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50th Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races

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HONG KONG, 8 May 2026: One of Hong Kong’s most iconic summer traditions is set to make waves once again as the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, organised by Hong Kong Tourism Board, return to Victoria Harbour this June. 

Celebrating a landmark 50th anniversary, the sporting spectacular will run from 19 June to 1 July. The boat races also bring a festive programme to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, spanning 13 days and featuring traditional culture, interactive workshops and performances. 

Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Set against Hong Kong’s world-famous skyline, the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will bring together teams from around the world from 27 to 28 June, transforming the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront into a vibrant hub of culture, sport and entertainment.

The grand scale of the event belies its humble beginnings.

What started five decades ago as a competitive extension of a local cultural ritual has evolved into a dynamic, citywide celebration that blends heritage with sports.

Dragon boat racing in Hong Kong traces its roots to traditional rituals performed by fishing communities, where vessels were once used to dispel bad luck and pray for peace and safety.

In 1976, the city hosted its first international race in Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter, welcoming just 10 teams and marking the birth of modern international dragon boat racing.

Fast forward to today, this year’s races will welcome over 220 elite teams from 16 countries and regions over the two-day race schedule on 27 to 28 June, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as the Events Capital of Asia.

Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board.

For more information about the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, visit the event website: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/dragon-boat-festival.html.

(Source: Hong Kong Tourism Board)

PCEB launches Penang Golf Challenge

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PENANG, 8 May 2026: The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and Marriott International Malaysia formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly support and promote the Penang Golf Challenge as an annual business and networking platform.

The signing ceremony, witnessed by YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, marked an important step forward in strengthening Penang’s position as a premier destination for business events, corporate engagement, and industry networking.

Photo credit: PCEB. (left centre) PCEB Chief Executive Officer Ashwin Gunasekeran; (right centre) Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow.

Speaking at the ceremony, PCEB Chief Executive Officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said the partnership reflects a shared ambition to create value beyond the event itself.

“The Penang Golf Challenge is envisioned as a platform where business naturally happens. It brings together decision-makers, industry leaders, and corporate stakeholders in an environment that encourages genuine interaction and stronger relationships,” he noted.

Penang’s Chief Minister, YAB Chow Kon Yeow, commented: “The partnership demonstrates the kind of forward-thinking collaboration that will continue to support Penang’s growth. Marriott International is a globally recognised brand, and its involvement brings credibility, visibility, and access to wider corporate networks. This partnership aligns with Penang’s broader aspirations under Penang2030, as we continue to strengthen our competitiveness.”

The Penang Golf Challenge should evolve into an annual signature event that not only enhances business networking opportunities but also further positions Penang as a destination for business events and corporate engagement. 

Both PCEB and Marriott International Malaysia expressed confidence that this collaboration will deliver lasting value to the local industry and contribute positively to Penang’s continued development as a leading business events destination.

(Source: PCEB)

Oceania ends non-commissionable cruise fares

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SINGAPORE, 8 May 2026: Oceania Cruises, a leading culinary and destination‑focused cruise line, has announced it will eliminate non‑commissionable cruise fares (NCF)  on all newly launched sailings. 

The decision expands earning opportunities for travel advisors and reinforces the brand’s long‑standing commitment to being a trusted, long‑term partner to the travel agency community.

Photo credit: Oceania Cruises. Sales open for inaugural voyages 2027/2028 on Oceania Aurelia.

Effective with the launch of new itineraries, covering the 2028 Summer and 2028-2029 Winter seasons and 2028 and 2029 Around the World voyages, published commission rates will apply to the full commissionable cruise fare.

Travel advisors will earn more commission on every booking, while guest‑facing pricing and overall value remain unchanged. New-season launches are set to open for sale from May to June this year.

“Travel advisors are central to Oceania Cruises’ growth strategy—today and long into the future,” said  Oceania Cruises Chief Sales Officer Nathan Hickman. “Eliminating the non‑commissionable cruise fare increases advisor earning potential on every booking and reflects our commitment to building the most advisor‑centric commercial model in luxury cruising.”

By removing NCFs entirely on newly launched sailings, the company is simplifying advisor compensation, improving earnings transparency, and reinforcing its position as the partner of choice for travel advisors worldwide.

