaska’s waters for the very first time, sailing 16 new voyages that call on destinations such as Icy Strait Point, Skagway, and Juneau. These seven-night itineraries immerse guests in the heart of the Last Frontier, offering up to 50 included shore excursions on each sailing.
For the first time, Seven Seas Voyager will include a quiet Mediterranean winter season starting in November 2028, offering the opportunity to explore the region’s most beloved locales from a different perspective.
The 2028-2029 season will see Seven Seas Explorer sail in Africa and Arabia for the first time. Voyages will sail in spring 2029, ranging from 14 to 23 nights, and visit ports such as Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Walvis Bay, Namibia; and Luanda, Angola.
Season highlights also include maiden calls in three new ports: Dundee, Scotland; Oulu, Finland; and Šibenik, Croatia. Dundee blends maritime heritage, striking architecture, and gateway access to the Scottish Highlands. Oulu offers natural beauty, coastal charm, and a growing creative scene. Šibenik captivates with its medieval old town, UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmarks, and Adriatic coastline.
HONG KONG, 22 May 2026: Passenger and cargo demand continued to be robust, but jet fuel prices remained at highly elevated levels according to the Cathay Group’s traffic figures for April 2026.
Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau commented: “April continued to present a mixed picture. Travel demand was robust, and passenger load factors were high, driven by holiday and seasonal travel, while cargo volumes were healthy. However, jet fuel prices remained at highly elevated levels amidst the ongoing Middle East situation, increasing cost pressures. We are remaining agile in our response and continue to monitor the developments closely.”
Photo credit: Cathay Group.
Looking ahead to the summer travel peak, Cathay Pacific and HK Express will maintain July and August flight schedules.
“In view of softened travel demand to the Middle East in the near term, we have decided to extend the suspension of Cathay Pacific’s passenger services to Dubai and Riyadh until the end of August and redeploy the capacity to routes where customer demand is keen, such as Manchester and Rome. From a passenger capacity perspective, we remain on track to reach our 2026 growth target of around 10% despite the small number of cancellations announced previously for May and June,” said Lau.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific carried 17% more passengers in April 2026 compared with April 2025, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 15%. In the first four months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 19% compared with the same period in 2025.
Lavinia noted: “The robust load factor we achieved in April was driven by strong leisure travel demand, particularly in the first half of the month, coinciding with the Easter holidays and seasonal travel. This was followed by notable long-haul demand into our home hub in the middle of April, boosted by the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. Then, towards the end of the month, ‘Golden Week’ pre-holiday demand stimulated inbound traffic to Hong Kong as well as outbound travel to various destinations across our network. Demand for our premium cabins was robust, with major exhibitions and trade events in Hong Kong continuing to attract business travellers from across our network.
“Looking ahead, demand is expected to remain resilient, supported by seasonal leisure travel and event-driven traffic. That said, we have seen a slight shift in booking behaviour, with some customers booking closer to their departure dates, alongside broader market uncertainties.”
Cathay Cargo
Cathay Cargo carried 8% more cargo in April 2026 than in April 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 7%. In the first four months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by 8% compared with the same period in 2025.
HK Express
HK Express carried close to 730,000 passengers in April 2026, an increase of 5% year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) grew by 7%. In the first four months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 14% compared with the same period in 2025.
“In April, HK Express continued to record passenger growth, supported by strong load factors on its Thailand routes as well as routes to secondary cities in Northeast Asia. For May and beyond, bookings remain ahead of the same period last year on most routes,” Lau concluded.
