SINGAPORE, 2 October 2025: Star Princess, the second Sphere-Class ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, was officially delivered last week at a celebratory handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
The Star Princess is the 17th ship in the cruise line’s lineup of vessels sailing worldwide.
Photo credit: Princess Cruises. Star Princess.
The Star Princess handover ceremony was attended by Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises; Star Princess Captain Gennaro Arma; Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri; Biagio Mazzotta, President and Chairman of Fincantieri, along with key Fincantieri executives and local government officials.
With her 1,600 crew now onboard, preparing to welcome the first guests, Star Princess will depart the shipyard and sail to Barcelona ahead of her inaugural voyage, an 11-day Western Mediterranean cruise departing 4 October.
The 177,800-ton, 4,300-guest Star Princess — sister to the award-winning Sun Princess — will feature 30 dining and bar venues, entertainment and activity offerings.
Star Princess features the Sanctuary Collection, an elevated private escape at sea, with access to an exclusive restaurant, the Sanctuary Club —a tranquil, adults-only pool deck — and thoughtfully curated amenities that set a new standard for luxury at sea.
With over 1,500 balcony staterooms, guests will enjoy panoramic views from the privacy of their own rooms. Standout venues include The Dome, a next-generation relaxation and entertainment space; The Arena, Princess’ most technologically advanced theater yet; The Piazza, the architectural centerpiece of the ship with its dramatic curves, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sweeping ocean vistas; and Spellbound by Magic Castle, the captivating speakeasy experience born from a collaboration with the famed Hollywood icon, The Magic Castle™.
On 4 October 2025, Star Princess will debut in the scenic Mediterranean, sailing round-trip from Barcelona before crossing the Atlantic to begin a season of Caribbean voyages from Ft. Lauderdale on 7 November 2025. Following her Caribbean season, she will sail through the Panama Canal heading west to begin her inaugural Alaska season.
SINGAPORE, 2 October 2025: British Airways will operate a daily service from Bahrain, increasing weekly flights to London from the current three to seven flights weekly and adding over 9,000 additional seats on the route, effective 27 October.
The flight expansion will provide customers with greater flexibility when planning business trips, family visits, or leisure getaways to the UK and beyond. British Airways currently flies from Bahrain to London on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, using a B787-9 with 216 seats.
Photo credit: BA. Big Ben, London.
In Saudi Arabia, the airline will operate 12 flights from Riyadh to London Heathrow per week this winter and 14 per week from summer 2026. Jeddah will also transition to five flights per week in summer 2026, up from the current four flights operating the route.
British Airways will also be operating a daily service between Abu Dhabi and London from winter 2025, offering customers more choice and convenience.
The expanded schedule supports growing demand across the region and has been strategically timed to ensure customers have seamless onward connections via London Heathrow to more than 200 destinations worldwide.
Tickets for the additional services are now available for purchase on the airline’s website.
BANGKOK, 2 October 2025: China braces for one of the largest holiday travel movements in history, during this year’s Super Golden Week, which combines National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival that got underway on Wednesday and continues through 8 October.
Officials forecast 2.36 billion passenger trips across the country, averaging 295 million journeys each day. While the vast majority will be domestic, immigration authorities still expect around 2 million cross-border trips daily, many of which are bound for Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia.
Photo credits: AJW. Bangkok’s Chinatown.
For Thailand, which has long been a favourite destination for Chinese travellers, the potential is clear. Even capturing a small slice of this travel wave could bring significant rewards to the tourism and hospitality industries.
China on the move
Domestically, the surge reflects pent-up demand, family reunions, and cultural rediscovery. High-speed rail hubs, expressways, and airports are preparing for record volumes. Private vehicles are forecast to dominate traffic, with highways expected to see up to 70 million trips per day at peak.
Airlines forecast nearly 20 million passengers for the eight days. The movement of people and money will ripple across retail, dining, hotels, and cultural attractions, creating a festival atmosphere nationwide.
