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Royal Cliff Junior Tennis Thailand Championship

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Your Stories
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PATTAYA, Thailand, 18 November 2025: The 4th edition of the Royal Cliff Junior Tennis Thailand Championship, sponsored by Supersports, K-Swiss, Carabao, Technifibre, Vitala and School Tennis 10, concluded last week, attracting 150 young players and more than 300 spectators to Fitz Club – Racquets, Health and Fitness.

Junior athletes aged between four and 14 years from both Thailand and overseas competed across multiple categories, showcasing exceptional skills, sportsmanship, and a passion for the sport. One of the most memorable highlights was the Under-six category, which received tremendous cheers from the audience as the young competitors played with incredible determination and effort despite their age.

Another popular highlight was the ‘Challenge the CEO’ session, where 10 young players were selected through a lucky draw. The challenge was filled with lots of cheering and laughter.

Alongside the exciting matches, the event also offered a range of family-friendly activities, including art and craft booths, a chess zone, a massage corner and multiple food stations, creating a warm and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.

As part of Royal Cliff’s continued commitment to supporting youth tennis development in Thailand, the Royal Cliff Junior Tennis Championship remains an impactful platform where the next generation of tennis players can learn, grow and shine through competition, friendship and inspiration.

Fitz Club, the elite sports centre under the Royal Cliff banner, continues to cement its reputation as a premier destination for professional and recreational athletes. Renowned past ATP players such as Nikolay Davydenko, 

Mikhail Youzhny, Dmitry Tursunov, Paradorn Srichaphan, Danai Udomchoke, and Denis Istomin have trained at this facility, utilising its courts, which are designed to replicate the conditions of the Australian Open. Fitz Club’s rich history includes hosting a variety of sporting events, from Junior and Senior Tennis tournaments to Squash championships and Table Tennis competitions, further establishing its legacy in the world of sports. Fitz Club is excited to present new sports facilities, including pickleball, futsal, basketball and badminton. 

For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and Fitz Club, please visit www.royalcliff.com and www.facebook.com/fitzclub. 

(Source: Your Stories — Royal Cliff Hotel Group)

Emirates gears up for Dubai Airshow 2025

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Your Stories
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DUBAI, UAE, 18 November 2025: Emirates is showcasing a diverse range of innovative products and introducing new technologies at the Dubai Airshow 2025, which got underway on Monday, 17 November.

The spotlight is on all three commercial aircraft types in its fleet: the Airbus A380, Boeing 777, and Airbus A350, the latest addition to the family. 

Emirates Flight Training Academy’s (EFTA) recently delivered Gamebird GB1 aircraft, as well as its Diamond DA42-VI aircraft, are also on static display throughout the Dubai Airshow week ending 21 November.

Unveiling smart technologies

At the Dubai Airshow, Emirates’ exhibition stand brings the future of air travel to life with cutting-edge AI-powered customer experiences. Visitors can step through the Smart Corridor, an advanced biometric gateway that verifies passenger identities in real-time, eliminating the need for passports or boarding passes. The stand also features the airline’s newly launched Biometric Selfie Registration, a convenient feature now available on the Emirates App.

The airline is also demonstrating its AI-Enhanced Customer Handling functionality, offering visitors a glimpse into what future airport journeys will look like. Developed using NVIDIA AI infrastructure, this innovation can identify Emirates customers as soon as they enter the airport through IoT cameras positioned at key entry points. The AI technology provides the airport team with real-time visibility of passengers’ locations. It is designed to improve both operational efficiency and the overall customer experience by offering them more personalised service throughout their journey. This future concept will first be tested at Emirates’ First Class Check-in Area in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) before being expanded to Emirates Lounges across all concourses.

Emirates is also showcasing its Smart Skies Turbulence Management system, a pioneering, multi-layered approach designed to enhance flight safety, comfort, and efficiency by intelligently managing turbulence. 

