The Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo – known among industry stakeholders as MITE – will return with its 14th edition from April 24 to 26, 2026 at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo halls.
It will feature three days of business matching as well as tourism product showcases. The show floor will comprise government entities, such as NTOs, CVBs and state tourism organisations; travel agencies, including DMCs, TMCs and wholesalers; accommodation specialists, such as hotel chains, integrated resort and service apartments; business events suppliers; transportation specialists, such as airlines and train operators; attractions; and many other critical segments of the travel and tourism industry.
MITE 2026 returns to Macau with three days of tourism showcases, business matching, and global industry connections
Participating exhibitors will benefit from interactions with more than 500 hosted trade buyers as well as promotion in the show directory and MITE 2026’s online channel.
MITE 2026 follows on from another successful year – the event in 2025 attracted 755 exhibitors, almost 500 trade buyers, and more than 38,000 overall attendees. MITE 2025 also fulfilled more than 16,000 online and offline business matching and acquired 26 million views across online media networks.
TTG Asia has once again been appointed the official show daily producer to bring latest industry developments from MITE 2026 to a wide audience across the event and throughout TTG Asia Media’s global industry readership.
Tanzania is eyeing Asia-Pacific visitors as it seeks to diversify its source markets and maximise consumer travel demand in the region.
The east African nation welcomed a record 2.14 million inbound tourists in 2024, up from 1.81 million in 2023, according to its National Bureau of Statistics. Visitor spending in 2024 generated US$3.9 billion, up 15.7 per cent year on year, making tourism one of the country’s most important industries.
Tanzania’s wildlife safaris, a top tourism draw, are helping operators attract more visitors from Asia-Pacific
Arrivals have long been dominated by European and North American markets, but Tanzanian tourism stakeholders are eager to welcome more travellers from Asia-Pacific by building on recent efforts. For example, last year’s promotional activities in Australia and the 2024 China-Tanzania Culture and Tourism Year contributed to Australia and China being listed in Tanzania’s top 15 source markets for the first time.
Some of the most popular activities for visitors are related to natural wonders, observed Greyson Mchau, director of Savannah Explorers, an Arusha-based tour operator specialising in safaris to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros), trekking to Mount Kilimanjaro, and beach holidays.
“We’re seeing a lot of visitors from China, but we’d love more,” he told TTG Asia.
“We want to invest in the Asia-Pacific market, where we see great potential due to the large and growing number of outbound travellers,” added Mchau.
“Asia-Pacific is a relatively new market for us, but we are keen to engage, particularly with the strong outbound travel markets of Singapore and Malaysia,” added Zephania Abduel, sales and operations manager at Tanzania Roadside Expeditions, which offers similar tours, also out of Arusha.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries, a global campaign promoting safe travel with mobile phones, laptops, power banks, and other lithium-powered devices.
Running across IATA’s website and social media platforms, the campaign offers seven simple rules for handling these items safely when flying. Airlines, airports, and travel partners can also access white-label materials for use across their own channels.
IATA’s animated video demonstrates safe travel practices for lithium-powered devices
Recent IATA passenger survey results show that travellers are increasingly carrying multiple electronic devices – 83 per cent bring a phone, 60 per cent a laptop, and 44 per cent a power bank. Yet, despite 93 per cent claiming to know the rules, many misunderstand key regulations. Half incorrectly believe small lithium-powered devices can be checked in, while 45 per cent think power banks can go in checked luggage. A third are unaware of power limits for batteries or spares.
To address this, the campaign highlights seven key guidelines: carry all battery-powered items in hand luggage, never pack them in checked bags, protect loose batteries, check airline rules and battery watt-hours, and immediately alert crew if a device is hot or damaged.
The multilingual campaign will be rolled out industry-wide, with airlines and airports encouraged to share its digital assets. A short animated video has also been produced to communicate the rules in a clear and engaging format.
Common items powered by lithium batteries include mobile phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, e-readers, smartwatches, headphones, portable speakers, grooming tools, e-cigarettes, hearing aids, and small power tools.
“Lithium-powered devices are safe when handled properly, but they can pose a risk if damaged or packed incorrectly. As more travellers fly with these devices, our Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries campaign will help airlines educate their passengers on the simple rules they must keep in mind when travelling with the electronic devices that have become an essential part of their daily lives,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s senior vice president for operations, safety and security.
Minor Hotels will open Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel in April 2026, marking the Sunshine Coast’s first internationally branded new-build hotel in nearly 40 years.