This strategic shift comes as Oceania Cruises enters its next phase of growth, including the recent announcement of an order for the fifth ship in its Sonata‑class fleet. As capacity expands and long‑term demand grows, the company continues to invest in travel advisors as the cornerstone of its commercial strategy.

(Source: Oceania Cruises)

Vio Travel gains Preferred by Nature Standard

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BALI, Indonesia, 8 May 2026: Vio Travel, an Asia-Pacific online DMC, has become the first in Asia to be certified under the Preferred by Nature Standard for Sustainable Travel Activities V1.1, a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)- Recognised Standard.

Vio Travel’s Indonesian operations are the first to gain certification, following an independent audit confirming full compliance across the standard’s four core pillars: responsible management, people, nature and climate. Other Vio country offices will follow.

Photo credit: Vio Travel.

The audit confirms 100% compliance across all audited areas across the company’s Indonesia operations:

  • Responsible management – ensuring all management and business practices are legal and responsible;
  • People – upholding people’s well-being and human rights;
  • Nature – protecting nature and the environment;
  • Climate – actively reducing and mitigating climate impacts.

Indonesia is the first destination to achieve certification, with the same standards set to be progressively extended across Vio Travel’s network of 15 destinations. Importantly, this milestone reflects validation rather than transformation, formal recognition of practices already embedded within the business.

The official award ceremony took place in Bali on 30 April 2026, after working with local suppliers on sustainable practices.

Vio Travel’s Sustainability Coordinator, Novita Rosiana Dewi, led the certification process from the ground up, translating the company’s long-held values into the required documented frameworks.

Vio Travel Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Dominik Schaufler, commented: “We act as an extension of our partners’ businesses on the ground. The standards we uphold — and the suppliers we work with — directly shape the experiences their clients have. Our roadmap is clear: to progressively extend this sustainability framework across our network, applying the same rigorous standards that earned certification in Indonesia.”

Vio Travel operates across 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific, serving company partners with travel agents and tour operators globally, managing ground operations, supplier networks, and itinerary delivery in markets where trusted local execution is critical. Its corporate headquarters are in Bangkok, Thailand.

Preferred by Nature is one of the world’s leading sustainability certification bodies. Its Standard for Sustainable Travel Activities V1.1 is a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Recognised Standard – the global benchmark for credible and transparent sustainability standards in tourism.

(Source: Vio Travel)

AirAsia signs landmark A220 order

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MIRABEL, Canada, 8 May 2026: Malaysia’s AirAsia has placed an order for 150 latest-generation A220-300 aircraft, the largest single firm order placed for the A220 that propels the programme beyond the 1,000 firm order milestone.

The contract was announced at a ceremony this week at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, attended by Capital A Chief Executive Officer and Advisor to AirAsia Group, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft Lars Wagner.

Photo credit: Airbus. AirAsia orders A220 for regional routes.

The event took place in the presence of the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada and the Honourable Christine Frechette, Premier of Quebec.

The purchase agreement makes AirAsia the first customer to order a 160-seat version of the  A220, an increase of 10 seats, made possible by adding extra overwing exits on each side of the aircraft.

The A220 complements AirAsia’s existing Airbus fleet and will play a key role in advancing the group’s network and growth. The aircraft will service destinations across ASEAN and into Central Asia, freeing up larger aircraft to fly longer routes.

“We have built AirAsia by making bold decisions at the right moment, not the easiest moment. This order reflects our long-term discipline and the scale of our ambitions. The A220 unlocks new markets and routes and brings us closer to building the world’s first true low-cost network carrier,” said Capital A CEO and Advisor to AirAsia Group Tony Fernandes. “Our partnership with Airbus spans more than two decades and has been central to everything we have achieved. Today is another milestone in that journey, and there are many more to come.”

“The A220 will provide an optimal platform for AirAsia, combining low operating costs with the range that will enable the carrier to open new routes across Asia and beyond,” commented Airbus CEO Commercial Aircraft Lars Wagner. “Airbus and AirAsia teams have been working tirelessly to reach this landmark agreement, which is fully aligned with the airline’s new network strategy.”

The A220 can carry between 100 and 160 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). At the end of March 2026, 501 A220s had been delivered to 25 operators worldwide.

