BALI, 22 December 2025: The Bali Hotels Association held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) earlier this month, confirming the appointment of a new chair and vice chair for 2026.
BHA members representing 171 hotels in Bali attended the association’s Annual General Meeting. They endorsed the newly elected Chair, Fransiska Handoko, General Manager of Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali and Vice Chair, Simona Chimenti, General Manager of The Pavilions Bali.
The newly elected Chair, Fransiska Handoko, General Manager of Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali and Vice Chair, Simona Chimenti, General Manager of The Pavilions Bali
They assume leadership of the association from the outgoing Chair, Franklyn Kocek, General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Seminyak.
The newly elected Chair, Fransiska Handoko, is no stranger to the association’s business. She served as Chair of BHA in 2022, becoming the association’s first female chairperson.
Following her appointment as head of the association, she emphasised the importance of aligning hotels with evolving tourism regulations and sustainable practices, with a focus on promoting sustainability, strengthening hotel-government relations, and supporting responsible tourism across Bali’s hospitality industry.
“It is a privilege to serve once again as Chair of BHA. In 2026, we will strengthen our commitment to sustainable hospitality, empower local talent, and accelerate initiatives that help our industry adapt to changing global expectations. Together with our members, we will continue elevating Bali as a leader in responsible and culturally rooted tourism,” Fransiska stated.
Looking ahead under the leadership of the newly appointed Chair and Vice Chair, the association will prioritise strategic partnerships, innovation-led growth, and initiatives that reinforce Bali’s reputation as a premier global destination.
BHA’s guiding principle, “Hospitality with Purpose,” continues to reflect its dedication to tourism that is culturally respectful, environmentally responsible, and economically beneficial to the island and its communities. The association remains a trusted voice for the hospitality industry and an essential resource for travellers to Bali.
SINGAPORE, 22 December 2025: Finnair expands its long-haul network and starts flights to Melbourne, Australia, on 25 October 2026 by operating a daily service via Bangkok using an Airbus A350 aircraft.
The Melbourne route marks an entirely new destination for Finnair and connects Australia directly to Finnair’s extensive network via the airline’s Helsinki hub.
Photo credit: Finnair. Melbourne flights are scheduled for winter 2026.
“We are very excited to introduce service to a new continent,” says Finnair Chief Revenue Officer Christine Rovelli. “By connecting Helsinki and Melbourne, two cities on opposite sides of the world, we can offer a truly unique bridge between the northern and southern hemispheres. We expect that this new route will appeal to travellers from Europe heading to Australia, as well as Australians exploring northern Europe and beyond.”
The flight will depart from Helsinki shortly after midnight, arrive in Bangkok in the afternoon, and continue to Melbourne after a transit stop in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). It will touch down in Melbourne the following morning.
On the return, flights leave from Melbourne in the afternoon, with a stop in Bangkok in the evening, and land in Helsinki early the next day, aligning with Finnair’s first morning departures across Europe. In addition to providing a smooth customer experience, this structure ensures high operational efficiency and effective utilisation of Finnair’s A350 fleet.
Finnair will enjoy fifth freedom rights, allowing it to sell tickets to local passengers travelling on the Bangkok-Melbourne-Bangkok route.
Located on Australia’s southeastern coast, Melbourne is also known as the country’s cultural capital, famous for its food, culture, and sports scene. In addition to being a popular holiday destination, the city has a large European diaspora and a large community of international students and expatriates.
The Melbourne flights opened for bookings on Finnair.com on 18 December, with the first flight scheduled to depart Helsinki on 25 October 2026, subject to government approval.
In addition to Melbourne, Finnair’s 2026 network comprises 93 European destinations, 11 Asian destinations, seven North American destinations, including Toronto, which will feature in the summer 2026 timetable and two destinations in the Middle East.
PATTAYA, 19 December 2025: The MT700 ITF Fitz Club Masters Championship, long regarded as one of Asia’s most prestigious tennis events, concluded with record-breaking success, welcoming nearly 250 players from over 40 countries.
This year’s edition, held in late November, reached new heights, with athletes representing every continent — including new participants from Brazil, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.
Throughout the week-long tournament, spectators were treated to electrifying matches, packed stadiums, and an atmosphere charged with passion, energy, and unforgettable sporting moments. Every round delivered edge-of-the-seat action, reflecting the rising calibre of masters tennis worldwide.
Thanks to the exceptional sportsmanship and commitment of all players, the event once again highlighted the unity and strength of the global tennis community. The tournament was made even more vibrant through the generous support of Supersports, K-Swiss, Carabao, and Vitala, whose contributions elevated the experience for everyone. Players were especially delighted with the outstanding gifts and amenities provided by the sponsors.
