PENANG, 19 December 2025: Spring Airlines, a budget airline based in Shanghai, will launch a new direct route between Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Penang International Airport (PEN) starting on 30 January 2026.
According to the announcement released on 16 December, the airline is scheduling a daily service deploying a 180-seat A320, with a flight time of five hours and 50 minutes.
Photo credit: Spring Airlines. First-ever flights to Penang begin on 30 January 2026.
It marks a significant expansion for the budget carrier on a busy route already served by two other Chinese airlines — Juneyao Airlines and Shanghai Airlines. Skyscanner quotes a round-trip fare of USD344 for travel in February on Spring Airlines. Fares on Shanghai Airlines start at USD443 and on Juneyao Airlines at USD417.
Flight schedule
9C7259 departs Shanghai (PVG) at 0850 and arrives in Penang (PEN) at 1430. 9C7260 departs Penang (PEN) at 1510 and arrives in Shanghai (PVG) at 2040.
Despite intense competition from Shanghai Airlines and Juneyao Airlines on the route, tourism officials in Penang suggest initial approval for seasonal operations could be upgraded to a permanent, year-round service if travel demand is positive.
The recent increase in travel between China and Malaysia, spurred by reciprocal visa-free entry policies, has prompted Spring Airlines to add Penang to its network. The airline currently serves both Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia from its home in Shanghai.
KUALA LUMPUR, 19 December 2025: Tourism Malaysia welcomes Xiamen Airlines on the successful resumption of its direct Hangzhou–Kuala Lumpur service, which reaffirms the airline’s commitment to enhancing air connectivity between Malaysia and China.
Services resumed on 13 December when the inaugural flight MF8713 touched down at KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1. It signifies the airline’s return to the Hangzhou–Kuala Lumpur route after suspending operations in 2018.
The inaugural flight was welcomed by Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia; Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion II); Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia; Sarjanisham Darus, Senior Manager of Aviation Marketing and Development at MAHB; and Gao Ya Shuang, General Manager of Xiamen Airlines. They were joined by Tourism Malaysia’s mascots, Wira and Manja, alongside the Xiamen Airlines crew to commemorate the launch of the Hangzhou–Kuala Lumpur route.
Deploying a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 169 seats, the reinstated service significantly strengthens access from eastern China, particularly Hangzhou and its surrounding catchment areas. The route is strategically positioned to support robust tourism growth, facilitate essential business travel, and enhance cultural exchange between the two nations.
The airline now flies three weekly direct services between Hangzhou and Kuala Lumpur. That’s in addition to flights to the Malaysian capital from Xiamen, Fuzhou, and Chongqing.
Flight schedule
MF8713 departs Hangzhou (HGH) at 0910 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1445. (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). MF8714 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1545 and arrives in Hangzhou (HGH) at 2105. (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).
The airline also serves Penang in northern Malaysia from Xiamen, China, and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia from Xiamen and Fuzhou.
Welcome to the HGH-KUL inaugural flight
The official welcoming ceremony saw high-level attendance, including Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia; Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II), Tourism Malaysia; Mdm Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director, International Promotion Divisions (Asia/Africa) of Tourism Malaysia; Gao Ya Shuang, General Manager of Xiamen Airlines; and representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).
“The resumption of Xiamen Airlines’ direct Hangzhou–Kuala Lumpur service enhances connectivity between eastern China and Malaysia. This route simplifies travel for Chinese travellers and further strengthens tourism and economic cooperation between Malaysia and China,” stated Tourism Malaysia Director General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim.
The return of this route, strategically timed ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), will improve accessibility for Chinese travellers, enabling them to experience Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage, culinary offerings, and stunning natural attractions and island destinations.
VM2026 countdown
This initiative is a vital precursor to the VM2026 campaign, which begins in less than a month. The national countdown starts with the VM2026 Eve Celebration in Kuala Lumpur on 31 December 2025.
This flagship event will feature a wide array of activities, including the official countdown ceremony, festivals, and cultural performances. The government’s aspiration for VM2026 is twofold: to welcome 47 million international visitors and to inspire a significant surge in domestic travel, ensuring the campaign’s success as a comprehensive strategic framework for the nation’s tourism future.
By enhancing connectivity, travel to Malaysia becomes more seamless, supporting increased arrivals from key markets. This initiative reaffirms Tourism Malaysia’s commitment to positioning Malaysia as a premier destination and gateway to ASEAN, offering vibrant cultural experiences and stunning natural attractions.
