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MATTA files remittance objection with IATA

By
Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 7 May 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has announced its firm objection to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Malaysia’s unilateral decision to activate a new remittance frequency alignment for BSP Malaysia (BSP MY), effective 1 June 2026.

During the 26th Agency Programme Joint Council (APJC) Malaysia Meeting held on 4 May 2026, MATTA rejected the implementation of the new remittance frequency, saying discussions on this matter remain incomplete and counterproposals, along with concrete industry concerns, have not been fully addressed. 

Photo credit: MATTA: Dr Fazil Khan, Vice President of Air Transportation, MATTA.

“Despite this, IATA Malaysia insisted on proceeding, citing internal resolutions and directives from its headquarters, a position MATTA formally disputes,” MATTA said in a press statement.

MATTA emphasises that travel agencies in Malaysia are not IATA members but operate as IATA-accredited agents under the Passenger Agency Programme. As the national association representing these accredited agents, MATTA consistently advocates for transparent, consultative engagement on all regulatory and procedural matters impacting the industry.

“Any change that affects the financial and operational stability of accredited agents must be developed through a fair, transparent, and consultative process,” MATTA Vice President of Air Transportation, Dr Fazil Khan, stated. “The decision announced by IATA Malaysia does not reflect such a process.”

MATTA further clarified that, as IATA-accredited entities, each travel agency and tour operator must independently decide whether to comply with the new remittance frequency. MATTA does not have the authority to compel compliance or non-compliance.

Accordingly, MATTA will not assume responsibility for any consequences or adverse actions taken by IATA against agencies that choose not to comply with the revised requirements.

MATTA will escalate this matter to the Passenger Agency Programme Global Joint Council (PAPGJC) for further deliberation to secure a more balanced and equitable outcome for Malaysian-accredited agents.

MATTA remains committed to safeguarding the interests of the travel agency community and will continue to engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders.

(Source: MATTA)

Priority Pass reveals best airport lounges

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 7 May 2026: Priority Pass, an airport lounge and experiences programme, owned and operated by Collinson International, announced on Tuesday the winners of the Lounge of the Year and One to Watch categories for the Priority Pass Excellence Awards 2026.

Based on over 700,000 member ratings and reviews, the Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport was named Global Lounge of the Year. 

Photo credit: Priority Pass. Global winner: Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport.

Regional Lounge of the Year winners included Lounge Fukuoka in Japan (APAC), Vienna Lounge in Austria (Europe), Club Kingston in Jamaica (Latin America and the Caribbean), and Bidvest Premier Lounge in Johannesburg, South Africa (Middle East and Africa).

The Lounge of the Year award celebrates the highest-rated lounges across the global Priority Pass network, as rated by Priority Pass members. Member ratings and reviews across a range of criteria are assessed, including the quality of facilities, the standard of customer service, the food and beverage selection, comfort, ambience, and overall member satisfaction.

Overall Global Winner: Escape Lounges, Portland International Airport, US

Blending contemporary design with a strong sense of local identity, the Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport stood out for delivering an experience that feels distinctly rooted in its surroundings. Set within one of North America’s most design-led airport environments, the lounge reflects a broader shift towards more thoughtful, place-driven experiences that resonate with travellers.

Regional Winner (APAC): Lounge Fukuoka, Fukuoka International Airport, Japan

In APAC, Lounge of the Year was awarded to Lounge Fukuoka at Fukuoka International Airport, in recognition of delivering an elevated experience that makes the lounge a destination in its own right. Designed with a bright and open layout, the space offers close-up views of the runway and parked aircraft, complemented by a serene, wood-toned aesthetic that promotes comfort and relaxation. This is enhanced by authentic dining experiences featuring local specialities such as Tonkotsu Ramen and Kashiwa Rice, alongside seasonal local sake and Costa Coffee, thereby celebrating the region’s distinct culinary identity. 

APAC winners 

Winner: Lounge Fukuoka – Japan

Highly Commended: Kyra Lounge (near Gate 23) – Hong Kong 

One to watch 

New for 2026, the One to Watch category shines a spotlight on the lounges that have significantly raised their game over the past 12 months, as reflected in Priority Pass member ratings and reviews. These standout spaces show a clear, ongoing commitment to enhancing the overall experience and quickly establishing themselves as future leaders within the category. In APAC, the refreshed KoCoo Lounge at Tokyo Narita International Airport was crowned One to Watch. 

This year’s awards reflect a clear shift in what defines excellence in the airport experience. In 2026, travellers are placing greater value on experiences that feel genuinely considered rather than simply convenient. 

