SINGAPORE, 20 November 2025: Hainan Airlines will commence twice-weekly flights from Qionghai in Hainan province to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, effective 7 December 2025, following the successful reintroduction of flights from Haikou, the province’s capital, last May.
The airline will deploy a 179-seat Boeing 737-800 on the Qionghai-Kuala Lumpur route, flying twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays. Round-trip fares start at USD221.
Photo credit: Hainan Airlines. Hainan Airlines unveiled its new A330 series aircraft in the Hainan Free Trade Port on 2 November.
Qionghai is a county-level city located in the eastern part of Hainan Province, China, a large tropical island province situated in the southernmost part of the country, in the South China Sea.
Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for Hainanese travellers, but Qionghai is also the ancestral home of many overseas Chinese, particularly those living in Southeast Asia, making it a meaningful destination for Malaysians of Hainanese descent keen to reconnect with their ancestral heritage.
Flight schedule Qionghai-Kuala Lumpur
Scheduled for launch on 7 December 2025. Flight time: Three hours and 10 minutes.
HU497 departs Qionghai (BAR) at 1640 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2010. HU498 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1215 and arrives in Qionghai (BAR) at 1525.
Meanwhile, Hainan Airlines also operates a direct route from Haikou (HAK) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and will increase frequencies from five to six weekly, effective 1 December. (Additional flight on Mondays). Currently, flights depart Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Flight schedule Haikou-Kuala Lumpur
HU755 departs Haikou (HAK) at 1640 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2010. HU756 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2115 and arrives in Haikou (HAK) at 0040.
DUBAI, 20 November 2025: Ethiopian Airlines earlier this week confirmed it has ordered 11 additional 737 MAX jets from Boeing.
The agreement for 11 B737-8, signed at the Dubai Airshow, will enable Ethiopian Airlines to grow its regional and international networks and expand its Addis Ababa hub.
Photo credit: Ethiopian Airlines. On the books, 11 additional 737 MAX jets from Boeing.
“We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for an additional 11 B737-8 aircraft during the Dubai Airshow,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. “The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy. We are happy that our partnership with Boeing continues to grow over the years, and we look forward to flying Boeing aircraft for years to come.”
The carrier leverages the reliability, efficiency, and range of its 737 MAX fleet on routes across Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southern Europe, where quick turnarounds and frequency are essential to meet passenger demand.
“Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to expand its 737 MAX fleet underscores its leadership in Africa. Our new agreement also strengthens our nearly 80-year partnership with the airline and region,” said Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen. “We are proud that our efficient and versatile aircraft will continue to play a pivotal role in Ethiopian Airlines’ growth as they further connect the African continent and the world.”
MELBOURNE, 19 November 2025: Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), a global leader in luxury travel, has established a destination management company in South Korea to further solidify its position as the world’s largest network of luxury DMCs, with an international team of more than 3,000 staff across 70 offices in 83 countries.
Operating from Seoul, the new DMC strengthens A&K’s access to South Korea’s thriving cultural landscape and the global interest in K-culture, K-pop and K-drama, positioning South Korea as one of 2026’s destinations to watch.
Photo credit: A&K.
“South Korea represents the convergence of ancient tradition and contemporary innovation that defines modern luxury travel,” said AKTG Chief Destination Officer Rebecca Osman. “This new DMC allows us to unlock authentic Korean experiences for our guests and trade partners, from Seoul’s cutting-edge neighbourhoods to centuries-old palaces and the country’s remarkable culinary heritage.”
The launch comes as accessibility to South Korea reaches unprecedented levels. Virgin Atlantic’s daily nonstop flights from London to Seoul are set to launch in early 2026. Meanwhile, major US hubs, including Atlanta, Dallas–Fort Worth, and San Francisco, already offer direct connections, making Seoul more accessible than ever for travellers.
The Seoul DMC will provide comprehensive ground services to tour operators, cruise lines, meeting planners, and travel advisors through exclusive business-to-business partnerships.
A&K’s deep local expertise, combined with 24-hour support, ensures seamless execution from the moment guests arrive until their final departure, whether exploring traditional hanok villages, accessing private culinary experiences, or discovering the innovations shaping Seoul’s reputation as Asia’s design capital.
Strategic expansion in Asia
The launch accelerates A&K’s strategic expansion following recent DMC openings in Mexico, Indonesia, and strategic acquisitions in the Nordics and Bolivia. The company’s global DMC network now offers unparalleled coverage across destinations experiencing a surge in demand for luxury travel. It also strengthens A&K’s DMC network across Northeast Asia, where the company has operated for 42 years from its Hong Kong office.