From January to August 2025, Malaysia recorded 3.3 million visitor arrivals from China, reflecting a 27.5% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2024. This strong performance underscores Malaysia’s sustained attractiveness and strategic significance within the Chinese market.
JAKARTA, 19 December 2025: TransNusa has successfully launched four new domestic routes this week, bringing its total to 19 routes (domestic and international) in just three years of operations.
TransNusa Group CEO Datuk Bernard Francis commented on the new domestic routes, noting that the airline aims to provide greater connectivity and travel options for domestic and international tourists.
TransNusa Group CEO Datuk Bernard Francis.
“We would like to play our part in boosting and increasing air connectivity within Indonesia’s internationally renowned tourism island destinations.
“Our focus is on increasing direct flights to destinations that are world-renowned for their stunning landscape and natural offerings,” Datuk Bernard concluded.
Bali-Lombok route
TransNusa introduced twice-daily flights from Bali to Lombok, beginning Monday, 15 December. The TransNusa flight departs Bali from Denpasar International Airport at 0730. It arrives in Lombok International Airport at 0755, with the return flight departing Lombok at 0825 and arriving in Bali at 0905.
The second TransNusa flight departs Bali at 1555 and arrives in Lombok at 1650, with the return flight departing Lombok at 1720 and arriving in Bali at 1805.
The airline will increase scheduled flights on the Bali-Lombok route to three times daily, effective 21 December. The third planned flight will depart Bali at 1855 and arrive at Lombok at 1935. The scheduled flight from Lombok will depart at 2000 and arrive in Bali at 2025.
Bali-Bima route
TransNusa started flights from Bali to Bima on Monday, 15 December, and scheduled services on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Starting 22 December, TransNusa will operate daily scheduled flights from Bali to Bima. The flight will depart from Denpasar International Airport at 0935 and arrive at Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport in Bima at 1035. The return flight will depart Bima at 1100and arrive at Bali’s Denpasar International Airport at 1210.
Sorong- Timika route
TransNusa’s scheduled flight from Sorong to Timika has operated four times weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday since 15 December.
The flight departs Sorong from Domine Eduard Osok International Airport at 1050 and arrives in Timika’s Mozes Kilangin Airport at 1210. The return flight departs Timika at 1240 and arrives in Sorong at 14.00.
Manado-Sorong route
Since 15 December 2025, TransNusa has operated scheduled flights from Manado to Sorong four times weekly (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). The flight departs Manado’s Sam Ratulangi International Airport at 0800 and arrives in Sorong’s Domine Eduard Osok International Airport at 1020. The return flight departs Sorong at 1430 and arrives in Manado at 1450.
DUBAI, UAE, 18 December 2025: Emirates will deploy retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft featuring Premium Economy to serve flights (EK953/954) between Dubai and Beirut from 6 January 2026 and flights (EK306/307) between Dubai and Beijing from 1 February 2026.
Beijing becomes the fourth city in the Chinese mainland to receive Emirates’ latest aircraft and next-gen products. At the same time, travellers to and from Beirut will experience the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy and new Business Class cabin in a 1-2-1 layout for the first time.
For Lebanon’s capital city, EK953 departs Dubai at 1540, arriving in Beirut at 1700, with the return EK954 departing at 1945 and arriving in Dubai at 0050. The schedule offers seamless connections to and from major cities with significant Lebanese diaspora communities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Miami, and Montreal. Customers can enjoy a consistent Premium Economy experience across both legs of their journey, with many of these cities being served by retrofitted Boeing 777s and A380s featuring the airline’s latest interiors.
Emirates’ flight EK306 departs Dubai at 0320 and arrives in Beijing at 1445. The return flight EK307 departs from Beijing at 0040 and lands in Dubai at 0530. Travellers can enjoy a consistent Premium Economy experience from Beijing to popular destinations across Emirates’ global network, including London Heathrow, New York JFK, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Madrid, Malé and Lisbon, as well as key cities in the Gulf region such as Kuwait, Riyadh and Amman.
The refurbished four-class Emirates Boeing 777 features upgraded interiors with new design elements, including modern colour palettes, specially designed Ghaf Tree motifs, and wood finishes across all cabins. Each aircraft features 260 latest-generation Economy seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, 40 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, and eight First Class Suites.
Emirates’ Premium Economy has garnered glowing feedback for its unique value and standout features. Passengers can expect a Business Class-like experience at a more accessible price, featuring spacious leather seats with a generous recline, full leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table, and a 13.3-inch TV screen. Premium Economy also includes generously sized pillows and blankets, complimentary amenity kits on select flights, and globally exclusive sparkling wine – Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.
