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TG opens recruitment for new CEO

BANGKOK, 2 September 2026: Thai Airways Public Company Limited announced on 1 September that it is recruiting for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with applications open from 7 to 27 September.  

Interested candidates can find qualifications, details, required documents, and the application process at https://career.thaiairways.com/dd-recruitment-2026/

Photo credit: THAI. Chai Eamsiri, airline CEO.

Primary reasons for the executive search 

Completion of tenure:  The current CEO, Chai Eamsiri, is nearing the end of his term, which officially concludes in January 2027. The recruitment process (scheduled for September 7–27, 2026) is designed to ensure a smooth leadership transition well ahead of his departure.

Post-restructuring leadership: Having successfully steered the airline through its court-supervised corporate rehabilitation programme and financial restructuring following the pandemic, the board is seeking executive leadership to drive Thai Airways’ next growth phase, long-term fleet expansion, and market repositioning.

The incumbent CEO, Chai Eamsiri, is also the airline’s secretary to the board of directors, according to the airline’s website. He took office on 1 February 2023, under a fixed term aligned with Thai Airways’ court-monitored restructuring plan. His current contract ends in January 2027.

Under THAI’s Business Rehabilitation Plan, the airline is completing its capital restructuring and preparing to exit court supervision. Initiating an executive search several months in advance is standard practice to ensure leadership continuity as the company transitions back to full operational normalisation and SET re-listing routines.

Opening applications four to five months ahead of the January 2027 transition gives the nomination committee and creditors’ committee sufficient time to vet candidates without creating an operational vacuum.

Industry sentiment generally views the announcement as a routine, scheduled governance action following the successful turnaround phase under Chai’s tenure.

THAI’s executive nomination committee is handling qualifications and candidate selection as part of the airline’s planned leadership transition.

Wanted: Director of Sales

In addition, the airline is recruiting a Director of Sales, according to a Facebook post from the airline’s communications department.

“THAI Airways is looking for an experienced and visionary leader to join us as Director of Sales to lead THAI Airways’ global sales organisation to drive sustainable and profitable revenue growth, strengthen market position and maximise the commercial value of THAI’s network through effective sales execution, revenue quality and channel/customer mix.”

Apply for Director of Sales at THAI⁠ click https://thaiairways-career.myworkplaze.com/…/RCR2026060…

(Source: THAI)

Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park sold

SYDNEY, 1 September 2026: Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park has been sold to Singapore-based Hoi Hup Realty Pte Ltd (“Hoi Hup”) for USD201.8 million, marking the first time the group has entered the Australian property market.

The transaction underscores continued investor appetite for quality hotel assets in Sydney’s central business district.

Photo credit: Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park.

Gus Moors and Andrew Langsford from JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group completed the transaction with Michael Simpson from CBRE Hotels.

“This transaction highlights the ongoing strength of the Sydney hotel investment market,” said JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group Managing Director Gus Moors. “Investment-grade hotel assets in Sydney remain tightly held, and opportunities to acquire properties of this calibre are rare. The competitive sale process reflected strong interest from both domestic and international investors.”

Andrew Langsford added: “Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park offered investors the opportunity to acquire a modern, well-located asset in the heart of Tech Central. The hotel’s strategic position within this rapidly developing precinct, combined with recent capital improvements, positioned it as an attractive investment proposition.”

The hotel, which opened in late 2018, has recently undergone extensive capital expenditure works, including converting an under-utilised conference floor into 12 new guest rooms, as well as renovating and repositioning the ground-floor food and beverage offering to capitalise on the area’s residential density and vibrant student population.

Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Central Park features 309 guest rooms including 45 suites, together with a recently renovated bar and restaurant (“Dizzy Bird”), fitness centre, 44 dedicated car parking spaces, and 270 sqm of conference and meeting space.

