HO CHI MINH CITY, 15 January 2026: Sabah Tourism Board (STB) successfully concluded a trade mission to Vietnam, hosting the Sabah Seminar and B2B Session at the Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel on 12 January 2026 earlier this week.
In collaboration with the Sabah Enhanced Travel Innovation Association (SETIA) and Tourism Malaysia, the event served as a networking platform for 20 delegates from Sabah, including 16 specialised travel agents, to engage in “tabletop” business discussions with Ho Chi Minh City’s leading travel trade partners.
Photo credit: Sabah Tourism Board. Sabah’s specialised travel agents engage in “tabletop” business discussions with Ho Chi Minh City’s travel trade partners.
Sixty-five buyers representing local Vietnamese agents attended the event.
The mission also highlighted AirAsia’s direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Kota Kinabalu, which improve connectivity and reduce travel time to just over two hours.
“This targeted initiative unlocked new growth opportunities and fostered high-value partnerships between Sabah’s travel experts and Vietnam’s rapidly expanding outbound tourism market,” said Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Jeffery Jimit.
As Malaysia welcomes Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Sabah is already planning for its milestone, the Visit Sabah Year 2027. Under the new branding, “Explore Sabah – Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary, the state is positioning itself as a premier global destination for culture, adventure and nature.
DUBAI, 15 January 2026: Emirates will launch a daily flight between Dubai and Helsinki, Finland, from 1 October 2026, expanding its footprint in the Nordics.
The new service introduces a direct link between Finland and the UAE, unlocking expanded opportunities for both international leisure and corporate travellers. Served by Emirates’ A350s, the year-round flights will deliver the latest products and a highly acclaimed premium economy cabin on the route to the Finnish capital.
Emirates flight EK167 will depart Dubai at 0845h, arriving in Helsinki at 14:55; the return flight, EK168, will depart Helsinki at 1645, landing in Dubai at 0020 the following day.
The flight schedule has been optimised to ensure smooth onward connections, providing convenient access to and from key destinations across Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, Phuket, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Singapore.
Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said: “The Dubai-Helsinki route is an exciting expansion on our global network. There is already strong demand between Helsinki and Dubai, with travellers connecting through our other Nordic gateways. Introducing direct, year-round connectivity is a natural next step, making the flight seamless and non-stop while offering more premium travel options to the market. In addition to better serving current demand, we see potential to attract travellers who may have previously opted for alternative connections, growing the overall market and creating opportunities for more people to discover the destinations have to offer.”
Tourism remains a key pillar of the country’s economy, with Visit Finland reporting 5 million international tourists in recent years. Emirates’ new route will provide connectivity from over 150 points across its global network, including key hubs in Australia, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, where demand for convenient, comfortable travel to Helsinki continues to grow.
The Dubai-Helsinki route will be served by the Emirates A350, the latest aircraft type to join the airline’s all-widebody fleet. The A350 is the most fuel-efficient large widebody aircraft in commercial service today and also offers the quietest twin-aisle cabin.
Accommodating 298 passengers in three spacious cabins — business, premium economy, and economy — the A350 presents Emirates’ world-class product and service to Finland. Passengers can dine on regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs, complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages, while tuning in to over 6,500 channels of global entertainment in various languages on ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system.
Tickets can be booked now on emirates.com or via travel agents.
Nestled in the tranquil hills of Kaskikot, just a 35-minute drive from Pokhara, the resort is a secluded Himalayan retreat where contemporary comfort blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. With sweeping views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) and direct access to the Sarangkot Loop Trail, the resort offers a peaceful yet inspiring setting for immersive cultural discovery, meaningful downtime, and restorative wellness.
One Bedroom Pool Villa at Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection
As part of The Centara Collection, a curated portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels defined by individuality and a sense of place, Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara features 42 spacious rooms, suites, and villas, ranging from 75 to 128 square metres. Thoughtfully designed with soothing wooden tones and authentic Nepali touches, accommodations include private gardens or expansive balconies, while all suites and villas feature separate living areas. A diverse mix of Deluxe Garden Terrace rooms, Skylight Suites, One Bedroom Villas, and One Bedroom Pool Villas ensures flexibility for couples, families, and small groups, with extra beds available in every room type.
Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection
Guests can unwind and reconnect through a range of wellness-focused facilities, including Cense by SPA Cenvaree, an infrared sauna, yoga sessions, a fully equipped gym, and an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the mountains. The resort also features a rooftop terrace, a cocktail terrace, private fire pit setups, a play-and-chill room, and an intimate meeting room, making it well-suited for off-site meetings, executive retreats, and small social gatherings.
Dining at the resort reflects both local flavour and regional diversity. The Bistro serves international favourites alongside Nepalese cuisine throughout the day, while Chulo, the resort’s refined Pan-Asian restaurant, showcases Nepalese, Indian, Chinese, and Thai influences. Summit, a stylish cocktail and tapas venue, draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, and the cosy Tea House celebrates local tea culture with carefully sourced brews and light snacks, all set against breathtaking mountain views. In-room dining is also available for guests seeking privacy and comfort.
Curated experiences allow guests to connect deeply with the destination, from guided village walks and cultural encounters to adventure activities such as paragliding, ultralight flights, and trekking to Annapurna base camp.
Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection General Manager Prapaijit Thongma said: “The official opening marks an exciting new chapter for Centara and for our team on the ground. This resort has been carefully crafted to reflect the spirit of the Himalayas, combining thoughtful design, warm hospitality, and meaningful experiences rooted in local culture. We are proud to now welcome guests to a place where they can truly reconnect with nature and themselves.”
Centara Reserve & The Centara Collection Corporate Director of Operations and General Manager at Centara Reserve Samui, commented: “We are delighted to officially begin the year with the opening of our debut property in Nepal. Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, part of The Centara Collection, not only reflects our strategy to grow The Centara Collection brand into exciting new destinations with strong cultural identities and long-term potential but also completes a distinctive portfolio that celebrates individuality and authenticity across diverse locations. This addition brings new colour and character to our brand, immersing guests in the rich spirit of Nepal while reinforcing our commitment to creativity and unique experiences.”
To mark the opening, Centara is introducing ‘Spirit of the Himalayas’, an exclusive offer inviting guests to be among the first to experience this breathtaking mountain hideaway. The offer includes Stay 3, Pay 2, complimentary airport transfers, and exclusive CentaraThe1 member privileges, including an additional 15% savings and triple CentaraThe1 points.
The offer is available for bookings from now until 31st March 2026, for stays between now and 30 April 2026.
SINGAPORE, 15 January 2026: Sabre Corporation, a global travel technology company, inked a new long-term agreement with start-up airline AirBorneo.
The newly established airline began operations in early January 2026 and has chosen Sabre to underpin its planning and pricing strategy from day one.
Photo credit: Sabre.
Airborneo is owned by the government of the Malaysian state of Sarawak and aims to support regional connectivity to the diverse tourism attractions and destinations across Borneo.
AirBorneo will adopt:
Sabre’s Network Planning & Optimisation (NPO) suite to automate and manage flight schedules, codeshare agreements, and route profitability.
Sabre Mosaic Revenue Optimiser to support pricing strategies by dynamically adjusting seat availability and fare conditions in response to market demand and business objectives.
Sabre Market Intelligence & Global Demand Data to gain critical insights and competitive benchmarks to fuel network and revenue growth.
“AirBorneo is committed to building a modern, competitive airline that enhances connectivity in Sarawak and the wider region,” said AirBorneo Holdings CEO Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin. “By partnering with Sabre even before our first flight took off, we are ensuring that our pricing, planning, and revenue management capabilities are built on a robust, data-driven foundation. This will enable us to serve our first – and future – passengers effectively, make smarter business decisions, and set the stage for sustainable growth.”
About AirBorneo On 12 February 2025, the Sarawak Government entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), formalising the acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd (“MASwings”). AirBorneo’s takeover of MASwings took place at the end of December 2025.
SINGAPORE, 15 January 2026: Highlighted by New Year’s Eve, Sydney’s hotel industry posted a record-high monthly average daily rate (ADR), according to preliminary December data from CoStar, a provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets.
December 2025 (year-over-year % change):
Occupancy: 81.3% (+3.2%)
ADR: AUD349.06 (+11.1%)
RevPAR: AUD283.68 (+14.7%)
In addition to the ADR record, RevPAR was the highest for any December in the market.
On the final night of the year, occupancy reached 95.4%, and ADR and RevPAR climbed to AUD1,009.10 and AUD962.95, respectively. Those were the highest ADR and RevPAR figures on record in the market, and the first time ADR surpassed AUD 1,000.