Top five domestic destinations
Chinese travellers often combine family obligations with cultural or scenic escapes during Golden Week. This year’s leading domestic draws include:
Beijing – Historic icons from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall.
Shanghai – Modern skyline, shopping boulevards, and nightlife.
Xi’an – The Terracotta Army and the ancient Silk Road connection.
Guilin and Yangshuo – Karst peaks, winding rivers, and rural tranquillity.
Zhangjiajie and Wulingyuan – Dramatic landscapes that inspired Avatar’s floating mountains.
These destinations reflect the dual pull of heritage and natural beauty that resonates with millions of holidaymakers.
Top five international destinations
China is a global tourism phenomenon.
For those heading abroad, short-haul destinations are the most popular, thanks to their convenience and value. The top international picks are:
Hong Kong – Shopping, dining, and cultural crossover.
Macau – Casinos, luxury hotels, and entertainment.
Thailand – Warm beaches, cultural attractions, and value for money.
Japan and South Korea – Popular for food, culture, and shopping.
Malaysia and Singapore – Visa-friendly, diverse, and accessible.
These favourites underline the strength of Asia’s intra-regional tourism links, with Thailand positioned as a prime beneficiary.
Thailand’s Golden Week opportunity
Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and sports media outlets estimate that Chinese spending during the 2025 Golden Week could reach around THB9 billion, a figure consistent with previous holiday peaks. Last year’s Golden Week generated approximately THB5 billion from 183,000 visitors, highlighting the significance of this one week to national tourism revenue.
With Chinese travellers averaging THB6,600 in daily spending during multi-night stays, the economic impact extends beyond hotels and flights. Shopping malls, restaurants, entertainment venues, and wellness services all stand to gain. Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok’s retail hubs remain top draws, alongside new interest in cultural and wellness-driven tourism experiences.
Photo credit: AJW. Bangkok’s Chinatown braces for cash bonanza during mega holiday week.
For Thai businesses, the challenge is to ensure capacity, quality, security, safety and targeted promotions that capture attention before and during the holiday. Visa-free entry, seamless airport processing, and curated experiences will be key to securing higher-yield segments.
Chinese Confidence
Super Golden Week is not just about numbers; it symbolises the renewal of consumer confidence and mobility in Asia. For Thailand, it is a timely reminder that Chinese travellers remain the country’s most important inbound market. By aligning infrastructure, marketing, and experience, Thailand can transform this holiday rush into a sustained rebound.
About the author Andrew J Wood is a travel writer and former hotelier based in Bangkok. A past president of Skål International Asia, Skål International Thailand, and twice president of Skål International Bangkok, Andrew has lived in Thailand for over 34 years. Educated in the UK, he is a former General Manager of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort in Pattaya and the Chaophya Park Hotel Bangkok, and previously worked at the Tower Thistle Hotel in London. Today, he serves as International Hospitality Editor for Travel Daily News Asia and is a regular commentator on Thailand’s tourism industry, hospitality trends, and investment opportunities.
SINGAPORE, 1 October 2025: The Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) will host the 10th AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge on 6 November 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
A record-breaking 22 teams from 10 countries and territories across Asia will converge to showcase their creativity, innovative thinking, and talent in the MICE industry.
AFECA is a prominent federation with over 140 members, comprising 34 MICE association members and 109 corporate members, as well as two affiliates from 17 countries, making it a prominent MICE association in Asia.
With access to other global MICE associations, AFECA serves as the gateway for Asia to connect with the rest of the world.
The participating teams will conceptualise, business-test, and create a launch event in one of the components of MICE, showcasing the distinctive features and facilities of their country or areas. They will also be judged on creating the most attractive, practical, and strategic business plan.
“We believe this challenge is more than just a competition — it’s a platform for young minds to shape the future of our industry,” said the Organising Committee chair, Sandeep Gurwara.