With established offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo, and sales coverage in Taiwan and Mongolia, A&K offers unmatched regional reach across a destination experiencing unprecedented interest. The Seoul DMC enables both standalone Korean itineraries and seamless multi-country programmes across the region.
South Korea’s emergence mirrors broader shifts in Asian luxury travel. As Japan approaches capacity post-pandemic, discerning travellers seek authentic cultural immersion in destinations where cutting-edge innovation coexists with preserved heritage.
South Korea strikes precisely this balance, from the hyper-modern Seoul to the Buddhist temples in rural Gyeongju, each experience revealing facets of a culture that is simultaneously ancient and pioneering.
PORTO Portugal, 19 November 2025: The Goyang Convention Bureau (Goyang CVB) of the Goyang International Expo Foundation has announced a landmark collaboration with Curtin University Malaysia, owner of the International Journal of Business Events and Legacies (IJBEL), to publish the 2026 IJBEL Korea Special Edition, a publication globally recognised for shaping leadership and knowledge advancement in business events legacy development.
The announcement made at the 64th International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress 2025 marks a significant step toward fostering knowledge exchange between Korean institutions and the international academic community through IJBEL, deepening global cooperation to advance research, policy, and practice on business events and their legacy impact.
From left: Prof. Jack Singh (BESarawak Board Member), Datu Hii Chang Kee (BESarawak Chairman), Amelia Roziman (BESarawak CEO and IJBEL advisor), The Hon. Datuk Sebastian Ting (Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak), Dr Peter Lee (Executive Director, Goyang CVB), Professor Han Jin-young of Korea MICE Tourism Society, and Professor Yoon Eun-joo of ICEM.
The initiative is further strengthened through partnerships with the Korea MICE Tourism Society, led by Professor Han Jin-young of Gwangdong University, and the Institute of Convention and Exhibition Management (ICEM), led by Professor Yoon Eun-joo of Hallym University. Both institutions are recognised as leading academic bodies advancing MICE-related research and publications in Korea.
As part of this collaboration, the Goyang Convention Bureau will work closely with Curtin University Malaysia to publish the special edition and host a legacy forum during the Goyang Destination Week.
“We are extremely proud to see IJBEL shaping conversations and directing change worldwide,” said Amelia Roziman, IJBEL Advisor and CEO of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak). Through IJBEL, Korea can showcase its MICE excellence, contribute valuable global best practices, and further strengthen its position within the international business events and legacy community.”
“Korea has strategically advanced its destination development and established a strong academic ecosystem that consistently delivers exceptional outcomes,” said Dr Peter Lee, Executive Director of the Goyang Convention Bureau, Goyang International Expo Foundation. “This partnership represents a powerful alignment of shared values and shared ambitions. Together, we are building a future where our collective strengths can create greater global impact.”
“The Korea Special Edition represents a pivotal milestone in IJBEL’s ongoing development,” said Associate Professor Goi Chai Lee, Editor-in-Chief of IJBEL and Associate Professor at Curtin University Malaysia’s Faculty of Business. “As the world’s first academic journal to integrate business events and legacy impact, we encourage more legacy-driven destinations, associations and academic communities to participate and contribute to shaping this important and rapidly emerging body of knowledge.”
JAIPUR, 19 November 2025: Thrillophilia, an India-wide multi-day tours platform, has released its Women & Travel Decisions 2025 report, revealing a quiet yet powerful shift within Indian households.
The country’s real travel decision-makers are not travel agents, the algorithms, or the loudest voice in the room. Family travel planning is clearly in the hands of women who take the lead in planning and shaping the family’s entire travel experience.
Pick the person who curates family travel decisions and costs the budget in India.
Based on an analysis of 212,000 itineraries and 8.9 million planning signals, the report finds that women now influence or directly design 72% of India’s leisure trips, taking ownership of everything from budgeting and safety to emotional comfort and experience curation.
Women tend to book earlier, compare more carefully, and stress-test their choices before confirming a trip. On average, they book nine days in advance, which helps avoid price spikes, keeps itineraries stable, and reduces cancellations by 18%. They also read more reviews, open more photos, and circulate itineraries among family and friends more often, ensuring every detail is checked before a plan is finalised. Interestingly, even though women choose the destination, stay, experiences, and pricing, 62% of payments on ‘women-planned’ couple trips are still made by men.
