Aman Group is expanding its Janu brand with a new property in Ras Al Khaimah: Janu Al Marjan Island. The hotel and exclusive Janu Residences will join the forthcoming Janu Dubai, furthering the brand’s global footprint.
The opening follows the debut of Janu Tokyo in 2024 and underscores the brand’s expansion in Dubai, Turks and Caicos and Saudi Arabia, highlighting Janu’s focus on purposeful connections in exceptional locations.
Rendering of Janu Al Marjan Island, which will feature a 132-key hotel, exclusive residences, wellness facilities and beachfront amenities
Set on a collection of islands in the Arabian Gulf, the resort reflects Janu’s focus on collective joy, design-led spaces and meaningful connection.
The 132-key hotel will offer expansive sea views and amenities including a wellness centre with yoga studio, gym, banya and hammam, two restaurants, a Mixology Bar, a nightlife venue, a kids’ club, a private beach, a Beach Club and pool. Adjacent residential towers will house one- to five-bedroom Janu Residences and a limited number of standalone villas, with full access to the resort’s facilities. The property is near Wynn Al Marjan Island and the Marina, with mooring nearby.
Vlad Doronin, chairman and CEO of Aman Group, said: “Janu Ras Al Marjan Island will offer a vibrant setting where like-minded individuals can connect through shared experiences, immerse themselves in the region’s striking natural beauty, and embrace the brand’s spirited approach to contemporary, connected living.”
Toei Kyoto Studio Park in Kyoto’s Uzumasa district will reopen as Uzumasa Kyoto Village on March 28, 2026, marking the first phase of a full-scale renovation to coincide with the park’s 50th anniversary.
The relaunch will transform the park into an immersive Edo period town for adult visitors, with a focus on experiencing the daily life, culture, and cuisine of historical Kyoto. Night-time operations will also be introduced, extending visiting hours and enhancing Kyoto’s evening tourism.
The park will offer an immersive Edo-period town experience, new dining and retail options, and evening operations for visitors
The renewed park will feature an authentic Edo streetscape created by the Toei Kyoto Studio Art Team, known for classics such as The Legend & Butterfly and Ōoku: The Inner Chambers. Visitors can enjoy dynamic performances, hands-on cultural programmes including tea ceremony and Noh theatre, ninja-themed attractions, and kimono rentals for a fully immersive experience.
Food offerings will include 10 new dining venues serving Kyoto specialties, ranging from sushi and yakitori to craft beer and traditional confectionery. Three new retail stores will offer exclusive Japanese-themed items.
Uzumasa Kyoto Village remains easily accessible, located a five-minute walk from JR Uzumasa Station and within short travel times from major cities such as Osaka, Hiroshima, and Tokyo. Admission prices are set at 2,800 yen (US$19) for adults, 1,800 yen for junior and senior high school students, and 1,600 yen for children aged three and above, with prices subject to change post-renewal.
The redevelopment will roll out in three phases, with Phase 2 scheduled for spring 2027, including additional dining and retail establishments and the Yūkaku Zone historical entertainment district. Phase 3, in spring 2028, will see the opening of the traditional-style Nakamuraza theatre and a planned bathing facility.
Uzumasa Kyoto Village, originally opened in 1975, is Japan’s only theme park where visitors can observe the filming of jidaigeki period dramas, offering a combination of studio sets, cultural experiences, and seasonal events.
Hilton is expanding its Hilton Honors loyalty programme with the introduction of a new top-tier status, Diamond Reserve, debuting in January 2026. The tier offers enhanced benefits including Confirmable Upgrade Rewards at the time of booking, guaranteed late checkout, and exclusive 24/7 customer service.
Gold and Diamond statuses will also become more accessible. Gold can now be earned with 25 nights per year, down from 40, while Diamond requires 50 nights instead of 60. Members retain benefits such as early confirmation of space-available room upgrades, daily food and beverage credits or continental breakfast, executive lounge access for Diamond, and increased Points earnings.
Hilton’s revamped loyalty programme gives members faster elite status, premium upgrades, and exclusive benefits across its properties worldwide; Waldorf Astoria New York, pictured
Diamond Reserve is designed for Hilton’s most loyal travellers, achievable with 80 nights and US$18,000 annual eligible spend. The Confirmable Upgrade Reward allows members to secure premium room upgrades, including one-bedroom suites, for stays of up to seven nights at eligible properties, including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, LXR, and Signia by Hilton. Other perks include priority access to executive lounges and Premium Clubs, 120 per cent Points bonus on stays, and personalised support through dedicated service teams.