As Asia continues to emerge as a rising force in the global MICE industry, this challenge highlights the region’s growing influence and innovative spirit.
Organising Committee Advisor and AFECA Honorary President Dilys Yong added: “I am thrilled to be part of the 10th edition of the AFECA Asia. MICE Youth Challenge is a milestone for an initiative I had the privilege of launching in 2015. It is an honour to see the event grow and continue to inspire young talents in the MICE industry.”
The event will be hosted by ASPERAPI in Jakarta, Indonesia, supported by sponsors:
R.E. Rogers India Pvt Ltd; Association of Korean Exhibition Industry (AKEI); Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC); Conference and Destination Management (CDM); Impact Exhibition Management Co Ltd; Prime Marketing Services Promotion Ltd; Kaoshiung Global MICE Association (KGMA).
The competition will reward winners with prizes, trophies, certificates, and cash awards for the Champion, First Runner-Up, and Second Runner-Up.
Additional categories include Special Recognition Awards:
The Best Presenter Award; The Most Knowledgeable Award; The Best Sustainability Idea Award; The Best PowerPoint Presentation Award; The Best Theme Attire Award; The Most Popular Award.
BANGKOK, 1 October 2025: For leaders, time always seems to slip away. Meetings bleed into evenings, deadlines loom across time zones, and travel schedules can unravel even the best-laid plans.
In this environment, leadership is not just about strategy; it is about stamina. A CEO or general manager’s ability to think clearly, stay motivated, and inspire others hinges on their personal energy.
Stamina and leadership are intertwined.
Enter FSN: Food, Sleep, and Nutrition, a deceptively simple formula that promises to maximise human performance when the stakes are highest.
Much like frequent travellers who know that the right seat, meal, and rest can make or break a journey, FSN is about building habits that fuel not just survival but leadership excellence. It is a lifestyle compass that busy executives increasingly recognise as their secret edge.
Food: Fuel for Focus
Making wise choices – taking charge.
Food is leadership fuel. Build your plate with fresh salads, organic vegetables, lean protein, and nuts. Vitamins from fruit keep you sharp, while whole grains sustain energy without the crash. Skip the heavy carbs and sugary snacks; they kill focus. Eat clean, light, and fresh to think fast and lead strong. And yes, even if you run a global beer company, moderation matters. Enjoy a cold pint socially, but never let alcohol become a performance drain.
Sleep: The CEO’s Superpower
Sleep is the ultimate edge. Seven to eight hours restores clarity, judgment, and emotional balance. Blackout curtains, no screens before bed, and consistent routines turn rest into a weapon. Tired leaders make poor decisions, while rested leaders command trust, calmness, and creativity. Long-haul travellers especially benefit from controlled naps and strategic recovery days. Sleep well, lead better.
Nutrition: Precision Performance
Nutrition fine-tunes the system. Hydrate constantly; even slight dehydration can wreck your focus — power up with Omega-3s, leafy greens, and fresh organic fruits. Micronutrients fuel resilience, while supplements can fill gaps on the road. Limit stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, which may offer short-term boosts but erode long-term balance. Think of nutrition as your operating software. Without it, even the best leader crashes.
The FSN Payoff
Some might dismiss FSN as corporate jargon, a wellness fad dressed up for executives. Yet the truth is emerging. Leaders who adopt FSN are not only healthier but also more effective. They motivate teams more effectively, withstand stress longer, and approach challenges with greater clarity and calm. FSN does not just enhance personal performance; it sets the tone for organisations. Teams follow leaders who embody energy, resilience, and a focused approach.
Pilot your way to success.
If you still think this is all gobbledygook, listen to Jacob Aarup-Andersen, Group CEO of Carlsberg. “The best productivity hack I know? FSN. It is no secret that life as a CEO can be hectic. With our brands present in over 100 markets globally, I spend a lot of time in the air, and those hours are often the only uninterrupted time I have to focus.