“Now in its 18th year, the Priority Pass Excellence Awards continue to showcase the very best of our global network, and each year, our partners raise the bar even higher,” said Collinson International CEO Christopher Evans. “With demand for premium travel experiences at an all-time high, travellers are increasingly looking to make every moment of their journey more meaningful and memorable. Travellers today expect versatility, quality, and genuine local experience, and our partners are delivering on all three. The Lounge of the Year and One to Watch categories recognise the partners who consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional moments that truly enhance the journey for our members.”

(Source: Priority Pass)

Vietjet presents summer fare giveaways

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Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 7 May 2026: Vietjet rolled out its Summer 2026 promotion on Tuesday, offering 11 million tickets with discounts of up to 100% off the base fares, but the clock is ticking, with a purchase deadline set for 0059 on 8 May. 

As part of the campaign, Vietjet offers 10 million deluxe tickets at 30% off (excluding taxes and fees) across its flight network for travel through 31 August 2026*. 

Photo credit: Vietjet.

Passengers can enjoy the offer by applying the promo code SALE55DLX during booking. Deluxe fares include up to 20kg of checked baggage, complimentary seat selection, and flexible itinerary changes.

In addition, a million Eco tickets are available at 100% off (excluding taxes and fees) with promo code SALE55, valid across all Vietjet routes for travel between 5 September 2026 and 31 March 2027*. Passengers booking Eco fares during the promotion will also receive 20kg of complimentary checked baggage.

For travellers in Singapore, the promotion presents an opportunity to plan their next Vietnam getaway, with Vietjet’s direct services from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc.

To further enhance the summer campaign, passengers who complete a successful booking between now and 19 May 2026 (GMT+8) will receive a lucky draw entry code for the “Fly Vietjet, Strike Gold” programme. Prizes include one tael of 999.9 gold, one tael of 999.9 silver, and e-vouchers worth up to VND15 million (SGD 725).

* Travel periods and conditions may vary by route. Blackout dates may apply. 

(Source: Vietjet)

Radisson steps into West Perth

By
Newsdesk
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PERTH, Australia, 7 May 2026: Radisson Hotel Group announces the signing of Radisson Perth, an upscale hotel set within the landmark Sydney Charles Quarter (SCQ) precinct in West Perth, marking the debut of the Radisson brand in Western Australia. 

The property should open later this year and will represent a significant milestone in the group’s continued expansion across Australia.

Radisson Perth pool rendering.

Developed by APPL Group and operated by Mandala Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Perth will form a key part of SCQ, a major mixed-use development designed as a connected village that brings together residential, commercial, and lifestyle elements in one integrated destination.

The hotel will feature 120 rooms and studios, complemented by a rooftop bar and restaurant, meeting spaces, a swimming pool, and a strong focus on guest engagement through art and curated experiences. 

Its location in West Perth offers strong connectivity to the CBD, key commercial hubs, and major transport links, supporting balanced corporate and leisure demand year-round.

Perth continues to strengthen its position as a key gateway to Western Australia, supported by a diverse economy, strong corporate base, and growing tourism appeal. Ongoing infrastructure investment and urban renewal projects, including developments across West Perth and the CBD, are expected to drive sustained demand for well-positioned hotel assets.

About Radisson Hotel Group 
Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group operating in EMEA and APAC, with more than 1,600 hotels in operation and under development across more than 100 countries.

(Source: Radisson Hotel Group)

IndiGo is back flying to Doha

By
Newsdesk
-

DELHI, 7 May 2026: IndiGo resumed flights from its gateway airports in India to Doha, Qatar, effective from this week.

Flights to the Middle East were temporarily suspended in March due to airspace closures resulting from geopolitical developments in the region.

Photo credit: IndiGo.

In line with prevailing airspace conditions and guidance from relevant authorities, IndiGo reinstated its schedule of over 60 weekly flights to Doha from seven Indian cities — Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kannur, Kochi, and Mumbai.

The resumption of services reinforces IndiGo’s commitment to offering reliable and seamless connectivity to key destinations, while prioritising the safety and security of its customers, crew, and aircraft. 

As a key transit point, Doha plays a vital role in connecting India to important international markets, and IndiGo’s restored operations will offer affordable, convenient travel options for customers flying to the city. On the other hand, customers travelling from Qatar will also be able to connect to multiple cities in India and beyond, on the airline’s extensive network.

Schedule of Flights to and from Doha, effective 1 May 2026

Thailand leads Visa Destination launch in Asia

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 7 May 2026: Visa, a leader in digital payments, announced this week the expansion of its global, experience-led travel programme, Visa Destinations, into the Asia Pacific, launching in Thailand as the first market, with Singapore set to follow soon. 

Through partnerships with carefully selected hospitality, dining, entertainment, and transport partners, Visa Destinations unlocks exclusive access, premium privileges, and locally distinctive experiences that bring cardholders closer to the character and rhythm of each destination. 

Photo credit: Visa

In Thailand, this means deeper immersion into the flavours, creativity, and experiences that define the vibrant tropical nation – supported by the local businesses behind them.