Developed, owned, and operated by KPAT Hotels under a franchise agreement with Minor Hotels, the 12-storey, 180-key property will offer premium coastal accommodation.
The 180-key property will be the Sunshine Coast’s first internationally branded new-build hotel in nearly 40 years
Located 100 metres from Mooloolaba Beach, the hotel is 15 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport and 30 minutes from Australia Zoo. Rooms and one-bedroom suites range from 27m² to 45m², with interconnecting options, 24-hour in-room dining, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
The property includes three dining venues, a rooftop pool and bar, a lobby bar, and a modern Australian restaurant. The third-floor events space can host up to 250 guests, and wellness facilities feature a spa with private treatment suites and a sauna, and fitness facilities.
Craig Hooley, chief operating officer of Minor Hotels Australasia, said: “Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel represents a key milestone for Minor Hotels Australasia. The Avani brand’s modern, connected and design-led approach perfectly complements the Sunshine Coast’s laid-back yet sophisticated lifestyle. This project fills a long-standing gap in new hotel development for the region and positions Mooloolaba for its next phase of tourism growth.”
Professional actors from Evolve School of Performing Arts will bring secrets and twists to life across Cempedak Island, a private resort off Bintan, Indonesia, during the second Murder Mystery Weekend from November 7 to 9, 2025.
The inaugural April 2025 edition saw guests follow clues and unmask the culprit during a communal dinner, with actors initially indistinguishable from other guests and clues hidden in unexpected places, including the general manager’s hat.
Guests can immerse themselves in secrets and suspense during Cempedak Island’s Murder Mystery Weekend
The second edition offers an immersive experience with mysteries spread across Cempedak’s secluded areas. Guests can enjoy barefoot luxury while taking part in adventure walks, rock climbing, water sports, tennis, croquet, volleyball, boule, yoga, and pilates. Meals and cocktails by the sea are included.
The weekend begins before arrival for those travelling on the Singapore to Bintan ferry. Rates for the three-day, two-night event are S$1,845 (US$1,260) for single occupancy, S$2,200 for double occupancy, and S$3,156 for triple occupancy, with additional nights at available upon request.
All rates cover the murder mystery itinerary, two nights’ accommodation, transfers to and from Bintan Ferry Terminal, and three meals a day.
Central Asian destinations are eyeing prime South-east Asian markets as part of a strategy to lure more tourists to its emerging countries.
Igor Nabatnikov, incoming department manager at DN Tours based in Turkmenistan, said he is seeing an increase in visitors from Japan and China seeking a combined tour with Uzbekistan.
Central Asia’s hidden gems are drawing attention from South-east Asian tourists, such as like Registan Square, pictured
He added that direct flights from South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand are helping to lure visitors from those destinations.
Nabatnikov believes that future direct flights from Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan will help lure more visitors wanting to embark on multi-country trips.
“South-east Asia has a lot of potential, so we are trying hard to market our destination there,” he said. “We have beautiful landscapes, culture, food and hospitality, and we are relatively undiscovered.”
Mari Zaridze, head of sales, Georgian Holidays, said since Georgia signed a strategic partnership with China, more Chinese have been visiting. A strong presence of Singaporeans is also noted.
“South-east Asia is new for Georgia. We want to market to the Philippines because Filipinos can get an e-visa, as well as Malaysia as Malaysians can enter without a visa,” she said, adding that the majority of bookings are for combination tours with neighbouring countries.
Aiperi Narbaeva, tour manager at Aksai Travel, said Kyrgyzstan is keen to court Malaysia and Singapore. “We’re starting to see more requests from these countries,” she noted, stating that the majority of bookings are from travellers wanting to explore “undiscovered” destinations.
BWH Hotels’ presence is growing in the region, with further expansion on the horizon as it prepares to celebrate 80 years of delivering hospitality next year.
Olivier Berrivin, vice president for APAC, said BWH Hotels currently operates more than 200 hotels and resorts across Asia-Pacific, with strategic markets including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand.
BWH Hotels accelerates Asia-Pacific growth with new openings and brand expansions across key markets
“In 2025, we’ve seen significant growth, marked by the signing of Aiden Surawong Bangkok, introduction of our Aiden brand to South-east Asia, and the addition of Azzurr Marina Akita, BW Signature Collection, which will become our first managed property in Japan,” he told TTG Asia in an interview at ITB Asia 2025.
Before the year is over, BWH Hotels will add a seventh hotel in Pakistan and open three new hotels in Thailand and Vietnam in November. The new property in Pakistan will firmly position the Best Western brand as one of the leading operators in the country.