Upcycled for a new purpose

The highly successful ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ initiative, led by Emirates Engineering, has taken a bold new step forward with the introduction of a range of new products. Innovation meets technology in the Atelier Collection, featuring a state-of-the-art Morphing Coffee Table. Meanwhile, the Maintenance Collection features prototypes such as the Tricycle, the Mechanic Apron, and the Tool Belt. Each item is crafted from durable, high-performance materials, ensuring a reliable and functional final product that has been thoughtfully repurposed for Emirates Engineering personnel.

Select pieces from previous collections—highly regarded by aviation enthusiasts and collectors — will also be showcased. The ongoing charity initiative, Aircrafted KIDS — The Fabric Collection, has already distributed over 3,700 backpacks to schoolchildren across Africa and Asia. Meanwhile, Aircrafted by Emirates – The Leather Collection offers an extensive range of travel bags, some of which are available for purchase online through The Emirates Official Store.

Emirates will also display sustainably sourced products used onboard. These include the Business Class loungewear set made from botanic fibres, Emirates’ exclusive VOYA range of comfort and beauty essentials, Economy Class blankets crafted from recycled plastic bottles, among other products.

The future is here

Taking place at its purpose-built venue at the Dubai World Central from 17 to 21 November 2025, this year’s Dubai Airshow is themed ‘The Future is Here’, and will welcome thousands of visitors, manufacturers, and industry leaders from around the world to exchange insights, explore emerging trends, and experience the latest advancements in aviation and aerospace firsthand.

For more information on flights and fares or to make a booking, visit www.emirates.com. 

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

Austrian links Vienna and the Norwegian Fjords

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 18 November 2025: More travellers are seeking to experience the spectacular Norwegian fjords, and to meet growing demand, Austrian Airlines will introduce a direct route from Vienna to Bergen starting in summer 2026, making it easier than ever to explore one of the world’s most iconic natural landscapes.

In 2024, the number of overnight stays by Austrian visitors at hotels and campsites in Western Norway rose by 11%, reflecting a strong upward trend in travel from Austria to the region.

Photo credit: Fjord Norway.

Beginning 1 June through mid-September 2026, Austrian Airlines will operate three weekly flights between Vienna and Bergen, providing convenient access for Austrian travellers eager to discover the beauty of Norway’s west coast.

“Our region continues to attract visitors from all over the world, and we are delighted that Austrians have truly discovered the magic of Fjord Norway,” says Fjord Norway CEO Stein Ove Rolland. “With our iconic fjords and mountains, charming towns and villages, Viking history, culture, and distinctive local food experiences, we offer a rich and diverse destination that we hope will inspire even more travellers in the years to come.”

“We are very pleased to connect Vienna and Bergen next summer,” says Benjamin Riviere, responsible for network development in the Nordics at Austrian Airlines. “This long-awaited connection brings Austria and Western Norway closer together. Following our successful launches of Vienna–Tromsø and Vienna–Evenes in 2023 and 2025, expanding to Bergen was a natural next step. The new Vienna–Bergen route will operate during the peak summer season in 2026.”

Fjord Norge AS/Fjord Norway is the official tourist board for Western Norway, responsible for international marketing of the Fjord Norway region.

(Source: Fjord Norge AS/Fjord Norway)

LynkiD partners with Singapore Airlines

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Newsdesk
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HANOI, Vietnam, 18 November: Through a collaboration with Singapore Airlines, Vietnam’s loyalty brand, LynkiD, allows users to convert reward points into KrisFlyer miles.

Up until now, loyalty programmes in Vietnam have remained limited in both brand and geographic scope  — primarily serving a single label and focusing on domestic rewards in retail, dining, or local gifting. 

Against this backdrop, LynkiD’s strategic partnership with KrisFlyer – the global frequent flyer programme of Singapore Airlines marks a milestone for Vietnam’s loyalty industry.

With this new link, more than 8 million LynkiD users can now convert their accumulated points into KrisFlyer miles, unlocking a range of benefits, including redeeming international flight tickets, upgrading seats, enjoying duty-free shopping at airports, and accessing premium travel services worldwide. This development allows LynkiD to transcend geographic boundaries, bringing Vietnamese loyalty experiences closer to international standards.

