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Air Niugini orders more A220s

SINGAPORE, 29 May 2025: Air Niugini, the national carrier of Papua New Guinea, has signed a firm order with Airbus for two more single-aisle A220-100s. 

This follows an initial order in 2023 for six aircraft. Additionally, the carrier has signed lease agreements for three A220-300s from US-based lessor Azorra.

Photo credit: Airbus. Firm order for two more single-aisle A220-100s.

The new order was disclosed as the first A220 for the airline entered final assembly at Airbus facilities in Mirabel, Canada.

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Gary Seddon said: “The A220 is set to form the backbone of our domestic and regional fleet and will support economic development in Papua New Guinea. As we continue to forecast strong growth, we have decided to increase our orders for this fuel-efficient type, bringing a whole new level of efficiency and comfort to our operations.”

Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry added: “This is Air Niugini’s second order for the A220. We are committed to working closely with the airline as we support its fleet renewal programme.”

Combining the longest range and lowest fuel consumption, the A220 is the most modern airliner in its size category, carrying between 100 to 160 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). 

Depending on cabin configuration, the A220-100 serves the 100-135 seat market, while the larger A220-300 is tailored for the 120-160 seat market. 

The A220 is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF engines and offers a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030. 

Samui market update set for 9 June

PHUKET, 29 MAY 2025: C9 Hotelworks’ insightful marketing presentations journey to Samui Island to deliver its Tourism, Hotel & Property Market Update on 9 June at the Banyan Tree Samui.

The 90-minute learning session about Samui’s tourism, hotel, and property market provides insights into the latest numbers, trends, and outlook for the island’s ever-expanding tourism landscape.

Agenda highlights

  • A comprehensive overview of the current market landscape and forward-looking outlook from C9 Hotelworks.
  • Key data on hotel performance presented by leading hospitality analytics group STR.
  • A focused feature on the luxury villa rental and management sector.
  • A crucial discussion on Thailand’s challenges to leasehold property ownership.An exploration of Samui’s evolving real estate market.
  • An Introduction to the 2025 Thailand Property Awards.

C9 Hotelworks organises the event in collaboration with Delivering Asia, Banyan Tree Samui, SKAL International Koh Samui, Hughes Krupica, and PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards.

Event Schedule

Date: Monday 9th June 2025
Venue: Banyan Tree Samui, Banyan Ballroom, Koh Samui
Registration: 1500 onwards
Session: 1600 to 1730

Programme

Koh Samui Tourism, Hotel, and Property Market Update
Bill Barnett, Managing Director, C9 Hotelworks

Hotel Performance Insights and Trends – Koh Samui and Thailand
Karan Mahesh, Senior Sales Manager – South & Southeast Asia, STR/CoStar Group

Luxury Vacation Rentals and Management Perspective
Femke Beekers, Cluster Country Manager – Thailand & Japan, Elite Havens and David Johnson, CEO, Delivering Asia

A Deep Dive Inside Thailand’s Leasehold Property Ownership
Desmond Hughes, Senior Partner, Hughes Krupica

Introduction to the Thailand Property Awards – 20th Anniversary Edition
Jules Kay, Managing Director, PropertyGuru International (Thailand)

Emerging Greater Koh Samui Property Market
Kara Wang, Director of Sales Channels – Group Property Development, Banyan Group Residences

Attendance is complimentary. Advance registration is required, and a QR code from Eventbrite is required for entry. For more information and to register, go to the following link CLICK

(Source: C9 Hotelworks)

BBN Indonesia grows Bamboo routes

JAKARTA, INDONESIA, 29 MAY 2025: Bamboo Airways has entered into a full ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) agreement with BBN Airlines Indonesia, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, a global ACMI provider. 

The partnership will see BBN Airlines Indonesia operate a Boeing 737-900ER aircraft for Bamboo Airways as part of the Vietnamese airline’s efforts to improve operational capacity — particularly in preparation for the upcoming peak summer travel season.

BBN Airlines Indonesia’s PK-BBK with Bamboo Airways livery.