One of the most memorable highlights was the Men’s Singles 40+ clash between Vitanart Vathanakul, CEO of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, and Kotaro Noguchi of Japan. The two competitors fought an extraordinary six-hour battle, showcasing sheer grit and high-level skill. Despite both players suffering from cramps, they pushed forward point after point in an intense duel that enthralled the entire crowd. The match remained razor-close throughout before Vitanart emerged victorious in a dramatic finish.
Equally captivating was the Women’s Singles 45+ showdown featuring Thailand’s Miss Sivika Sirisanthana against Brazil’s Thania Melhem in her first appearance. The two athletes exchanged long rallies and hard-fought points, keeping supporters fully engaged until the very last moment. Their match stood out as one of the most spirited encounters of the tournament.
Beyond the thrilling competition, players and families also enjoyed a lineup of exclusive activities and privileges, including a complimentary pool party hosted by Royal Cliff’s CEO. The event featured memorable welcome souvenirs from Supersports and K-Swiss, refreshing signature drinks from Carabao, and professional recovery and physiotherapy services from Vitala. Supersports further enhanced the athlete experience with on-site racquet stringing services for all participants.
Fitz Club, the elite sports centre under the Royal Cliff banner, continues to reinforce its status as a premier destination for both 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 Australian 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, basketball, and badminton, making it a comprehensive hub for multi-sport athletes and families alike.
KUCHING, 19 December 2025: Business Events Sarawak has successfully strengthened the collaboration between the Sarawak government and the business events sector with the official adoption of the Borneo Legacy Declaration and the launching of Business Events Sarawak Alliance (BESA) at today’s Sarawak Business Events Forum.
This move marks a decisive shift by the Sarawak Government to reposition business events into long-term instruments for delivering policy outcomes and sustainable development.
Members of the Sarawak Government adopt the Borneo Legacy Declaration.
The Borneo Legacy Declaration, formed on 3 October during the Legacy Event Advocacy Policy (LEAP) Summit, is a shared commitment by 36 policymakers and industry leaders from Malaysia, Australia, Korea, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Together, they champion legacy impact and the strategic use of business events to drive sustainable economic growth. The first milestone under this declaration is the establishment of the Business Events Sarawak Alliance.
BESA is a new platform that enables Sarawak’s government ministries to own the impact of business events. Starting in 2026, the ministries will enter into a strategic collaboration with BESarawak through BESA, utilising business events as tools to advance policies and deliver positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes aligned with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.
The Honourable Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah signs the Borneo Legacy Declaration.
The Sarawak government will commit to owning and hosting at least two national or international business events, where homegrown events will be prioritised through a structured qualification process. BESA will also provide capacity-building opportunities for government ministries to strengthen their skills and legacy impact advocacy.
The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, represented by the Honourable Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, said that business events have been strengthening the state’s competitiveness and earning strong government confidence, as reflected in both a perfect bidding success rate and increased public investment.
“Since integrating business events into the PCDS 2030, 50% of the 541 secured events between 2021 and 2025 are legacy-driven. We have strengthened Sarawak’s value proposition, achieving a 100% success rate in event bidding and pitching in the same period. Additionally, the Sarawak Business Events Fund has been increased by 15% from 2025 to 2026.”
The Premier also highlighted that, since the inclusion of business events in the PCDS 2030, Sarawak has developed 72 homegrown events, including the Borneo International Water & Wastewater Exhibition & Conference and the International Energy Week, demonstrating strong local community support for hosting high-impact events.
Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy State Secretary (Operations) and Chairman of BESarawak, emphasised that the growth of business events year after year is due to both strategy and ecosystem, indicating that the sector is on the right path to contributing to the PCDS 2030.
“The next step is building an even stronger ecosystem, with closer collaboration between government and industry, to secure Sarawak’s future. These achievements show that winning high-value, legacy-driven business events is not just about having the right strategy – it is also about how well the ecosystem aligns, collaborates, and contributes at every level.”
BESarawak Chief Executive Officer Amelia Roziman stated that today’s achievement is a big win for the sector.
“The Sarawak government’s adoption of a legacy impact strategy places us firmly on the right path toward long-term national development. It marks a significant step in bridging knowledge with development outcomes, reinforced by Sarawak’s 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030) and its strong focus on sustainable development. We are deeply proud to have the government’s full support in advancing legacy impact as a pathway to meaningful and lasting growth.”