(Source: Airbus)

Fitz Club Pattaya named Thailand’s first ITF Masters Star 

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Your Stories
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PATTAYA, Thailand, 7 May 2026: Fitz Club Pattaya has been awarded the prestigious Star Tournament Recognition Award (MT700 category) by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). 

This historic achievement marks the first time both a venue in Thailand and a Thai individual have received this honour, placing Fitz Club among an elite group of just nine venues worldwide to earn this distinction. 

Vitanart Vathanakul, CEO of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, celebrates the prestigious ITF Masters Star Tournament Recognition Award together with the dedicated Royal Cliff and Fitz Club team.

The award recognises venues that deliver exceptional, professionally run tournaments and provide an experience that exceeds expectations. It is based on player satisfaction, seamless tournament operations, and the event’s overall quality. Evaluations draw on player feedback surveys, tournament supervisor reports, and scores, as well as ITF Masters committee assessments — reflecting consistently high standards across all areas.

This success is driven by the vision and passion of Royal Cliff’s CEO, Vitanart Vathanakul, whose commitment to tennis extends well beyond leadership. As an active ITF Masters Tour player and MT400 champion, he achieved a career-high world ranking of No 96 in the 35+ category — bringing invaluable player insight into creating a truly athlete-focused tournament experience.

Vitanart Vathanakul, CEO of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, celebrates with the prestigious ITF Masters Star Tournament Recognition Award, driven by his vision and passion to continuously enhance facilities and refine every aspect of the tournament experience.

For the past eight years, Fitz Club Pattaya has proudly hosted ITF Masters tournaments, continually improving its facilities and fine-tuning every aspect of the experience. From world-class courts and highly attentive event organisation to exceptional hospitality, accommodation, and attention to detail, the venue has earned outstanding praise from players—many of whom return year after year.

This recognition reflects the team’s unwavering commitment, determination and continuous improvement. It stands as a proud milestone for Fitz Club, reinforcing its position as a leading international tournament venue and its dedication to delivering world-class experiences. The team now looks forward to welcoming tennis players and sports enthusiasts from around the world to experience this excellence first-hand.

Fitz Club – Racquets, Health & Fitness, the elite sports centre under the Royal Cliff banner, continues to reinforce its status as a premier sports destination for professional and recreational athletes. The centre has welcomed world-class talent over the years, including former ATP stars such as Nikolay Davydenko, Mikhail Youzhny, Dmitry Tursunov, Paradorn Srichaphan, Danai Udomchoke, and Denis Istomin, all of whom have trained on its courts engineered to mirror the playing conditions of the Grand Slam Open. With a long-standing legacy in competitive sports, Fitz Club has proudly hosted numerous high-profile events, including prestigious Junior and Senior Tennis tournaments, Squash championships, and Table Tennis competitions. This rich history underscores its reputation as one of Thailand’s most established sporting venues. Continuing its commitment to excellence, Fitz Club has further expanded its offerings with upgraded facilities for pickleball, futsal and basketball, making it a comprehensive hub for multi-sport athletes and families alike.

For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and Fitz Club, visit www.royalcliff.com  and www.facebook.com/fitzclub  

(Source: Yours Stories — Royal Cliff Hotels Group)

Maharaja Club Points Fest

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Newsdesk
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DELHI, 7 May 2026: Maharaja Club, Air India’s frequent flyer programme, has launched a Points Fest for its Maharaja Club members to celebrate adding 100+ brands to its partnership network between FY 2023 and FY 2026. 

The milestone marks a significant step forward in the programme’s transformation into a modern, globally relevant lifestyle-led loyalty platform.

Expansion of partnership network

The Maharaja Club programme has focused on expanding its partner ecosystem, driving over 4.2 million member transactions across 100+ partners in FY26, including international lifestyle and everyday-use brands. These partnerships maximise avenues for Air India’s frequent flyers or Maharaja Club members to earn Maharaja Points beyond their spending with the airline, thus accelerating their path to award flights and upgrades.

Over the past three years, Air India has recorded a two-fold increase in member engagement and its partner activity rate, reflecting higher transaction volumes and deeper customer participation across the network. This expanded network has strengthened the programme’s scale, engagement, and utility across a broader set of member interactions.