Under the agreement, BBN Airlines Indonesia will deploy Boeing 737-900ER aircraft configured in an all-economy layout to serve high-traffic routes in Vietnam and to select destinations in Southeast Asia. 

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the aircraft underwent a comprehensive technical inspection and was fitted with Bamboo Airways’ official livery before entering commercial service this week.

“We are proud to support Bamboo Airways’ capacity expansion plans through reliable ACMI solutions,” said BBN Airlines Indonesia Chairman Martynas Grigas. “Our mission is to deliver consistent, high-quality operational support, enabling our partners to focus on network growth and delivering exceptional passenger experiences.”

Bamboo Airways CEO Luong Hoai Nam added that the ACMI partnership with BBN Airlines Indonesia was part of Bamboo Airways’ plan to strengthen its fleet and ensure stable operations while seeking flexible solutions as  Vietnam’s aviation sector continues to witness strong signs of growth and recovery driven by robust domestic demand and a resurgence in international travel.

Vietnam’s airports handled over 109 million passengers in 2024, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV). International passenger traffic alone grew by 26%, reflecting renewed interest in Vietnam as both a tourism and business destination.

ACMI partnerships offer a flexible and immediate solution that enables carriers to scale their operations while maintaining service quality.

To ensure a seamless passenger experience, in-flight service on wet-leased flights will be jointly managed and coordinated. A Bamboo Airways cabin representative will be on board each flight to coordinate with BBN Airlines Indonesia’s experienced crew to ensure strict adherence to Bamboo Airways’ service standards.

About BBN Airlines Indonesia
BBN Airlines Indonesia is a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) provider, operating a fleet of 221 passenger and cargo aircraft worldwide. The group also provides various aviation services such as MRO, pilots and crew training, ground handling, and other interconnected solutions.

For more information, visit https://bbnairlines.id/ and www.aviasg.com

GBTA strengthen presence in Asia

SINGAPORE, 29 May 2025: The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is expanding its engagement with the business travel industry community in the Asia Pacific region with the creation of two new GBTA advisory boards in India and China. 

The new boards were introduced on Tuesday during the GBTA APAC Conference 2025, held in partnership with the WERC Regional Summit at the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore.

(Photo credit: GBTA). GBTA APAC Conference hosted at the Raffles City Convention Centre.

These new advisory boards bring together regional professionals from leading organisations to provide strategic advisement, industry knowledge, and local market insights as GBTA continues to expand its footprint across APAC.  

GBTA India board members

For GBTA India, Ajay Bhatt, Group Head of Corporate Services for Godrej Industries Group, will serve as Chairperson of the country’s 15-member Advisory Board, which includes the following: 

  • Siva Sankar Ala, Director- Travel & Hospitality, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. 
  • Sri Arardhi, Co-Founder, Fast Collab Systems Pvt Ltd. 
  • Rajan Bahadur, CEO, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council of India THSC 
  • Monica Bhatnagar, Assistant Project Officer, World Bank 
  • Rajan Dua, Founder & Managing Director, Udaan India Private Limited 
  • Dev Karvat, Founder & CEO, Asego 
  • Amarnath Lal Das, India Travel Lead and Global Crisis and Compliance, Accenture Solutions PVT. LTD 
  • Manian SGS, Associate Director, Mindsprint 
  • Gaurav Shekhar Nagwekar, Head Travel Logistics & Corporate Service Administration, Reliance Industries  
  • Jehangir Press, VP – Strategic Accounts Management Group & Commercial Director Qmin, Indian Hotel Company Limited 
  • Sudha Prasad, Sr Manager – Compliance (Travel Industry), Mphasis Limited 
  • Prasad Shriyan, Vice President – Corporate Travel, Thomas Cook 
  • Santosh Sharma, Co-founder & CEO, Foresee Aviation  
  • Sakshi Vij, Managing Director, Carzonrent India Pvt Ltd. 