According to Thrillophilia’s data, women also have a signature vibe: the smart luxury aesthetic. Not flashy, just thoughtful indulgence, boutique stays, spa time and wellness walks. Women’s shopping carts contain 28% more of these quality upgrades, yet overall spend stays within 6% of male travel costs. Unarguably, women aren’t splurging more; they are splurging smarter.
Women also apply over three times as many safety filters, which results in fewer trip emergencies and a 23% drop in SOS calls, indicating that women research and read about what they book.
Thrillophilia, Co-founder Chitra Gurnani Daga said: “Indian leisure is increasingly a She-Planner economy. Women are curating smarter itineraries, making earlier bookings, opting for safety-first choices, and enjoying meaningful upgrades without overspending. As women continue to lead India’s travel decisions, the industry is shifting toward more thoughtful planning, better value choices, and deeply curated experiences.”
For domestic vacations, women tend to lean towards slow yet value destinations like Rajasthan and Kerala, with Goa coming in third on the list. Internationally, women tend to lean towards destinations that offer a balance of value and luxury, including Bali, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Travelling with young children, Thrillophilia’s data shows that women tend to choose slow mornings, one main activity, and early dinners, resulting in 7% fewer reschedules on planned itineraries. For families, this approach isn’t just a preference; it is a practical strategy that keeps trips smoother and more predictable.
The most dramatic rise is coming from tier 2 cities in India. Indore, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Jaipur are emerging as the fastest-growing geographies for women planners, with Indore alone showing 31% YoY growth. As India’s She-Planner Economy grows, the implications extend far beyond destinations and itineraries; they will increasingly be shaped by a growing women-led travel ecosystem.
About Thrillophilia Thrillophilia is an AI-powered travel platform for discovering and personalising multi-day trips. It lets couples discover, customise, and book in minutes through verified on-ground partners across 1,000-plus locations. Headquartered in Jaipur, the platform also operates in the UAE and the US.
SINGAPORE, 19 November 2025: AirAsia X (AAX) celebrated another milestone with the launch of its inaugural direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul last week, extending greater value and connectivity for Singapore travellers through AirAsia’s Fly-Thru options.
Flight D7604 departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) at 0935 on 14 November and landed at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) at 1605 local time, signifying a historic moment for AAX as it connects Asean with one of the world’s most dynamic cultural and economic cities.
[L to R] Dato’ Fam Lee Ee, Chairman of AirAsia X; Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A; Ahmad Amiri Abu Bakar, Consul General Of Malaysia In Istanbul; Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X; Sinan Seha Türkseven General Manager; Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and Hasan Hamdan, Aviation Marketing, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.
This launch marks the first-ever AAX service to Türkiye, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to expanding its footprint beyond Asia and offering affordable long-haul travel options for everyone.
AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said: “Istanbul has long been one of the most requested destinations among AAX’s guests — a true crossroads where East meets West, rich in history, culture and commerce. With this new service, Singaporeans can now enjoy a seamless and affordable Fly-Thru journey from Singapore to Türkiye via Kuala Lumpur, tapping into AirAsia’s vast network of over 130 destinations.
“As Türkiye welcomed over 62 million international visitors last year, we are proud to make this iconic cultural bridge between East and West more accessible. This inaugural flight marks a significant milestone to boost tourism and regional connectivity, serving as a key step in rebuilding our network and reaffirming our promise in long-haul, low-cost travel – connecting more people, more often, to more places and making the world a cosier place.”
Istanbul, famed for its halal tourism offerings, is a captivating blend of ancient heritage and modern vibrancy. Spanning two continents across the majestic Bosphorus Strait, the city dazzles with its timeless landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace — alongside bustling bazaars, vibrant street life, and a thriving culinary scene.
Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Istanbul (SAW):
SINGAPORE, 19 November 2025: Driven by the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Singapore’s hotel industry posted its highest monthly average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) on record, according to preliminary October data from CoStar.
The provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in global property markets reported that during October, Singapore’s occupancy levels remained above the 70% mark on all but one night — Monday, 20 October (68.1%).
In addition to record highs in ADR and RevPAR, Singapore’s monthly occupancy reached its highest level for an October since 2019.
Singapore achieved monthly highs in each of the three key performance metrics on Friday, 3 October: occupancy (95.9%), ADR (SGD757.62) and RevPAR (SGD726.47).
For comparison, last year’s race was held from 20-22 September, pushing occupancy to 91.7% (Friday, 20 September) and ADR and RevPAR to SGD 682.31 (Saturday, 21 September) and SGD 613.56 (Friday, 20 September), respectively.