The forum also introduced Sarawak’s 13th Malaysia Plan, outlining the state’s next phase of development, focused on accelerating inclusive and sustainable growth in line with the PCDS 2030. The plan prioritises high-impact investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, digitalisation, human capital, and rural development, while strengthening key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and services.
Guided by strong governance and public–private collaboration, Sarawak’s 13MP aims to enhance competitiveness, create quality jobs, uplift communities, and ensure long-term environmental sustainability for shared prosperity.
BANGKOK, 19 December 2025: BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStayHotels, continues to elevate the hotel sector in Pakistan with the opening of the country’s inaugural Best Western Plus hotel and the group’s first property in the vibrant Punjabi city of Multan.
Best Western Plus Grand Hotel Multan is conveniently situated on Azmat Wasti Road, a major thoroughfare between the historic city centre and the Multan Cantt commercial district. From the hotel, guests can easily access key business and leisure attractions, including Fort Kohna Qasim Garden, Hussain Agahi Market, and United Mall. The City Railway Station is just 2 km away, and Multan International Airport is less than 15 minutes away.
With its prime location, the property offers domestic and international visitors comfort and style, with 50 rooms and suites equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. Guests can begin their day with breakfast in the bright and inviting restaurant, which serves both local and Western cuisine throughout the day. The café provides a welcoming space to unwind, meet with colleagues, and enjoy freshly brewed coffee or tea. Additional facilities include a fully equipped fitness centre, a rooftop pool and flexible event spaces, including two executive meeting rooms and a ballroom that accommodates up to 180 guests for a wide range of gatherings.
Every aspect of the hotel experience is underpinned by Best Western Plus’ enhanced brand standards, delivering unmatched value and upgraded services. Members of Best Western Rewards®, the award-winning loyalty program that’s free to join, can enjoy exclusive benefits and points that never expire. These points can be redeemed for exciting rewards such as complimentary room nights, airline miles, and gift cards.
“Following the successful debut of our first property in the scenic Hunza Valley, we are proud to continue expanding our footprint across Pakistan, where we now operate in key cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Gujranwala, with more in the pipeline. Building on this momentum, we are delighted to introduce Multan to our industry‑leading brand, Best Western Plus. As a major business, cultural and commercial hub attracting a growing number of travellers seeking international‑standard hospitality, Multan is a strategic step in our growth journey,” said BWH Hotel Vice President – APAC Olivier Berrivin.
This marks the seventh BWH Hotels property in the country and the fifth this year alone.
DUBAI, 19 December 2025: After months of rigorous training, 77 highly trained cadets successfully turned their ambition into achievement at the Emirates Flight Training Academy’s (EFTA) sixth graduation ceremony.
This annual milestone adds to EFTA’s growing legacy of providing a robust pipeline of trained pilots for Emirates and the broader aviation industry, with over 300 cadets graduating to date.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group, who headlined the event, said: “Emirates Flight Training Academy’s graduation ceremony symbolises the setting of a stronger foundation for global aviation and a promise that its future rests in the hands of committed, capable, resilient leaders. Our graduates will now proudly wear their wings, connect the world, uphold the highest standards of safety and service, and shape the world of aviation. Each one of our graduates today is a testament to potential and perseverance. Together, they represent our commitment to building a steady stream of aviators who will carry Dubai’s vision to the skies. Congratulations, graduates – you have made us proud.”
The Emirates Group’s senior leadership team, graduates, their families and friends, and the academy’s faculty and cadets attended the glittering ceremony.
Today, 77 cadets earned their wings – not just to fly, but to lead, innovate, and inspire the next generation of aviators. 52 graduates represent the Emirates Group’s UAE National Pilot Cadet Programme (NCPP), while 25 are from 15 other nations. In the last five years, EFTA has graduated over 300 highly skilled cadets, of whom most are successfully flying or training at Emirates on the airline’s widebody fleet.
NCPP is the UAE’s largest and most established initiative of its kind, created to cultivate future generations of highly skilled Emirati pilots. The cadets, whom the Group fully sponsors, join EFTA. Upon graduation, NCPP cadets have a clear pathway to flying with Emirates after completing their type rating.
Emirates Flight Training Academy has a unique approach to aviation training. It seamlessly integrates academic excellence, modern flight-training technology, and leadership development to develop world-class pilots capable of operating some of the most sophisticated widebody aircraft. The journey from classroom to flight deck is made possible by strong partnerships between EFTA and the National Cadet Pilot Programme and Emirates’ flight training division. These partnerships ensure that the training EFTA cadets receive is not only exceptional but also directly aligned with Emirates’ standards, culture, and operational requirements.