Emirates’ Boeing 777 Business Class cabin has also been redesigned, with seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration to offer privacy, full aisle access, and ample space to work, lounge, and rest. Each seat is wrapped in champagne leather, matching the latest Emirates A380, with detailed stitching and soft, cushioned headrests.
For more information or to book tickets, visit emirates.com, the Emirates App, the Emirates contact centre, or travel agents. WeChat Pay is available on emirates.com for customers in China.
MIRI, Sarawak, 18 December 2025: Sarawak Tourism Board marked a significant milestone, achieving three major accolades at the TripZilla Excellence Awards 2025 — Best Adventure Destination, Best Nature Destination, and Best Music Event Destination for the Rainforest World Music Festival.
Presented by TripZilla General Manager Benjamin Phey, the awards underscore Sarawak’s rising prominence as a leading experiential destination and reinforce the state’s growing visibility ahead of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026.
From left: Barbara Benjamin Atan (Marketing Director, Europe & Oceania, Sarawak Tourism Board), Mr John Teo (Member of the Board of Directors, Sarawak Tourism Board), YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew (Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts – Tourism), Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor (Chief Executive Officer, Sarawak Tourism Board), Mr Melvin Jong (Director of Digital and Communications, Sarawak Tourism Board) and Mr Benjamin Phey Boon Loong (General Manager, TripZilla) during the prize-giving ceremony of the TripZilla Excellence Awards 2025 at the Sarawak Tourism Board Media Appreciation Night 2025.
The award presentation was held in conjunction with STB Media Appreciation Night 2025, where more than 60 media representatives from 21 local media organisations gathered at Pullman Miri Waterfront.
The evening served as both a celebration of STB’s achievements and an appreciation event to honour the media’s role in shaping Sarawak’s tourism narrative across Malaysia and the region.
Centred on appreciation and recognition, the celebration highlighted the close and collaborative relationship between Sarawak and its media community.
Throughout 2025, journalists, editors, photographers, digital creators and broadcasters have played a pivotal role in amplifying Sarawak’s culture, destinations and stories.
Their work collectively generated over 465 million digital impressions and MYR138 million in PR value between January and September 2025, contributing significantly to Sarawak’s growing visibility in domestic and regional markets.
In her address, STB Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor expressed appreciation for both the award recognitions and the media’s continued partnership.
She noted that Sarawak’s achievements — including the three TripZilla Excellence Awards — are strengthened by consistent storytelling and media support.
“Your work gives Sarawak relevance and reach. It shapes how audiences perceive our state and inspires travellers to discover what makes Sarawak truly special,” she said.
The evening featured Sarawak-inspired culinary offerings, acoustic showcases, local design elements, and interactive engagements that reflected STB’s commitment to meaningful collaboration with media partners. The dual celebration — honouring both STB’s international recognition and the media’s contribution — marked a vital conclusion to a transformative year for Sarawak’s tourism promotion.
As Sarawak positions itself under the Gateway to Borneo (GTB) narrative and Malaysia targets 47 million visitors in 2026, STB emphasised that strong media partnerships will remain central to ensuring that Sarawak stands out as a compelling, must-experience destination.
Dr Sharzede concluded: “As we move into 2026, we look forward to deepening our collaboration with all of you. Together, we will continue to shape how the world discovers Sarawak.”
BANGKOK, 18 December 2025: Citilink, Indonesia’s low-cost airline owned by Garuda, is flying the Jakarta (CGK) – Bangkok (DMK) route daily, competing head-on with three other regional low-cost carriers.
It offers daily flights from Jakarta to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport, competing with the AirAsia group (21 weekly flights), Batik Air (8 weekly flights), and Thai Lion Air (11 weekly flights).
Photo credit: TAT. Welcome party at Don Mueang Airport marks the inaugural Citilink Jakarta–Bangkok flight.
Tourism Authority of Thailand hosted the welcome ceremony for Citilink’s inaugural flight on 12 December, saying the new service “reinforces Thailand’s air connectivity with Indonesia, one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing outbound markets.”
TAT’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and the South Pacific, Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, who led the welcome party, commented: “Indonesia is a highly strategic market for Thailand, with strong growth potential among young, independent and experience-driven travellers. The launch of the Citilink Jakarta–Bangkok service strengthens accessibility, supports travel flexibility, and aligns with our direction to build sustainable, high-quality visitor growth across ASEAN.”
