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BESarawak partners EIC to elevate sustainable events

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Your Stories
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KUCHING, 20 July 2026: Business Events Sarawak is bringing the globally recognised Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) programme to East Malaysia for the first time, reflecting the destination’s growing commitment towards building a more sustainable and future-ready business events industry.

The collaboration with the Events Industry Council (EIC) represents a strategic investment in Sarawak’s business events ecosystem, industry capabilities, and long-term competitiveness at a time when sustainability has become one of the most important priorities shaping the global business events sector.  

Jason Tan Chin Foo (left) and Amy Calvert (right) exchange the agreement to mark the collaboration between BESarawak and EIC, witnessed by Datu Ngui Ing Ing, a member of BESarawak’s board of directors.

“As part of our strategic pillars of People and Partnerships, as well as Sustainability Leadership, we believe that investing in talent is investing in the future of the industry,” said Deputy State Secretary (Operation) and Chairman of BESarawak Datu Hii Chang Kee.

“Through SEPC, we are building a common language and understanding of sustainability across the business events ecosystem while equipping industry players with the tools to create long-term impact beyond the event itself, in line with Sarawak’s legacy-driven direction.”

The agreement between Business Events Sarawak and the Events Industry Council (EIC), signed at IMEX Frankfurt 2026, marks another milestone in Sarawak’s commitment to advancing sustainable business events.

“What makes SEPC important is that it is not only about making events greener. Sustainability can be integrated into decision-making, operations, partnerships, measurement, and long-term impact creation across the entire business events ecosystem,” stated BESarawak Chief Executive Officer Jason Tan Chin Foo. “We are proud to collaborate with the EIC to make this capacity building programme accessible to our industry partners across Sarawak as part of our efforts to strengthen professional development and support the broader aspirations of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.”

“Through initiatives like SEPC, we are strengthening industry capabilities while advancing Sarawak’s vision for sustainable economic growth, environmental responsibility, and inclusive community impact,” he added.

As international organisations, associations, and event owners place greater emphasis on sustainability standards and responsible event delivery, the need for skilled professionals with recognised expertise has become increasingly critical. Through SEPC, industry players in Sarawak will gain access to internationally recognised training and practical knowledge covering sustainable event planning, social impact, supply chain management, accessibility, measurement, reporting, and responsible business practices.

“From the Events Industry Council’s perspective, Sarawak is demonstrating the kind of forward-thinking leadership we hope to see more of globally. Investing in professional education through the SEPC shows a genuine commitment to raising industry standards and empowering the local ecosystem with internationally recognised sustainability practices,” said Events Industry Council President and Chief Executive Officer Amy Calvert.

For more information on events in Sarawak, visit Business Events Sarawak. 

(Source: Your Stories — BESarawak)

Meet Manila: Delta flights early 2027

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Newsdesk
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MANILA, Philippines, 20 July 2026: Delta is introducing its first-ever nonstop flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Manila (MNL), beginning 28 March  2027. 

It will become the only US carrier to offer nonstop service between Los Angeles and Manila, further expanding Delta’s growing network from LAX aboard its Airbus A350-900. 

Photo credit: Delta.

“Customers travelling through Los Angeles continue to benefit from Delta’s investments in LAX, including an expanding Asia-Pacific network and the opening of our second Delta One Lounge,” said Delta’s Vice President of Network Planning, Jeff Arinder. “The addition of Manila builds on the world-class travel experience our customers have come to expect from Delta while strengthening our position as LAX’s leading global carrier and premier West Coast hub.” 

As the capital of the Philippines, Manila is one of Southeast Asia’s most important commercial and cultural centres. The city attracts business travellers, customers visiting friends and family, and visitors eager to experience its rich history, diverse cuisine and vibrant neighbourhoods. 

As the country’s primary international gateway, Manila is the starting point for journeys throughout the Philippines, opening the door to its diverse landscapes, communities, and world-renowned island destinations. Delta’s new nonstop service creates an important new link between Southern California and one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

Delta also expands its LAX network with new and returning routes, including Manila, Hong Kong, Melbourne and Shanghai.