EFTA honoured five cadets for their exceptional achievements throughout the year – Abdulrahman Alnuaimi, Falah Alhosani, Giada Macario and Shaheer Bhatti. Saeed Abdulla was recognised for being the most diligent.
Located in Dubai South, EFTA’s campus blends study and lifestyle, with cadets living in private studio apartments and access to amenities such as a pool, gym, and recreation rooms. This ensures cadets are comfortable, can focus on their rigorous programme, are minimally distracted, and spend no time travelling to the academy.
EFTA’s facility is equivalent to 200 football fields and includes 36 modern ground classrooms, six full-motion flight simulators, an independent Air Traffic Control Tower, and a dedicated 1,800 m-long runway. All classrooms are equipped with two 86” touchscreens, running bespoke training software created by Boeing.
About Emirates Flight Training Academy Located in DWC, EFTA was launched by Emirates in 2017, initially to train UAE nationals and later to train international students. The academy combines cutting-edge learning technologies with a modern fleet of 32 training aircraft to train cadets with no prior flying experience. EFTA’s fleet includes 20 x Cirrus SR22 G6 single-engine piston, 5 x Diamond DA42NG multi-engine piston, 2 x Gamebird GB1 and 5 x Embraer Phenom 100EV very light jets.
For more information on the airline or to make a booking, visit www.emirates.com.
BANGKOK 19 December 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts has officially launched the Centara Hotels & Resorts Mobile App, designed to enhance how guests book, manage stays, and engage with Centara’s award-winning loyalty programme.
The easy-to-use new app blends travel convenience, seamless loyalty management, and the ability to pay directly with CentaraThe1 points, either in whole or in combination with points and cash.
“Today’s travellers expect more than a stay — they seek intuitive, on-the-go tools that anticipate their needs. With the new Centara app, we’re responding to that demand by integrating loyalty, convenience, and personalisation in a single platform. It’s about meeting our guests where they are — on their mobile devices—with services that feel effortless and tailored,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts Assistant Vice President – CRM & Customer Services, Pannarat Tantrativud.
In addition to providing a seamless booking and rewards experience, one of the app’s standout features allows CentaraThe1 members to pay directly with their CentaraThe1 at checkout—choosing to cover their entire booking with points or mix points and cash for ultimate flexibility. The intuitive interface also allows users to browse real-time availability, view detailed room information, and secure the best rates. Guests can also join or log into CentaraThe1 directly within the app to unlock perks such as up to 15% off bookings (although this is increased to 25% for the promotional launch period!), points redemption for free nights, dining and spa experiences, and a whole host of special partner offers such as shopping, transport and even airport lounge access.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Chief Executive Officer Thirayuth Chirathivat added: “Digital transformation has reshaped guest expectations across the hospitality industry. Launching this app isn’t about being first; it’s about being relevant. We’re leveraging mobile technology to enhance the authenticity of our Thai hospitality and deepen guest engagement at every touchpoint, from discovery and booking to loyalty and feedback.”
BANGKOK, 19 December 2025: JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group announced Thursday the appointment of Chanavudh Vanachaivong as Senior Vice President and Head of Hotels Advisory, Thailand.
Based in Bangkok, he leads JLL’s hotel advisory team in Thailand, further strengthening the firm’s position as the market-leading hotel advisor in the country.
Photo credit: JLL. Chanavudh Vanachaivong, Head of Hotels Advisory, Thailand.
“Thailand is recognised as one of Asia’s most active and dynamic hotel investment markets, and we are thrilled to welcome Chanavudh to our team,” said JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group Head of Advisory & Asset Management, Asia Pacific Xander Nijnens. “His exceptional capital markets background, hands-on deal experience and deep market knowledge across Thailand will be a major asset to our clients and enable JLL to deliver a new depth and expertise across our advisory platform.”
In his new role, Chanavudh will assume responsibility for JLL’s hotel advisory in Thailand, supporting developers, investors, and lenders across the full hotel lifecycle, including market assessment, feasibility, operator selection, and transaction advisory (buy-side) services.
He brings extensive experience in hotel acquisitions and investment strategy to the JLL team, having most recently served as Head of Strategy and Acquisition at Asset World Corporation.
“Appointing Chanavudh to lead our hotels advisory business in Thailand reinforces our market-leading position in the hospitality sector,” said JLL Thailand Country Head & Head of Capital Markets Krit Pimhataivoot.
SINGAPORE, 19 December 2025: Princess Cruises has capped off an exciting year in Singapore and Southeast Asia with Diamond Princess commencing her homeporting season in Singapore on 7 December.