The 10-member Advisory Board for GBTA China comprises: 

  • Jonathan Kao, Managing Director, North Asia, BCD Travel 
  • Becky Cao, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, China, Langham Hospitality Group 
  • Michael Du, Managing Director, CIBT 
  • Lingyun Fan, APAC Travel Manager, General Motors 
  • Anja Jia, General Manager of Client Success, Trip.Biz 
  • Ibrahim Orhanli, General Manager, Eastern China, Turkish Airlines 
  • Liping Si, Travel Operations Lead – APJ, ExxonMobil 
  • Samuel Wang, Travel Manager, APAC, Adient 
  • Yoyo Wang, Regional Senior Sourcing Manager of General Service, MGS Commercial APMEA, Mars  
  • Sophie Xu, Global Procurement-Procurement Manager, BeiGene 

The addition of these boards follows the successful formation of a GBTA Advisory Board in Australia earlier this year. GBTA has also added local staff based in Singapore, Australia and India to support members and partners better, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the APAC region. 

“Our mission in APAC is to empower the business travel community through meaningful connections and tailored support and offerings,” said Catherine Logan, GBTA Regional Senior Vice President for EMEA and APAC. “By leveraging the insights of our advisory board members and fostering collaboration, we’re able to address the unique needs of the region, ensuring that APAC remains a dynamic hub for business travel.” 

“India and China represent essential and growing markets for business travel with immense innovation potential,” said GBTA Regional Director for APAC Elle Ng-Darmawan. “Our regional initiatives, such as our APAC Conference, exemplify our commitment to dialogue and partnership in a region that plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.” 

The GBTA APAC Conference 2025, held from 27 to 28 May, enabled business travel professionals in the APAC region and beyond to network, gain insights from industry leaders, and participate in peer-to-peer learning.  

For more information about the GBTA APAC Conference 2025, go to apacconference.gbta.org. To learn more about GBTA APAC, visit the regional website here

Millennials and Gen Z hooked on travel

SINGAPORE, 29 MAY 2025: New data from Corporate Travel Management (CTM) releases insights into the global and regional opinions of Millennial and Gen Z business travellers.

The global market research of 702 Millennial and Gen Z employees, conducted in March 2025, examines their travel habits, what they enjoy about it, how they book it, and their criteria for selecting suppliers.

It showed the majority of Millennial and Gen Z business travellers want to travel more for business, are booking their own trips, favour cost, convenience and reliability when choosing suppliers, and also consider sustainability when booking flights and hotels.

Surrey highlights

When asked what was the primary purpose of their business travel?’, the top three responses were:

1 Conferences, events and trade shows (44 %);
2 Training and education (42 %);
3 Customer/sales meetings (38 %).

CTM also asked Millennial and Gen Z respondents what they enjoyed most about travelling for business. Overall, the top ‘perks’ were seen as:

1 Experiencing new destinations (51 %);
2 Collaborating with colleagues and partners (47 %);
3 Taking a break from routine (46 %);
4 Meeting new people (37 %).

CTM’s Global Chief Operating Officer, Eleanor Noonan, commented: “Millennials already make up roughly 75% of the global workforce, closely followed by Gen Zs, and as future business decision

 makers, it’s critical that we acknowledge and understand their unique views and expectations of business travel. Our research has uncovered critical insights into how younger business travellers view the business travel experience, which is driving an evolution in how we design impactful, relevant travel management services for the future.”

Professional fulfilment

57% of respondents said that business travel was ‘very important’ (33% ‘somewhat important’) to their career progression, 51% indicated that it was ‘very important’ to their professional performance (37% ‘somewhat important’), and 45% said that business travel was ‘very important’ to their job satisfaction (41% ‘somewhat important’).

70% of respondents expect the importance of business travel to increase in line with their professional experience and seniority. Asia (Singapore and Hong Kong) shared the strongest view (90%)

Frequency and enjoyment

86% of respondents flew on business at least once per year, with 70% flying between one and five times. However, 55% would like to travel more for business. When asked what they enjoyed most about travelling for business, the top three reasons were: 

1 Experiencing new destinations;
2 Collaborating with colleagues and partners;
3 Taking a break from routine.

Booking for bleisure

Just under half (42%) of Millennial and Gen Z business travellers always or usually add a leisure extension to their business trip. This drops to 29% in North America and rises to 55% in Asia. (Singapore and Hong Kong). 

