Hilton’s ongoing commitment to making travel a force for good has seen it establishing some unique partnerships with local organisations in Thailand to achieve stronger sustainability impact.
Hilton hotels in Bangkok and Pattaya have partnered with Wat Chak Daeng, a temple in the Phra Pradaeng District, to support plastic recycling efforts. The hotels contribute used amenities and plastic bottles, which are then turned into monk robes, flooring materials, and plastic chairs, giving plastics a second lease of life.
Hilton hotels in Bangkok and Pattaya partners Wat Chak Daeng to recycle plastic
The properties’ combined efforts have resulted in over 18,000 plastic bottles donated for recycling at the temple. This is equivalent to almost five tons of plastic being diverted from landfills.
Over in the Thai capital city, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok utilises octagonal-shaped cartons to provide drinking water for guests. After use, these cartons are donated to the Thai Green Shelter Project and converted into roof sheets and ecobricks, to help build and maintain houses for the underprivileged and survivors of natural disasters.
In 2024, the team collected and donated 11,600 empty cartons, the equivalent of around six roof sheets, to help rebuild the Rajapattana School and villages in Sukirin District in Narathiwat province. To date, over 10,000 cartons have been donated this year.
Hilton and its properties continuously look for opportunities to reduce unnecessary waste in its operations and supply chain, including the recycling and the elimination of single-use plastics, to create a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.
Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report revealed that over 70 per cent of travellers find it important to minimise their environmental impact while traveling, with more than half considering a hotel’s sustainability program a factor that impacts their choice of stay.
Ten Khiri Travel staff have earned the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism, following the completion of a four-week online course and examination. The endeavour is part of the company’s ambition to be a completely GSTC-certified DMC by the end of 2025.
Those that passed include six of Khiri’s Green Team spokespeople, two general managers, one office manager, and the sustainability coordinator at Khiri Core in head office.
Khiri Travel aims to be a completely GSTC-certified DMC by the end of 2025
The course was led by experts Nia Klatte and Ayako Ezaki, with guest speakers contributing operational insights. Delivered via the TrainingAid platform, the programme featured live sessions, interactive modules and technical discussions.
The instruction will help Khiri strengthen its internal sustainability management system in 18 offices in all the eight Asian countries where it operates.
Sukhum Jarangdej, sustainability coordinator at Khiri Core, said: “GSTC training has elevated technical understanding and Khiri’s readiness for certification across the company.
“It also ensures our local Green Teams are equipped to lead sustainability efforts in meaningful and measurable ways, in practice, not just in theory.”
Each Khiri country office has its own Green Team consisting of volunteer staff who spearhead sustainability projects, support certification initiatives, and foster a culture of eco-consciousness across departments.
To receive personal GSTC certification, participants must pass the exam with a minimum score of 80 per cent. The certification is individual based. It can be retained by the recipient as a qualification for the rest of their career.
Khiri’s three remaining general managers and a newly appointed green team spokesperson from Vietnam are now participating in the training course.
Natalie van Ogtrop, the sustainability manager for Khiri’s parent company, Yaana Ventures, earned the certification earlier this year.
Willem Niemeijer, CEO, Khiri Travel, said: “The training represents a key milestone as Khiri moves toward overall GSTC certification as a company. We are committed to the 4Cs of Conservation, Community, Culture and responsible Commerce. Khiri will continue to lead by example on positive-impact regenerative tourism throughout Asia.”
Results of the annual Halal in Travel (HIT) Awards 2025, organised by the industry authority on halal tourism CrescentRating and online online consumer platform and mobile application HalalTrip, have highlighted growing intensity in efforts to build a warmer welcome for Muslim travellers in non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destinations.
The HIT Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) Awards named Hong Kong the Most Promising Muslim-friendly Destination of The Year. Hong Kong ranks third in this year’s Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI).
