The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines has successfully delivered the first instalment of its biannual Regional Travel Fair (RTF), now into its 15th run. The event took place in Tuguegarao City, the capital of Cagayan province from August 15 to 17.
RTF brought together tourism stakeholders and travel enthusiasts to explore the untapped potential of Northeastern Luzon. It showcased the region’s history and scenic landscapes that connect the lowlands of Luzon with the highlands of the Cordilleras.
Tourism Promotions Board Philippines curated tours of Tuguegarao City’s heritage landmarks, such as the Cagayan Museum, Historical Research Center, Horno Ruins, and St Peter Metropolitan Cathedral (pictured) to help Regional Travel Fair buyers develop tours for their customers
The B2B component of RTF connected 50 buyers and 53 sellers/exhibitors in meetings at the Pulsar Hotel and Convention Center on August 15.
B2C sessions on August 16 and 17 were hosted at Robinsons Tuguegarao, offering visitors discounted domestic tour packages, airline tickets, accommodations, and other tourism-related products. There were also cultural performances, interactive games, and more.
TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles said: “We are proud to bring the 15th Regional Travel Fair to Tuguegarao City, a place that naturally captivates with its breathtaking landscapes and deep-rooted traditions. This event continues to inspire local and global travellers to celebrate the enduring beauty and cultural richness of our country. Through this initiative, we hope to strengthen regional pride and empower tourism stakeholders by bringing attention to the distinct experiences that make Tuguegarao City truly special.”
In addition to RTF, the TPB also led local tours for buyers, exhibitors and invited sponsors to explore Tuguegarao City’s heritage landmarks, such as the Cagayan Museum, Historical Research Center, Horno Ruins, and St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral, as well as regional visits to help stakeholders discover destinations they can promote to tourists.
Darwin – or Garramilla to the Larrakia people, Traditional Custodians of the land – is set to welcome 300 travel agents from key international tourism markets around the world come October 2026, when it will show off its top draws as a holiday destination.
These agents will travel to Darwin for Tourism Australia’s signature event, G’day Australia, where they will meet tourism operators from around the country before visiting other destinations around Australia as part of a fam programme supported by state and territory NTOs.
Lake Alexander, a man-made lake in Darwin’s East Point Reserve, is a popular picnic and barbecue stop; photo sourced from Tourism Australia
Minister for trade and tourism, Don Farrell, said G’day Australia brings agents selling Australian holidays to his shores to witness first-hand how wonderful the natural attractions, food and drink, and cultural experiences truly are in the country.
“The Aussie Specialist Program, combined with events like G’day Australia, give us an edge over other destinations around the world,” Farrell stated, adding that the event will drive some A$30 million (US$19.6 million) in spend.
Tourism Australia’s executive general manager, global markets & Business Events Australia, Robin Mack, said more than half of the travel agents who take part in G’day Australia have never visited the destination for themselves.
“At Tourism Australia we prefer to show not tell what we have to offer as a holiday destination, and that’s why it is really important to bring travel agents here to Australia to see just how incredible Australia is,” Mack said.
“We know this event works as 100 per cent of the agents have walked away in the past saying they intend to sell more of Australia as a result of attending, which is critically important in an increasingly competitive global tourism world,” Mack added.
Northern Territory (NT) minister for tourism and hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby welcomes the prime opportunity to support local tourism operators by directly connecting them with hundreds of international travel agents.
Boothby said the event would take place during the shoulder season and help the destination “extend visitation beyond the traditional peak and build year-round economic strength for our tourism industry”.
Tourism NT CEO Suzana Bishop added the announcement forms an exciting part of the NT’s new strategy to increase international visitation during off peak periods.
This would be the NT’s first time as host of G’day Australia.
The multi-deal agreement between Marriott International and Brigade Hotel Ventures will grow the former’s presence in Southern India
Marriott International has scored a multi-deal agreement with the Brigade Hotel Ventures for six hotels with 940 keys in four destinations across Southern India. The portfolio deal comprises six new-build projects under five Marriott Bonvoy brands – The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott, and Fairfield by Marriott.
These properties are set to open between 2027 and 2030.
The multi-deal agreement between Marriott International and Brigade Hotel Ventures will grow the former’s presence in Southern India
The first in the latest portfolio deal to open is the 45-key Courtyard by Marriott Chennai World Trade Center in 2027; the 224-key Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru International Airport and 151-key Marriott Bengaluru Brigade Valencia will follow in 2028.