Citilink, a subsidiary of the Garuda Indonesia Group, operates the route daily using an Airbus A320 with 180 seats. Flight time is three hours and 40 minutes.
Flight schedule
QG512 departs Jakarta (CGK) at 1230 and arrives in Bangkok (DMK) at 1610. QG513 departs Bangkok (DMK) at 1710 and arrives in Jakarta at 2030.
According to TAT’s visitor arrival data, from 1 January to 10 December 2025, Thailand welcomed 735,443 Indonesian visitors, with arrivals projected to reach 1 million in 2026.
Citilink’s round-trip fares start at USD315. That compares with USD249 on AirAsia, Batik Air at USD316, and Thai Lion Air at USD316 based on Kayak fare quotes. Thai AirAsia dominates the route with 21 weekly flights, followed by Thai Lion Air with 11 flights.
Looking ahead, Citilink has gained TAT support for its daily flights through joint marketing initiatives during 2026, including co-branded digital campaigns, collaborative promotions with travel agents and OTA partners, and coordinated media and influencer visits.
The Jakarta–Bangkok route marks Citilink’s fourth international destination, following services to Singapore, Malaysia, and Timor-Leste, the newest member of ASEAN.
SINGAPORE, 18 December 2025: Trip.com Group has released its top global travel trends for 2026, spotlighting leading destinations, standout attractions and events, and the evolving motivations influencing travellers worldwide.
Photo credit: Trip.com. Who travelled the most in 2025?
Leading destinations: Japan, South Korea and Thailand
Based on Trip.com Group’s 2026 booking data, Japan is set to dominate as a top destination next year, consistently ranking among the top three outbound destinations booked by travellers worldwide, including those from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Its two major cities – Tokyo and Osaka – are expected to see high global tourist demand and are likely to make the top 10 list of cities international travellers plan to visit next year.
Other popular destinations set to feature in 2026 travel itineraries include China, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
Millennials, aged 29 to 44, will be the largest group of travellers next year, accounting for almost half of booking volume, followed by Gen Z, aged 15 to 28.
Rising in popularity: China and Türkiye
In recent years, China has emerged as a travel favourite with its broad appeal, rich cultural heritage and range of unique experiences. Trip.com’s latest booking data shows that China is projected to be one of the fastest-growing and leading travel destinations among Southeast Asian (SEA) travellers in 2026, with triple-digit year-on-year growth expected in flight bookings across several SEA markets. In particular, travellers from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand are on track to become China’s top source markets next year.
While major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu are expected to be the most popular among SEA travellers, cities such as Beijing, Harbin, Chongqing, Shenzhen, and Xi’an are also likely to see greater appeal, with flight bookings from SEA projected to surge year-on-year.
This trend is expected to be similar in Europe, as more people look to explore beyond the region. Destinations in Asia, such as China, Japan, Thailand, and Türkiye, are expected to be among the top holiday choices for European tourists next year.
Notably, travellers from the UK are set to rank among the top 10 source markets heading to China in 2026, while Thailand and Türkiye are on track to become the top two outbound destinations for German travellers.
Entertainment boom: Theme parks, shows and concerts
Across Asia, iconic theme parks such as Shanghai Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Universal Studios Japan will continue to drive tourism and rank among the top attractions on travellers’ 2026 itineraries.
Fan-driven attractions, such as Harry Potter studio tours and K-pop concerts featuring Seventeen and Taemin, are expected to be in high demand among international travellers, especially those from South Korea. Experiences based on well-loved global franchises, such as Jurassic World: The Experience in Thailand and the EVANGELION Anniversary Exhibition in Tokyo, are also set to be among the top attractions travellers plan to visit next year.
In addition, travellers will seek more entertainment-led experiences abroad, such as immersive shows and performances. Globally recognised productions such as Aladdin the Musical, Broadway shows (New York), The Sphere (Las Vegas) and The House of Dancing Water (Macau) are likely to be popular among international travellers.
Attraction Trends: Nature, culture and alternative journeys
Nature and adventure tourism is a trend that will emerge among travellers from SEA and Germany, with interest in destinations such as New Zealand and China set to increase. Scenic spots like Milford Sound and the Glowworm Caves in New Zealand, as well as Wulong Karst in China, are on track to be some of the top attractions for these travellers next year.
Other nature-based attractions in China, such as the Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou, as well as Mount Siguniang, Bipenggou, and the Huanglong National Scenic Area in Sichuan, are also expected to be highly sought after by SEA travellers.