Halal in Travel Awards 2025 honours organisations and individuals who drive innovation and inclusivity in halal travel
Hong Kong hospitality organisations swept up five more trophies in the HIT Muslim-Friendly Service Provider Awards category. Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong was named Muslim-friendly Hotel of The Year; The Mira Hong Kong was named Muslim-friendly Hotel of The Year; Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre was named Muslim-Friendly Convention & Exhibition Centre of The Year; Ngong Ping 360, Hong Kong was named Muslim-friendly Attraction of The Year; Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong was recognised for its Outstanding Contribution to Hong Kong’s Halal Dining Landscape.
In the same category, Malaysia’s Mohd Chan Group won the Muslim-friendly Restaurant Chain of The Year recognition.
Liew Chian Jia, regional director of Southeast Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said: “Since our Muslim-friendly push, HKTB has seen an increasing interest and participation in CrescentRating’s accreditation programme among the Hong Kong stakeholders. To support this initiative within the South-east Asia region, we have rolled out a dedicated Muslim campaign named, Jelajah Hong Kong, that showcases Muslim-friendly experiences for ease of trip planning. We will continue efforts to elevate Hong Kong’s position as a popular Muslim-friendly destination.”
In the HIT HalalTrip Travelers Choice Awards category, Switzerland Tourism’s destination campaign with Buttonscarves, an Indonesian premium scarf and headscarf brand, won the NTO the Halal Travel Marketing Campaign of The Year award.
The Taipei City Government was also recognised as the Muslim Women Friendly City Destination of The Year. This is another feather in the cap for Taipei City, which was named the Most Promising Muslim-friendly City Destination of The Year (non-OIC) in the HIT GMTI) Awards 2023.
Furthermore, the naming of Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, undersecretary, Philippine Department of Tourism as HIT’s Halal Travel Personality of The Year is reflective of the Philippines’ steady emergence as a hot favourite among Muslim travellers.
The Philippines climbed four spots to reach eighth place in the GMTI 2025 ranking of Top 20 Non-OIC destinations.
The only other title holder so far is Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, who was recognised in 2022 – he was the former minister of tourism and creative economy of Indonesia.
Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess will be homeported in Singapore for the 2026–27 sailing season, bringing with them an expanded range of itineraries and sailing dates, including festive departures. Both ships last homeported in Singapore for the 2018–19 season.
Sapphire Princess will operate 18 itineraries from Singapore during the 2026–27 season, including round-trip South-east Asia and Far East sailings. Some itineraries will include late-night port calls in locations such as Halong Bay, Bangkok and Hong Kong. Among the itineraries is a 33-night repositioning voyage departing Los Angeles on October 15, 2025, calling at Hawaii, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Yokohama before arriving in Singapore.
Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess prepare for the 2026–27 season from Singapore
A 14-day Christmas and New Year sailing will visit eight ports in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, with an overnight stop in Bangkok.
Following a season in Japan from February to November 2026, Diamond Princess will reposition to Singapore, where she will operate 11 sailings between November 2026 and March 2027, covering 28 destinations in eight countries. The season begins and ends with repositioning voyages between Singapore and Japan, ranging from 14 to 31 days and calling at Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
A 14-day Christmas and New Year sailing will include stops in Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.
Take in the sights and sounds of the towns along Danube river on Trafalgar Reverie
Cruise down the Danube from Budapest one day, take a tour of Communist-era sites the next, and dine with a local family at Austria’s oldest winery the day after.
These experiences are just some of the activities in different destinations that are part of Trafalgar’s newly launched river cruise tours in Europe that will set sail from April 2026.
The two itineraries include an eight-day cruise down the Danube river from Budapest to Passau on the Trafalgar Reverie and a 10-day Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basel on the Trafalgar Verity.
Expanding into the river cruise segment is a natural progression for the travel brand. Trafalgar, part of the The Travel Corporation (TTC) group of companies, aims to provide travellers with deeper, more meaningful ways to connect with the destinations they visit — whether through immersive cultural encounters, behind-the-scenes access, or exclusive activities not easily available to the public.