The daily occupancy high this year was the best in the market since January 2020, while ADR and RevPAR were higher than on any other day on record.
For more information about the company, its products, and services, visit www.costargroup.com.
DELHI, 19 November 2025: Air India confirmed on Monday the resumption of direct flights between Delhi and Shanghai (PVG), starting 1 February 2026.
It marks Air India’s return to mainland China after nearly six years’ absence. Subject to the requisite regulatory approvals, Air India also intends to introduce nonstop flights between Mumbai and Shanghai in 2026.
Shanghai is the 48th international destination to be served by the Air India group. The airline will offer four weekly flights between Delhi and Shanghai using its twin-aisle Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which are configured with 18 flat-bed seats in business class and 238 seats in economy class. Flights are scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
The reinstatement of Air India’s services to Shanghai follows recent India-China diplomatic agreements that restored bilateral aviation agreements, suspended in early 2020. Air India first launched nonstop services to mainland China in October 2000.
Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Campbell Wilson said: “The resumption of our Delhi-Shanghai services is more than a route launch. It is a bridge between two great, ancient civilisations and modern economic powerhouses. At Air India, we are happy to reconnect one of the world’s most vital air corridors, enabling travellers to pursue opportunities in business, trade, healthcare, education and culture with the comfort and warm Indian hospitality that define Air India.”
Bookings for Air India’s flights between Delhi and Shanghai are being progressively opened on all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres, and through travel agents worldwide.
SINGAPORE, 19 November 2025: Following the recent launch of services from Newcastle, Australia, to Bali, Indonesia, Jetstar will increase flights to meet strong demand during the summer timetable, effective 31 March.
The airline will operate four flights weekly from Newcastle to Bali on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, up from the current three flights weekly. It boosts capacity by 24,000 seats annually to more than 96,000 seats on the route.
Photo credit: Jetstar.
After a 90-minute stop in Bali, the four weekly flights will continue to Singapore, allowing residents in the Hunter region of New South Wales to continue their journey to Singapore.
This new connection positions Newcastle as a growing international hub, following the launch of Newcastle-Bali, which marked the region’s return to international travel.
The additional weekly flight offers Newcastle locals more affordable fares and a greater choice when planning their next getaway to Bali and beyond.
Singapore provides a gateway to Southeast Asia and the world through the Qantas Group’s extensive network and partner airlines, offering a new way for tourists and business travellers to access Newcastle.
Jetstar Head of Network, Fleet Strategy and Planning Ted Knight commented: “We’ve seen incredible demand for our Newcastle-Bali flights since the launch, so it’s great to be adding a fourth weekly service.
“This extra flight gives Hunter (region) locals even more flexibility and 24,000 more low fare seats a year to one of Australia’s favourite holiday spots, and now, with a smooth connection through Denpasar, they can explore Singapore and beyond, too.
“With less than two hours between flights, customers can leave Newcastle in the morning and be dining in Singapore by the evening.”
BANGKOK, 19 November 2025: Here are the first two days of my Blue Jasmine diary, documenting each stage of an extraordinary nine-day rail journey through Thailand on the Blue Jasmine Train by DTH Travel.
Updates will follow every other day, providing a vivid, unfolding portrait of one of the country’s most exciting and culturally meaningful new tourism products.
Blue Jasmine Train launch at Hua Lamphong with DTH Travel Marketing & Sales Manager Aljoscha Keller, Varanya Tipayaphan, Pichai Visutriratana and the author AJW.
There are moments in travel when you feel you are not only witnessing history, but actively taking part in it. The inaugural departure of the Blue Jasmine Train was precisely such a moment. More than a rail journey, this new service represents the revival of a rare set of heritage carriages, a cross-cultural collaboration, and a bold step forward for Thailand’s experiential tourism sector.
A launch steeped in culture
The celebrations began on the eve of departure with a private cocktail reception at the Jim Thompson House and Museum. Two distinguished guests were invited to join in the celebration of the launch of the Blue Jasmine train in Thailand, alongside a gathering of international media and tourism specialists from around the world.
They were the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe and the Americas, Chiravadee Khunsub, and Jim Thompson Group Chief Executive Officer Frank Cancelloni.
Their presence was significant, underscoring the importance of this new rail experience and its role in strengthening Thailand’s position as a leading cultural tourism destination.
Jim Thompson’s soft furnishings throughout.