The ship kicked off her Singapore season with a 16-day Scenic Cruise visiting Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Phuket, Nha Trang, with two days in Halong Bay, before sailing for Danang and Ho Chi Minh City.
Photo credit: Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Diamond Princess berths at Marina Bay Cruise Centre.
Diamond Princess had arrived in Singapore after a 12-day repositioning cruise from Yokohama, which started on 25 November and visited Toba, Osaka, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Diamond Princess will sail on several festive cruises around Southeast Asia, where guests can celebrate Christmas & New Year, Chinese New Year, as well as Valentine’s Day onboard until February 2026. The ship will visit 10 exotic destinations in Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, including Sihanoukville, Cambodia, where guests can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat.
On 10 February 2026, Diamond Princess will sail on a sold-out 14-night cruise to Yokohama and along the way, the ship will visit Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City) and Nha Trang in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Keelung (Taipei) and Japan (Osaka and Shimizu) before arriving in Yokohama on 24 February for a longer Japanese season until November 2026.
The 2,670-guest Diamond Princess features a Japanese bath complex, which is the largest of its kind at sea at 820 sqm. Guests can enjoy both outdoor and indoor bathing experiences, including hot tubs that come with spectacular ocean views.
Two Princess ships made maiden calls to Singapore this year
Crown Princess visited Singapore for the first time on 29 November before undergoing a three-week dry dock at the Seatrium shipyard in preparation for her Australian season. The dry dock was completed on 18 December, prior to the ship commencing her Australian season.
Discovery Princess made her maiden call to Singapore on 29 October, after which she embarked on a five-night Malaysian cruise before undergoing her dry dock at the Seatrium facility, which was completed on 18 November.
Announcements: 2026-27 Asia sailings
Several announcements were also made in 2025 for the 2026-2027 season, where Royal Princess will make her maiden call to Singapore and the twin ship homeporting in Singapore, followed by Japan, which is a historic first for Princess.
Royal Princess will call at Singapore for the first time on 16 October 2026 for its Southeast Asian debut. It will arrive from Seattle after a 26-night cruise to undergo a two-week dry dock, after which it will depart on two cruises around Southeast Asia. The first cruise will be a nine-night round-trip from Singapore with an overnight stay in Bangkok and visits to Ho Chi Minh City and Ko Samui. This will be followed by a 13-night Southeast Asia cruise round-trip from Singapore on 10 November.
For the first time, Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess will be based in Japan in 2027, following their twin Singapore season from December 2026 to February 2027. The two sister ships were last homeported in Singapore together in 2018-2019.
Crown Princess will also make an overnight stop in Singapore in May 2026 as part of its 114-night world cruise.
DELHI, 19 December 2025: Strengthening connectivity between Thailand and Uttar Pradesh, India’s northern state, Air India Express will introduce a weekly flight between Varanasi and Bangkok, starting 1 February 2026.
The new service will offer travellers from Varanasi convenient nonstop connectivity to one of Asia’s most popular leisure destinations.
Photo credit: Air India Express.
Similarly, it will provide convenient options for tourists from Thailand to visit Varanasi, Sarnath, and other major attractions on the Buddhist circuit. Bookings are now open on the airline’s website, mobile app, and other primary booking channels.
Air India Express, Managing Director, Aloke Singh, commented: “The introduction of this nonstop service to Bangkok provides seamless access to one of India’s most sought-after international destinations. It aligns with our strategic focus on enhancing direct international connectivity from the nation’s rapidly growing non-metro and Tier-II cities.
“For inbound travellers, the service strengthens access to Varanasi – one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities and widely regarded as India’s spiritual capital – while further developing the Buddhist travel circuit for visitors from Thailand.”
The new service builds on Air India Express’ presence in Thailand, connecting Bangkok with Bengaluru, Lucknow, Pune, and Surat. It also operates direct flights between Hyderabad and Phuket.
This service will also enhance the airline’s operations in Varanasi, where it currently operates more than 70 weekly flights to Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.
Air India Express was the first airline to launch international operations from Varanasi, directly connecting the city to Sharjah in August 2015, placing Varanasi on the global travel map.
Within Uttar Pradesh, Air India Express also operates from Ayodhya, Hindon, and Lucknow.
Air India Express has recently unveiled a new cabin experience on its Boeing 737 8 aircraft, alongside its latest brand campaign, ‘Xplore More, Xpress More’, which encourages travellers to immerse themselves in local culture and discover new experiences across its expansive network of over 60 destinations.