The property is located at 88 Broadway, Chippendale, forming part of Tech Central, a major technology and innovation district in Sydney. The precinct comprises several multi-billion-dollar office projects, including Dexus and Frasers Property’s USD2.5 billion Central Place Sydney, which encompasses over 140,000 sqm of office space. A major redevelopment adjacent to Central Railway Station will see Atlassian accommodate 4,000 employees as the anchor tenant of a USD1 billion, 39-storey timber tower.

The property benefits from excellent connectivity via Central Station, Sydney’s busiest transport hub, which services trains, buses, light rail, and the recently opened Metro line.

The hotel is located near major demand drivers, including Chinatown, Surry Hills, the University of Sydney, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Technology Sydney, and the Darling Harbour convention and entertainment precinct.

Marriott International manages the hotel under the Four Points by Sheraton flag.

(Source: JLL)

Qatar Airways and Uber begin partnership

DOHA, Qatar, 1 September 2026: Qatar Airways has launched its latest partnership with Uber for Business to enhance the corporate travel experience by delivering greater flexibility and convenience for businesses and corporate travellers worldwide.

Through this partnership, members of Qatar Airways’ corporate travel programme, Beyond Business, can redeem Qrewards for Uber ride vouchers, credited directly to the user’s Uber wallet and used for global business travel.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

By transforming corporate ground transportation and employee mobility, Uber for Business delivers the seamless, premium travel experiences that modern workforces expect. At the same time, its intuitive central dashboard gives travel managers the precise oversight and automated expensing needed to enforce policy compliance and maximise savings.

This integration extends Qatar Airways’ premium corporate offering beyond air travel, offering businesses of all sizes greater flexibility in managing end-to-end journeys and providing corporate travellers with priority services and seamless access to ground transportation.

The collaboration creates additional opportunities for corporate travellers to save and earn rewards while travelling for business. It also allows businesses to track and control travel spending more effectively.

Beyond Business members can enjoy free-of-charge high-speed Wi-Fi on up to 323 Starlink-enabled daily flights, earn and redeem Qrewards, access Privilege Club tier offers, and receive priority baggage benefits.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

Sportcations: The next big travel trend

SINGAPORE, 1 September 2026: Active travel or ‘sportcations’ are becoming the next big travel trend, with Trip.com Group seeing a strong double-digit increase in booking Gross Merchandise Value (GMV). 

From cycling through mountain passes to joining diving camps and wellness retreats, active travel is becoming a defining part of how people experience the world.

A growing passion for active travel

This shift is gathering pace across the full travel journey, with searches for active sports experiences growing by over 30% year on year, with markets witnessing substantial increases: 80% in Singapore, 65% in Malaysia, and 50% in the UK, while France, Italy, Germany, and Spain all recorded triple-digit growth.

Total travel booking GMV has increased by almost 40%, with markets such as South Korea (+150%), Singapore (+104%), and Thailand (+200%) seeing bookings more than double over the past year. The same is seen for European travellers. The UK saw bookings grow by over 100%, and Germany by over 600%, highlighting that travellers are increasingly planning holidays around experiences that get them moving.

Travellers are following their passions

Active travel is taking many forms, reflecting the wide range of interests shaping today’s holidays. Globally, diving ranks as the most-booked sporting experience, followed by activities such as ziplining, paragliding, skydiving and cycling.

Across individual markets, preferences vary, giving destinations their own unique sporting identities. Adventure activities prove especially popular across Asia. Diving leads bookings in South Korea, Malaysia, Germany, Spain, Italy and France. At the same time, skydiving ranks first in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand, while Japanese travellers show the strongest preference for cycling.

Destinations drive signature experiences

As travellers increasingly build holidays around the activities they love, certain places are emerging as go-to destinations for particular passions. The data shows that five destinations stand out across multiple types of active travel, with Thailand, China, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia appearing among the leading destinations for cycling, climbing, swimming, water sports and adventure experiences.

Thailand leads the way, appearing across all five categories and ranking as the leading destination for diving, while also featuring among the top destinations for cycling, water sports and adventure activities. This breadth of experiences makes it a particularly strong destination for travellers looking to combine different activities within one trip.