Since its founding in 1947 in the United Kingdom, Trafalgar has led guided holidays to 72 countries across all seven continents. Today, it continues to deliver authentic travel experiences through its offerings.
“We’ve always been about making it easy for travellers to connect with the heart and soul of every destination. Now, we’re bringing that same philosophy and unmatched experience – valued by our travel advisor partners, to Europe’s iconic rivers,” said Nick Lim, CEO, Asia, TTC.
Trafalgar’s river cruises bring its signature activities and experiences as its land tours to Europe’s waterways. Here are some ways the brand continues to deliver authentic travel experiences:
Exclusive encounters
The plus interior of a balcony room on Trafalgar Verity
Trafalgar’s river cruise ships are designed for intimacy and personalised service, with just 64 cabins that can accommodate up to 128 guests. This smaller size means a more relaxed atmosphere onboard and ensures that guests can enjoy the journey without the crowds typical of larger cruises.
Moreover, the crew-to-guest ratio is 1:3, allowing for more personalised service.
Local discovery Beyond the major cities, Trafalgar’s river cruises take guests to lesser-known towns along the rivers, each rich with their own history and heritage.
Guests can immediately disembark after breakfast and head right into town, whether it is to explore the beautiful old town of Koblenz or soak in the Baroque architecture of Passau. Or they can join included tours conducted by a local specialist who can introduce them to Budapest’s local delicacies or take them on a scenic walk along the banks of the Ilz river in Bavaria.
These destinations off the typical tourist trail introduce guests to a different side of a destination that they may have been to before and experience the authenticity of small towns and villages.
One-of-a-kind experiences
The main lounge of the Trafalgar Verity is done in a classical European style
A key part of Trafalgar’s appeal is its Be My Guest experiences — personally hosted encounters with local families and communities.
For instance, guests can dine at Austria’s oldest winery, Weingut Nikolaihof owned by the Saahs family, and learn about their winemaking heritage, or lunch with the Bohrer family at a family-run farm in Breisach.
Another aspect of Trafalgar’s tours is its Stays with Stories programme where guests can stay in accommodations with historical or cultural significance. Think heritage properties such as castles or boutique hotels that reflect the character of the region.
In fact, the each ship was specially designed to reflect the river and the surrounding region.
Conscious travel Apart from taking care of guests’ needs, Trafalgar also takes care of the planet, people and wildlife through its Make Travel Matter programme.
Itineraries include experiences that support the local community or learning about responsible consumption and produciton. In fact, Trafalgar’s river cruise crew also head into town to shop for local produce that will be used for meals on board.
Make Travel Matter experiences on the river cruises include learning about Bratislava’s Cold War history on a tour of Communist-era sites and vinegar tasting at an artisanal vinegar producer.
Exclusive perks at no extra cost Travelling is also made more seamless as Trafalgar takes care of all logistics, allowing guests to focus on enjoying their journey. This includes priority access to popular attractions, effectively skipping the lines and saving valuable time.
Itineraries are designed with built-in leisure time, ensuring travellers have the flexibility to explore on their own, relax, or pursue personal interests at their own pace.
Moreover, guests benefit from 24/7 on-the-road support, ensuring assistance is always available.
Keen for an authentic experience like no other? Visit Trafalgar to discover the variety of tours available now.
Measures will be taken to address Bali's traffic congestion
The Bali Provincial Government is intensifying efforts in addressing issues in waste and traffic management across the island, through the formation of task forces that will work together across sectors.
Sharing this move at the Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) 2025 happening this week, Bali governor I Wayan Koster said the teams would “accelerate source-based waste management, and oversee the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies for processing both organic and non-organic waste”.
Bali governor I Wayan Koster (third from left) opens BBTF 2025 in Bali, unveils task forces to solve the island’s waste and traffic ills
Additionally, producers in Bali will be banned from producing plastic bottled water of under one litre.
As for Bali’s infamous traffic congestion, Koster said working and school hours would be looked into while logistic vehicles would be prohibited from daytime operations. Furthermore, improvements would be made to public transportation; underpasses are being planned.
