Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Home Blog Page 78

Vietjet revives SkyBoss

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 8 January 2026: Vietjet is reintroducing its premium fare class, SkyBoss, offering Singapore passengers a seamless travel experience on key routes between Singapore and Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc. 

SkyBoss is designed for travellers who value comfort, efficiency and thoughtful service, whether flying for business or leisure.

Complimentary in-flight meals and beverages on Vietjet SkyBoss service.

Available on routes to and from Vietnam, including Singapore-Vietnam routes, SkyBoss delivers a personalised journey from the ground to the sky.      

At the airport, SkyBoss travellers are fast-tracked through dedicated check-in and boarding and have access to premium lounges.

On board, they enjoy unlimited hot, freshly prepared meals, featuring familiar Vietnamese favourites such as Pho, Banh Mi, Vietnamese milk coffee, and matcha latte.      

Vietjet operates a high-frequency domestic and international network, particularly across key economic and tourism routes, including four Singapore-Vietnam direct services. 

Applicable routes

All international routes to and from Vietnam, including routes between Singapore and Vietnamese destinations, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang  and Phu Quoc

All-inclusive fares — Singapore and Vietnam

One-way fares start at SGD210 (including taxes and fees; prices vary by route and travel period).

SkyBoss Service Privileges 

  • Carry-on baggage allowance up to 10kg. 
  • Checked baggage allowance up to 30kg plus one golf club set.
  • Access to premium lounges at departure airports (during operational hours).
  • Priority for seat selection, check-in, and boarding. 
  • Unlimited hot, fresh in-flight meals and beverages.
  • Dedicated customer hotline: +84 1900 6896.

(Source: Vietjet)

St Regis Singapore completes renovation

By
Your Stories
-

SINGAPORE, 8 January 2026: The St. Regis Singapore has completed an extensive, multi-phase renovation, which included the reimagining of its rooms, suites, signature restaurants and bar, and event spaces.

In addition to the redesign of 299 rooms and suites, the project included three new F&B concepts: Sophia, The St. Regis Bar, and The Tea Room.

Photo credit: St Regis Singapore.

“This marks a new era for The St Regis Singapore – one that continues to honour our brand’s legacy while embracing modern sophistication,” said the hotel’s General Manager, Nick Heath. “From our reimagined guest rooms and celebrated culinary destinations to our redesigned event spaces, every element has been thoughtfully curated to reinvigorate the brand’s spirit of innovation while upholding its timeless rituals and legendary bespoke butler service.”

The St Regis Singapore invites guests to explore the fully renovated hotel with its ‘Exquisite Stays Redefined’ room package, which includes:

  • Overnight accommodation in an Astor King, Astor Grand Deluxe King, Astor Grand Deluxe Double, Lady Astor Double, or Penthouse King room;
  • Daily buffet breakfast for two persons;
  • Complimentary Aperitivo Hour at Sophia from 1500 to 1700, Monday to Saturday, or 1600 to 1800 on Sunday.

This offer is valid for stays through 31 March 2026. To reserve your stay, please visit
Exquisite Stays Redefined in Singapore, Singapore | St. Regis  

(Source: St Regis Singapore)

Malaysia woos Mongolian travellers

By
Newsdesk
-

PUTRAJAYA, 8 January 2026: Tourism Malaysia has formalised a strategic partnership with Green Empire Holding LLC, through the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) earlier this week. 

The partnership aims to position Malaysia as a preferred travel destination for Mongolian tourists while directly driving momentum towards Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Tourism Malaysia and Green Empire Holding LLC (Mongolia) formalised a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC), signed by Madam Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director of International Promotion Division (Asia/Africa), Tourism Malaysia, and Mr Batzaya Davaanyam, Partner of Green Empire Holding LLC, and witnessed by Mr Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and Mr Byambasuren Ayushjav, CEO of Green Empire Holding LLC.