Customers will travel aboard Delta’s flagship Airbus A350-900, featuring four distinct seat categories: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main. 

The service will operate three times weekly beginning 28 March 2027 before increasing to daily flights on 7 June 2027. 

Delta’s growing network from LAX 

As LAX’s leading global carrier and premier West Coast gateway, Delta operates more than 160 peak-day departures to over 50 destinations, powered by a growing domestic and international network built for both leisure and business travellers. 

In the past year alone, Delta has expanded its LAX network with new service to Hong Kong, Melbourne, and Chicago; returned to Shanghai; announced upcoming service to Vancouver, Newark, and Manila for early 2027; and resumed service to Chicago.

Expanding choice with Korean Air

The new Manila service also strengthens Delta’s joint venture with Korean Air, expanding customer choice between North America and the Philippines. 

Customers already enjoy access to the Philippines through Korean Air’s multiple daily flights between Seoul Incheon (ICN) and Manila. Delta’s new nonstop Los Angeles-Manila service complements the existing network, giving customers the flexibility to fly nonstop with Delta or connect through Seoul with Korean Air.

(Source: Delta)

Asia Pacific airlines record healthy growth

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 20 July 2026: Preliminary financial performance figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) at the weekend indicated Asia Pacific airlines achieved USD12.1 billion in combined net profits in 2025, driven by firm passenger and cargo demand, while lower fuel prices helped offset cost pressures arising from ongoing supply chain disruptions.

For the year, Asia Pacific airlines recorded USD223.7 billion in aggregated operating revenue, a 4.3% increase from USD214.5 billion in 2024. Passenger revenue rose by 4.7% to USD178.4 billion, driven by healthy growth in passenger traffic, which helped offset the impact of a 2.8% decline in passenger yields to 7.8 US cents per RPK. Cargo revenue increased by 1.4% to USD23.6 billion, despite weakness in freight rates, as reflected in a 2.0% fall in cargo yields to 32.1 US cents per FTK.

Amid positive global economic conditions last year, the region recorded a 7.7% increase in systemwide passenger demand, as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), with both long-haul and intra-regional travel remaining buoyant. Systemwide air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), rose by 3.5%, supported by front-loading activities ahead of tariff hikes, as airlines responded swiftly to evolving trade flows.

Combined operating expenses increased by 4.3% to USD209.4 billion for the year, led by a 7.8% jump in non-fuel costs to USD151.1 billion. Ongoing supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures contributed to higher expenditure on staff, leasing, maintenance and airport charges. By contrast, fuel expenditure declined by 3.7% to USD58.3 billion, reflecting a 9.5% fall in global jet fuel prices to an average of USD88.8 per barrel. As a result, the share of fuel expenditure as a percentage of total operating costs decreased by 2.3 percentage points to 27.8% in 2025.

Commenting on the financial results, AAPA Director General Wong Hong said: “Asia Pacific airlines entered 2025 from a position of strength, with robust passenger and cargo demand supporting another year of profitable growth. While easing fuel prices provided some relief, persistent supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures pushed non-fuel operating costs higher. Despite these headwinds, the region’s carriers maintained operating margins at 6.4%, reflecting continued operational discipline and nimbleness in responding to evolving market conditions.”

Wong Hong added: “Although the region’s carriers remain on a solid footing, the challenging operating environment of the past few months shows no sign of abating. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, together with broader geopolitical tensions, is likely to contribute to continued volatility in oil and currency markets.”

“Airlines are facing a persistently high operating cost environment, exacerbated by a sharp increase in jet fuel prices. Consequently, fuel expenditure, the largest single operating cost item for airlines, is expected to rise this year.”

