SINGAPORE, 4 September 2025: ATG Travel Worldwide B.V. (ATG), a privately held global provider of travel and expense management solutions, announced Tuesday the successful closing of its acquisition of CWT’s business travel operations in Germany.
This strategic move strengthens ATG’s footprint in a key European market and aligns with its long-term global growth strategy.
ATG Business Travel Management GmbH Managing Director, Peter Ashworth.
“Welcoming our new teammates and customers marks an exciting next chapter for our business in Germany,” said ATG Travel Worldwide President Torsten Krings.
“Our goal is to ensure continuity for our employees and customers; maintaining the trusted relationships and results our customers depend on, while enhancing them with ATG’s people-first focus, innovation, and high-touch service.”
The acquired entity will be known as ATG Business Travel Management GmbH and will operate as a separate entity, focusing on the German market.
“The German operation will operate completely autonomously, and enjoy the benefits that come from local leadership, local controls, decisions and financials,” said ATG Business Travel Management GmbH Managing Director, Peter Ashworth.
ATG has experienced success with its existing ATG Travel Deutschland, GmbH, based in Frankfurt, which will continue to operate as a separate, sister entity.
ATG, which already operates in over 150 countries, is now positioned to deepen its presence within Germany’s business travel ecosystem, tapping into enhanced local expertise and client relationships. The acquisition underscores ATG’s sustained investment in its German operations and commitment to scalable, value-driven expansion.
About ATG ATG Travel Worldwide BV, headquartered in Utrecht, Netherlands, is a global travel and expense management leader. It offers services through the Americas (USA), Europe/Middle East/Africa (Frankfurt, Germany), as well as the Asia Pacific (Singapore), with franchise partner offices covering over 150 countries. The company has 7,800 global employees and a worldwide turnover representing more than USD7.2 billion.
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 September 2025: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has named RHB Bank as the Exclusive Platinum Sponsor for the MATTA Fair, 5-7 September 2025.
This marks the fifth consecutive partnership between RHB Bank and the MATTA Fair, reinforcing both parties’ commitment to making travel and holiday adventures smoother, more convenient and more rewarding for all those exploring both domestic and international destinations. Visitors can look forward to exclusive promotions and financial solutions located at Level 1 (Domestic Hall) and Level 2 (International Hall) in MITEC.
MATTA President Nigel Wong (centre left) and RHB Banking Group, Managing Director of Group Community Banking, Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo (centre right).
The 57th edition of the MATTA Fair is set to take place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur. It will be the biggest fair yet, covering a record-breaking 2,049 booths covering 40,820 sqft of exhibition space with 334 participating companies.
“Everyone should experience the beauty of travel. It’s a passion shared by many Malaysians, and only through travel that we witness the world in its truest colours, connect with people of various cultures, and return to the warmth of our homes with stories and memories that last a lifetime. With RHB Bank as our Exclusive Platinum Sponsor, we can offer even greater opportunities for Malaysians to achieve their dream travel and holiday adventures conveniently and without worry,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.
The continued support from RHB Bank underlines the success of previous collaborative efforts in advancing Malaysia’s travel and tourism industry. It also reflects MATTA’s commitment to offering visitors enhanced access to financial solutions that complement their travel needs. The strong and ongoing support from MATTA Fair visitors reflects their trust, confidence, and satisfaction with the vast array of travel deals on offer.
RHB offers travel benefits with discounts of up to MYR1,500 on flights, hotels and tour bookings at the MATTA Fair when using RHB Visa Cards/-i. In addition, Muslim travellers can also enjoy savings of up to RM800 on specially curated travel packages offered by RHB.
RHB Banking Group, Managing Director of Group Community Banking, Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo, said: “At RHB, banking goes beyond numbers and financial transactions. It is about empowering our customers to live more meaningful lives. Travel plays an important role in that journey. Through our collaboration with MATTA Fair, we can introduce tailored financial products that make travel more rewarding, affordable and worry-free. From our flagship RHB Multi-Currency Visa Debit Card/-i to exclusive travel rewards, flexible instalment plans and travel protection, the fair provides a unique opportunity for us to engage directly with travellers and build lasting trust.”
The RHB Multi-Currency Visa Debit Card/-i, which supports 34 currencies with no conversion fees, continues to gain strong momentum with year-on-year international spending doubling compared to 2024 and over 100,000 cards issued as of July 2025. To further support customers, RHB recently introduced RHB Pay Later/-i, a feature that allows purchases made on the Debit Card/-i to be split into up to six monthly instalments. Available in both Shariah-compliant and conventional options, it offers flexibility, convenience and peace of mind in managing travel expenses.