The connection between Jim Thompson and the Blue Jasmine is both aesthetic and philosophical. The train has been fully upgraded with Jim Thompson Thai silks and fabrics, explicitly chosen for their craftsmanship and heritage value. These textiles bring warmth, richness, and a distinctly Thai character to the carriages, elevating the interiors to a standard of understated prestige. The involvement of Jim Thompson also symbolises the bridge between tradition and modern silk designs and soft furnishings, a combination that sits at the heart of the Blue Jasmine experience.
As guests explored the museum at dusk, wandering through teakwood houses surrounded by jasmine-scented gardens, the tone was set beautifully for the train journey. This is not about speed, luxury for luxury’s sake or superficial spectacle but more about stories, heritage, artistry and the quiet pleasure of slow discovery.
Departure from Hua Lamphong Station
Morning brought us to Hua Lamphong Station, a place that holds deep emotional resonance for Thai travellers. Completed in 1916 during the reign of King Rama VI, Hua Lamphong was designed with input from Italian architect Mario Tamagno, whose influence is seen across several of Bangkok’s most important civic buildings. The station’s signature arched façade, symmetrical lines, and classical flourishes reveal a distinct European inspiration; yet, the building has become a cherished symbol of Thai rail heritage.
For more than a century, Hua Lamphong has been the setting for homecomings, farewells, pilgrimages, family holidays and cross-country adventures. Its grand central hall, filled with stained glass light and the rhythmic echoes of travellers, remains one of the city’s most evocative spaces.
To begin the Blue Jasmine journey here felt deeply fitting. As our group gathered, staff greeted guests, cameras clicked, and curious commuters paused to admire the gleaming carriages. The atmosphere carried the unmistakable energy of a departure that truly mattered. When the whistle finally sounded and the train eased forward, the emotion was palpable. We were on our way.
From Bangkok’s famous Hua Lamphong Station to Uthai Thani, north of Ayutthaya. Google Maps.
Prestigious train with a Japanese pedigree
The Blue Jasmine is not a luxury train in the conventional international sense. Instead, it is a prestigious, rare and culturally significant heritage experience. Its 10 carriages were built in Japan in the 1960s as long-distance overnight sleepers. Later, as a gesture of friendship and cooperation, the Japanese government gifted these carriages to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).
Recognising their potential, SRT entrusted DTH Travel to prepare, reimagine and introduce the train to the global tourism market. Their vision has transformed this Japanese-born train into an extraordinary cross-cultural showcase. The Japanese heritage is reflected in the engineering and carriage structure, while the interiors feature Thai textiles, contemporary craftsmanship, and a warm, welcoming design.
With accommodation for just 37 guests, the train offers an intimate atmosphere. The journey features classic bunk cabins, elegantly updated Premium Suites, a dedicated dining car, and a panoramic lounge that serves as the social hub of the experience.
Ayutthaya and clackety clack to Uthai Thani
Thailand‘s ancient capital of Ayutthaya.
Day Two took us north to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, where towering prangs, serene Buddha images, and temple ruins rise from the landscape. Lunch beside lotus ponds at Baan Thai Ayutthaya offered a peaceful interlude before the group explored the historical zone by tuk-tuk, passing shimmering stupas and ancient waterways.
Later in the afternoon, we continued to Uthai Thani, a province known for its quiet authenticity and strong cultural roots. Our base for the night, the Uthai Heritage Resort, proved to be one of the most impressive boutique properties I have encountered in years. (Two of the nine nights are spent aboard the train, and the others in four-star hotels).
A former schoolhouse transformed with great sensitivity, the resort blends classic Thai architecture with wonderful nostalgia. Rooms still reflect their classroom origins, complete with aged teak, some of the rarest and most beautiful I have ever seen in a traditional Thai building. Their rich patina, their sheer width and the atmosphere they create elevate the rooms from charming to unforgettable.
The sense of arrival was captivating. Steep Thai roofs, weathered timbers and lush gardens framed the property in a way that felt both timeless and authentic. It is no exaggeration to say that one night is not enough. I am already planning a return visit simply to experience this gem more fully.
With Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, monks, markets, and local traditions still ahead, the Blue Jasmine promises a journey shaped by heritage, human connection and discovery.
Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand since 1991. With over four decades of experience in hospitality, he has worked with leading hotel groups and served as a former Director of Skål International, as well as Past President of Skål International Asia, Skål Thailand, and Skål Bangkok. He writes for travel publications worldwide and is widely recognised as a long-standing ambassador for Thai tourism.