Australia stands out as another versatile destination, attracting travellers for cycling, rock climbing, surfing and kayaking, as well as adventure activities such as paragliding and skydiving. Its presence across multiple categories reflects the growing appeal of destinations where travellers can combine diverse active experiences within the same holiday.

From travelling together to inspiring others

While the passion for active experiences is shared globally, travel patterns differ across regions. In Europe, the average travel party is one to two people, suggesting many travellers are embarking on solo adventures or trips with a partner. Across the Asia-Pacific region, the average group size increases to two to three, highlighting the popularity of travelling with friends and family to share new experiences.

These experiences are also shaping how travellers engage online. Active travel-related posts on ‘Trip.Moments’ have nearly doubled globally, growing by 99% year on year as more travellers document their adventures and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Several markets have seen particularly strong growth in community sharing, including Spain (224.9%), the UK (122.2%), Italy (118.9%), China (96.2%) and France (86.9%), reflecting the growing popularity of active travel across both Asia and Europe.

The conversations are becoming more engaging, too. While the number of posts has nearly doubled, comments have grown twelvefold compared with the previous year, demonstrating that active travel is encouraging richer conversations rather than simply more content. From destination tips to training advice and first-hand recommendations, travellers are helping one another discover their next active escape, creating a cycle where inspiration leads to bookings and every journey inspires the next.

As travellers continue looking for more meaningful ways to explore the world, active travel is evolving from a niche interest into a mainstream travel trend. Whether it is mastering a new skill, training for a personal goal or simply enjoying the outdoors, active experiences are helping people build stronger connections with destinations and with each other.

(Source: Trip.com)

WTTC recruits ClubMed as global member

SINGAPORE, 1 September 2026: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) welcomes ClubMed Lifestyle Group as a Global Member. 

Founded in 1950, Club Med operates 69 premium resorts worldwide and has established a global sales network spanning six continents and over 40 countries and regions.

Club Med’s products include sun‑and‑beach destinations, mountain and ski locations, and near‑urban destinations. For its mountain‑and‑ski offerings, Club Med has a presence in all four of the world’s major ski destinations: the European Alps, Hokkaido in Japan, North America and Northeast China. 

Club Med has a 76-year brand heritage, a premium all-inclusive resort model and a distinctive G.O. (Gentils Organisateurs, or “Gracious Organisers”) culture. These qualities enable Club Med to provide guests with immersive vacation experiences characterised by active participation and emotional connection. 

Leveraging Club Med’s brand influence and global operating capabilities, ClubMed Lifestyle Group expands its vacation offerings through an asset-light model, including Integrated Vacation Destinations and Cultural-Tourism Complexes, as it continues to build diversified vacation lifestyles. With the mission of “Better Vacation, Better Life”, it is committed to delivering high-quality vacation experiences to guests worldwide.

WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara said: “We are delighted to welcome ClubMed Lifestyle Group as a Global Member. For more than seven decades, Club Med has helped shape the global leisure travel landscape, building a trusted premium brand with a worldwide footprint and a strong reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Through its combination of world-class resort operations, innovative vacation concepts and expanding lifestyle offerings, ClubMed Lifestyle Group reflects the dynamism and long-term vision that are driving the future of Travel & Tourism.”

Fosun International, Chairman of ClubMed Lifestyle Group, CEO Xiaoliang Xu said: “We look forward to engaging in business discussions with tourism business leaders and experts from across the globe. We hope to explore more collaboration opportunities and jointly identify the future development directions of the tourism industry.”

(Source: World Travel & Tourism Council)

AAHK showcases sustainability path

HONG KONG, 1 September 2026: Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has released its Sustainability Report 2025/26, outlining the sustainability performance of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in the fiscal year ending 31 March 2026.