During the fair, new customers who open an RHB Multi-Currency Account/-i and apply for the Debit Card/-i will enjoy MYR20 cashback with a minimum deposit of MYR500 into the Multi-Currency Account/-i, along with the chance to win up to MYR20,000 in cash prizes.
To ensure a smooth visitor experience, MATTA Fair offers free admission and is open from 1000 to 2100 from Friday to Sunday, 5 to 7 September. Visitors should take advantage of the complimentary shuttle services from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall to MITEC. For those driving, parking facilities are available at the South Entrance basement in MITEC, MITI basement, MATRADE open parking, Kompleks Mahkamah KL open parking, The MET basement, MET 1 basement and MET 9 open parking.
BANGKOK, 3 September 2025: To mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, New Zealand is inviting Thai travellers to step away from the stresses of everyday life and rediscover balance through extraordinary mindful escapes.
From walking among ancient forests to floating beneath a starlit sky, New Zealand’s natural wonders offer travellers a chance to restore both body and mind.
Maruia River Retreat
For travellers seeking a deeper reset, retreats across the country promise transformative escapes. Nestled within 500 acres of untouched wilderness on New Zealand’s South Island, Maruia River Retreat offers an intimate sanctuary where guests can recharge in complete seclusion. Meanwhile, Aro Ha offers award-winning multi-day programs that combine yoga, meditation, mindful hiking, and plant-based cuisine for a comprehensive mental and physical reset.
For those drawn to the night sky, Lake Tekapo in the South Island offers a chance to find stillness through stargazing. At Tekapo Stargazing, guests float in warm hot pools beneath the world’s largest dark sky reserve. As the Milky Way unfolds above, the experience seamlessly blends science, mindfulness, and relaxation in one of the most pristine nightscapes on Earth.
Tekapo Springs at night and stargazing from Pukaki hot pool
One of the most soothing experiences is forest bathing—a mindful practice of slowing down and immersing oneself in nature. On Waiheke Island, just a short ferry ride from Auckland, Terra and Tide lead guided forest therapy walks that encourage travellers to reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world. In the far north, Māori guides from Footprints Waipoua invite visitors on a twilight journey through Waipoua Forest, where towering kauri trees stand as guardians of the land. Here, storytelling and starlight combine to create a profound sense of calm and connection.
Footprints Waipoua
Wellness in New Zealand also flows from the ground itself. In Rotorua, the Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa celebrates centuries-old Māori healing traditions through a multi-sensory geothermal journey. Meanwhile, Maruia Hot Springs, set against an alpine backdrop, has introduced Thermal Tranquillity Rooms, where private mineral-rich baths open out to panoramic mountain views.
Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa
New Zealand is shining a light on the importance of wellbeing and the healing power of nature. Whether for a mindful escape this October or a rejuvenating getaway any time of the year, New Zealand invites Thai travellers to slow down, soak in nature, and let everyday worries fade. Every moment leaves the body refreshed, the mind clear, and the spirit revived—a complete, 100% recharge.
Known for its natural beauty and reassuring sense of safety, New Zealand is a must-visit destination for Thai holidaymakers. The journey takes around 12 hours, with both direct flights and convenient stopover options available. Upon arrival, travellers are greeted by a country that’s easy to explore, offering a seamless experience that flows from vibrant cities to breathtaking natural landscapes, promising unforgettable memories at every turn. For more information, visit: New Zealand
MUMBAI, 3 September 2025: Indonesia made a strong statement on the opening day of ITB India 2025, bringing the spirit of Wonderful Indonesia to Mumbai and beyond.
With a target of welcoming 800,000 Indian travellers this year, the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia is positioning the country as a premier tropical destination for leisure, culture, and wellness during ITB India, which opened for B2B networking and business talks on 2 September.
Wonderful Indonesia plays out at ITB India this week.
Before joining the three-day trade show, Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism hosted business matching sessions in Kolkata (27 August) and Bengaluru (29 August), where 29 Indonesian sellers connected directly with Indian buyers — the initiative aimed to unlock new partnerships and fuel demand for Indonesian tourism products across the subcontinent.
“India is one of the fastest-growing outbound markets, and it is already our fifth-largest source of international arrivals,” said Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism Assistant Deputy for International Tourism Marketing, Southeast, South & Central Asia, Dedi Ahmad Kurnia. “Through ITB India, we want to strengthen Indonesia’s brand positioning and ensure our destinations remain top-of-mind for Indian travellers.”