Effective January 2026, the partnership introduces the targeted ‘Welcome Malaysia’ initiative, designed to increase tourist arrivals from Mongolia through a modern, digitally driven promotional campaign. The initiative will showcase Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings, including urban attractions, ecotourism, cultural heritage, and luxury travel experiences.

Tourism Malaysia Director General, Mohd Amirul Rizal Bin Abdul Rahim, highlighted the strategic significance of the collaboration, stating: “Our alliance with Green Empire Holding is a proactive step to diversify Malaysia’s international visitor markets by tapping into a high-potential segment. This partnership reflects our commitment to innovative tourism marketing and strong public-private collaborations as we boost the movement of Visit Malaysia 2026 and elevate Malaysia’s global brand presence.”

Green Empire Holding LLC Chief Executive Officer Byambasuren Ayushjav echoed the sentiment, stating: “This partnership transcends conventional tourism promotion. We are committed to crafting authentic stories that inspire Mongolian travellers to discover Malaysia’s unique tapestry. Our goal is to build lasting bridges that connect our peoples through meaningful cultural and travel experiences.”

Through the VM2026 campaign, Malaysia aims to attract 43 million international visitors in 2026, aligning with ongoing efforts to strengthen the tourism sector as a key driver of the nation’s economic growth. 

The sector’s robust momentum is reflected in international visitor arrivals from January to November 2025, which reached 38.3 million. Guided by its theme song, Surreal Experiences, the VM2026 campaign promises a vibrant year-long programme of festivals, cultural showcases, exhibitions, community celebrations and uniquely Malaysian experiences designed to captivate travellers from around the world.

Leveraging Malaysia’s immense potential as a world-class tourist destination, VM2026 is expected to drive a surge in visitor arrivals, generate employment, enhance the nation’s global image, and deliver tangible economic benefits to local communities. The campaign will also deepen cultural appreciation and stimulate growth across sectors beyond tourism, including hospitality, transportation, retail, and gastronomy.

Under the MoC, both parties will collaborate on destination promotion in Mongolia, joint marketing campaigns, and the exchange of tourism data. Furthermore, the agreement facilitates business collaboration among industry players and supports tourism-related events. These coordinated efforts are intended to strengthen cultural ties and firmly position Malaysia as a ‘top-of-mind’ destination for Mongolian travellers.

This strategic alliance focuses on key areas, including destination promotion in Mongolia, joint marketing campaigns, the exchange of tourism data, industry-to-industry business facilitation, mutual support for events, and other cooperative initiatives. The partnership aims to build lasting cultural connections and position Malaysia as the preferred destination for Mongolian travellers through authentic storytelling and innovative promotional strategies.

(Source: Tourism Malaysia)

Banyan Group unveils residential brand

By
Your Stories
-

BANGKOK, 8 January 2026: Banyan Group launches Bellaguna, its newest residential brand at Thailand’s popular island destination of Phuket.

Bellaguna is a collection of premium residences designed for year-round living, professionally managed by Banyan Group and operated independently of hotel inventory. 

Bellaguna Lake Residences

“Bella reflects the beauty of the residences and their surroundings, while ‘Laguna’ celebrates the iconic Laguna Phuket – Southeast Asia’s leading integrated resort destination,” Banyan Group Residences explained in an introductory media release.

“Standalone premium residences have become a rapidly expanding part of our business, and it was important to create a dedicated identity for this segment,” commented Banyan Group Residences. Managing Director Stuart Reading. “Bellaguna marks a new chapter in our evolution – offering refined homes that answer the needs of today’s international lifestyles.”

While some Bellaguna developments will be located within the iconic Laguna Phuket estate situated on the west coast of the tourist island, the brand is positioned to operate independently across varied destinations.

Banyan Group remains a leader in branded residential development, ranked No. 1 in Asia by volume and No. 5 globally. In Phuket alone, the group anticipates launching up to USD1 billion in new luxury residential projects over the next two to three years.

The first development under the new brand is Bellaguna Lake Residences – Lotus, a chic contemporary project set beside a lake within Laguna Phuket, steps from Bang Tao Beach.