In Europe, travellers will be keen to immerse themselves in the region’s rich history, with cultural hubs such as the Louvre Museum in Paris, Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and Grossmünster in Zurich among the top-booked attractions for next year.
A predictive trend for next year is the rise of train and cruise journeys, with Trip.com Group’s latest booking data indicating increased interest in the scenic Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Train among Vietnamese travellers. Luxury cruises, such as Royal Princess Cruise and Opulence Cruise, are likely to be popular among German travellers.
Popularity of self-drive trips and EVs
Increasingly, travellers are aware of their carbon footprint and seek more sustainable travel options.
Trip.com’s latest data show that since the rollout of carbon labels in April 2025, bookings for electric car rentals have grown steadily month-on-month, with growth especially significant in Norway, Australia, and Japan. Fuelling this growth are travellers from Japan, Thailand, the US, South Korea and Australia.
This is likely due to an overall increased interest in self-driving trips. In Europe and Australia, Asian travellers, especially those from South Korea, are choosing electric cars as their preferred mode of transport to explore at their own pace and comfort.
2025 Wrapped: Who travelled the most?
With 2025 coming to a close, Trip.com Group has also unveiled its 2025 travel wrap-up, crowning the most seasoned travellers for the year. Based on recent data, the average global traveller took 2.4 outbound flights this year, and the average flight duration travelled is 4.6 hours. Travellers departing from Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, are among the top jet-setters, with an average of 3 or more outbound flights per person in 2025. Meanwhile, travellers from the UK and Germany spent the most time on flights this year, with an average flight duration of 5.7 hours or more per person.
BANGKOK, 18 December 2025: AirAsia is welcoming the New Year with its “NiHao China” campaign, inviting Thai travellers to explore 10 popular destinations across China with special fares starting from THB 2,026 per flight* (taxes included).
Travellers can unlock up to 65% off baggage when booking flights and baggage together. Promotional fare bookings are available until 28 December 2025 for travel between 29 December 2025 and 23 October 2026.
Photo credit: AirAsia.
Thai AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Santisuk Klongchaiya said: “The demand for travel from Thailand to China has continued to gain momentum, emerging as one of the strongest outbound travel trends this year.
“This growth is driven by visa-free travel, making China more accessible than ever, coupled with advancements in technology that have significantly improved convenience for travellers, including language support, cashless payments, and seamless public transportation.
“Thai travellers are increasingly open to exploring China, particularly popular cities such as Chongqing, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. With many other equally attractive destinations across the country, AirAsia is pleased to support this growing demand with the NiHao China promotion, offering fares from just THB 2,026 per flight to welcome the New Year,” he added.
AirAsia currently operates direct flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to 10 key destinations in China: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi’an, Kunming, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Changsha, Shanghai**, and Chongqing, with a total of 55 flights per week.
* Promotional fares apply to selected flights operated under flight codes FD and XJ only. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights, during long weekends, or public holidays. Fares exclude optional add-ons and additional fees, and are subject to AirAsia’s terms and conditions.
** Direct flights between Bangkok (Don Mueang) and Shanghai are available until 3 March 2026.
SINGAPORE, 18 December 2025: British Airways Holidays has unveiled its 2026 Travel Trends Report, in collaboration with travel trend forecasting agency, Globetrender.
In addition to spotlighting the most-searched destinations among British Airways Holidays customers, the report examines key emerging trends shaping travel behaviour over the coming year.
Neurosurfing is one of the top trends featured in the 2026 travel trends report.
2026 Rising Stars (²)
Eight destinations that are rising in popularity based on holiday package searches on ba.com during 2025 for 2026 travel.
Bermuda +38%
St Kitts +31%
Turks and Caicos +22%
Grenada +20%
Crete +18%
Costa Rica +15%
Nashville +13%
Antigua +8%
Top 10 in 2025 for 2026 travel (²)
Most searched for British Airways Holidays travel destinations of 2025 for travel in 2026.
1. New York
2. Orlando
3. Dubai
4. Maldives
5. Barbados
6. Las Vegas
7. Cancun
8. St Lucia
9. Dominican Republic
10. Antigua
Some of the report’s key findings for 2026
Chronocations
Chronocations taps into our growing desire to live in sync with our biological chronotypes rather than the rigid rhythms of modern life. As the 110th anniversary of daylight-saving time sparks national debate in 2026, travellers are using holidays to reset their internal clocks – eating, sleeping and exploring whenever feels right. With 19% of UK travellers already ignoring the clock entirely, Chronocations marks a subtle rebellion against routine, as caffeine-fuelled morning raves and starlit excursions reshape how we experience time. (¹)
Stream Parks
Stream Parks represent the next evolution of theme park travel, as streaming giants and gaming platforms turn their digital worlds into fully immersive, tech-powered destinations. With 38% of UK travellers eager to step inside their favourite show or video game, parks such as Netflix House in the US, iQIYI’s mixed-reality worlds in China and new Minecraft attractions in the UK and US are blurring the line between screen and reality.(¹)
Valueverse
Although the cost of living remains high, UK consumers appear unwilling to compromise on their holiday plans in 2026. Loyalty schemes are powering a new era of smart luxury, enabling points not only for flight and seat upgrades but also for experiences.