The month’s second-highest occupancy (93.3%) was seen on the night of Jimmy Barnes’ performance at the Sydney Opera House–Wednesday, 10 December. The same night pushed the market’s ADR and RevPAR to AUD326.09 and AUD306.11, respectively.
Sydney also hosted two Lady Gaga concerts as part of her “The MAYHEM Ball” tour on 12 to 13 December, which pushed occupancy to 89.4% on the first night. ADR and RevPAR peaked on the night of the second concert, at AUD379.65 and AUD333.57, respectively. Overall, Sydney’s occupancy levels remained above the 70% mark in all but five days during the month.
For more information about the company and its services, visit www.costargroup.com.
LONDON, 15 January 2026: Singapore retains its position as the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations.
At the opposite end, Afghanistan once again ranks last, with access to just 24 destinations.
Photo credit: ICA Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Singapore Biometric Passport.
The resulting 168-destination gap illustrates the scale of global mobility inequality in 2026 — a dramatic widening since 2006, when the difference between the then-top-ranking US passport and Afghanistan was only 118 destinations.
Marking two decades since its inception, the Henley Passport Index 2026 reveals a widening divide between the world’s most and least mobile populations.
Based on exclusive Timatic data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the index ranks all global passports by the number of visa-free destinations their holders can access.
While a record number of passports now cluster at the top of the rankings, those at the bottom remain increasingly isolated, underscoring a growing global mobility gap.
“Over the past 20 years, global mobility has expanded significantly, but the benefits have been distributed unevenly,” says Henley & Partners, Chairperson Dr Christian Kaelin. “Today, passport privilege plays a decisive role in shaping opportunity, security, and economic participation.”
This imbalance is intensifying even as international travel demand continues to grow. IATA forecasts that airlines will carry more than 5.2 billion passengers globally this year.
“A record number of people are expected to travel in 2026,” says IATA Director General Willie Walsh. “But as many governments look to tighten their borders, technological advances such as digital ID and digital passports should not be overlooked by policymakers. Convenient travel and secure borders are possible.”
Top-tier passport rankings
Japan and South Korea rank joint second in 2026, each offering visa-free access to 188 destinations. Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland rank third, with access to 186 destinations, ahead of an unprecedented group of 10 European countries tied for fourth place.
Europe continues to dominate the upper tiers, with notable exceptions including the UAE (5th), New Zealand (6th), Australia (7th), Canada (8th), and Malaysia (9th).
The US has returned to the top 10 after briefly dropping out in late 2025, but this recovery masks a longer-term decline for both the US and the UK, which jointly held first place in 2014. Over the past year, both countries recorded their steepest annual losses in visa-free access, shedding seven and eight destinations respectively. Over the past two decades, the US has fallen six places to 10th, while the UK has dropped four places to 7th.
The UAE stands out as the strongest performer on the Henley Passport Index over the past 20 years, adding 149 visa-free destinations since 2006 and climbing 57 places to 5th in the rankings, with access to 184 visa-free destinations, driven by sustained diplomatic engagement and visa liberalisation.
Countries across the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe have also made significant gains, led by Albania (+36 to 43), Ukraine (+34 to 30th), Serbia (+30 to 34), and North Macedonia (+27 to 38).
Bolivia is the only country on the index to have seen an overall decline in visa-free access over the past 20 years, falling 32 places to rank 61st in 2026.
Over the past decade, Kosovo has recorded the largest rise, climbing 38 places, while China has risen 28 places, positioning both countries as joint 59th on the index, with access to 81 visa-free destinations.
Closed doors
While US passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 179 destinations, America allows only 46 nationalities to enter without a prior visa, ranking 78th globally on the Henley Openness Index — one of the widest gaps worldwide between outbound mobility and inbound access.
China, by contrast, now permits visa-free entry to 77 nationalities and ranks 62nd, following the addition of more than 40 countries over the past two years.
Analysis commissioned for the Henley Global Mobility Report 2026 warns that a late-2025 proposal by US Customs and Border Protection could effectively end visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Programme. Citizens of 42 allied nations may be required to submit extensive personal, biometric, and digital data, with implementation possible as early as February.
“This level of data collection enables real-time ideological screening and creates the risk that personal information could be shared, repurposed, or weaponised,” warns Greg Lindsay, non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.