Currently live in Paris, London, and Dubai, Visa Destinations continues to expand globally, with Thailand joining the platform ahead of further launches, including New York, San Francisco, Miami, Mexico City, Toronto, Italy, and Singapore in the coming months.

Travel remains one of the largest spending categories across Asia Pacific, with VisaNet data showing nearly USD180 billion in travel spend – more than 17% of total Visa card spending in the region [1]. While demand remains resilient, travel patterns are evolving – as higher fuel costs and airspace disruptions accelerate a shift towards shorter-haul, intra-regional travel, with spending concentrating in key, dynamic, well-connected hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore, and Tokyo.

Travellers are becoming more selective, prioritising confidence, flexibility, and transparency, choosing experiences that feel meaningful and adjusting how and where they travel rather than cancelling trips altogether. Destinations that combine strong connectivity with a rich mix of diverse experiences are capturing that growing share of demand – positioning Thailand as a natural starting point for Visa Destinations in Asia Pacific.

Through Visa Destinations, travellers can expect a variety of benefits from the programme, including:

Curated experiences across hospitality, dining, wellness, shopping, entertainment, and transport, discoverable through a dedicated digital platform

Location‑based cultural experiences such as the Songwat Experience in Bangkok, which spotlights a historic district known for heritage architecture, local food culture, and a growing creative community, all the while supporting local merchants through greater access to digital payments

Partnerships with leading local and regional merchants, delivering exclusive benefits and access

Seamless digital discovery and booking, designed to make planning and booking effortless

Enhanced access for premium cardholders, with Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cardholders enjoying additional privileges and tailored travel benefits

“Across Asia Pacific, travel is becoming more experiential, with travellers looking to make each trip count,” said Visa Asia Pacific Head of Products and Solutions TR Ramachandran. “We’re seeing more travellers spend more time in destinations closer to home, choosing experiences that are deeper and more authentic, reflecting their personal passion points, beliefs, and values. Thailand reflects this shift and is a natural starting point for Visa Destinations in this region. Through Visa Destinations, we’re connecting cardholders to experiences shaped by each destination.”

 [1] Higher fuel costs set to reroute travel across Asia Pacific | Visa Business and Economic Insights – April 2026

(Source: Visa Worldwide Pte Limited).

Emirates reconnects the world through Dubai

By
Your Stories
-

DUBAI, UAE, 6 May 2026: Emirates is marking a near-full return to operations, with 96% of its global network now restored, following a period of disruption.

In recent weeks, the airline has progressively resumed services across the Americas, Europe, Africa, West Asia, the Middle East/GCC, the Far East, and Australasia.

As of Monday, 4 May, the airline operates to 137 destinations across 72 countries, with over 1,300 weekly frequencies, representing 75% of pre-disruption capacity. The airline is offering more flights, more seats and more options each day while reaffirming Dubai’s position as a vital hub through which global travel moves.

Even as it operated with a reduced schedule, Emirates carried 4.7 million passengers* during the disruption, a testament to the enduring demand for travel and the trust that travellers continued to place in the airline to get them where they needed to go.

Wherever Emirates customers choose to fly, they can expect a best-in-class onboard and on-ground experience, defined by exceptional comfort, genuine hospitality, and a level of service that has set the standard for long-haul travel. 

Onboard, customers enjoy a unique culinary experience, with regionally inspired, multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs and complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages. Emirates’ award-winning ice inflight entertainment system offers more than 6,500 channels of the best global content in almost 40 languages, including movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, games, audiobooks and more, ensuring there is no such thing as a long flight.

And for those who need to stay connected, high-speed Wi-Fi keeps customers reachable at 40,000 feet. Emirates now has Starlink connectivity live on 28 aircraft, delivering ultra-fast, reliable internet in the air.

Enjoy flexible travel and rewards

Emirates is giving customers more reasons to travel with confidence with flexible rebooking, Dubai Connect stopover experiences and enhanced Skywards benefits:

  • Flexible bookings: Customers booked from 2 April enjoy added flexibility, with one free date change included across all cabin classes. Customers who have booked with Emirates can also hold a fare for 24 hours free of charge.
  • Dubai Connect: For customers with extended transit times in Dubai from six to 26 hours, Emirates’ Dubai Connect programme turns a long layover into a comfortable stopover, courtesy of the airline. Eligible customers will enjoy complimentary hotel accommodation at a four or five-star property, airport transfers, meals, and, where required, a UAE entry visa. Available to passengers in all cabin classes with qualifying connection times, Dubai Connect can be booked up to 12 hours in advance via Manage Your Booking on emirates.com. Terms and conditions apply.
  • Skywards: From 1 May to 31 August 2026, Emirates Skywards members can enjoy accelerated access to the programme’s premium tiers through reduced tier requirements and Bonus Tier Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights.