Hilton Honors continues to offer flexible redemption options, no blackout dates, no resort fees on reward stays, and the Fifth Night Free benefit. Members can also combine Points and money for reward bookings across Hilton’s portfolio of more than 9,000 hotels, including over 1,000 luxury and lifestyle properties and more than 450 boutique hotels through the partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Chris Nassetta, Hilton president and CEO, said: “Members have told us they are looking for more personal recognition and meaningful rewards throughout their travel journey. Hilton Honors (delivers) what matters most to our members: making loyalty both more accessible and more rewarding, in more places around the world.”
Emirates, Air Canada extend partnership to 2032 Emirates and Air Canada have signed an MoU to extend their codeshare and loyalty partnership until December 31, 2032. The agreement builds on their 2022 collaboration, which has carried more than 550,000 passengers across 56 codeshare routes linking Canada, the US, Dubai and other destinations.
The extended partnership will expand reciprocal codeshare services and create potential for additional Canadian gateways within the network. Air Canada places its code on 19 Emirates routes to the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and South-east Asia, while Emirates customers can connect to 37 destinations in Canada and the US via Air Canada services. The interline agreement provides access to more than 225 destinations globally.
Since 2022, Air Canada has co-located its Dubai flights at Terminal 3, giving eligible passengers access to Emirates facilities. Both carriers offer reciprocal earn-and-redeem privileges across their frequent flyer programmes and plan to extend this to Premium Economy cabins.
Air Canada operates daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights between Toronto and Dubai. Emirates operates daily A380 flights to Toronto and seven weekly Boeing 777 flights to Montréal.
AirAsia X has commenced services between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul
AirAsia X begins Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul service AirAsia X (AAX) has launched its first direct service from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul, marking its entry into Türkiye. The inaugural flight D7-604 departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 on November 14, 2025, and arrived at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.
The airline will operate the route four times weekly, providing over 150,000 seats per year. Through AirAsia’s Fly-Thru connection, travellers can now book a seamless journey via AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK), which runs 11 daily flights between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, onward to AAX’s longhaul service to Istanbul and other destinations.
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines expands North American services Philippine Airlines (PAL) will boost its Manila-Los Angeles non-stop service from 14 to 18 weekly flights from June 1, 2026. The additional services will operate three times daily on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using Boeing 777 aircraft.
The expanded schedule will provide improved connectivity to PAL’s domestic and regional network, as well as onward travel throughout the US via partner airlines. The increase complements the planned boost of Manila-Seattle flights from three to five times weekly from November 25, 2025, and supports existing services to San Francisco, Honolulu, New York and Guam.
PAL will also launch thrice-weekly nonstop flights between Cebu and Guam from December 16, 2025, establishing the only direct link between the two destinations.
These changes reflect PAL’s broader North American expansion and aim to offer greater travel options across the Philippines, Asia and the US.
Firefly
Firefly launches Kuala Lumpur-Krabi route Firefly has introduced a daily direct jet service between Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 and Krabi. The inaugural flight on November 17, 2025 marked the start of the airline’s latest international expansion.
The service operates daily return flights and adds regional connectivity for travellers moving between Malaysia and Thailand. Firefly passengers receive 10kg checked baggage, in-flight snacks and flexible flight changes, and travellers connecting via Malaysia Airlines have through-checked baggage and an included meal.
The latest report from Arival highlights a significant shift in how younger travellers plan and spend. Events, from music festivals and cultural performances to live sports, are increasingly the primary reason for trips rather than an add-on.
Arival’s Event-Driven Traveler report, based on an online survey of 2,400 US and European travellers in France, Germany, Spain and the UK, was conducted in fall 2024. Respondents qualified as “event travellers” if they had taken a leisure trip of at least 100 miles from home in the past year, stayed overnight, and attended a performing arts or sporting event. The study examined their behaviours, preferences and attitudes around event attendance, trip planning and spending.
The Arival report shows concerts, sports and cultural events are becoming the main reason for trips, boosting spending and planning intensity
A live event was a key factor in choosing the destination for nearly half of US travellers aged 18-34, and for two in five travellers in Europe. This trend is reshaping itineraries, driving travel spend, and creating new opportunities for experience providers.
In 2024, 73% of US travellers and 60% of Europeans attended an event. Younger travellers attended an average of 3.7 events per year in the US and 3.0 in Europe. US travellers aged 35-54 spent nearly US$400 per event, the highest of any group, while European travellers aged 18-34 spent 221 euros (US$241) per event, topping all other age groups.
Sports dominate attendance, although performing arts remain strong among older travellers. Most travellers book tickets before their trip, with 53% securing them in advance in both regions.