Despite these issues, Koster noted that international arrivals remain high, with numbers in 2024 reaching 6.4 million – surpassing the destination’s peak performance in 2019.
Since the start of 2025 and until May, international arrivals to Bali rose 11 per cent over the same period last year.
“Bali’s economy grows when tourism grows, because the sector contributes 66 per cent of Bali’s economy,” he remarked.
Speaking at the opening of BBTF 2025 on Wednesday, Indonesia minister of tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, said Bali functions as a strategic hub for travellers to explore the country. As a “crown jewel” of Indonesia, Bali’s tourism contributes 44 per cent to the national foreign exchange earnings.
The minister highlighted BBTF’s commitment to promoting travel to the greater Bali region, Jembrana, Buleleng and Banyuwangi, as well as enhancing the appeal of northern and western Bali and East Java while managing tourism density in South Bali.
Full-scale movie set recreations bring the spirit of Kowloon Walled City back to its original site
Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey is a new open-air exhibition that brings the former site of the Kowloon Walled City back to life through full-scale set recreations. Once the most densely populated place on earth, the Walled City was known for its maze-like architecture and informal way of life before its demolition in the 1990s.
The exhibition offers a way to engage with this unique chapter of Hong Kong’s past, while the surrounding Kowloon City district provides further context through its food culture, local art and daily life.
Full-scale movie set recreations bring the spirit of Kowloon Walled City back to its original site
Launched on May 23, the exhibition is the largest of its kind in Hong Kong and recreates full-scale scenes from the 2024 action film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. Visitors can walk through realistic sets of 1980s alleyways and shops, including a tailor, barber, bone-setting clinic and fish ball factory. The exhibition is open daily at Kowloon Walled City Park’s Yamen area and runs for three years. Entry is free.
Beyond the exhibition, Kowloon City offers visitors a look into some of Hong Kong’s oldest cultural landmarks. Hau Wong Temple, built in 1730, preserves traditional architecture with porcelain figures, dragon carvings and Chinese calligraphy. The Cattle Depot Artist Village, once a slaughterhouse, now houses art spaces and local artists. Sung Wong Toi MTR station displays archaeological finds from the Song and Yuan Dynasties, including ceramics and trade relics.
Kowloon City is also known for its food. Long-time cafés such as Lok Yuen serve satay beef French toast with milk tea and coffee blends. Fong Wing Kee, open since 1952, remains popular for its hotpot. Lok Hau Fook is known for Chiu Chow dishes including roast goose and deep-fried taro (yam). Tai Wo Tang, a former Chinese medicine shop from 1932, is now a modern café that retains many of its original fittings. Tei Mou Koon Dessert specialises in traditional Cantonese sweets such as herbal jelly and sesame soup.
The neighbourhood’s retail mix reflects its diversity. The area south of Kowloon Walled City Park – often referred to as Little Thailand – features grocery shops, beauty salons and stalls selling Thai produce and meals.
For a more contemporary shopping experience, AIRSIDE at Kai Tak offers international brands, lifestyle boutiques, dining and leisure zones including indoor surfing. Nearby, Kai Tak Mall hosts over 200 stores and indoor attractions such as EpicLand and a climbing wall.
Malaysia Airlines rolls out global Business Class fares with new A330neo offering
Malaysia Airlines has launched a global campaign, Time for Premium Escapades, offering Business Class fares on international routes. The campaign runs from June 6 to 19, 2025, for travel between June 6, 2025, and May 31, 2026. It includes destinations across Asia, Australia, Europe and other regions.
For departures from Taiwan, return Business Class fares begin at TW$18,979 (US$580). Passengers flying in Business Class have access to fast-track services, Malaysia Airlines’s Golden Lounge, and private airport transfers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1, through a partnership with Mercedes Benz.
Malaysia Airlines rolls out global Business Class fares with new A330neo offering
On board, passengers can use lie-flat seats and complimentary Wi-Fi, available on selected aircraft for all passengers, regardless of class or loyalty status.