AAHK has continued to implement its Ascend sustainability strategy, focusing on 24 strategic goals across four sustainability pillars: Environmental Excellence, Operational Excellence, Thriving Economies and Societies, and Thriving People.

Photo credit: AAHK

Highlights of this year’s Sustainability Report

Overview

HKIA’s Flood Resilience Studies were honoured with the highest Platinum award at the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East Green Airports Recognition 2026.

For the first time, the Sustainability Report incorporated a Nature-related Financial Disclosure Statement, making HKIA one of the first airports in Asia to adopt the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures.

AAHK strengthened its double materiality assessment, which identifies sustainability-related impacts, risks, and opportunities for stakeholders and the authority, through an in-depth review of the global risk context, value chain mapping, and megatrend analysis.

Environmental excellence

AAHK achieved a target to increase its recyclables recovery rate by 25% by 2025 against a 2018 baseline, demonstrating its commitment to waste management.

Completed deployment and monitoring of 500 additional artificial reef units in North Lantau waters to provide additional shelter and nursery grounds for marine species.

Thriving economies and societies

New passenger departure facilities and the Coach Hall at the expanded Terminal 2 (T2) were commissioned, strengthening HKIA’s capacity to meet growing passenger demand while enhancing passenger experience.

Launched the “Park & Fly” and “Park & Visit” services. “Park & Fly” allows eligible vehicles from Guangdong and Macao to travel via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) to an automated car park adjacent to HKIA for onward flights worldwide. In contrast, “Park & Visit” allows travellers arriving by car via the HZMB to park at designated facilities and conveniently visit destinations across Hong Kong.

Operational excellence

Conducted 36 drills and exercises, including a full-scale passenger departures trial at T2 and an aircraft crash and rescue exercise, as well as 79 training sessions and workshops, covering various operational and emergency scenarios to reinforce HKIA’s ability to operate reliably under a wide range of conditions.

Substantially completed Phase 2 of the Digital Apron and Tower Management System, installing eight additional cameras across the Three-runway System (3RS) to strengthen real-time monitoring, situational awareness and operational planning.

Implemented the Arrival Baggage Tracking System and launched a real-time visualisation dashboard at Terminal 1 baggage halls to track baggage movement from aircraft stands.

Completed the first phase development of a human-like customer service avatar powered by a Generative Artificial Intelligence system to handle trilingual passenger enquiries.

Thriving people

AAHK enhanced the Staff Recognition Programme with a structured, three-tier recognition framework to strengthen our culture of appreciation across the organisation.

Over 94,000 hours of in-person and online training were conducted, including sessions delivered by managerial staff who share their expertise on diverse topics to broaden perspectives and support professional development

(Source: AAHK)

Oceania Sonata floats out

SINGAPORE, 1 September 2026: Oceania Cruises has marked a major milestone in the construction of its newest ship, Oceania Sonata, as the vessel was floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy last week. 

Featuring 695 rooms and suites, the ship now moves from dry dock to the fitting-out berth, where work will continue on her interiors ahead of her highly anticipated debut in August 2027.

Photo credit: Oceania Cruises

Oceania Sonata is the first of five ships planned for the line’s new Sonata Class. It will be followed by sister ship Oceania Arietta in 2029, with three additional ships scheduled for delivery in 2032, 2035 and 2037. 

The Sonata Class represents the next generation of Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury philosophy, combining more space, elevated suite accommodations, and enhanced culinary experiences with the line’s signature destination- and culinary-focused itineraries.

With her exterior structure now complete, work will turn toward bringing Oceania Sonata’s interiors and onboard experiences to life. At approximately 86,000 gross tons, Oceania Sonata will be nearly 30% larger than Oceania Allura, yet will feature only 90 additional guest accommodations, creating an exceptional sense of space and comfort throughout her elegant interiors. The ship will offer a serene adults-only environment, with expansive public spaces, including bars and lounges, plus thoughtfully designed guest suites and rooms.