The Ritz-Carlton Vaikom Island, Kerala, a 70-key all-villa retreat, is scheduled to open in 2029.
Come 2030, the 250-key JW Marriott Chennai OMR and 200-key Thiruvananthapuram Marriott Hotel World Trade Center will welcome their first guests. The latter will be part of a mixed-use development project and boast a suite of versatile meeting spaces.
Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, said: “Our growth strategy focuses on being present where our guests want us to be, as we continue to meet the growing demand for luxury travel experiences and world-class hospitality services.”
Jaishankar, executive chairman, Brigade Enterprises, expressed excitement in deepening its “longstanding relationship with Marriott International through the addition of six distinctive hotels to our portfolio”.
“Each of these projects reflects our belief in the long-term potential of the Indian hospitality industry and our commitment to bringing thoughtfully designed, high-quality hotels to both business and leisure travellers,” said Jaishankar.
Wing Bank and Singapore Airlines mark a new partnership that will elevate Cambodian consumers' purchasing power
Wing Bank (Cambodia) has joined hands with Singapore Airlines to launch a loyalty points-to-miles exchange programme in Cambodia, allowing bank customers to seamlessly convert their WingPoints into KrisFlyer miles, thus unlocking new possibilities for travel and lifestyle benefits.
Wing Bank and Singapore Airlines mark a new partnership that will elevate Cambodian consumers’ purchasing power
The redemption process is simple and fully integrated within the Wing Bank app. KrisFlyer miles earned through the conversion programme can be used to offset airfares with Singapore Airlines or redeem products from KrisShop’s extensive omni-channel catalogue.
The strategic collaboration reflects both organisations’ commitment to enhancing customer experience and promoting digital financial ecosystems.
Dmytro Kolechko, CEO of Wing Bank, said: “This is more than a rewards upgrade – it’s a gateway to global connectivity. As a proud Cambodian institution, we’re thrilled to offer our customers the chance to transform local spending into international experiences.”
Photo caption: The collaboration between Vietjet and Petrolimex Aviation is witnessed by senior government aviation officials and company executives
Asia’s transition toward greener aviation will gain another step forward with a strategic partnership between Vietjet and Petrolimex Aviation that will give the Vietnamese airline access to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) originally blended in the country.
Petrolimex Aviation is the aviation fuel subsidiary of Vietnam’s leading petroleum group, Petrolimex.
The mark of collaboration between Vietjet and Petrolimex Aviation is witnessed by senior government aviation officials and company executives
Under this partnership, Petrolimex Aviation will supply Vietjet with 1,200 cubic metres of SAF blended at its Nha Be Oil Depot using imported synthetic blending components. The SAF meets stringent ISCC EU standards, ensuring full compliance with global sustainability and emissions reduction criteria.
To Viet Thang, Vietjet’s standing vice president said: “This agreement between Vietjet and Petrolimex Aviation underscores our commitment to green and sustainable development goals. With a total of 576 modern aircraft on order, our fleet will increasingly incorporate SAF as part of our efforts to promote clean energy, reduce emissions, protect the environment and support the green transition in Vietnam and globally.”
Uong Viet Dung, director general of the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority, added: “The introduction of domestically blended SAF is not only commercially significant but also strategically important, laying the foundation for a sustainable domestic SAF supply chain while meeting international market requirements. Moreover, it encourages cooperation among airlines, fuel suppliers, regulators, and financial institutions to expand SAF usage in Vietnam.”
Petrolimex Chairman Pham Van Thanh emphasised that his company is the first in Vietnam to import hydrocarbons synthesised from biologically renewable materials for SAF production.
“This success demonstrates our commitment to supporting the government, airlines, and broader society in the green transition,” he said.
Vietjet earlier partnered with Petrolimex Aviation to operate the first two flights using SAF fuelled in Vietnam back in October 2024. The SAF used was produced from renewable and sustainable sources such as used cooking oil, agricultural by-products, wood biomass, and urban waste.
The 13th edition of the Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights will delve into the abyss of Asian fear with two new haunted houses that bring ancient curses and psychological torment to life.