“But the real foundation of my productivity? FSN: Fitness, Sleep, Nutrition. It is simple, but it works. When I stick to it, I show up with the energy and clarity to lead, make decisions, and stay sharp across time zones. Productivity is not just about tools or tactics; it starts with how you take care of yourself.”
About the author Andrew J. Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer, hotelier, and tourism lecturer with over four decades of experience in Southeast Asia’s hospitality sector. A former hotel general manager, he is the Past President of Skål International Asia, Skål Thailand, and has served as President of Skål Bangkok twice. Andrew is widely recognised as a respected voice in tourism, hospitality, and investment circles across the Asia-Pacific region. Born in Yorkshire, England, he has lived in his adopted homeland, Thailand, since 1991, where he continues to write, teach, and inspire through his work in the travel and hospitality industry.
This prestigious accolade highlights the properties’ ongoing commitment to sustainability, environmentally responsible practices, and their significant contributions to advancing Thailand’s sustainable tourism sector.
Wuthisak Pichayagan (left), General Manager of Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, and Jan Weisheit (right), General Manager of Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, received the Thailand Tourism Sustainability Award at the 15th Thailand Tourism Awards, organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
“We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects not only the dedication of our team but also our collective responsibility to create a sustainable future for tourism,” said Wuthisak Pichayagan, General Manager of Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok. “This award motivates us to continue developing innovative solutions that minimise our environmental footprint while delivering exceptional guest experiences.”
Echoing this sentiment, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, General Manager Jan Weisheit commented: “This recognition is a testament to the strong commitment we share with our guests, associates, and the local community to preserve and celebrate Hua Hin’s natural and cultural heritage. We are proud to represent a model of sustainable hospitality in such an iconic destination.”
A strong commitment to sustainability guides every aspect of Centara’s development and operations. The group is pursuing ambitious environmental targets, including a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage, a 20% decrease in water consumption by 2029, and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
The Thailand Tourism Sustainability Award reinforces Centara’s position as an industry leader committed to shaping a more responsible and sustainable future for Thailand’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
SINGAPORE, 1 October 2025: Japan’s Mount Yōtei in Hokkaido Prefecture is set to capture the attention of the global gaming community with a significant video game focusing on the region, scheduled for release on 2 October.
Digital travel platform Agoda highlights the natural landscapes of Hokkaido and encourages travellers to explore the breathtaking real-life inspirations behind the game’s decor.
It will be the second time an open-world samurai game is expected to bring global attention to a Japanese region, following the success of the Japanese island of Tsushima. Local tourism organisations capitalised on the video game’s popularity; the mayor of Tsushima thanked the game developers publicly, and fans of the game even rallied together to donate money after a typhoon hit Tsushima.
The backdrop of the new samurai-centred game will be Hokkaido. From the vibrant cityscapes of Sapporo to the serene beauty of Lake Toya, Agoda shares five must-visit destinations in Hokkaido that capture the essence of Japan’s northernmost prefecture:
Sapporo: The capital of Hokkaido is a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy the lush greenery of Odori Park, the panoramic views from Mount Moiwa, and the seasonal charm of the Sapporo Snow Festival. Sapporo’s tasty food scene, featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies, adds to its allure.
Furano: Known for its rolling lavender fields and colourful flower farms, Furano is a haven for nature lovers. The picturesque landscapes change with the seasons, offering a kaleidoscope of colours in summer and a pristine snowy wonderland in winter. Furano’s tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal escape for those seeking peace and inspiration.
Lake Toya: This caldera lake, surrounded by volcanic mountains, is a UNESCO Global Geopark and a testament to Hokkaido’s geological wonders. Visitors can enjoy hot spring resorts, scenic boat rides, and hiking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and its surrounding landscapes.