The Wonderful Indonesia pavilion spotlights the travel content of 20 leading sellers from Jakarta, Bali, and Yogyakarta. In addition, the Beyond Bali Indonesia campaign is spotlighting its 10 priority destinations — including Lake Toba, Borobudur, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Raja Ampat, and Labuan Bajo — as well as three emerging regenerative destinations: Bali, Jakarta, and Batam-Bintan.
“Indonesia is naturally aligned with wellness tourism thanks to its ancient healing traditions, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes,” said the Ministry of Tourism Deputy Minister for Marketing Ni Made Ayu Marthini. “Our participation at ITB India is not only about showcasing destinations, but also about inspiring Indian travellers to experience Indonesia in deeper, more meaningful ways.”
As India’s outbound travel market continues to surge, projected to hit 29 million international trips by 2025, Indonesia’s presence at the travel trade show underscores its commitment to becoming a leading destination for Indian tourists.
ITB India 2025 continues until 4 September at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
DÜSSELDORF, 3 September 2025: If your impression of a “caravan” is still that of white box-shaped vehicles, with outdated interiors from the last century, along with a bunch of keys and remote controls, that’s normal.
Over the past few decades, the industry has remained largely stagnant, characterised by outdated design language and slow progress in electrification and intelligence. A series of cumbersome operations still deters most people.
Photo credit: Skydream. Will the future of camper rentals look like this?
Skydream is set to revolutionise the industry, having made its global debut at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf on 29 August, where two types of new energy smart caravans, nearly ready for mass production, were unveiled to the public.
The company is collaborating with global users to create an entirely new breed of caravan — an intelligent, mobile and flexible living space that can be placed anywhere.
At the Caravan Salon event, the appearance of two caravans made by Skydream left a deep impression on the participants. Their contrast with other traditional caravans was so dramatic that it felt like comparing today’s smartphone with a keypad phone around the year 2000 — as if they were products of two entirely different eras.
The caravan specialist has created futuristic designs based on the concepts of “interstellar camping” and “land yacht”.
Photo credit: Skydream.
According to Skydream, their latest models are equipped with a high-safety-grade LFP battery, ranging from 45kWh to 85kWh, combined with a 1100W to 2200W solar charging system, enabling up to 14 days of true off-grid camping capability. Additionally, it features reverse EV charging functionality.
To tackle some challenges during driving and parking, Skydream claims to have launched the world’s first caravan smart driving assistance feature for all main scenarios, utilising body stability and dynamic assistant technology to suppress swaying during travel.
At the campsite, even the most troublesome hitching and unhitching the caravan is more user-friendly, as the caravan can automatically complete the aiming and docking process in just a few minutes.
Photo credit: Skydream.
The camping experience has undergone a significant transformation. Traditional caravans are cluttered with remote controls and keys. At the same time, Skydream is equipped with an intelligent control system, allowing users to control lighting, door locks, air conditioning, and other equipment via voice commands and a mobile app.
PHUKET, 3 September 2025: Asia’s largest sustainability forum for tourism, PHIST 2025, set new records on Monday as more than 1,300 delegates gathered in Phuket, up from 900 last year.
The conference, held at Angsana Laguna Phuket, highlighted the urgent need for the island to strike a balance between rapid growth and sustainability, and called for long-overdue action on infrastructure, housing, and governance.
Photo credit: Delivering Asia (Left to Right) Jayne MacDougall, Executive Director, Phuket Hotels Association; William E. Heinecke, Chairman and Founder, Minor International; Sophon Suwannarat, Phuket Governor; Bernhard Bohnenberger, CEO and Co-Founder, Discover Collection; and Bjorn Courage, President, Phuket Hotels Association, at PHIST 2025 in Phuket.
Now in its 8th year, PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism) has evolved into a flagship platform where hoteliers, policymakers, community leaders, and innovators come together to tackle the environmental and social issues shaping Asia’s hospitality industry. The 2025 edition featured 25 sessions, a sustainable fashion show, a farm-to-table showcase, and an awards programme recognising best practices in sustainability.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat used his keynote address to stress that Phuket’s tourism future depends on decisive action from both the central and local governments. He reaffirmed calls for Phuket to be granted Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status. This designation would allow the island to act more independently when budgeting, planning, and regulating infrastructure and the environment.