Oceania Sonata will embark on a wide-ranging inaugural season from August 2027 through April 2028, visiting more than 90 destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, and Central and South America.

(Source: Oceania Cruises)

Club Med breaks ground on Samui

SAMUI, Thailand, 1 September 2026: A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Club Med Koh Samui resort was held last week, marking a significant milestone for both Club Med and Central Capital Group, one of Thailand’s leading business conglomerates.

The event included a traditional ceremony and a symbolic planting of native Samui coconut seedlings, signifying a tribute to the locale, a new beginning, and a vision of future success. This follows the signing of the Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) earlier this year.

(Left to Right) Jason Dunn, Managing Director, CIO, Central Capital Group; Andrew Xu, Deputy CEO & Chief Growth Officer, Club Med; Phoom Chirathivat, Managing Partner, Co-founder Central Capital Group; Rachael Harding, CEO, Southeast Asia and Pacific, Club Med; Charles Rubin, Managing Director, IR, GC and Risk, Central Capital Group.

Club Med Koh Samui resort will be a Club Med Exclusive Collection Resort, the third in this product range in Asia and the Pacific region. Club Med Exclusive Collection Koh Samui will mark the brand’s first Exclusive Collection Resort in Thailand and second in the country, following Club Med Phuket, which opened its doors 40 years ago in 1985.

This expansion of Club Med and the Exclusive Collection product range continues the upscale trajectory of Club Med’s global upgrade, which was completed in 2024. Since then, the group has focused on accelerating the development of new resorts around the globe, including both Premium All-Inclusive and Exclusive Collection resorts.

With the ambition to double the number of resorts globally by 2030, Club Med’s development expansion roadmap is well-paced to deliver new resorts such as Club Med South Africa (newly opened in July 2026) and a brand-new beach resort, Club Med Borneo, in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (end of 2026).

Other upcoming projects include opening resorts in Canada, Italy, Oman, and Indonesia in the next few years.

(Source: Club Med)

Thai AirAsia’s co-founder honoured

BANGKOK, 1 September 2026: Thai AirAsia Executive Chairman and its co-founder, Tassapon Bijleveld, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Phet Phanit’ — Diamond of Commerce award in the Service Business Entrepreneur category. 

The award was presented by Her Excellency Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, during the Ministry of Commerce’s 106th founding anniversary.

From left: Thai AirAsia Executive Chairman Tassapon Bijleveld and Her Excellency Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce.

This recognition underscores Thai AirAsia’s ongoing commitment as a private-sector leader dedicated to driving initiatives that support local farmers alongside the Ministry of Commerce.

Throughout 2025, Tassapon and AirAsia have partnered closely with the Department of Internal Trade to champion multiple initiatives to uplift Thai agricultural communities. 

Key efforts include purchasing seasonal fresh fruits to craft delightful in-flight meals and beverages served on domestic and international flights, supported by special discounts and year-round marketing. AirAsia also introduced a highly successful initiative allowing passengers to check in fresh fruits purchased directly from farmers across the country completely free of charge.

Building on this momentum in 2026, the airline is taking its commitment to new heights by transforming local agricultural raw materials into high-value products. Through an exciting collaboration with the Department of Internal Trade and the hit TV show MasterChef, AirAsia is curating exclusive in-flight menus designed better to connect premium Thai produce with the global market.

The ‘Phet Phanit’ — Diamond of Commerce” award was established to celebrate exemplary individuals and organisations making significant contributions to the development of the nation’s economy, trade, and commerce, both at the corporate and societal levels. 

The award spans three distinct categories: Entrepreneurs, Experts, and Civil Servants/Personnel. This year, 13 distinguished recipients were recognised. The awards ceremony was held at the Burachat Chaiyakorn Room, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, on 24 August 2026.

(Source: AirAsia)

ASAI Gamuda Cove opens in September

BANGKOK, 31 August 2026: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is set to introduce its locally focused, affordable lifestyle brand, ASAI Hotels, to Malaysia, with the opening of ASAI Gamuda Cove.