Celebrating with Maharaja Club members

To celebrate the milestone, Air India announced a limited-time promotion — Points Fest, designed to reward loyal members with opportunities to earn up to 50% bonus Maharaja Points. Until 31 May 2026, the campaign offers members two exciting ways to earn up to 200,000 bonus Maharaja Points per eligible partner. To participate, members need to register for the offer using their Maharaja Club ID and complete transactions or conversions via the designated partner pages.

Shop and Earn

Members can enjoy a flat 50% bonus Maharaja Points on every transaction made with brands across categories such as lifestyle, stays, experiences, travel services category, including brands like Adidas, Ajio, Apple, Atlys, FirstCry, Forest Essentials, H&M, Healthians, Levi’s, Myntra, Nike, Puma, The Bicester Collection, UNIQLO, and many more.

Convert and Earn

For those with accumulated reward points across other programmes, members can earn up to 50% bonus Maharaja Points when they convert reward points to Maharaja Points via eligible Points Conversion Partners, including Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, HSBC Global, Kotak Mahindra Bank, ICICI Bank, Flipkart SuperCoins, Audi India and many other points conversion partners. The bonus structure is tiered as follows:

The bonus points earned during the Points Fest can significantly enhance members’ ability to redeem rewards across Air India’s expanding domestic and international network. With 2,00,000 Maharaja Points, members can, for example, redeem up to 5 one-way Economy Class tickets between Mumbai and London Heathrow or up to 20 round-trips on prime domestic routes such as Delhi-Mumbai.

Other recent enhancements

On 1 April 2026, Air India reduced the Maharaja Points requirement for award flights and cabin upgrades across at least 90% of its routes, introduced a new, simplified tier-based structure for rescheduling and cancellation of Award Flights, and reduced the flight-count thresholds to accelerate tier progression for members.

(Source: Air India)

Travelodge sets foot in Osaka

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OSAKA, 7 May 2026: Travelodge Hotels Asia continues its expansion in Japan with the upcoming opening of the 300-room Travelodge Osaka Shinsaibashi, set to welcome its first guests in August 2026.

Located in Minamisenba, Chuo Ward, the hotel sits in the heart of Osaka’s vibrant Shinsaibashi district — one of the city’s most popular areas for shopping, dining, and nightlife. 

Photo credit: Travelodge. Travelodge Osaka Shinsaibashi.

The hotel is just steps from Shinsaibashi Station, with immediate access from North Exit 3 for seamless connectivity across the city. With more than 300 rooms, the property will be the largest Travelodge hotel in Japan and one of the biggest in the Shinsaibashi area, offering newly renovated, modern accommodation for both leisure and business travellers.

“We are excited to introduce Travelodge Osaka Shinsaibashi to our hotel collection in Japan. It is an important milestone that reflects Travelodge Hotels Asia’s commitment to regional growth, especially in Japan,” said Travelodge Hotels Asia Chief Operating Officer Pinky Lam.

“Osaka continues to attract travellers from around the world, and we are confident in our ability to continue delivering our signature experience—comfortable stays in strategic locations at great value—in one of the city’s most dynamic districts.”

Prime Location in the heart of Osaka

Guests will enjoy convenient access to Osaka’s top attractions, including the iconic Dotonbori, just a 10-minute walk away and known for its vibrant neon lights and street food scene.

Other nearby attractions include:

Amerikamura — a lively hub for youth culture, street fashion, and cafés;

Midōsuji — a major boulevard known for shopping and seasonal illuminations;

Namba Parks — a popular shopping complex with a rooftop garden;

Honmachi — a central business district with offices and commercial centres;

Yodoyabashi — Osaka’s financial hub, home to banks and leading companies.

With multiple transport stations within walking distance, guests can also access major city attractions, including the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

Exclusive Pre-Order Sale

To celebrate the upcoming opening, Travelodge Hotels Asia is launching a limited-time Pre-Order Sale, offering 50% off stays at Travelodge Osaka Shinsaibashi.

Travelodge Hotels Asia is a fast-growing hotel management and franchise company headquartered in Singapore, with operations across Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand.

MATTA files remittance objection with IATA

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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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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)

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