Booking behaviour

When booking business travel (self-booking or employer), 42% booked with a TMC, and 32% booked directly with suppliers. 59% of all respondents booked their own travel. These statistics remained relatively consistent throughout the regions. Australia had the lowest number of Self-bookers (53%), while the UK had the highest (66%).

Travel policy

Globally, 70% of respondents complied with a corporate travel policy, and 83% claimed to understand its objectives. Just 54% indicated the policy aligns with their personal travel needs and expectations. 

The highest levels of programming and buy-in can be found in Singapore and Hong Kong, where 84% had a policy and a vast 90% understood its objectives. More than half (66%) said their policy aligned with their personal travel needs and expectations.

Airlines and accommodation

When asked which features are most important when selecting an airline, the top three responses globally were:

1 Price;
2 Flight schedules (convenience);
3 On-time performance (reliability);
Hong Kong was the only region that indicated ‘safety record’ as one of its top three features.

The same question was asked of accommodation, with the top three answers globally being:

1 Location;
2 24/7 reception;
3 On-site fitness/wellness facilities.

Sustainability

Although sustainability is not among the top three criteria for any region when choosing airlines or accommodations, over half of the respondents (55%) indicated that sustainability was a consideration when booking flights, and 51% reported the same for hotels. Fewer than half (46%) looked for environmentally sustainable car rental services.

57% say they expect their employer to pay a premium for sustainable business travel services.

Millennials v Gen Z

There are also marked differences in the responses from Millennials vs Gen Z, as outlined in Chart 1, with the three main purposes for travelling on business among Millennials a match for the overall ranking, but ‘customer/sales meetings and ‘training and education’ leading the table for Gen Z business travellers.

About CTM
Corporate Travel Management (CTM) is an award-winning global provider of innovative and cost-effective travel solutions spanning corporate, events, leisure, loyalty and wholesale travel. Headquartered in Australia, the company provides local service solutions worldwide.

BWH properties hit six in Pakistan

BANGKOK, 28 MAY 2025: BWH Hotels (BWH), the leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, has continued its rapid expansion in Pakistan with the opening of Best Western Hotel Faisalabad City, the group’s sixth property in this dynamic country.

With a population of approximately 3.8 million people, Faisalabad is the third-largest city in Pakistan and a key economic centre for the province of Punjab. Located close to the city’s central Clock Tower and surrounded by shopping malls, parks and businesses, Best Western Hotel Faisalabad City is perfectly positioned for corporate and leisure travellers.

Guests have a choice of 36 spacious rooms, suites and apartments, all equipped with modern amenities. The two-bedroom apartments and connecting family suites create excellent options for families and extended stays, while the Presidential Suite is perfect for VIPs.

Throughout their stay, guests can enjoy a diverse selection of international cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, experience alfresco dining at the lively barbecue park, and unwind with light refreshments at Muse Lounge. The health club offers a well-equipped gym, spa, steam room, and sauna, while the games room provides various entertainment options, including table tennis. For business needs, the boardrooms are ideal for hosting productive meetings.

Best Western Rewards members, the global loyalty program, will be offered a wide range of benefits, including exclusive rates, points that never expire, instant incentives, and more.

“We’re excited to welcome guests to Best Western Hotel Faisalabad City, marking our debut in this dynamic and fast-growing destination. With its growing appeal for business and leisure travellers, Faisalabad is an ideal location for our iconic Best Western® brand. Guests can expect comfortable accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and the warm, genuine hospitality that defines our brand worldwide. Looking ahead, BWH Hotels will continue to introduce our timeless standards of hospitality to domestic and international travellers across Pakistan,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC, Olivier Berrivin.

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

Wise move boosts visits to Singapore

SINGAPORE, 28 MAY 2025: The Singapore Tourism Board and global technology company Wise have partnered to promote travel to Singapore and increase spending by offering greater value to Malaysian travellers. 