Two popular Asian horror stories inspire haunted houses at the upcoming Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights 13
Created in collaboration with Chinese culture and entertainment group Yuewen, eerie parallel dimensions from the hit Chinese novel The Unruly Immortals will be brought to life in a haunted house for the first time at Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights 13. Guests will follow high school student Li Huowang as he navigates two conflicting realities – a bizarre cultivation world where ancient rituals transform him into living medicine, and a hospital ward where doctors deny the supernatural and insist his visions are mere hallucinations. The haunted house blurs the lines between sanity and madness, challenging guests to question what is real as they journey through twisted hospital wards, ancient alchemy chambers, and nightmarish temples in the protagonist’s desperate search for a cure.
The other haunted attraction is birthed from Thailand’s highest-grossing film in a decade, Death Whisperer. The haunted house will take guests deep into rural Kanchanaburi, Thailand in 1972, where a once tranquil village was shattered by a curse. Adapted from a true story, the vengeful Black Spirit is in search of a new host, her quest for revenge brutally tearing apart a family. The haunted house recreates the first two films’ most bone-rattling moments, from swamps and wheat fields to the witch’s twisted hut, immersing guests in a relentless atmosphere of dread. The experience is the perfect opportunity for guests to test their courage as the horror continues with Death Whisperer 3 premiering worldwide from October 1.
Other horrifying experiences worthy of a Halloween celebration awaits, including haunted houses themed after Netflix’s Stranger Things, two Scare Zones, and live shows. More experiences will be announced in the lead up to Halloween.
Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights 13 runs from September 26 to November 1.
Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok has named Kristian Petersen as general manager.
Petersen, who most recently held the same role at Nha Trang Marriott Resort and Spa, has more than 20 years’ experience with Marriott International in hotel operations, pre-opening strategy, and brand transformation across Asia-Pacific and Europe.
The first Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave, organised by the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society and the state’s department of tourism, is under way in Kochi from August 14 to 16.
The tourism department has identified the segment as a priority as it seeks to restore international tourist arrivals to pre-pandemic levels.
Delegates gather at the opening ceremony of Kerala’s first Wedding and MICE Conclave in Kochi; photo by Rohit Kaul
“Kerala holds immense promise for both weddings and MICE markets. Our inbound tourist arrival numbers are close to 700,000 but we have not reached the pre-Covid level. I hope that this event acts as a trailblazer in getting more international tourists in the state,” said K Biju, secretary, tourism, government of Kerala while speaking at the inaugural function of the event that took place in Grand Hyatt Bolgatty, Kochi on August 14.
A total of 610 domestic buyers and 65 overseas buyers registered for the event. Participating international buyers are from markets including the UK, Germany, the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Oman, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine, the UAE and Vietnam.
“The Wedding & MICE Conclave is part of our approach to look at innovative ways to promote Kerala as a tourist destination,” said S Swaminathan, secretary, KTM Society.
Biju stressed that while India presently has one per cent share in global MICE business, Kerala can play an important role in helping to grow this share to five per cent.
“We have a robust infrastructure for MICE and diverse natural backdrops like heritage buildings and hill stations for weddings. Kerala is the first state in India to have four international airports which are well connected to the Middle East and beyond. We have the largest number of five-star hotels in the country too. We will work closely with wedding planners and focus on promoting our beautiful beaches as wedding venues,” said Biju.
Before the pandemic, Kerala received about 1.19 million international tourists in 2019, according to India’s Ministry of Tourism.
Jetstar launches new direct flights between the Gold Coast and Bali; photo by jonsbernardus
Jetstar expands Queensland network with two new flights
Jetstar is expanding its Queensland network with new international routes, including Brisbane-Rarotonga flights starting in May 2026 and the launch of Gold Coast-Bali services. The additions are part of a broader growth strategy that has seen six new overseas connections from Queensland announced or launched in the past six months.
The Brisbane-Rarotonga service will operate three times a week on Jetstar’s A321neo LR aircraft, providing more than 50,000 seats annually. It will be the airline’s second direct route from Australia to the Cook Islands, after Sydney-Rarotonga, and Jetstar remains the only carrier flying direct from Brisbane, Sydney and Rarotonga.
The new Gold Coast-Bali service operates three times a week, adding more than 58,000 seats annually. It is Jetstar’s first direct connection between the Gold Coast and Bali and is operated with the Airbus A320neo, one of two now based at the airport to increase capacity on other domestic and New Zealand routes.
