VIENTIANE, Lao PDR, 21 January 2026: Sabre Corporation, a leading global travel technology company, has entered into a 10-year agreement with Lao Airlines to enable the national carrier to adopt an offer-order-based retailing model.
The agreement extends Sabre’s long-standing relationship with Lao Airlines to select the SabreSonic Passenger Service System (PSS), while extending the Sabre distribution partnership. The carrier will continue to be part of the SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace and also join Sabre’s cloud-based PSS suite.
Photo credit: Lao Airlines.
“This marks a pivotal step in Lao Airlines’ growth journey,” said Sabre vice president and regional general manager, airline IT solutions, Asia Pacific, Maneesh Jaikrishna. “Sabre’s technology will be instrumental in helping them achieve their vision for network expansion and improved customer experience. This win also underscores Sabre’s growth momentum in the region and demonstrates the strength of our integrated retailing and distribution capabilities.”
Since its founding in 1989, Lao Airlines has served as a vital link between Laos and its neighbours — China, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
CEBU, 21 January 2026: Cebu Pacific launches a limited-time Fly & Stay offer, in partnership with the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc. (HRRACI).
It’s part of the airline’s “Happy Starts in Cebu” campaign initiative, encouraging travellers to begin their Philippine journey in Cebu.
Photo credit: Cebu Pacific. Exclusive travel deals at the Cebu gateway.
As the exclusive airline partner, CEB is offering discounted fares from Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong to Cebu, until 31 January 2026. The travel period runs from 1 February to 31 July 31, 2026.
The seat sale supports the DOT’s “Visit Cebu” campaign launched in December last year, marking the first-of-its-kind partnership between DOT and CEB to put Cebu on the map for 2026 travels.
Guests booking CEB’s direct international flights to Cebu are eligible to purchase a two-night stay with breakfast for two, with the bonus of the third night free with breakfast, at participating Cebu hotels and resorts. The offer is available for purchase until 31 January 2026, for stays from 1 February to 30 August 2026.
The 2 + 1 offer is subject to availability and applies only to accredited participating properties listed below:
ABU DHABI, 21 January 2026: Etihad Airways carried 22.4 million passengers in 2025, an increase of 21% year-on-year and the highest annual total in the airline’s history.
Passenger load factor for the full year reached 88.3%, up two percentage points from 2024, reflecting strong commercial performance throughout the year.
Photo credit: Etihad Airways.
The airline closed the year on a high note, carrying 2.2 million passengers in December, up 28% compared with the same month in 2024. Passenger load factor for the month reached 87.6%, maintaining consistently high utilisation during the peak end-of-year travel period.
At year-end, Etihad’s operating fleet stood at 127 aircraft, following the addition of 29 aircraft during 2025 – the largest single-year fleet expansion in the airline’s history. This growth included the introduction of the Airbus A321LR, which extended Etihad’s premium cabin product to a broader range of short- and medium-haul destinations and supported continued network expansion.
Etihad’s growth in 2025 accounted for approximately half of passenger growth in the UAE, based on reported projected airline traffic growth across the country, reflecting the airline’s central role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism and economic ambitions.
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 January 2026: HopeGoo, a one-stop travel app first launched in Mainland China and Hong Kong, has confirmed its launch in Malaysia.
Currently designed especially for tourists visiting China, the service will soon expand to include more destinations.
HopeGoo, your all-in-one booking app
After serving users across mainland China and Hong Kong over the past two years, HopeGoo is now bringing its travel services to more travellers across Asia as part of its next phase of growth.
Malaysia was selected as one of HopeGoo’s key growth markets as China has long been one of the top outbound travel destinations for Malaysians, alongside regional favourites such as Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore. Combined with the close tourism and cultural ties between Malaysia and China, these factors create a strong foundation for HopeGoo’s local expansion.
The launch also comes ahead of Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and school holidays — all of which are peak travel seasons.
Tourism Malaysia’s Outbound and Domestic Travel Behaviour Report 2023 showed that 91% of Malaysians travel overseas for leisure. This demonstrates a continued outbound travel demand and a clear growth opportunity for HopeGoo in supporting Malaysia–China travel flows.
“As we introduce HopeGoo to Malaysian travellers, our priority is to ensure the experience reflects how Malaysians plan, book, and travel overseas,” said HopeGoo Malaysia Apps User Growth Senior Manager, Kent Chin. “Just one year after launching in Hong Kong, HopeGoo entered the ranks of Hong Kong App Store’s most popular travel apps. This gives us strong confidence in bringing the same customer support-driven experience to Malaysian travellers.”