The partnership marries STB’s expertise in destination marketing with Wise’s innovative financial solutions to strengthen Singapore’s position as a top travel destination for Malaysians while offering them a convenient and affordable way to manage their finances during their visits.

Malaysia was Singapore’s fourth-largest source market for inbound arrivals last year, accounting for 1.19 million visitors — a 9% increase compared to 2023. Malaysia is also Wise’s fastest-growing market in the Asia Pacific, highlighting strong demand for convenient, cross-border financial services.

As part of this collaboration, STB and Wise will launch digital and social media campaigns spotlighting Singapore’s newest attractions via a dedicated landing page where new users can sign up for a

complimentary Wise Card. It also highlights some of Singapore’s newest experiences and destinations, including Illumination’s Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore, Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s Rainforest Wild ASIA and New Bahru, Singapore’s latest retail and lifestyle destination.

Up until 6 July 2025, 30 lucky individuals who use their Wise Card to pay for transactions in Singapore will each win a return economy flight from Malaysia to Singapore (capped at SGD350) for their next Singapore getaway. Winners will be announced by 14 July 2025. 

While Malaysians are known for being savvy travellers, a recent survey by Wise found that 96% of respondents still rely on traditional money changers when spending abroad. Additionally, 65% of respondents continue to use their local bank cards, despite 67% being aware of hidden exchange rate markups and foreign transaction fees as high as 3%.

Here’s how Wise helps Malaysians get the most out of their trip

● No hidden fees, just transparent exchange rates: Convert  MYR to SGD at the mid-market exchange rate (the rate you usually see on Google) with no surprise fees.

● Manage 40+ currencies for seamless travel: Hold and manage over 40 currencies in one account. Users can easily switch between MYR and SGD while exploring Orchard Road, Sentosa or Katong-Joo Chiat. 

● Contactless payments everywhere: Add your Wise card to Apple Pay or Google Pay for fast and secure payments across Singapore. Additionally, enjoy two fee-free ATM] withdrawals of up to MYR1,000 per month.

● Enjoy the flexibility of physical and virtual cards: Use your physical card for shopping and dining or virtual cards for secure online bookings.

Singapore Tourism Board Executive Director, Southeast Asia Terrence Voon said: “Singapore offers an ever-evolving lineup of lifestyle offerings, leisure events and experiences at the doorstep of Malaysian travellers. That is why we have partnered with Wise to help them see more, do more and get the most out of every moment in our city. Through this partnership, seasoned visitors and those new to Singapore can look forward to greater value and convenience.”

Pedal away on World Bicycle Day

SINGAPORE, 28 MAY 2025: In celebration of World Bicycle Day on 3 June, digital travel platform Agoda is spotlighting five cycling destinations across Asia. 

From the tranquil trails of Hokkaido, Japan, to the historic charm of Sukhothai, Thailand, these destinations promise unforgettable adventures for cycling enthusiasts. 

With cycling tourism gaining global momentum, the Asia-Pacific region has emerged as the fastest-growing market for this trend, according to recent insights from The Business Research Company. 

Cycling is more than just a mode of transport; it’s a way to connect with nature, explore local cultures, and enjoy the freedom of the open road. Agoda has curated a list of five must-visit cycling spots across Asia, perfect for riders of all levels. 

Agoda Senior Country Director Krishna Rathi shared: “World Bicycle Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate the joy of cycling and the incredible destinations Asia offers. With interest in cycling tourism on the rise, particularly across Asia-Pacific, where demand is growing rapidly, more travellers are turning to two wheels to explore the region’s diverse landscapes and cultures. By offering great value deals on accommodation, transport and experiences, Agoda is here to make it easier for travellers to plan their cycling adventures, whether they’re seeking scenic routes, cultural immersion, or a mix of both.” 

Five cycling destinations to explore in Asia 

Hokkaido, Japan 

Known for its stunning landscapes, Hokkaido offers a variety of cycling routes through serene countryside, majestic mountains, and scenic coastal areas. Cyclists can immerse themselves in the natural beauty while staying at an authentic Ryokan, and experiencing traditional Japanese hospitality. The region’s diverse terrain caters to leisurely rides and challenging trails, making it a versatile destination for all cycling enthusiasts. 