Specifically, every 550 LynkiD points can be redeemed for 1 KrisFlyer mile, enabling customers to enjoy world-class journeys with a wide range of possibilities: redeeming flights or seat upgrades with Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Star Alliance member airlines, and other partner carriers; booking hotel stays at global chains by accessing exclusive travel deals from Singapore Airlines’ partner Pelago.

The partnership with Singapore Airlines reflects LynkiD’s capabilities and long-term vision in building a borderless loyalty ecosystem. It demonstrates the ability of a Vietnamese brand to connect with world-leading names, while opening up new collaboration opportunities for businesses seeking modern and effective loyalty solutions.

(Source: LynkiD)

UN Tourism names next secretary general

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Newsdesk
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MADRID, 18 November 2025: Shaikha Al Nowais has been confirmed as the new Secretary-General of UN Tourism after the organisation’s General Assembly formally ratified her nomination at a recent meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

She will replace the incumbent Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. Her term of office will run from 2026 to 2029.

Photo credit: UN Tourism. Shaikha Al Nowais.

The new Secretary-General was nominated by UN Tourism’s Executive Council last May. Following protocol, her nomination was put before the 160 Member States at the 26th General Assembly for their confirmation. 

Al Nowais will be the first woman to lead the United Nations specialised agency for tourism in its 50-year history. She will begin her term at the start of 2026, having gained significant experience in the private sector, most notably as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels. She also chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group and serves on the boards of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Les Roches Hospitality Academy.

Addressing the UN Tourism Assembly, the Secretary-General-elect said: “This is a triumph for all of us. It is a shared moment that reflects our collective vision for a stronger, more connected… Together, we represent the hopes of millions whose lives are touched by this sector. Together, we carry the belief that tourism, at its best, can uplift nations and unite humanity.” 

Looking ahead to her mandate, she outlined five core priorities: “Responsible tourism, capacity building, technology for good, innovative financing, and smart governance.”

(Source: UN Tourism)

Australia declares 2025 travel trends

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Newsdesk
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SYDNEY, 18 November 2025: Australia’s travel sector continues to gain momentum, with the latest ATIA Travel Trends Report showing solid growth in both inbound and outbound travel, underpinned by strong performance across key Asian markets and a noteworthy rebound in major European markets.

For the year ending September 2025, inbound visitor arrivals increased from 8.1 million to 8.6 million. Strong monthly growth of 6.7% was recorded across most of the year, with January and August exceeding 12%. While travel from China and the UK posted standout annual increases of 15.4%  and 12.4% respectively, the US recorded modest year-end growth. 

Month-on-month, September arrivals rose 10.4%, led by China, Singapore, New Zealand, and the UK, although South Korea experienced a contraction, and the US showed only slight growth.

Outbound trends

Outbound travel also continued its upward trajectory, rising from 11.3 million to 12.4 million trips over the year, with positive results in every month. February and May stood out with growth rates of 19% and 20%, respectively. Travel to Japan recorded the most substantial annual growth of all outbound markets, climbing 24.9%, while travel to the US remained flat and declined slightly overall. The September month-on-month results showed a mixed picture, with travel to Japan, China, and New Zealand performing strongly, contrasted by sharp declines to the US, Singapore, and Thailand.

Across all destinations, around 60% of outbound travel across the year was for holidays. Visiting friends and family accounted for roughly one-quarter to one-third of all trips, while business travel remained comparatively low.

The report highlights notable trends in US travel flows. US visitors to Australia rose 4.5% year-on-year, while Australian travel to the US declined by 0.3% over the same period. September results showed US inbound numbers increasing slightly, contrasted by a significant 12.7% drop in Australians travelling stateside. High airfares and cost pressures are likely influencing destination choice, with Japan, Vietnam and China drawing more substantial interest.

Airline activity

International aviation activity also strengthened. For August, total international passenger numbers increased by approximately 9.5% year-on-year, driven by growth from Jetstar and Qantas. The two carriers remained the most significant contributors to passenger volumes, although their combined market share softened slightly in the year-end comparison. Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and Emirates continued to hold steady as key competitors.

Domestic aviation capacity also increased, with major city pairings adding around 3 to 6% more seats. Routes including Adelaide to Melbourne, Gold Coast to Sydney and Brisbane to Melbourne saw notable gains.