HopeGoo’s rollout is backed by its parent company, Tongcheng Travel, which has established a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia in 2023 to explore inbound tourism development.
“Putting local users at the heart of our strategy while connecting broader travel journeys has always been our guiding principle,” said Yu Chi Xiao, Group Vice President, Tongcheng Travel. “Leveraging the group’s more than 20 years of accumulated industry experience, HopeGoo has built strong integrated capabilities across technology, resources, and service, supported by deep partnerships and proprietary AI systems to underpin our localisation efforts.
In Malaysia, we remain committed to a ‘built for local users’ approach. We strongly believe in the long-term potential of Malaysia’s travel market, and HopeGoo will continue to evolve its products and services from a local perspective.”
About HopeGoo HopeGoo, founded by Tongcheng Travel, is a one-stop global travel platform committed to building a trusted, leading brand for travellers visiting China. It offers a comprehensive range of services across six key segments — flights, hotels, train tickets, attractions, ferry tickets, and local experiences, supporting payments in 16 currencies and multiple operating languages.
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 January 2026: Following the acquisition of both AirAsia Berhad (AAB) and AirAsia Aviation Group Limited (AAAGL) from Capital A Berhad (Capital A), the Board of Directors of AirAsia X Berhad (AirAsia) have approved a new management structure.
Bo Lingam has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer, providing overall strategic leadership and direction.
Photo credit: AirAsia Group. Bo Lingham, Group Chief Executive Officer.
Farouk Kamal has been appointed Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, responsible for overseeing corporate functions and operations and driving performance across the business.
Low Kar Chuan has been appointed Chief Financial Officer.
Lavinia Louis has assumed the role of Head of Group Finance, managing group-wide financial management, reporting and controls.
Benyamin Ismail has been appointed General Manager and will continue to be the accountable manager in running the day-to-day operations of AirAsia X as an airline operating company.
Commenting on the appointments, AirAsia X Chairman Dato Fam Lee Ee said: “This new management structure reflects the Board’s commitment to strengthening the leadership depth and ensuring that the Company is well positioned to execute its strategic priorities. With Bo’s proven leadership and deep understanding of the business, we are confident AirAsia X is in good hands. Each appointment brings relevant experience and capability that will support AirAsia X as it continues its transformation and long-term value creation journey.”
AirAsia X Group Chief Executive Officer Bo Lingam said: “On behalf of the new leadership, I thank the Board for their trust and confidence. With both our short-haul and long-haul capabilities now under a single unified structure, we can drive greater efficiency, strengthen our network and deliver a more seamless travel experience for our guests. Our focus remains on operational excellence and creating sustainable value for all stakeholders in this next phase of growth.”
AirAsia X also announced the successful listing and quotation of 606,060,606 Placement Shares and 2,307,692,307 Consideration Shares, marking the completion of its Proposed Private Placement. The company is evaluating a possible change of name to reflect the consolidation of the group’s aviation business, with any proposals subject to the relevant approvals and further announcement in due course.
SHENZHEN, 20 January 2026: PKFARE, a global travel wholesaler, announced this week the signing of a strategic partnership with Citilink, a leading Indonesian low-cost airline.
Through this direct connection, PKFARE’s 2000-plus travel seller clients can access Citilink’s full content, including ancillary and branded fares, at competitive prices. At the same time, Citilink will broaden its global distribution reach while maintaining integrity controls.
Photo credit: PKFARE.
Citilink has established itself as a major force in Indonesia’s domestic aviation market, serving as a vital connector for affordable air travel across more than 50 domestic destinations.
Building on its strong domestic foundation, the airline is also expanding its footprint across Southeast Asia, having recently commenced flights to Bangkok, Thailand.
“PKFARE’s strong distribution presence in these regions enables us to better capture inbound demand, while maintaining distribution control and content integrity aligned with our commercial strategy. We are delighted to partner with Citilink to support its global distribution growth,” said PKFARE Founder and President Jason Song.
“This collaboration enables our travel seller clients to offer more competitive and diverse flight options across Indonesia and Southeast Asia. By strengthening direct airline partnerships, we continue to deliver better pricing, improved service quality, and integrity-assured content.”