Luang Prabang, Laos 

This UNESCO World Heritage site provides a cultural cycling experience, with routes that wind through historic streets, ancient temples, and along the picturesque Mekong River. Travellers can explore the rich heritage of Luang Prabang while enjoying comfortable stays at charming guesthouses that reflect the local architecture. The blend of cultural immersion and scenic beauty makes it a must-visit for those seeking a unique cycling adventure. 

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan 

A favourite among cyclists, Sun Moon Lake, features well-maintained trails that circle the lake, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enhance their experience by staying at lakeside resorts with stunning views and easy access to cycling paths. The tranquil environment and natural beauty make Sun Moon Lake an ideal spot for a relaxing yet invigorating cycling journey. 

Sukhothai, Thailand 

Step back in time as you cycle through Sukhothai’s historical parks, filled with ancient ruins and temples. The area offers highly rated hotels near Sukhothai Historical Park, providing convenient access to the historical park and a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration. This destination combines history and cycling for a truly unique experience, allowing travellers to delve into Thailand’s rich past. 

Hoi An, Vietnam 

Explore the charming old town and surrounding countryside of Hoi An. Cyclists can enjoy scenic routes through rice paddies, coastal paths, and vibrant local villages, with accommodations ranging from boutique hotels to luxurious resorts. The blend of cultural richness and natural beauty makes Hoi An a captivating destination for cyclists looking to experience Vietnam’s diverse landscapes. 

(Source: Agoda)

Austrian will boost Bangkok flights

BANGKOK, 28 MAY 2025: Austrian Airlines will increase flights from Vienna to Bangkok, operating double daily services during the winter from October 2025 to April 2026.

The airline will also increase flights to other holiday destinations; Mauritius and the Maldives. Three weekly flights are planned for Mauritius, and five weekly flights for the Maldives.

During the winter flight schedule, flights will increase to 11 weekly to New York (JFK and EWR), five weekly to Montreal and three weekly connections to Boston.

MSC’s Explora Journeys launch 2027 itineraries

SINGAPORE, 28 MAY 2025: Explora Journeys has unveiled its Summer 2027 journeys, spotlighting a trifecta of exciting firsts for MSC Group’s ultra-elegant ocean travel brand. 

Under the banner ‘An Ocean of New’, the season will introduce distinctive journeys visiting maiden ports in the Mediterranean, welcome the launch of a new ship, Explora IV, and add the breathtaking and long-awaited horizons of Alaska with Explora III to the brand’s ever-evolving collection of destinations.

Unfolding from March to November 2027, this new season of itineraries spans some of the globe’s most captivating regions, inviting guests to plan ahead and experience the extraordinary aboard Explora I, Explora II, Explora III, and now Explora IV.

Explora IV

Explora Journeys will introduce the next evolution in luxury ocean travel with the launch of LNG-powered Explora IV, the newest addition to its growing fleet. Designed for elevated elegance, the ship will debut with redesigned spaces, enhanced comfort and an even greater sense of space, redefining the onboard experience.

Expanded public areas include generous outdoor decks and increased residences designed to offer peaceful escape where privacy, comfort, and connection to the ocean are assured. They offer one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in luxury cruising.

New European Perspectives

While Explora III and IV explore new shores in the Summer of 2027, Explora I and II will create fresh memories in the brand’s home waters, celebrating the Mediterranean’s enduring allure and revealing its best-kept secrets. Embracing the contrasts of East and West, more than 60 possible journeys will trace storied coastlines, pausing in charismatic maiden ports.

Alaska – An Epic Destination

Departing from Vancouver, Canada, these journeys will provide a rare chance for guests to explore Alaska from a unique perspective. From giant rivers and fascinating wildlife to frontier towns where hiking, dogsledding, skiing and boating invite a grounding connection to the great outdoors, these journeys promise soul-stirring encounters in nature.