“For too long we have spoken about transport links between the airport and southern Phuket, yet nothing has happened,” the Governor noted. “Without SEZ status, we cannot address these issues quickly or effectively. Our future competitiveness depends on it.”
The Governor also revealed that four new water treatment plants are currently under construction, with five more in the pipeline. However, he cautioned that these projects cannot be completed unless adequate budgets are allocated from Bangkok. “Phuket generates more than 400 billion baht for the national economy each year, yet we are given only 170 million baht for local development,” he said. “This imbalance is unsustainable. If Phuket is to continue to drive the country’s tourism revenues, we must be allowed to harvest the benefits of SEZ designation and control our own resources.”
Housing Development Pressure
Alongside concerns about transport and water, the Phuket administration has announced that up to 60,000 new housing units are expected to be approved in the next few years. This wave of construction risks overwhelming the island’s infrastructure and adding stress to its already fragile environment.
PHIST speakers urged that housing plans be aligned with sustainability goals, warning that unchecked expansion could erode Phuket’s appeal as a tourism destination.
Industry leaders call for action
Photo credit: AJW.William ‘Bill’ Heinecke.
William E. Heinecke, Chairman and Founder of Minor International, which operates more than 640 hotels in 65 countries, echoed the call for Phuket to secure SEZ ratification. “Phuket needs the ability to plan, fund, and implement its own infrastructure solutions. Without this, tourism and community life will both suffer,” he said.
Heinecke was honoured with the Green Giant Award for his leadership in sustainable hospitality. He also highlighted Minor’s long-term commitments: “Our framework is built on three pillars – People, Nature and Responsible Business. By 2030, we will support 3 million people through workforce development and community engagement.”
C9 Hotelworks Managing Director and a founding organiser of PHIST, Bill Barnett, told delegates that Thailand’s tourism industry is at a tipping point. “Thailand has a chance to reset. Community engagement and positive social outcomes can no longer be left behind. This is the new battleground for our industry.”
A call for collaboration
The conference reminded delegates of past successes, such as Phuket’s Sandbox programme during the Covid pandemic, which pioneered Thailand’s reopening to international visitors. Speakers emphasised that the same spirit of collaboration must now be applied to sustainability and infrastructure.
As sustainability transitions from a buzzword to a business imperative, PHIST 2025 issued a strong call to action: hotels cannot thrive unless their host communities do too.
Organised by the Phuket Hotels Association, C9 Hotelworks and Greenview, PHIST 2025 is supported by leading hospitality brands including Pan Pacific Hotels, Winnow, Luxury Escapes, Tuu, Delivering Asia, QUO, and SaiYok Springs.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a British-born, Bangkok-based travel writer and tourism specialist. A former hotelier, Skål International executive, and long-time resident of Thailand, Andrew is a regular commentator on tourism, hospitality, and sustainability issues across the Asia Pacific.
NEW DELHI, 3 September 2025: Air India Express commenced direct flights from Ahmedabad and Chandigarh on Monday, connecting directly to Bengaluru and enhancing access from these cities to the country’s tech capital.
The airline will operate twice-daily services from Chandigarh and daily services from Ahmedabad, with the Ahmedabad-Bengaluru service increasing to twice-daily from 16 September, offering greater convenience for both business and leisure travellers.
This network expansion includes upcoming services between Dehradun and Bengaluru, which are set to commence on 15 September.
The inaugural flight from Chandigarh, flagged off by Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh, departed from Chandigarh Airport at 1640 and landed in Bengaluru at 1940. The first Ahmedabad-Bengaluru flight took off at 1100 and arrived at 1325.
With these new flights, passengers from Ahmedabad can also access convenient one-stop connections via Bengaluru to 26 domestic destinations and three international destinations, while passengers from Chandigarh can connect to 22 domestic destinations and Kathmandu.
Bengaluru is the largest domestic hub of Air India Express, with over 405 weekly flights connecting 34 domestic destinations.
Travellers booking on these routes can also explore ‘Xpress Holidays’, the airline’s holiday platform offering curated travel experiences. The packages include flights, accommodations, transportation, and activities, and are available under the “Products and Services” section on the Air India Express website.
MUMBAI, 3 September 2025: In a strategic initiative to boost travel to Queensland, Australia, from India’s outbound travel market, Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company, SOTC Travel, have signed a long-term, multi-pronged MOU with Queensland Tourism (Tourism & Events).
This strategic collaboration will focus on growing Queensland’s visibility and inspiring year-round visitation from India. The MOU was signed by senior leadership from Thomas Cook (India) Limited and SOTC Travel with Queensland’s International Director of Tourism and Events, Katie Mills, in the presence of Queensland Premier and Minister for Veterans David Crisafulli.