Hirafu: Nestled in the Niseko region, Hirafu is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its world-class ski slopes in winter, the area also offers hiking, mountain biking, and hot springs during the warmer months. The majestic Mount Yōtei, often referred to as “Ezo Fuji,” serves as a stunning backdrop to this vibrant destination.
Shiretoko Peninsula: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Shiretoko Peninsula is a pristine wilderness that shows Hokkaido’s untamed beauty. From dramatic cliffs and waterfalls to diverse wildlife, this remote destination offers a glimpse into Japan’s natural heritage.
Agoda Country Director Japan Satomi Nakabayashi shared: “Whether in the picturesque autumn season or the snowy winter months, Hokkaido prefecture is a joy to explore. The landscapes are nothing short of captivating. Whether you’re a fan of the game or simply looking for an unforgettable adventure, Agoda makes it easy to explore these stunning destinations and experience the magic of nature firsthand.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 October 2025: Tourism Malaysia hosted a pivotal strategic engagement session, bringing together its overseas directors from 29 full-fledged offices and four marketing representative offices, alongside key airline partners, to streamline and refine strategic action plans in gearing up for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
The three-day event, held from 28 to 30 September, facilitated discussions on aligning international marketing efforts and strategising tourism promotion initiatives in key global markets, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening global tourism ties and enhancing its international outreach.
Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, headed a special session where he imparted his strategic mandate and key expectations for efforts to amplify Malaysia’s tourism presence globally.
Other highlights include town hall sessions with all divisions in Tourism Malaysia and key tourism-related agencies, such as the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), the Policy Division (Culture) of MOTAC, and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), to enhance inter-agency cooperation in promoting tourism through more cohesive and integrated initiatives.
Breakout session with airlines featured engagement sessions with key airline partners and aviation stakeholders. Apart from three Malaysian-based carriers, 27 aviation industry players participated in the B2B session, fostering direct discussions between Tourism Malaysia’s overseas directors and their representatives.
Tourism Malaysia’s Director General, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, emphasised the need to consider the return on investment (ROI) and the strategic role that air connectivity plays in expanding route networks and promoting Malaysia on the global stage.
“Visitor arrivals to Malaysia have demonstrated encouraging signs of recovery across various global regions. Notably, we have achieved full recovery in key markets across all regions, except for West Asia, Northern Africa, Southern Africa, and Western Africa. We remain committed to intensifying our efforts to stimulate growth in these regions and to achieving full recovery across all markets.”
SINGAPORE 1 October 2025: Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced on Tuesday an organisational restructure to support the two brands’ growth in the Asia Pacific.
Effective immediately, Lisa Pile, vice president and general manager, Asia Pacific for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has assumed additional responsibility for Oceania Cruises in Asia. Pile, who has worked in various roles for Regent since 2016, brings extensive insight into Asia’s diverse luxury travel markets, having lived and worked in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Bangkok, and Singapore.
In addition, highly respected sales professional Constance Seck returns to the company as Director of Sales for Southeast Asia and Oceania Cruises, as well as Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
James Sitters will continue as director of sales, Australia & New Zealand, for Oceania Cruises.
Within the new sales structure, Pile will be supported by three regional leaders, who are experts in their respective markets:
Constance Seck, Director of Sales for Southeast Asia and Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, based in Singapore, has returned to the company to lead sales efforts for Southeast Asia. Seck brings over 20 years of extensive experience in these markets, having held senior leadership roles in luxury hotels, consortium management, and travel agencies.
Based in Hong Kong, Holly Kong, Director of Sales for North Asia and Oceania, will lead sales efforts for North Asia (excluding Japan) for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With more than seven years of experience with the company, Kong expands her remit to include Oceania Cruises once again, bringing deep knowledge of the luxury cruise segment.
Toshi Kurihara, General Manager, Japan, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Based in Tokyo, Kurihara has led Oceania Cruises and Regent’s sales efforts in Japan since 2023 with a strong background and established network in the luxury travel sector.