Five elegantly elongated buildings offer one- to three-bedroom condominiums and two- to three-bedroom penthouses, each with a private rooftop pool.

Ownership benefits 

First-year complimentary property management and insurance.
Exclusive discounts on international school fees, healthcare, golf, and more through the Laguna Advantage Programme.
Membership in the global Sanctuary Club provides privileged access and benefits across Banyan Group’s international network.
Exclusive membership to the newly launched RAVA Beach Club, Thailand’s largest beachfront private club at Laguna Phuket.

The new homes are set within Asia’s premier integrated resort, surrounding residents with world-class dining, spas, boutiques and shops – as well as the award-winning Laguna Golf Phuket. They offer secure family-friendly living just 30 minutes from Phuket International Airport.

About Banyan Group
Banyan Group (Banyan Tree Holdings Limited, or the Group; SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with an extensive portfolio spanning more than 100 properties, over 140 spas and galleries, and 20-plus branded residences across more than 20 countries.

About Banyan Group Residences 
Banyan Group Residences is the property development arm of hospitality pioneer Banyan Group, which is listed on the stock exchanges of Thailand and Singapore. 

The group’s main residential brands are the flagship luxury Banyan Tree Residences, Angsana Residences, Dhawa Residences, Garrya Residences, Laguna Residences, Cassia Residences, Skypark, and the pioneering new Laguna Lakelands. 

For more information, visit: Banyan Group Residences. 

(Source: Your Stories — Banyan Group)

Wink joins the World of Hyatt

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 8 January 2026: Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Indochina Kajima confirmed this week that the hotel brand Wink in Vietnam is joining the Unscripted by Hyatt brand. 

This strategic agreement between Hyatt and Indochina Kajima, a joint venture between Indochina Capital and Kajima Corporation, marks the global debut of the Unscripted by Hyatt brand and will expand Hyatt’s brand presence in Vietnam to new destinations, including Can Tho, Tuy Hoa and Hai Phong.

Photo credit: Hyatt. (From left to right) Stephen Ho, President – Greater China and Growth, Asia Pacific at Hyatt and Michael Piro, CEO of Indochina Capital and Wink.

Under the agreement, six operating Wink properties – Wink Saigon Centre, Wink Danang Centre, Wink Danang Riverside, Wink Tuy Hoa Beach, Wink Can Tho Centre and Wink Hai Phong Centre – have joined the Unscripted by Hyatt brand collection, taking Hyatt’s hotel portfolio in Vietnam from four hotels to 10. A new location, Wink Hanoi Westlake, is also set to open in late 2026. The combined seven Wink properties represent more than 2,000 rooms across Vietnam’s key destinations, from the country’s largest cities to emerging coastal and cultural hubs.

A natural fit for Unscripted by Hyatt

As part of Hyatt’s Essentials portfolio, the upscale Unscripted by Hyatt brand is purpose-built to be flexible and conversion-friendly, enabling independent hotels to preserve their own identity while gaining access to Hyatt’s robust systems and global platforms. For properties like Wink, this means transitioning with minimal disruption while leveraging Hyatt’s worldwide scale and the award-winning World of Hyatt loyalty program, with more than 61 million members.

Wink has established itself as a modern, locally rooted brand built on technology and thoughtfully designed spaces for a connected generation.  

Since its first hotel opening in March 2021 with Wink Saigon Centre, Wink has quickly established itself as a nationwide chain.

To celebrate this milestone, World of Hyatt members can earn 500 Bonus Points per qualifying night for stays at Wink hotels until 31 March 2026. 

About Wink
Founded in 2021, Wink is a made-in-Vietnam lifestyle hotel brand that combines sleek design, sustainable operations, and tech-enabled service across six properties.

(Source: Hyatt)

Ethiopian plans Lyon service

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 8 January 2026: Ethiopian Airlines will launch a new thrice-weekly passenger service to Lyon, France, via Geneva, Switzerland, starting 2 July 2026.