Looking ahead, he concluded: “Increasing cost pressures may weigh on consumer spending and business sentiment in the coming months. Nevertheless, the outlook remains broadly positive, as passenger and air cargo markets are currently holding firm, supported by 4.4%1 growth in the region’s economy this year. Asia Pacific carriers continue to expand their networks and service offerings, while maintaining strict cost controls in a challenging operating environment.”

(Source: AAPA)

ITA Airways returns to Riyadh

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Newsdesk
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ROME, 20 July 2026: ITA Airways will resume direct service between Rome Fiumicino and Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, effective 15 September 2026.

The route will operate with five weekly frequencies according to the following schedule:

Photo credit: ITA Airways.

AZ838 will depart from Rome Fiumicino at 1505 and arrive in Riyadh at 2120, local time, operating daily except Mondays and Saturdays.
AZ839 will depart from Riyadh at 0145  local time and arrive in Rome Fiumicino at 0615, operating daily except Tuesdays and Sundays.

The airline will deploy an A321 with 165 seats on the route with a flight time of five hours and 15 minutes.

The resumption of this service confirms ITA Airways’ commitment to developing traffic between Italy and Saudi Arabia, a strategic and rapidly growing market, particularly for business travel. Through its hub at Rome Fiumicino, passengers travelling from Riyadh will also benefit from convenient connections to the airline’s main domestic, European, and intercontinental destinations.

(Source: ITA Airways)

Local Alike gains gold

By
Dr Scott Smith
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BANGKOK, Thailand, 20 July 2026: The best tourism stories are not always found in hotel openings, visitor records or glossy campaigns. Sometimes, they begin with a family earning more from its own knowledge, a young person choosing to stay in their hometown, or a community deciding for itself how tourism should grow.

That is the work behind Local Alike’s Gold Award at the Responsible Tourism Awards Southeast Asia 2026.

Photo credit: Local-Alike. Check out: Local Alike.

The Thailand-based social enterprise was recognised for creating meaningful local economic benefits through community-based tourism, helping communities turn culture, food, nature and local knowledge into visitor experiences while keeping more of the value close to home.

For Local Alike, the award reflects years of close collaboration with local partners, community leaders and travellers who believe memorable journeys should also create lasting benefits.

Somsak “Pai” Boonkam founded Local Alike with a clear idea —  communities should not simply appear in tourism products. They should help shape them, manage them and benefit from them.

“This achievement is not only an award for our organisation,” Boonkam said. “It belongs to every community that has helped prove tourism can create real economic, social, cultural and environmental value.”

The company works with residents to develop experiences rooted in local life, from food and farming to crafts, heritage, nature and storytelling. The goal is not to turn communities into attractions, but to help local people welcome travellers on their own terms.

At the heart of Local Alike’s operations is Wanvipa Phanumat, chief operating officer, who helps turn the company’s vision for community-led tourism into practical results.

Together, Boonkam, Phanumat and the Local Alike team have built a model that connects purpose with professional delivery. Communities receive support in product development, service standards, partnerships, and market access, while travellers gain deeper, more respectful ways to experience Thailand.

The Gold Award also places Local Alike on the road to the Responsible Tourism Global Awards, to be held during World Travel Market London later this year. (3 to 5 November).

That opportunity will allow the company to bring a Southeast Asian story of community-led tourism to an international audience.

It is a story the wider industry needs to hear.

Tourism has long depended on the landscapes, traditions and hospitality of local people. Yet too often, those communities remain at the edge of the tourism economy while others capture most of the rewards.

Local Alike offers a different answer.

Its work shows that responsible tourism is not simply about reducing harm. It is about creating better choices, fairer opportunities and stronger local futures.

The company has pledged to continue advancing community-based and regenerative tourism, ensuring travel becomes a force that helps communities move forward without losing what makes them special.

Awards can recognise success, but the real achievement is found in the communities themselves: in the confidence to lead, the pride in sharing local culture, and the opportunity to build a future without leaving home behind.

For Local Alike, gold is not the end of the journey.