These proposals follow the most extensive simultaneous expansion of US travel bans in modern history. From 1 January 2026, full or partial entry restrictions now apply to 39 countries.
SINGAPORE, 15 January 2026: RateHawk, a B2B platform for booking hotels, flights and transfers, reports the top-five trending destinations among travel professionals who booked trips for their clients in 2025.
The overview spotlights a wide range of options, including the most-booked champion, the fastest-growing destination, the most luxurious and the most budget-friendly choices, as well as long-stay escapes.
Photo credit: RateHawk.
1. Most booked champion — Italy
Italy was the most popular destination in 2025 among travel agents booking trips for their clients through RateHawk. The top cities were Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice. Italy was also the host of RateHawk’s most luxurious booking of the year: a family of six spent over USD311,000 for a 14-day stay at a five-star boutique hotel in Sardinia.
2. Fastest-growing destination — Japan
Japan showed the most rapid growth among the top-30 popular destinations, with a 94% increase year on year (YoY) in hotel bookings made via RateHawk’s platform. This destination continues to set records as one of the world’s hottest travel spots, with more than 30 million arrivals by October 2025, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation. The most popular cities include Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto; however, travellers are increasingly exploring more remote and exotic options, such as Okinawa and Hokkaido.
3. Budget-friendly adventure — Bolivia
Bolivia was the most affordable destination of the year, with an average nightly rate of USD 79. Travellers preferred to stay in La Paz, a vibrant high-altitude metropolis rich in Aymara culture, and Santa Cruz, a fast-growing economic centre surrounded by jungle. Many visitors also chose to explore the unique Uyuni salt flats, making a memorable overnight stop there.
4. Luxurious holidays — Egypt
Egypt stood out as the destination with the biggest share of bookings in premium five-star hotels, accounting for 60% of all stays. The most popular cities were Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Cairo. The country is actively developing its luxury travel infrastructure, with the recent opening of new Red Sea resorts and more adventurous experiences such as Nile cruises.
5. Long-stay escapes — Aruba / Maldives
While the global average stay in 2025 was three nights, remote island destinations such as Aruba and the Maldives saw travellers stay twice as long, averaging six nights. Both options are known for white sandy beaches and clear water. Visitors often come for a relaxing resort getaway and a range of water activities, including whale watching during the winter and spring.
“No matter the trip purpose, budget and length of stay, with the help of our booking platform, smart AI-powered search, and detailed content filters, travel professionals can help clients create truly memorable journeys. In 2025, we reached 2.9 million accommodation options on our platform. Looking ahead to 2026, we plan to keep expanding our inventory, with a special focus on securing direct supply in Southern Europe, the Middle East, APAC, and North America to offer the best possible deals to our partners and their travellers,” shared RateHawk Managing DirectorAstrid Kastberg.
RateHawk was recently recognised as Europe’s Best B2B Travel Provider at the World Travel Tech Awards. RateHawk provides accommodations, flights, train tickets, transfers, car rentals, and more — all in a single, user-friendly system — to 110,000 travel partners across 120 countries.
SINGAPORE, 15 January 2026: Singapore Tourism Board welcomes BTS to Singapore for four nights in December this year, marking it the longest stop in Asia, outside of Korea and Japan, for the BTS World Tour.
This underscores Singapore’s status as a premier destination for entertainment with a year-round calendar of exciting leisure experiences.
Singapore has a strong track record of hosting major international events, thanks to its world-class venues, strong regional connectivity, excellent infrastructure, safe environment, and diverse accommodation options.
Singapore Tourism Board Director, Leisure Events Guo Teyi said: “We’re pleased to host the BTS World Tour for four nights in Singapore in partnership with Klook — the longest run in Asia outside of Korea and Japan. This milestone reflects the strong collaborative partnership with HYBE and its label. It is a testament to the growing confidence international artists and producers have in Singapore’s ability to deliver unforgettable, world-class live entertainment.”
Since 2024, STB has partnered with HYBE and its labels. This has encompassed diverse initiatives, including social media content creation and event participation featuring prominent K-pop acts such as j-hope, SEVENTEEN, and ENHYPEN. Most recently, Singapore was featured in Jin’s music video “Don’t Say You Love Me”.
DELHI, 14 January 2026: Air India welcomed its first line-fit (made-for-Air India) Boeing 787-9, which landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Monday.