With the addition of Lyon, Ethiopian Airlines will expand its network in France to three destinations, in addition to Paris and Marseille, further strengthening its presence in Europe.

Photo credit: Ethiopian.

Flight schedule

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO  Mesfin Tasew commented: “We are delighted to expand our presence in France with the addition of Lyon to our extensive global network. France has long been a key market for Ethiopian Airlines. With over five decades of connecting the country to Africa and beyond, we remain committed to strengthening our services to and from France and the region.”

Ethiopian Airlines’ flights between Europe and Africa offer seamless connectivity to more than 65 destinations in Africa.

(Source: Ethiopian Airlines)

Qatar Airways flies to Hail

By
Newsdesk
-

HAIL, Saudi Arabia, 8 January 2026: Qatar Airways on Monday launched three weekly direct flights between Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar, and Hail International Airport (HAS), making it the 13th destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The new route underscores the airline’s strategic focus on expanding its presence across the Kingdom and highlights the importance of the Saudi market to its global network.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

Aligned with Qatar Airways’ long-term commitment to enhancing regional connectivity, the new service is set to boost travel from Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East and Southeast Asia to the north-central region of Saudi Arabia.

With the addition of Hail, Qatar Airways will now operate over 150 weekly flights to 13 Saudi destinations, including Abha, AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Qassim, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, The Red Sea, and Yanbu. Voted the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2025, Qatar Airways offers passengers from across the Kingdom seamless and world-class connectivity to more than 170 destinations globally through its award-winning Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.

Hail Province, located in north-central Saudi Arabia, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and distinctive desert landscapes, making it an appealing destination for travellers seeking nature experiences and adventures. 

Historically a key stop along ancient trade and pilgrimage routes, the region is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites featuring rock art that reflects thousands of years of human presence. Today, Hail continues to grow as an important cultural and regional centre within the Kingdom.

Flight schedule
Departs every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday:
Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Hail International Airport (HAS) — Flight QR1228: Departure 1420; Arrival 1630;
Hail International Airport (HAS) to Hamad International Airport (DOH) — Flight QR1229: Departure 1730; Arrival 1925.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

Scoot kicks off 2026 with special fares

By
Newsdesk
-

BANGKOK, 8 January 2026: Scoot, the low-cost airline subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), is welcoming 2026 with special fares, inviting customers to start the year with affordable travel across Asia, with one-way fares from Thailand starting at just THB1,420.

The limited-time promotion covers many popular destinations via Singapore, such as Tokyo, Bali, and Sydney, reinforcing Scoot’s commitment to delivering value and flexibility. 

Photo credit: Scoot: Embraer E190-E2 aircraft.

Special one-way fares from Thailand

  • Chiang Rai – Singapore from THB2,500 (new route)
  • Phuket – Singapore from THB1,420
  • Bangkok – Singapore from THB1,550
  • Chiang Mai – Singapore from THB3,100
  • Samui – Singapore from THB3,250

Complementing the January Travel Deal, Scoot has also recently launched its Chiang Rai–Singapore service. The new route commenced on 1 January 2026 and is operated by the Embraer E190-E2 aircraft with five weekly flights. 

One-way fares to popular regional destinations, including taxes

Bangkok – Taipei from THB2,800
Bangkok – Tokyo (Narita / Haneda) from THB5,000
Bangkok – Osaka from THB5,000
Bangkok – Jakarta from THB2,200
Bangkok – Bali from THB3,000
Bangkok – Sydney from THB6,200

All flights will include a stopover in Singapore.

Ticket sales are open until 13 January 2026 (2359 GMT+7) via Scoot’s website and mobile application for travel between 24 February and 24 October 2026. 

The airline emphasised that the sale and introduction of the Chiang Rai–Singapore route underscored Scoot’s long-term commitment to Thailand, supporting both leisure and business travel, offering greater flexibility, and strengthening regional and international connectivity through Singapore.