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines shifts select domestic routes from Manila to Clark and Cebu
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will move some domestic turboprop routes from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Clark International Airport (CRK) and Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) from October 26, 2025, following a government mandate.
Flights from Clark to Busuanga and Basco will increase to twice daily, while Clark-Siargao will continue daily. From Cebu, services to Busuanga and Siargao will run three times daily, and a new Cebu-Calbayog route will operate four times weekly, replacing Manila-Calbayog flights. Passengers from Manila can connect via Cebu.
Manila-Siargao and Manila-Busuanga flights will continue daily but at reduced frequencies, while Manila-Antique and Manila-Catarman services will remain unchanged.
The government began reducing turboprop flights from Manila in March, cutting 30 per cent of services.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific resumes Hong Kong-Brussels services
Cathay Pacific has reinstated direct flights between Hong Kong and Brussels, operating four-times-weekly services since August 3. The route restores a key link between the airline’s home city and the Belgian capital, providing greater choice and connectivity for passengers.
The Hong Kong-Brussels flights are operated with the airline’s Airbus A350-900, featuring fully flat beds in Business, spacious Premium Economy seating, and extended comfort in Economy. All passengers have access to in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi, with Business class travellers and Cathay Diamond members receiving complimentary Wi-Fi.
With the return to Brussels and increased frequencies on other European routes, Cathay Pacific now operates nearly 100 return flights per week between Hong Kong and Europe this summer, including five daily flights to London, daily flights to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Manchester, Milan, Paris and Zurich, four weekly flights to Barcelona, Brussels, Madrid and Munich, and three weekly flights to Rome.
The Hong Kong–Brussels service departs Hong Kong at 23.50 and arrives in Brussels at 07.20 the following day on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, while the return service leaves Brussels at 13.25, arriving in Hong Kong at 06.55 the next day on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Passengers travelling from Europe can also connect seamlessly via Hong Kong International Airport to over 100 destinations worldwide, including 23 in mainland China, and reach other cities in the Greater Bay Area through direct air-to-sea and air-to-land services via the SkyPier Terminal.
Vietjet Thailand
Vietjet Thailand adds new Asia routes for 2025
Vietjet Thailand will launch several new direct routes to major cities across Asia in 2025 as part of its international expansion.
From Bangkok, flights to Seoul (Incheon) will begin on October 1, to Osaka (Kansai) on December 1, and to Tokyo (Narita) on December 15. The airline will also expand services to India, with Phuket-Mumbai flights starting on August 14, Bangkok-Kolkata on November 16, and Bangkok-Ahmedabad on December 4.
The new services are aimed at increasing connectivity with key markets in Japan, South Korea, and India, boosting inbound tourism to Thailand and meeting growing two-way travel demand.
Vinpearl Joint Stock Company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three South Korean travel companies: Hanatour, Marketing Highlands, and HKG Co. (formerly Hank Golf), as part of its strategy to enter the South Korean market and promote Vietnam as a destination for South Korean travellers.
The signing took place at the Vietnam-South Korea Business Forum, attended by general secretary To Lam, South Korean prime minister Kim Min Seok, and other officials.
Representatives from Vinpearl and South Korean travel firms sign the MoU at the Vietnam-South Korea Business Forum
Under the MoU, the companies will coordinate promotional activities and expand marketing and distribution networks in South Korea, aiming to attract five million South Korean visitors by 2025.
The partnership will introduce new destinations to more than 7,500 travel agencies in South Korea, providing over 46,000 golf members access to Vinpearl’s international-standard courses across Vietnam.
Vinpearl operates in key coastal destinations including Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Danang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, offering resorts, entertainment, and shopping. The agreement marks a step in Vinpearl’s international expansion and strengthens Vietnam–South Korea relations.
Ngo Thi Huong, deputy CEO of sales and marketing, Vinpearl, stated: “We are confident that by leveraging Vinpearl’s exceptional infrastructure and services alongside our partners’ widespread distribution capabilities, we will develop compelling tourism products and reinforce Vietnam’s status as the preferred destination for travellers from South Korea.”
Petersen, who most recently held the same role at Nha Trang Marriott Resort and Spa, has more than 20 years’ experience with Marriott International in hotel operations, pre-opening strategy, and brand transformation across Asia-Pacific and Europe.