*Between 1 March and 30 April

For more information about the airline or to book a flight, visit www.emirates.com. 

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

Americas hotel pipeline slows

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 6 May 2026: The Americas was the only world region to show a decrease in hotel pipeline activity at the close of Q1 2026, according to CoStar’s March 2026 pipeline data. 

Photo credit: CoStar. https://www.costargroup.com/

Europe

In construction: 185,419 rooms (+6.6%)

Final Planning: 77,253 rooms (0.0%)

Planning: 193,351 rooms (+9.7%) 

Total under contract: 456,023 (+6.7%)

The UK led Europe in total rooms in construction (26,458), closely followed by Germany (23,748).

Asia Pacific

In construction: 492,970 rooms (-7.7%)

Final Planning: 74,487 rooms (+70.2%)

Planning: 415,172 rooms (+6.5%)

Total under contract: 982,629 (+1.6%)

Among countries in the region, China (278,283) led in construction activity, followed by Vietnam (43,858) and India (43,290).

Middle East & Africa

In construction: 107,653 rooms (+4.5%)

Final Planning: 29,290 rooms (+3.8%)

Planning: 94,998 rooms (-2.9%)

Total under contract: 231,941 (+1.3%)

Most of the region’s pipeline activity is focused on the Middle East. Saudi Arabia (51,513) and the United Arab Emirates (16,072) have the most rooms under construction.

Americas

In construction: 193,145 rooms (-2.1%)

Final Planning: 282,246 rooms (-7.9%)

Planning: 402,723 rooms (-5.0%)

Total under contract: 878,114 (-5.3%)

The US (333,467) has the most rooms under construction in the region. After the US, Mexico (15,267), Canada (9,589) and the Dominican Republic (6,190) show the highest number of rooms in construction.

CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets.

For more information, visit costargroup.com

(Source: CoStar)

Air India flies to Vietnam’s capital

By
Newsdesk
-

DELHI, 6 May 2026: Air India has launched five weekly direct flights to Hanoi from its hub in Delhi, touching down at the Vietnamese capital city for the first time on 1 May.

Hanoi is Air India’s second gateway destination in Vietnam after Ho Chi Minh City and the airline’s eighth destination in Southeast Asia.

Photo credit: Air IndiaFlight AI2390 was welcomed by dignitaries from the Indian Embassy in Vietnam, airport officials, and Air India staff.

Air India deploys a 165-seat A320neo aircraft on the Delhi-Hanoi route, featuring a three-class cabin configuration comprising business class, premium economy and economy. Flight time is four hours and 10 minutes. Flights depart Delhi on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The new service also connects with flights departing Delhi to cities in the UK and Europe.

Air India, Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal commented: “Vietnam has rapidly evolved into a high-potential market for Indian travellers, supported by strong leisure demand, growing business exchanges and rising interest in multi-city holidays. With Hanoi joining our network alongside Ho Chi Minh City, we are creating more choice, greater convenience and stronger connectivity between the two countries as well as enabling traffic between Europe and Vietnam.” 

Bookings are available through travel agents worldwide and on Air India’s website and mobile app.

Flight schedule: Delhi-Hanoi

(Source: Air India)

Air China flies Chongqing-Manila route

By
Newsdesk
-

MANILA, 6 May 2026: The Department of Tourism Philippines (DOT) welcomes Air China’s inaugural service from Chongqing to Manila (CKG-MNL) on Saturday, 2 May, marking a crucial step towards recovering the Philippines’ previously robust Chinese tourist arrivals.

This follows the recently restored visa-free policy for Chinese tourists entering the country via Manila and Cebu, DOT reported on its Facebook page. The new Air-China route makes travel more convenient for prospective tourists from one of China’s major metropolitan areas and outbound travel markets.

Photo credit: Department of Tourism Philippines.

The aircraft from Chongqing landed in Manila at 0050, carrying 155 passengers, and was greeted by DOT through its National Capital Region (NCR) Office and Routes Development Unit.

Flights depart Chongqing four times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday using Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 167 seats. Flight time is four hours.

Meanwhile, the outbound MNL-CKG flight departed from the Philippines at 0150 local time, carrying 145 passengers.

The return flights depart Manila on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Air China already flies direct routes between Chengdu and Beijing and Manila. As of the first quarter of 2026, the airline had operated 131 direct flights to the Philippines, with approximately 34,000 seat capacity.

China is one of the Philippines’ top tourist markets, with 150,708 visitors recorded in the e-travel system as of 30 April 2026.

Flight schedule

CA481 departs Chongqing (CKG) at 2050 and arrives in Manila (MNL) at 0050.
CA482 departs Manila (MNL) at 0150 and arrives in Chongqing (CKG) at 0540.

(Source: Department of Tourism Philippines, plus online timetables)

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