According to IATA projections, the Asia-Pacific is expected to remain the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, with air traffic forecast to grow 7.3% year over year in 2026. PKFARE has established direct connections with leading regional airlines, including AirAsia, Lion Air, VietJet Air, and IndiGo, and will continue to accelerate partnerships with major APAC carriers to deliver curated, high-quality content to global travel sellers.
About PKFARE PKFARE, a subsidiary of DerbySoft Group, is a leading global travel wholesaler focused on curating high-quality content and driving efficiency to fuel real growth. It specialises in delivering relevant travel content spanning flights, hotels, and ancillaries. By expanding direct partnerships with airlines and hotels and leveraging a blended multi-sourcing model, PKFARE provides both breadth of choice and competitive pricing.
SINGAPORE, 20 January 2026: Sapa in northern Vietnam has emerged as the fastest-growing destination for attracting international travellers in Asia, according to digital travel platform Agoda’s latest New Horizons ranking.
Vietnam’s scenic mountain destination is followed by Okayama (Japan), Bandung (Indonesia), Matsuyama (Japan), and Takamatsu (Japan) as the top five rising stars in Asia, registering the highest growth in international travel interest.
Agoda’s New Horizons ranking, which is released annually, compares the accommodation booking ranks of the two previous years to identify the highest climbers in international travel in Asia.
In addition to the top five emerging destinations, Agoda also reports newcomers joining the ranks of the top 100 Asian destinations in 2025 for the first time, indicating their growing popularity among international travellers.
These include Ko Phangan (Thailand), Nagano (Japan), Nara (Japan), Shizuoka (Japan), Ko Tao (Thailand), Kagoshima (Japan), and Aomori (Japan). The trend indicates that even when visiting popular destinations such as Thailand and Japan, travellers are seeking out fresh, new adventures in lesser-known locales.
Agoda Regional Director North Asia, Jay Lee, shared: “Lesser-known destinations are rapidly emerging as preferred choices for travellers seeking authenticity and immersive cultural experiences. Whether it’s the breathtaking scenery of terraced rice fields in Sapa or the refreshing seaside landscapes of Takamatsu, secondary destinations are capturing a growing share of traveller interest and spending, signalling a shift in the tourism landscape for 2026 and beyond.”
BANGKOK, 20 January 2026: Minor Hotels confirms the opening of NH Hua Hin in Thailand’s royal seaside town.
Situated 200 km south of Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, Hua Hin NH Hua Hin’s stands at the southern end of Hua Hin offers guests convenient access to Hua Hin Beach (beach access 400 metres away), local night markets (Cicada Night Market and Hua Hin Night Market), and shopping experiences including (BLUPORT Hua Hin and Market Village Hua Hin).
Photo credit: Minor Hotels. NH Hua Hin.
The destination also serves as a gateway to the attractions in the surrounding province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, including Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and its Phraya Nakhon Cave, as well as Pa-La-U Waterfall in Kaeng Krachang National Park.
NH Hua Hin offers 152 modern rooms and suites with city and mountain views, starting from 30 sqm and three food and beverage outlets: an all-day dining restaurant serving international favourites and local specialities, a lobby café offering light bites and drinks throughout the day, and a rooftop bar by the infinity pool with sunset views.
Recreational facilities at the hotel include the rooftop pool, a Kids’ Club with indoor and outdoor spaces for hours of entertainment, and a fitness centre, allowing travellers to maintain their lifestyle during their trip.
Following the rebranding of NH Hua Hin, the global hotel group has four hotels under the brand in Thailand. NH Hua Hin joins NH properties in Bangkok and Phuket — NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard, NH Bangkok Asoke, and NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort.
BANGKOK, 20 January 2026: Skål International Bangkok has joined forces with local partners to deliver a powerful road-safety message at one of the country’s busiest intersections.
The initiative, which focused on distributing protective motorcycle helmets to families and children, underlines Skål’s long-standing commitment to responsible tourism, community engagement, and social responsibility.
Photo: A child is fitted with a protective helmet while seated on a motorcycle, highlighting the campaign’s focus on family and child safety.
Skål International is a global association of travel and tourism professionals, spanning more than 12,000 members across 85 countries and 305 clubs worldwide. With representation in almost every major city on every continent, Skål promotes friendship, networking, and sustainable development within the global tourism industry. The Bangkok club continues to play a leading role in aligning these global values with meaningful local action.
Led by Skål International Bangkok President James Thurlby, the project was delivered in collaboration with Move Ahead Media and Helmet Heroes, a local charity dedicated to improving road safety by providing protective headwear for motorcycle riders.