ATIA insights

“Australia’s inbound recovery has strengthened again this month with strong growth from both established and emerging markets,” ATIA CEO Dean Long explained. 

The rebound from China and the UK highlights the enduring appeal of Australia and the importance of maintaining a competitive, well-connected aviation system.”

“Outbound travel continues to reflect the preferences of Australian travellers who are increasingly seeking value, cultural experiences and proximity. The strong growth in travel to Japan, China and other parts of Asia shows how quickly consumer sentiment responds to affordability and improved airline capacity.

“The US continues to be a mixed bag. While inbound arrivals from the US remain stable and are growing modestly, Australians are clearly feeling the cost pressures of long-haul travel. This highlights the need for increased competition and more competitive pricing across key routes.

“As Australians continue travelling in record numbers, the value of professional travel advice has never been clearer. If you’re booking travel, make sure you do so through an ATIA Accredited travel business as they provide the expertise and support you can rely on,” Long concluded.

Insights are based on domestic aviation data for August 2025, international aviation data for August 2025, and overseas arrivals and departures data for September 2025.

About ATIA 
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is the peak body representing Australia’s AUD69 billion travel industry. ATIA represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators, wholesalers and ITOs. Visit: Australian Travel Industry Association.

Cebu Pacific deploys 13th A330neo aircraft

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Newsdesk
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MANILA, 18 November 2025: Cebu Pacific expands its fleet with the delivery of its 13th Airbus A330neo aircraft, making it the largest operator of A330neos in Asia.

The 459-seat aircraft is the third of four A330neos expected to arrive this year. The first two joined the fleet on 28 March and 18 July, respectively.

Photo credit: Cebu Pacific.

“This aircraft enables us to serve more passengers while keeping costs low, which is a key part of our mission to offer affordable fares for every Juan,” said CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao.

CEB deployed its latest A330neo aircraft on domestic routes, starting with the Manila-Puerto Princesa route, offering four flights per week. Daily A330neo flights between Manila and Bohol commenced on 16 November.

The A330neo provides CEB with the flexibility to serve regional and long-haul routes, as well as high-demand sectors. With increased range and capacity, the aircraft enables the airline to optimise its operations while maintaining cost efficiency. Airbus NEOs are the latest-generation aircraft that burn 15% less fuel per flight and produce less noise compared to their predecessors. The reduction in fuel consumption results in a corresponding decrease in carbon emissions.

(Source: Cebu Pacific).

Drukair signs distribution deal with Amadeus

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 18 November 2025: Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, partners with Amadeus in a global distribution deal that will place its flights and fares inventory on the sales terminals of thousands of travel agencies worldwide.

The national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan announced the deal on 17 November, confirming its inventory will be available through Amadeus, a leading provider of travel technology solutions. 

Photo credit: Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines.

The partnership will significantly enhance the airline’s global reach, providing travel agents worldwide with seamless access to Drukair’s flight services. It represents Drukair’s first global distribution agreement with Amadeus, opening the gateway to Bhutan.

Headquartered at Paro International Airport, Drukair connects Bhutan with key cities across Asia, including Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore, Dhaka, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya and Dubai. 

Through this collaboration, Drukair’s fares, schedules, and inventory will be accessible on the Amadeus Travel Platform, enabling travel agencies worldwide to create flight itineraries and book flights for their clients.

“The partnership with Amadeus opens new horizons for Drukair and Bhutan, allowing us to connect with more travellers around the world, offering seamless access to our flights,” said Drukair Chief Executive Officer Tandi Wangchuk. “We look forward to leveraging this partnership to drive growth and strengthen our presence on the global travel map.”

“Amadeus is proud to be Drukair’s first distribution partner as it seeks to expand its global reach. We strive to offer our network of travel sellers comprehensive travel content, and Bhutan is an exceptional destination that more people will now be able to reach. Asia Pacific continues to be a growth engine for the global travel industry, and this agreement will further power its growth,” said  Amadeus Executive Vice President, Travel Unit & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Javier Laforgue.