Scheduled to welcome its first guests on 15 September 2026, the 13-storey hotel is located within the 1,530-acre Gamuda Cove township, approximately 20 minutes by car from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The largest ASAI property to date, it is also Dusit’s second hotel in Malaysia, following Dusit Princess Melaka, and the first ASAI hotel to open outside a city neighbourhood. It joins the brand’s three established properties in Bangkok and Kyoto.

Embodying the ASAI Hotels slogan, Live Local, the hotel places some of Selangor’s most distinctive nature experiences right on guests’ doorstep. It sits beside the 1,111-acre Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands, a nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary where visitors can observe native wildlife and explore a rare freshwater wetland landscape. Alongside it, the 90-acre Wetlands Arboretum serves as a living tree museum, with walking routes, birdwatching, and environmental learning activities that offer further opportunities to experience the area’s biodiversity up close.

Also nearby is the family-friendly SplashMania Waterpark, home to 39 slides and attractions, as well as Discovery Park, an outdoor recreation and entertainment hub offering activities for families and adventure seekers. An electric tram network connects key destinations across the township, allowing guests to move easily between its nature, recreation, and commercial areas without relying on private vehicles.

ASAI Gamuda Cove brings together 280 rooms, locally inspired dining, and easy access to wetlands and waterpark attractions in a well-connected destination near Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Sepang International Circuit.

Across 280 thoughtfully planned rooms, ASAI Gamuda Cove’s design focuses on comfort, efficient space use, and flexibility. Options range from compact rooms for solo travellers and couples to balcony rooms, bunk-bed configurations, and a two-room family category sleeping up to six guests. Selected rooms face the wetlands, and all include fast Wi-Fi, smart televisions, walk-in showers, and practical storage.

Beyond the guest rooms, the hotel features an infinity pool overlooking the wetlands, a gym, co-working areas, flexible meeting and event spaces accommodating up to 100 people, and three dining venues centred on Malaysian flavours, complemented by Thai and international dishes.

The all-day dining restaurant Nasi & Khao draws on the comfort-food traditions shared by Malaysia and Thailand, bringing Malaysian classics, vibrant Thai flavours, and familiar Western dishes together in a relaxed setting. Tea Shop provides a warm, community-focused space for curated teas and light bites from morning until late, while the Pool Bar pairs handcrafted cocktails, refreshments, and snacks with views across the infinity pool and Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands.

The hotel will also place guests approximately 20 minutes by car from Sepang International Circuit, where Formula 1 will return for the first time since 2017 with the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, taking place from 2–4 October 2026.

“ASAI Gamuda Cove shows how our Live Local approach can work in a setting where nature, recreation, and a growing community come together,” said Dusit International Group CEO Chanin Donavanik. “It will give travellers a comfortable and practical base, provide residents with new places to meet and dine, and put the wetlands and the wider township within easy reach. Opening just ahead of Formula 1’s return gives us an excellent opportunity to demonstrate what ASAI offers to visitors from Malaysia and around the world. And the hotel’s role will extend well beyond the race weekend: we want every stay to help guests experience more of the area and connect with the people who call it home.”

ASAI Hotels was created for travellers who value well-designed essentials, accessible rates, and a closer connection to the places they visit. Each property combines compact, functional rooms with social, dining, and co-working spaces shaped by its location. ASAI Gamuda Cove will become the brand’s fourth operating hotel, joining ASAI Bangkok Chinatown and ASAI Bangkok Sathorn in Thailand, and ASAI Kyoto Shijo in Japan.

ASAI’s Malaysian debut will also mark the latest step in Dusit’s expansion in the country, following the opening of Dusit Princess Melaka in December 2024. The company’s presence in Malaysia is set to grow further in October 2026 with the opening of Dusit Princess Ipoh, details of which will be announced soon.

For more information, visit dusit.com/asai-gamuda-cove.

(Source: Your Stories — Dusit International)