Photo credit: Thomas Cook India.
This multi-pronged long-term MOU will focus on content, education & training programmes and joint marketing, leveraging Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s strategic phygital model (range of digital platforms and extensive pan-India retail network) to position Queensland as an ideal destination for leisure, MICE, B-leisure, and sports tourism across India’s metro, mini-metro, and Tier 2 and 3 markets.
Home to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Queensland offers travellers a wide range of unique experiences. The Gold Coast is known for its theme parks, beaches, and adventure activities, while the Whitsundays are renowned for their white-sand island stays and sailing opportunities. Brisbane’s modern, cosmopolitan touch, with its riverfront precincts, diverse dining, rooftop bars, and nightlife, Cairns, and Port Douglas serve as gateways to reef and rainforest exploration.
Queensland appeals to all traveller segments, including multi-generational families, couples, young Indians, millennials, Gen Z, and MICE groups. In addition, sports tourism is fueled by India’s love for cricket and global sporting events, such as the upcoming 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Rajeev Kale said: “Experiential travel is a key demand driver, highlighted in our India Holiday Report – with 75% respondents seeking experiences over traditional tours. And Queensland offers just this: from spectacular natural vistas, world-class gastronomy, to global sporting events and more.
Our MOU with Queensland is an excellent opportunity to expand our product portfolio and showcase Queensland as a year-round destination. We intend to create innovative, immersive, experience-led itineraries that appeal to our range of segments across multi-generational families, millennials and GenZ, couples, working professionals and our powerful MICE corporates.”
SOTC Travel Limited, President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SD Nandakumar said:” With our powerful legacy of over 75 years and our extensive pan-India reach, we look forward to inspiring Indians, not just from metros, but also our regional tier 2 and 3 markets. Our strategy will focus on the key pivots of product development, education, and marketing communications.
“We intend to spotlight Queensland’s iconic natural beauty while also showcasing the state’s hidden gems and exciting experiences – ensuring truly memorable and repeat visitations.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO, Craig Davidson, added: “This strategic connection with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel is a powerful step forward in our mission to position Queensland as the destination of choice for Indian travellers. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Scenic Rim, Queensland offers unforgettable experiences across every season. Through collaborative marketing, education and content creation, we’re excited to inspire more Indian visitors to discover ‘Australia’s Holiday Feeling’, which can only be experienced in Queensland.”
SINGAPORE, 3 September 2025: Drukair will resume its seasonal flights from Paro, Bhutan, to Bangkok with a stop in Gaya, India, from 1 December 2025 to the end of March 2026.
The twice-weekly flights, using a 111-seat A319, will serve Buddhist pilgrimage tours originating in Bangkok, featuring a land tour from Gaya to Bodh Gaya, India, before returning to Gaya to connect with Drukair’s flight to Bhutan.
Photo credit: Andrew J Wood. Bhutan’s impressive Punakha Dzong is the second-oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan, and one of its most majestic structures.
Paro-Gaya-Bangkok
KB122 departs Paro (PBH) at 1430 and arrives in Gaya (GAY) at 1520 (Wednesday and Sunday). KB122 departs Gaya (GAY) at 1600 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 2050 (Wednesday and Sunday). Flight time is three hours and 10 minutes.
Bangkok-Gaya-Paro
KB123 departs Bangkok at 1005 and arrives in Gaya (GAY) at 1145 (Monday and Thursday). KB123 departs Gaya (GAY) at 1225 and arrives in Paro (PBH) at 1405 (Monday and Thursday). The flight time is approximately one hour and 10 minutes.
Planning a Buddhist pilgrimage tour from Bangkok to Gaya, India, and then to Paro, Bhutan, in December 2025, creates a beautiful and spiritually enriching journey.
Orientation
Bodh Gaya in northern India is one of the most significant sites in Buddhism, as it is where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Pilgrimage tours to Gaya visit Bodh Gaya, located 15 km from the airport, before exploring other renowned sites in the “Buddhist Circuit,” including Varanasi, Rajgir, and Nalanda.
Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom renowned for its serene landscapes, monasteries, and the famous Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang) monastery. Buddhist pilgrimage tours to Bhutan focus on its unique culture and sacred sites, accessible from Paro, a historic city and home to the country’s international airport, 47 km from the capital Thimphu.