Neurosurfing
26% of UK adults report that sleep deprivation affects their mental balance more than social media and digital content (16%), poor physical health or lack of exercise (14%), emails or communication (9%), or generative AI platforms (3%).(¹) But as those who’ve tried digital detoxes or fly-and-flop holidays know, doing less doesn’t always produce the calm “alpha” brainwaves real rest requires. In 2026, interest in cognitive health is expected to increase, as UK travellers place greater emphasis on high-impact relaxation through activities such as breathwork, meditation, and ecstatic dance, designed to facilitate a shift through brainwave states.
Vintage junkets
Amid a sea of global blandness, travellers are searching for relics from the pre-algorithmic age – going out of their way to find retro experiences and pre-loved treasures, with 47% agreeing that vintage or retro experiences offer a more authentic connection to the destinations they are visiting.¹ Through Vintage Junkets, travellers are discovering destinations through their past, making this trend an ode to serendipity and surprise.
British Airways Holidays Managing Director Andrew Flintham said: “I always look forward to what our annual Travel Trends Report will reveal. The prevailing interest in wellness culture continues to shape how we holiday, with many of our trends leaning into this broader movement. With 82% of British Airways Holidays customers thinking loyalty programmes are a great way for brands and businesses to reward their customers, I wasn’t too surprised to learn of The Valueverse, and the ever-increasing demand for new ways to collect and spend points.”
Globetrender editor, founder and CEO Jenny Southan, who authored the report, said: “In a world shaped by economic pressure, digital saturation and rising social fragmentation, holidays are becoming spaces of transformation – opportunities for people to test new identities, restore mental balance and discover forms of joy that everyday routines suppress. This shift marks a profound redefinition of what a holiday is for: not just escape, but expansion. Neurosurfing, what unites these trends is a desire to feel more alive when we travel.”
¹ Figures are from YouGov Plc on behalf of British Airways Holidays. The total sample size was 2,104 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 5 and 6 November 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+)
² All data is based on British Airways Holidays holiday package searches on ba.com in the UK from 1 January to 9 November 2025 for 2026 travel dates versus the equivalent period in 2024 (for travel in 2025).
SINGAPORE, 18 December 2025: The Ashes Tour boosted hotel performance in Perth and Brisbane, while forward-booking levels are peaking above 95% in Adelaide, according to data from CoStar, a global provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets.
Perth hosted the first Test of the Australia-England cricket series — known as The Ashes — between 21 and 25 November. Hotel performance peaked on the second night across each of the three key performance metrics: occupancy (96.0%), ADR (AUD409.36) and RevPAR (AUD393.03).
Photo credit: Cricket Australia. The Ashes Test series boosts hotel occupancies across Australia.
The ADR and RevPAR levels were the market’s highest on record, with year-over-year growth of 46.9% and 50.3%, respectively.
The second Test took place in Brisbane between 4 and 8 December, with the highest occupancy on the first night at 90.3%. The highest ADR (AUD406.16) and RevPAR (AUD363.85) were posted on the third night, up 55.7% and 74.4%, respectively.
Impacted by COVID, the last time the English cricket team toured Australia for the Ashes was in December 2021 and January 2022, with occupancy (88.8%) and RevPAR (AUD210.78) peaking in Hobart on the first night of the fifth Test (Friday, 14 January 2022).
That night, Hobart posted ADR at AUD237.45. The highest ADR level was recorded in Adelaide on the second night of the second Test (Friday, 17 December 2021) at AUD253.30.
The third Test kicked off in Adelaide on Wednesday, 17 December, with booking levels peaking on the first night, at 96.1% (as of 8 December).
The fourth and fifth Tests are taking place in Melbourne and Sydney, with the highest occupancy on the books falling on Saturday, 27 December (84.6%) and Sunday, 4 January (61.3%), respectively.
For more information about the company, its products, and services, visit www.costargroup.com.