The airline has introduced updated meal options under its Best of Asia menu, with new dishes inspired by various destinations. Passengers may also pre-select meals through the Chef-on-Call service. On selected flights, additional amenities include pyjamas for Business Class passengers and child-friendly meals and activity packs for families.
The campaign also includes Economy Class fares, with return flights starting from TW$8,480. Economy passengers receive the same core onboard services across both regional and long-haul routes.
Fares are available through Malaysia Airlines’s website, the MHmobile app, and authorised travel agents.
Dersenish Aresandiran, chief commercial officer of airlines, Malaysia Aviation Group shared that the airline’s new A330neo, featuring elevation seats and private suites, marks an upgrade to its premium offering.
He said: “At Malaysia Airlines, we are proud to offer a Business Class experience that reflects our continuous commitment to providing our passengers with comfort, innovation and the signature warmth of Malaysian Hospitality.”
Feel the rush at Kandima Maldives’ Fast Track with the launch of pro GoKarting and speed challenges
Kandima Maldives will launch a two-month programme titled Summer Kamp from July 7 to September 7, 2025, featuring a series of workshops and activities focused on music, motorsport, art and creative learning.
The event will be held at the resort and aims to attract families and travellers looking for immersive, experience-based travel. The curated line-up will include talent from India and abroad, reflecting the rising trend of travel that combines leisure with personal enrichment.
Feel the rush at Kandima Maldives’ Fast Track with the launch of pro GoKarting and speed challenges
Summer Kamp 2025 will offer a range of activities tailored to different age groups. This includes DJ workshops, karting events, and art sessions led by visiting creatives.
From August 30 to 31, Mumbai-based artists Kunj Mehta and Rushil Sheth of Paintheads will host a series of hands-on art workshops at the resort’s KULA Art Studio and Breeze Pool Bar. Participants will create layered, mixed-media works using techniques such as masking and collage, drawing inspiration from the Maldivian environment.
From August 15 to 17, Garvi Kotak, founder of Craft India Collaborative, will conduct clay sculpting workshops focused on everyday inspiration and tactile engagement.
Motorsport activities will take place from August 1 to 4, led by Formula 2 champion Théo Pourchaire at the resort’s e-go karting track, Fast Track. Guests will be able to take part in karting sessions, meet-and-greets, and a Time Trials Challenge. Pourchaire will also host a Q&A and an art session, where participants can design miniature karts or helmets, with one design selected for a prize.
On July 24 and 25, BBC Radio 1 DJ Jaguar will lead DJ workshops and a Q&A session on electronic music and mixing techniques. Music sessions will also be hosted at the Breeze Bar and Fast Track area.
A new entertainment facility called PlaySpace is expected to open soon, offering VR experiences, arcade games, bowling and other attractions suitable for families and older children.
The Summer Kamp programme is open to all guests staying at the resort between July 7 and September 7. Stays start from US$260 per night in a Sky Studio with breakfast, when booked directly with the resort.
ALL Accor, Accor’s booking platform and loyalty programme, has partnered with Plusgrade to introduce an enhanced exchange solution for members, which allows the conversion of points from other participating loyalty programmes into reward points for ALL Accor.
The move is in response to loyalty members’ demand for more flexibility, simplicity, and choice in how points are used.
ALL Accor members can now convert rewards earned from institutions such as Bilt, Capital One and Citi loyalty programmes into ALL Accor points
With Plusgrade’s exchange technology, ALL Accor members can convert rewards earned from institutions such as Bilt, Capital One and Citi loyalty programmes into ALL Accor points.
“Giving loyalty members more ways to use their rewards makes their programs even more valuable,” said Ken Harris, founder and CEO of Plusgrade**.**
Mehdi Hemici, chief loyalty & ecommerce officer, Accor, added that the partnership was a “key milestone for ALL Accor”, as it “answers our members’ desire for more than discounts by delivering unforgettable experiences”.