December 2025 is considered a good time to visit both India and Bhutan. The weather is generally pleasant and dry, making it ideal for sightseeing and trekking.
Tour options and itineraries
While there are many tour operators offering packages for either India or Bhutan, it’s less common to find a single, pre-packaged tour that originates in Bangkok and features both Gaya, India, and Paro, Bhutan, in one seamless itinerary.
Here are some examples of available tours and how they might fit into your plan, sourced from tour companies with publicly accessible website information.
Tours focused on the Buddhist circuit in India
Maha Tare Buddhist Centre: This organisation is offering a “Bodhgaya Pilgrimage Funds” tour from 3 to 10 December 2025. The itinerary focuses on Bodh Gaya and its surrounding area, including visits to the Mahabodhi Temple, the Ganges River, and the ruins of Nalanda University.
Max Holidays and Buddha Trails, India: These companies offer various Buddhist pilgrimage tours in India, including multi-day trips that cover Bodhgaya, Rajgir, and Sarnath. You can find packages ranging from five to 15 days.
Tours focused on Bhutan
Asia Odyssey Travel and Heavenly Bhutan: These are examples of tour operators that offer Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural tours in Bhutan. Many of these tours depart from Bangkok, which serves as a major gateway for flights to Paro, Bhutan.
Intrepid Travel Australia and Veena World India: These companies also offer a variety of tour packages in Bhutan, featuring itineraries that include Paro, Thimphu, and other important sites. You can find tours of varying durations, from short getaways to longer, more comprehensive trips.
Creating your itinerary
A logical way to plan your pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya, India, and Bhutan would be to book your flights and tour components separately. You can book Drukair’s Bangkok-Gaya-Paro service twice a week and take a land tour to Bodh Gaya, returning to Gaya to connect with KB123 to Paro, Bhutan.
For the return to Bangkok, Drukair is scheduling just three direct flights from Paro (PBH) to Bangkok (BKK) on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday during December. However, there is also the option of flying to Bangkok via Gaya on Wednesday and Sunday.
The airline schedules six flights weekly on the Paro-Bangkok direct route during September and October and cuts back to five weekly in November and then three direct flights to the Thai capital in December.
Check-list
Visas: You will need to obtain visas for both India and Bhutan. The process and requirements vary by nationality, so it’s crucial to check with the respective embassies or consulates well in advance.
Customisation: Because a combined tour package is rare, you will likely need to work with a travel agent or tour operator specialising in custom itineraries. They can help you book flights and connect different tour segments to create a single, cohesive trip.
Tour Highlights: Be sure to check the specific itinerary of any tour you consider. A trip focused on Gaya should include the Mahabodhi Temple, while a Paro tour should include a hike to the Tiger’s Nest.
TOKYO, 2 September 2025: JTB Corp announced last Friday that it has reached an agreement to acquire all shares of Northstar Travel Group (publisher of Travel Weekly Asia based in Singapore).
NTG operates a comprehensive B2B media business targeting the travel and tourism industry, delivering integrated information services and marketing solutions through events, digital media, and industry research.
Photo credit: JTB Corp. Northstar Travel Group heads east to new ownership under JTB Corp.
JTB forecasts that the travel and tourism market is poised for sustained long-term growth not only in the US — NTG’s primary target market — but across global markets, including Japan.
JTB says it will leverage NTG’s cutting-edge insights into global industry trends, extensive industry networks, and sophisticated marketing solutions to accelerate the growth of the JTB Group while contributing to the advancement of the tourism industry.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the global tour operator emphasised the acquisition would expand NTG’s established brand presence into new regions and business domains.
JTB’s official press statement noted that it would “enhance digital product offerings, including media solutions and information services through AI and advanced data utilisation, while strengthening customer services and solutions across the entire JTB Group by leveraging NTG’s global network and advanced marketing capabilities”
The acquisition is subject to approval by relevant competition authorities and compliance with other local legal requirements.
JTB said it would operate NTG “as an independent, wholly owned subsidiary and will continue to be the leading independent, trusted voice of the travel and tourism industry.”
JTB Corp, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is headed by President and CEO Eijiro Yamakita. Founded on March 12, 1912, it declared a capital of JPY100 million as of March 2025. Corporate website: https://www.jtbcorp.jp/en/.
Established on 6 August 2001, Northstar Travel Group is headquartered in New Jersey USA, headed by CEO Jason Young.Corporate website: https://www.northstartravelgroup.com/
Northstar Travel Group owns 14 media brands, including Travel Weekly, Business Travel News, and Phocuswright.