With the support of local traffic police, the group positioned themselves at the highly congested Asok Intersection, located in the very heart of Bangkok.
Families receive helmets at Asok Intersection, drawing attention from commuters and motorists during the morning campaign.
Over the course of the initiative, more than 120 motorcycle helmets were distributed, with priority given to children being transported by parents or guardians without any head protection. In Thailand, where motorcycles remain one of the most common modes of transport for families, the absence of helmets continues to be a major contributor to road-related injuries and fatalities.
The location was deliberately chosen for its visibility and impact. Asok Intersection is one of Bangkok’s busiest traffic nodes, connecting major roads, public transport links, and commercial districts. Throughout the morning, the helmet distribution attracted significant attention from passers-by, commuters, and motorists. Many stopped to observe, take photographs, and express appreciation for what was clearly a positive, community-spirited initiative.
Speaking after the event, representatives from Skål International Bangkok highlighted that the initiative reflects the organisation’s belief that tourism professionals have a responsibility not only to their industry, but also to the communities in which they live and work. By addressing a real and pressing local issue, the project demonstrated how international organisations can contribute positively at the grassroots level.
Helmet Heroes (https://helmetheroesthailand.org/) the charity partner in the initiative, continues to work across Bangkok and other parts of Thailand to raise awareness of motorcycle safety and to distribute helmets to those most in need. Their collaboration with Skål Bangkok and Move Ahead Media helped extend the campaign’s reach and impact, reinforcing the message that simple preventive measures can save lives.
Skål International Bangkok encourages tourism professionals, industry partners, and community members to become involved in future initiatives. Those interested in joining Skål International are invited to contact the Bangkok club directly via [email protected].
About the author Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer, tourism consultant, and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand since 1991. With more than four decades of experience in the international hospitality industry, he has held senior management roles with leading hotel groups across Asia and the Middle East. He is a former Director of Skål International, Past President of Skål International Asia, Past President of Skål International Thailand, and a two-time Past President of Skål International Bangkok. A graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, he writes regularly for travel and hospitality publications worldwide, sharing insights on tourism policy, sustainability, aviation, investment trends, and destination strategy across the Asia-Pacific region.
TAWAU, Sabah, 20 January 2026: Juneyao Air marked a significant milestone last week by launching direct flights from Shanghai to Tawau, while strengthening air connectivity between China and Sabah.
Three-weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) are scheduled using an A320neo with 180 seats. The starting round-trip fare on the route is USD842.
Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia. Darryl Hamzah, representative from Tourism Malaysia, together with Rehan Shafiq Azizan, from Malaysia Airport Berhad, Shirly Ho, from Sabah Tourism Board and Simon Ng from Ground Team Red.
Flight schedule
HO1361 departs Shanghai (PVG) at 1555 and arrives in Tawau (TWU) at 2100. HO1362 departs Tawau (TWU) at 2200 and arrives in Shanghai (PVG) at 0255 plus a day.
“We warmly welcome Juneyao Air’s inaugural scheduled flight from Shanghai to Tawau. This new service strengthens connectivity between China and Malaysia through Sabah, providing greater convenience for travellers and supporting Sabah’s tourism growth during Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026),” said Tourism Malaysia Director General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim.
The launch forms part of broader efforts to strengthen inbound travel from China, a key source market for Malaysia, and to enhance air connectivity to East Malaysia. Tawau serves as a strategic gateway to Sabah’s east coast, providing access to renowned marine tourism destinations, eco-adventures and distinctive cultural experiences, most notably Semporna and its surrounding islands.
China continues to play a critical role in Malaysia’s tourism landscape. This momentum is highlighted by robust performance from the Chinese market, which recorded 4.3 million visitor arrivals from January to November 2025, marking a 25.9% year-on-year increase. Such figures underscore China’s enduring importance to Malaysia’s tourism expansion strategy and the overarching success of the VM2026 campaign.
The introduction of the Shanghai–Tawau scheduled service supports Malaysia’s delivery of VM2026 by enhancing international accessibility and expanding connectivity to key tourism destinations in East Malaysia. Improved air links are expected to play a vital role in sustaining tourism momentum, encouraging repeat visits and positioning Sabah as acompelling destination for international travellers. These efforts will showcase Malaysia’s diverse attractions, rich culinary heritage, vibrant festivals and renowned hospitality. The added flight capacity supports ongoing initiatives to boost visitor arrivals and increase tourism spending from key source markets.