The cockpit crew comprised four Air India pilots who completed a nonstop ferry flight of 16 hours and 58 minutes from Boeing’s Everett factory in Washington state to New Delhi.
Air India pilots flew the brand-new aircraft nonstop from Boeing’s factory in Everett, Washington, to New Delhi.
The new aircraft, registered VT-AWA, is configured with 296 seats across three cabin classes: Business, premium economy, and economy. The aircraft features bespoke cabin interiors installed directly on Boeing’s production line. The new Boeing 787-9 is expected to enter international, long-haul commercial service in February 2026.
In 2026, six widebody aircraft deliveries are expected (Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-9), including the recently delivered VT-AWA. The new Boeing 787-9 cabins will set a new benchmark across the Boeing 787 fleet. In line with this, 26 of Air India’s legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft are progressively undergoing retrofits. The programme is well underway, with many of these aircraft scheduled to complete the process and return to service with a refreshed nose-to-tail refit in 2026, including a new livery featuring the Air India brand. This effectively means that by the end of this year, nearly 60% of our widebody fleet will have modern interiors.
SINGAPORE, 14 December 2025: Hilton lines up new openings in the Asia Pacific in 2026 to meet the ever-changing priorities of travellers in the region.
DoubleTree Singapore Robertson Quay.
Slohh by Roach Bengaluru, Curio Collection by Hilton
As Hilton’s first lifestyle hotel in India, Slohh by Roach Bengaluru, Curio Collection by Hilton draws inspiration from the tranquillity of a Malnad coffee estate to create a calming sanctuary within the city’s bustling IT corridor.
Hilton Burau Bay Resort Langkawi
Tucked away on Langkawi’s western coast, this serene 251-room resort is a nature lover’s paradise, surrounded by rainforest and offering sweeping views of the Andaman Sea.
The Reserve Hotel Luoyang, Curio Collection by Hilton
Nestled in Luoyang’s lively Shendu Shisanfang district, this 146-room hotel offers an immersive base just steps from the city’s bustling dining and entertainment scene.
Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection by Hilton
Situated in the culturally rich city of Wuxi, the property reflects the stories and heritage of Wu culture, a regional identity known for its prosperity and contribution to Chinese civilisation. The property combines a seven-storey main building with an adjoining three-storey historic structure, blending modern comforts with authentic local charm.
Hilton Garden Inn Suva
Marking the brand’s debut in Fiji, Hilton Garden Inn Suva will be a vibrant addition to the capital’s foreshore. This 178-room hotel is ideally located for both business and leisure travellers.
Hilton Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
The 238-room property is connected to the upcoming Terminal 3 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, the world’s largest single-building terminal.
Hilton Garden Inn Yokohama Minatomirai
Just a short walk from Minatomirai Station, Japan’s largest MICE facility, Pacifico Yokohama, and K-Arena Yokohama, the 232-room property offers comfortable guest rooms designed for a restful stay.
Canopy by Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort
Set to open in the picturesque Twuriba area, the 306-room resort is within a 15 to 25-minute commute from Miyako and Shimojishima airports. Situated next to the existing Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort, this new property will offer its own distinct lifestyle experience.
Hilton Lucknow
Hilton Lucknow marks the brand’s third property in Uttar Pradesh, strengthening its presence in the state and forming a dynamic hotel complex alongside Hilton Garden Inn Lucknow.
Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit
Making its brand debut in Thailand, the 174-room Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit is located in the heart of Sukhumvit Soi 12, just steps from major transport links and top lifestyle destinations, including Terminal 21 and EmSphere.
NHAAN Resort & Spa Hoi An, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Nestled along the banks of the serene Coco River in Hoi An’s picturesque Cam Thanh Village, this 174-room all-villa retreat marks the vibrant debut of the Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam.
Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa
Joining the nearby Hilton and DoubleTree properties in Cairns, Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa is a family-friendly property with a dedicated kids’ club, as well as a fitness centre and spa for wellness and relaxation.
DoubleTree by Hilton Auckland Albert Street
Marking DoubleTree’s debut in Auckland, New Zealand, features 231 rooms, and a range of food and beverage options at the all-day dining restaurant and bar, or stay active in the modern fitness centre.
DoubleTree Singapore Robertson Quay
Set to open along the Singapore River, this property, featuring 344 rooms, marks the brand’s debut in Singapore. A comprehensive transformation of the former Hotel Miramar, it is ideally located in the vibrant Robertson Quay district.