Oceania Cruises has recently launched its eighth ship, Oceania Allura, while Regent will welcome the ultra-luxurious Seven Seas Prestige in late 2026.
ROME, 1 October 2025: During its 25th Global Summit in Rome on Monday, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched its latest report, revealing that Europe remains the beating heart of international tourism, with five of the world’s top 10 most powerful travel and tourism markets by GDP.
The return of the WTTC Global Summit to Europe, for the first time since the Covid pandemic, reflects the region’s enduring global leadership.
Photo credit: WTTC. The iconic city of Rome, Italy, hosted the WTTC’s 25th Global Summit from 28 September to 30, 2025.
Italy’s position as a G7 nation and as host of this year’s Global Summit further underscores its leadership role, building on its hosting of last year’s first-ever G7 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting.
According to the latest data, Italy’s travel and tourism sector reached USD248.3 billion last year, underpinned by strong international visitor spend and a booming meetings and events industry.
Germany, the world’s third-largest travel and tourism market, contributed USD525 billion to its GDP in 2024.
Despite losing USDP2.2 billion in international visitor spending last year, the UK added USD367 billion to its economy, maintaining its position as one of the strongest and most dynamic markets worldwide.
France, the world’s most visited destination, generated over USD289 billion from travel and tourism in 2024, whilst Spain, the second most visited country in the world, added USD270 billion.
This broad-based growth demonstrates Europe’s ability to blend heritage with innovation, maintain global competitiveness, and lead the way in sustainable tourism development.
WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara said: “These results tell a story of strength and opportunity. The US remains the world’s largest travel and tourism market, China is surging back, Europe is powering ahead, and destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa are delivering record growth. This year, we are forecasting that our sector will contribute a historic USD2.1 trillion in 2025, surpassing the previous high of USD1.9 trillion in 2019, by USD164 billion.
“As Italy hosts this year’s Global Summit, its role as a G7 leader showcases the importance of tourism in driving economies, creating jobs, and shaping our shared future.”
Around the World
The report also reveals that the US remains the world’s most powerful travel and tourism market, contributing USD2.6 trillion to GDP in 2024, with its domestic market remaining the strongest in the world, sustaining millions of jobs and underpinning sector resilience.
However, WTTC forecasts international visitor spending in the US will fall by USD12.5 billion in 2025, leaving growth at just +0.7%. WTTC has warned that without destination promotion, traveller-friendly policies, and reduced visa costs, it could lose its competitive edge.
China, the world’s second-largest travel and tourism market, contributed USD1.64 trillion to its economy in 2024, and is forecast to surge by 22.7% in 2025, adding USD260 billion to its economy, highlighting China’s rapid return to international prominence and its pivotal role in shaping global travel flows.
Japan, the world’s fifth-largest tourism economy with a USD310.5 billion contribution in 2024, is forecast to add a further USD13.8 billion to its GDP this year to reach almost USD325 billion.
Travel and tourism are now growing faster than the consumer goods sector, indicating that people are increasingly valuing experiences over material goods.
The Economic Impact Research Trends report indicates that travel and tourism are solidifying their position as a cornerstone of the global economy.
Middle East momentum
The Middle East remains one of the fastest-growing regions in the world for travel and tourism, with Saudi Arabia continuing to stand out as a global powerhouse, as inbound visitor spend surges and infrastructure investment reaches record levels.
Across the region, capital is flowing into airports, cruise terminals, and cutting-edge hospitality projects, signalling long-term confidence in its ambition to become a global tourism hub.
Jobs boom worldwide
According to the report, Travel & Tourism supported 357 million jobs in 2024 and is projected to rise to 371 million in 2025, accompanied by an increase in the sector’s share of global employment.
By 2035, one in eight jobs worldwide will be supported by travel and tourism, with an additional 91 million new jobs supported, the majority in the Asia-Pacific region, resulting in one in three new jobs globally endorsed by the sector.