Initially, travel sellers in India, Thailand, Singapore, Nepal, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France will be able to issue tickets shortly, with further global rollout slated for 2026.

About Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines
Drukair Corporation Limited, operating as Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines, is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Established in 1981, Drukair currently operates scheduled flights to 10 international destinations across six countries in Asia from its home base at Paro International Airport. In addition to its international routes, Drukair serves three domestic destinations in Bhutan and offers helicopter services to enhance its range beyond fixed-wing operations.

(Source: Amadeus)

Sabah proposes Saudi charter flights

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Newsdesk
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KOTA KINABALU, 17 November 2025: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will intensify market efforts in the Middle East and has proposed establishing charter flights between Saudi Arabia and Sabah following its recent participation in Saudi Arabia’s inaugural tourism summit, TOURISE 2025, held in Riyadh from 11 to 13 November.

STB’s Chief Executive Officer, Julinus Jeffery Jimit, led a delegation that engaged with key tourism stakeholders throughout the three-day summit organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia. The delegation also included Deputy Chief Executive Officer II, Humphrey Ginibun, and Senior Manager (Research), Angeline Engchuan.

Sabah Tourism Board (STB) officials meet with representatives from the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). (Centre): STB CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit, DCEO II Humphrey Ginibun, and Senior Manager (Research) Angeline Engchuan, alongside STA’s Umrah Supply & Demand Support Director Abdulrahman Farid Alhussain (3rd left) and International G2G Affairs Senior Director Saad Mashri AlMadi.

Julinus commented that the Middle East continues to emerge as a promising market for Sabah, supported by strong growth in tourist arrivals.

“The sharp rise in arrivals shows growing awareness of Sabah among Middle Eastern travellers, who are increasingly drawn to immersive nature and wellness experiences.”

From January to September 2025, Sabah recorded 3,220 arrivals from the Middle East, compared to 1,498 arrivals in the same period last year.

As part of efforts to enhance accessibility, STB has also initiated discussions with Middle Eastern carriers on the feasibility of establishing a direct scheduled charter route between Jeddah and Kota Kinabalu.

Preliminary talks are ongoing, with the proposed route expected to improve connectivity and create two-way travel opportunities between Sabah and Saudi Arabia.

“STB’s presence at the first TOURISE summit enabled us to highlight Sabah’s unique attractions to new audiences, including the Saudi Tourism Minister, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb,” he noted.

(Source: Sabah Tourism Board)

BWH expands in Pakistan

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Your Stories
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BANGKOK, 17 November 2025: BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, continues to spread its international standards of hospitality across Pakistan with the opening of Best Western Premier Hotel Karim Abad Hunza, a brand-new upscale hotel set in the heart of the country’s breathtaking Hunza Valley.

Nestled in the foothills of the famous Karakoram mountains, in northern Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, rugged plains and aquamarine lakes, the Hunza Valley is an awe-inspiring destination for adventure-seeking families, friends and corporate groups.

As the first internationally branded upscale hotel in this scenic landscape, Best Western Premier Hotel Karim Abad Hunza will enhance the area’s ability to attract discerning domestic and international visitors. The 50 guest rooms offer modern comforts and panoramic views of the valley, while the restaurant serves high-quality local and global cuisine, accompanied by an alfresco lakeside terrace. The wellness centre also offers soothing therapies.

This opening reaffirms the status of BWH Hotels as one of the leading hospitality companies in Pakistan, with hotels now operating in key cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Gujranwala, with more in the pipeline. The majority of these properties are under the Best Western Premier brand, reflecting strong demand from travellers who crave superior accommodation, exceptional service and first-rate amenities, all underpinned by the benefits of the Best Western Rewards loyalty program.

“We are delighted to expand our presence in Pakistan – a rapidly developing market with significant growth potential. The Hunza Valley is a truly breathtaking place, where spectacular alpine scenery, ancient forts, and warm, local hospitality combine to inspire the senses. This makes it a captivating destination for leisure guests and groups alike. We invite adventurous explorers to come and uncover the wonders of Pakistan with BWH Hotels,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC, Olivier Berrivin.

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

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels)

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