(Source: Scoot)

MAI flies to Nanning in China

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 8 January 2026: Myanmar Airways International introduced a new weekly flight between Yangon, Myanmar, and Nanning, China, effective 7 January.

The weekly service scheduled every Wednesday follows a special inaugural flight operated on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, between Yangon’s international airport and Nanning Wuxi International Airport in southern China.

Photo credit: MAI. The inaugural flight to Nanning.

The inaugural flight was welcomed with a water cannon salute, and passengers received special commemorative gifts to mark the occasion.

Nanning is the capital of Guangxi, a region in southern China near the border with Vietnam. Nanning Wuxi International Airport is 32 km from the regional capital.

Myanmar Airways International operates two routes in mainland China, with direct flights from Yangon using its A321 aircraft, configured with 134 seats. In addition to the  Nanning flights, it serves Guangzhou (CAN) with departures from Yangon on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.

Nanning flight schedule

8M720 departs Yangon (RGN) at 1700 and arrives in Nanning (NNG) at 2100 (Wednesday)
8M791 departs Nanning (NNG) at 2200 and arrives in Yangon (RGN) at 2315( Wednesday)

MAI promotes the service on its Facebook page, but flight details and fares to Nanning are not live on its website or booking page. However, on Skyscanner, the flights and fares are active, with the starting fare for the two-hour and 30-minute flight flagged at USD133 one-way and USD277 round-trip.

Deks Air reps in Singapore

MAI has expanded its Singapore sales by appointing Deks Air Pte Ltd as its General Sales Agent (GSA) to undertake the airline’s sales, marketing and support services for travel agents, trade partners & passengers in the region. MAI operates 17 weekly flights between Yangon and Singapore. 

(Source: MAI)

PATA Nepal Chapter celebrates 50 years

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 7 January 2026: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter celebrated its Grand Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of supporting Nepal’s tourism development, at an anniversary event hosted at the Royal Tulip Kathmandu on 29 December 2025.

The milestone brought together senior government officials, tourism leaders, former chairpersons, private sector pioneers, international partners, and industry professionals to reflect on five decades of leadership since the Chapter’s establishment in 1975.

PATA Nepal Chapter Chairman Khem Lakai.

The ceremony was inaugurated by Anil Kumar Sinha, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal, who commended the PATA Nepal Chapter for its significant role in tourism planning, policy advocacy, marketing, human capital development, and tourism recovery initiatives over the years.

In a video clip, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid congratulated the PATA Nepal Chapter on its exemplary contribution to the global PATA network. The celebration opened with welcome music by Sursudha, followed by a cultural dance performance by PATA Nepal Chapter’s Young Tourism Professionals (YTPs), reflecting Nepal’s rich culture and the dynamism of the next generation of tourism leaders.

PATA Nepal Chapter Chairman Khem Lakai expressed gratitude to all past and present leaders — from the founding chairman to the immediate past chairmen — and thanked members and partners for their continued trust throughout the Chapter’s 50-year journey.

Annual Awards

As part of the Golden Jubilee, PATA Nepal Chapter presented its Annual Awards 2025.

• Lifetime Achievement Award to Karna Sakya for his contribution to tourism, sustainability, conservation, and hospitality in Nepal.

• Tourism Trail Blazer Award to Shiva Dhakal for his leadership in community-based and sustainable tourism.

• Tourism Personality of the Year to Bijay Amatya, CEO, Kora Tours, for his consistent contribution to Nepal’s tourism industry and the PATA Nepal Chapter.

• Special Contribution Award to Anthony Lindsay Jones for his pioneering role in rafting, adventure, and cultural tourism in Nepal.

(Source: PATA Nepal Chapter)

1...777879...757Page 78 of 757

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now


Contact Us
TTR Weekly (TTRW) is published in Bangkok, Thailand, registered since 1978.
/ month
placeholder text
/ month
placeholder text
Press releases, announcements, events for calendar should be sent to: [email protected]
/ month
placeholder text

Copyright © 2023 TTR Weekly, all rights reserved.