It is proof that when tourism begins with respect, listens carefully and shares its rewards, everyone travels further.

IATA WATS plots premium class progress

By
Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 20 July 2026: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the latest edition of the World Air Transport Statistics (WATS), providing comprehensive statistical data through to 2025.

Updated annually, WATS provides data on demand, supply, and operational performance. WATS also includes data collections on the global airline fleet, top routes, employment and financial performance (costs and revenues).

WATS incorporates data from the 1,315 airlines in the IATA Annual Statistics collection, including more than 250 international airlines providing specific data contributions to WATS.

Insights from WATS — premium-class travel shows strong growth

In 2025, the number of international premium-class passengers — business and first class — reached 109.7 million, up 4.5% year-on-year. This accounted for 5.5% of all international travellers.

Latin America saw the largest jump in premium-class passengers, rising 22.1% to 4.0 million. Europe remained the biggest market for premium travel, with 39.7 million passengers in 2025. However, North America (10.4%) and the Middle East (9.5%) accounted for the highest shares of premium-class passengers as a proportion of total passenger numbers.

Asia dominates the busiest airport pairs

Asia Pacific dominated the ranking of the world’s busiest airport pairs, with Jeju International Airport-Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport (CJU-GMP) remaining the most popular route globally, with 13.3 million passengers travelling between the two airports. 

In the top 10, only one airport pair, Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport-Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (JED-RUH), was outside the Asia Pacific region. All 10 of the busiest airport pairs were domestic connections.

An overview of the regions showed:

  • Cape Town International Airport-Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (CPT-JNB) was Africa’s busiest airport pair in 2025, with 3.4 million passengers.
  • Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport-Medellín’s José María Córdova International Airport (BOG-MDE) were the busiest airport pair in Latin America with 3.5 million passengers.
  • Barcelona’s Josep Tarradellas-El Prat Airport-Palma de Mallorca (BCN-PMI) remained the busiest airport pair in Europe with 2.1 million passengers. 
  • Stockholm Arlanda Airport-Malmö Airport (ARN-MMX) was the airport pair with the fastest growth in Europe, with passenger numbers surging 85% to 271,031.
  • New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport-Los Angeles International Airport (JFK-LAX) was the busiest domestic airport pair in North America with 2.2 million passengers, and JFK-London Heathrow (JFK-LHR) was the busiest international airport pair from North America with 2.1 million passengers.

Top passenger markets by country

The US remained the world’s biggest passenger market, with 890.1 million passengers (both arriving and departing) recorded in 2025. However, it recorded the slowest growth of the world’s top 10 markets, up just 1.6% year-on-year compared to 2024. China was the second-largest passenger market, with 776.1 million passengers in 2025, representing growth of 4.8% over 2024.

Several Central Asian countries were among the world’s fastest-growing passenger markets. Kazakhstan recorded a 40.0% year-on-year surge in 2025 to 18.1 million passengers, while Uzbekistan welcomed 12.5 million passengers, up 16.9% on the previous year. Outside of Central Asia, Vietnam also recorded strong growth, with 80.9 million passengers in 2025, up 14.8% year-on-year.

Most used aircraft types

Over the past six years, newer, more efficient widebody aircraft have taken to the skies. The Boeing 787 (+40.8%) and Airbus A350 (+117.4%) recorded significantly more flights in 2025 than in 2019. By contrast, the Airbus A380 showed a considerable decline in usage, operating 24.4% fewer flights in 2025 than in 2019.

Narrowbody aircraft from Boeing and Airbus maintained their position as the most-used aircraft in 2025. Boeing 737 aircraft (including all variants) operated 10.8 million flights in 2025, up 12.0% from 2024. The Airbus A320 followed this with 8.7 million flights, and the Airbus A321 with 4.2 million flights.

For more information and a video presentation, visit: IATA – World Air Transport Statistics (WATS). 

(Source: IATA)

Vietnam Airlines expands network

By
Newsdesk
-

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, 20 July 2026: Vietnam Airlines expands its route network to three new destinations — Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Phuket, Thailand and Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Photo credit: Vietnam Airlines.