“Our partnership with Savers Group Holdings as Area Development Office in the Philippines is also driving rapid expansion. These developments demonstrate our commitment to sustainable, long-term growth in the region,” he reflected.
Starting off 80 years ago as a US brand, over the years BWH Hotels has gone global, cementing itself in the top 10 hospitality brands and boasting more than 4,300 properties worldwide.
To mark the occasion, a regional conference will be held next March in Bangkok, followed by a global gathering in Phoenix in October to bring all brands together for the first time.
“Through our iconic Best Western brand, BWH Hotels’s 80-year heritage reflects a strong commitment to quality, trust and innovation in hospitality. Over the years, we have adapted to enhancing guest expectations while staying focused on delivering excellent service and value,” Berrivin said.
“This legacy has made BWH a trusted, forward-thinking partner for hotel owners and travellers worldwide. Our leadership in the midscale sector has been continuously recognised with our induction into the Travel Hall of Fame at the TTG Travel Awards 2025.”
He added that the company’s expansion focuses on growing BWH Hotels’ presence across all market segments by offering 18 distinct brands under WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels.
“This range allows us to cater to diverse traveller needs and provide flexible options for hotel owners. We’re also introducing new brands like Aiden, which brings modern, lifestyle-driven concepts that resonate with today’s travellers.”
He underscored the important role of sustainability in the company’s development strategy.
“We’ve earned Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification for many of our properties in South-east Asia, Japan and Pakistan, ensuring responsible operations that benefit both guests and local communities. This commitment supports our long-term vision for sustainable expansion,” he stated.
The Indonesian House of Representatives passed an amendment to Tourism Law No. 10 of 2009 on October 2, which removes the provision recognising the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (GIPI). This has drawn criticism from the tourism industry that the move undermines collaboration with the government.
Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta on October 12, Hariyadi Sukamdani, chairman of GIPI, said: “We are extremely disappointed that this removal was done without open discussion, despite GIPI having a proven record of actively contributing to national tourism development.”
GIPI says the removal of its legal status limits industry representation and could hinder collaboration on tourism development; photo by Dhini Oktavianti
Hariyadi stressed that GIPI’s former legal status was vital as the official coordination platform for tourism stakeholders. Its removal will make communication between public and private sectors more difficult.
“This industry drives employment and investment, yet it has been excluded from the legal framework,” he said.
GIPI also highlighted inadequate funding for tourism, noting that government revenue from foreign exchange, taxes, and non-tax state revenue had not been proportionally reinvested in industry development.
“The government cannot simply enjoy the income from tourism without helping the industry to develop its markets,” Hariyadi said.
During the amendment process, GIPI proposed creating a Tourism Public Service Agency (BLU) to collect and manage levies from international tourists transparently for promotion and destination development, a model used in several South-east Asian countries.
However, the BLU concept was later taken over by the government, and the levy is now treated as central government revenue rather than supporting industry programmes.
“This has the potential to cause overlap and make it increasingly difficult for business operators to secure budget support,” Hariyadi said.
GIPI said the law revision, intended to strengthen the sector, has caused disappointment among operators and may hinder achieving this year’s target of 14 million international tourists.
“We hope the government does not view the tourism industry merely as a source of tax and foreign exchange, but as a strategic partner in building the national economy,” Hariyadi said.
As the law has been passed, GIPI plans to write to the president. Hestu Cipto Handoyo, a tourism law expert at Atma Jaya University, Yogyakarta, suggested GIPI submit a judicial review instead.
Responding to GIPI, tourism minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the amendment was an Indonesian House of Representatives initiative discussed with the government and industry through public consultations. She noted tourism associations remain involved under Chapter IV, Article 8, paragraph (2), letter j, which addresses the tourism ecosystem.
“Chapter VII, Article 22 stipulates that every tourism business operator has the right to form and become a member of a tourism association. Based on this, tourism associations can still play a role in building and developing Indonesian tourism,” she said.
Widiyanti added that coordination and partnerships can be regulated flexibly through executive regulations or other mechanisms. On the BLU Pariwisata and the foreign tourist levy, she said it is a government agency providing public services without prioritising profit.
The minister said the government continues to support the sector through internship programmes, competency-based certification and training, destination marketing and promotions, and tax waivers for tourism workers.
Bourachi joins from The St Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort in Oman, where she held the same role.
Here’s wishing all our Hindu readers a Happy Deepavali!