Amsterdam

Vietnam Airlines expanded direct flights in June from Hanoi to Amsterdam, adding to its existing popular European destinations — Paris, Frankfurt, and London — with three weekly flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday serving the route with a 304-seat A350.

Flight schedule

VN83 departs Hanoi (HAN) at 0350 and arrives in Amsterdam (AMS) at 1100 the same day (Flight time: 12 hours 10 minutes).
VN82 departs Amsterdam (AMS) at 1400 and arrives in Hanoi (HAN) at 0600. (Flight time: 11 hours). 

Phuket

Vietnam Airlines kicked off its direct service from Ho Chi Minh City on 2 July, connecting the southern Vietnamese city to Phuket Island in Thailand, doing away with the need to connect via flights from Bangkok,

The airline is offering four round-trip flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, operated by an A321 with 184 seats. Flight duration is one hour and 50 minutes.

Flight schedule

VN621 departs Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 1600 and arrives in Phuket (HKT) at 1750. 
VN620 departs Phuket (HKT) at 1845 and arrives in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 2055. 

Colombo

Vietnam Airlines schedules three weekly services between Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Colombo (CMB) starting 16 August 2026 using an A321 with a flight time of five hours.

Flight schedule

VN671 departs Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 1945 and arrives in Colombo (CMB) at 2335. Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. 
VN670 departs Colombo (CMB) at 0035 and arrives in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 0715. Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines reports in a Facebook post that it is expanding its Northeast Asia network with additional flights. From Hanoi, flights to Taipei will increase to 11 per week, while the Hanoi–Osaka route will gradually expand to 14 per week from 1 December 2026. 
From Da Nang, Vietnam Airlines now operates 14 weekly flights to Seoul, 11 to Tokyo, and five to Osaka.

(Source: Vietnam Airlines)

TransNusa to fly to Phuket this September

By
Newsdesk
-

JAKARTA, 20 July 2026: TransNusa will launch direct flights between Bali and Phuket starting 9 September, with four weekly services, increasing to daily flights in October until the end of Phuket’s peak travel season in March 2027. 

The new route underscores TransNusa’s commitment to enhancing its international connectivity while supporting tourism, trade and cultural exchanges between Indonesia and Thailand. 

Photo credit: TransNusa. CEO Datuk Bernard Francis.

TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, aviation industry veteran Datuk Bernard Francis, commented: “With the launch of this new route to Phuket, TransNusa will offer four international services from Bali to Perth, Australia, Singapore, and Guangzhou in China.”

The launch comes amid growing demand for intra-regional travel as more travellers seek unique leisure experiences across Southeast Asia. The route is expected to attract holidaymakers, families, digital nomads and adventure seekers looking to experience the distinct cultures, cuisines and attractions of both destinations.

Ticket sales for the Denpasar, Bali, to Phuket service opened for bookings on the airline’s website on 3 July, priced at USD167.60 (IDR 2,799,000).

Using an A320-200 aircraft with 174 seats, the airline will operate four flights weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday effective 9 September. Flight time is approximately four hours.

Flight schedule 

8B541 will depart Denpasar (DPS) at 0850 and arrive in Phuket (HKT) at 1150.
8B852 will depart Phuket (HKT) at 1350 and arrive in Denpasar (DPS) at 1850.

Last week, TransNusa announced the launch of its first direct flights from Jakarta to Bangkok, scheduled for 6 August. The airline schedules twice-daily flights on the route.

About TransNusa
TransNusa Airlines received its AOC certification on 9 September 2022 and launched its first three A320 operations on 6 October, 14 October, and 12 December, 2022. It introduced its first international flight on 14 April, 2023. The airline currently operates hubs in Jakarta and Bali.

(Source: TransNusa)

Dusit Thani Maldives unveils refurbished villas

By
Your Stories
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BANGKOK, Thailand, 17 July 2026: Dusit Thani Maldives, a luxury resort on Mudhdhoo Island within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, has unveiled refreshed villas that build on the resort’s signature blend of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, generous sense of space, and natural island character.

Drawing inspiration from the resort’s lush tropical setting and spectacular 360-degree house reef, the refurbishment spans several signature accommodation categories, including Beach Residences, Overwater Pool Villas, and Overwater Pavilions. 

Throughout, the refreshed interiors introduce a lighter, more contemporary aesthetic while preserving the spacious layouts and relaxed atmosphere guests have long appreciated. Updated furnishings, renewed timber ceiling finishes, and contemporary lighting combine to create a brighter, more inviting atmosphere that reinforces the resort’s connection to its tropical surroundings while reflecting a modern expression of Dusit’s Thai heritage.

Selected villas have seen layout adjustments, while others retain their familiar sense of space, ensuring returning guests can enjoy a renewed experience without losing the comfort and character they know.

“Many of our guests return to Dusit Thani Maldives year after year because they value the resort’s natural beauty, generous sense of space, and warm Thai-inspired gracious hospitality,” said Dusit International Area General Manager, Maldives, Jean-Louis Ripoche.

“These enhancements allow us to preserve everything guests already love while introducing a fresher, more contemporary expression of the resort. Whether discovering the resort for the first time or returning for another stay, guests can now enjoy an even more refined and relaxing island experience.

The villa refurbishment marks an important milestone in Dusit Thani Maldives’ wider enhancement programme, which is designed to continually elevate the guest experience while preserving the resort’s distinctive character. Further guest-focused enhancements, including updates to selected dining spaces, are planned from Q3 2026 onwards, with the wider programme scheduled for completion in Q3 2027.

Alongside the physical enhancements across the resort, Dusit Thani Maldives has also introduced a refreshed website, making it easier for guests to explore accommodation options, discover experiences, and plan personalised stays before they arrive.

“Exceptional hospitality extends well beyond a guest’s stay,” said Mr Ripoche. “From the moment they begin planning their visit to the lasting memories they take home, we want every interaction with Dusit Thani Maldives to reflect the warmth, care, and gracious hospitality that define the Dusit experience.”

Located just a short journey from Malé by seaplane, domestic flight, or speedboat, Dusit Thani Maldives offers a blend of natural beauty, wellness, dining, and meaningful island experiences. Guests can snorkel directly from the island’s house reef, explore the rich marine life of Baa Atoll, enjoy treetop wellness journeys at Devarana Wellness, and discover a variety of curated experiences across the resort.

For more information, visit dusit.com/dusitthani-maldives.

(Source: Your Stories — Dusit International)

A million passengers connect to Air India Wi-Fi

By
Newsdesk
-

NEW DELHI, 17 July 2026: More than 1 million users connected to the inflight Wi-Fi service aboard Air India flights, according to the latest usage tracking from June 2025 through June 2026.

Operating across a schedule of over 55 daily flights, Air India travellers enjoy seamless internet access during their flight, enabling them to catch up on emails or browse social media. Usage has grown steadily over the year, with onboard Wi-Fi consumption surging from 30% in June 2025 to 55% in June 2026. This clear upward trajectory underscores an increasing demand for inflight internet connectivity. 

Photo credit: Air India.

Nearly 89% of connected passengers choose to stream content on social media while in transit. The remaining 11% opted for web browsing, emails and messaging apps. The consistent demand for the service resulted in nearly 500 TB worth of data consumption over the year. By category, streaming services accounted for 86% of total usage, while web browsing accounted for the remaining 14%.

These numbers are currently driven by an initial fleet of 28 Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft that operate flights across the globe to cities including London, New York, Newark, Frankfurt, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali, Manila and Mauritius, with more aircraft and cities to be added progressively. As the connected fleet grows, so will the opportunities for passengers to carry their digital lives with them, wherever they fly.

(Source: Air India).

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