The report shows that events influence the entire travel journey. In the US, football, basketball and baseball lead sporting event attendance, while in Europe, soccer and tennis are most popular. Concerts and cultural performances also rank highly, illustrating the variety of experiences travellers seek. Planning is intentional, with most securing tickets weeks ahead to guarantee access, though many continue researching close to the event date, emphasising the need for visibility among last-minute planners.
These insights will form a central theme at Arival 360 Valencia, taking place from April 27-29, 2026. Under the theme The Tomorrow Operator, the event will explore how tours, activities and attractions can adapt to this new reality, examining generational travel shifts, demand management around high-profile events, and the use of AI to personalise and optimise event-driven experiences.
Douglas Quinby, CEO and co-founder of Arival, said that events are becoming a key driver of travel planning, particularly for younger generations. “For many travellers, the concert or match isn’t just part of the itinerary – it’s the reason they’re going. The event-driven traveller is highly intentional. They’re researching across social platforms, booking early to avoid sell-outs, and spending significantly.
“The opportunity for experience companies to build around these behaviours is enormous. Operators who can connect the dots between events, local experiences and seamless booking will be best positioned to capture this growing market.”
North Sumatra held its first Astindo Sumut Travel Exchange (Astex) in Medan earlier this month to present Lake Toba and nearby destinations to the international travel trade. The debut brought together 72 local sellers and 117 domestic and overseas buyers.
Held at Selecta Convention Hall and supported by the provincial North Sumatra government, Medan City government and Samosir Regency Government, Astex is the first B2B travel mart organised by the Association of Indonesian Travel Agents (Astindo) North Sumatra chapter, which represents about 70 travel and tour operators across the province.
Astex’s debut highlights North Sumatra’s push to promote Lake Toba and nearby destinations to the global trade; photo by Tiara Maharani
“Lake Toba has strong name recognition, but many buyers admitted they didn’t know what the area actually offers, what’s developing, and where the opportunities lie,” said Tengku Feria Aznita, chairman of Astindo North Sumatra.
Yuda Pratiwi Setiawan, head of the North Sumatra Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Office, said Astex comes at a time when international arrivals continue to climb, stating that “this kind of collaboration is important as we work to position North Sumatra as Western Indonesia’s tourism hub”.
The Central Bureau of Statistics recorded 250,413 foreign visitors to North Sumatra in 2024, up 26.3 per cent from the previous year, with 193,758 recorded by August 2025, led by Malaysia, Singapore, China, the Netherlands and Germany.
Yuda said upgrades to road networks, progress on the Kuala Tanjung–Parapat toll link and new international flights at Kuala Namu Airport, including services from Abu Dhabi, are helping strengthen the province’s appeal.
“Connectivity is also improving and the product base is growing. What we need now is consistent promotion to the trade, and ASTEX supports that,” he noted.
The event showcased lake-based activities, destination management companies, hotels, transport operators and phinisi cruise providers.
For Jakarta-based buyer Sukeni, CEO of Hagia Tours, the showcase made North Sumatra easier to read. “It helped us see what the province can actually offer and how the pieces fit,” she said.
From the seller side, Nawan Syahputra of Sultan Tebing Travel said buyers’ questions focused on practicalities, adding that “their questions were quite detailed, especially around access, movement, and the packaging potential of each experience”.
A post-tour introduced buyers to several sites, including Lumbini Natural Park, the Sibea-bea hillside Jesus statue and Huta Siallagan, a preserved Batak village.
Buyers TTG Asia spoke with said the post-tour offered impressive scenery but felt “more of a scenic drive than a product preview”.
Several shared that without clear explanations at each stop, it was difficult to understand how the sites fit into a wider itinerary.
“We moved from place to place without really understanding why the sites mattered. The storytelling was missing, and with clearer context, the same route could become a much stronger product,” said Aroun Lim, marketing manager at Mekong Tour and Travel Australia.
Buyer feedback has given Astindo North Sumatra direction for future editions, with plans to make Astex an annual event. Feria said the priority will be clearer destination presentation and stronger alignment between products, access and market expectations.
Agoda has teamed up with Hoshino Resorts to make the group’s properties available on Agoda’s platform. The deal makes Agoda the first digital travel platform to offer accommodation across Hoshino’s full brand portfolio, expanding access for domestic and international travellers.
The collaboration includes all six Hoshino Resorts brands – Hoshinoya, Kai, Risonare, Omo, Beb, and the newly launched Lucy – along with other unique properties. This follows strong demand for travel to Japan, which recorded a 35 per cent growth in inbound searches on Agoda in the first half of 2025, while domestic searches rose 11 per cent year-on-year. International interest is led by travellers from South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
The partnership gives travellers seamless access to Hoshino’s six brands and other properties across Japan
Agoda’s search data also shows rising interest in secondary destinations, with Takamatsu (+63 per cent), Matsuyama (+44 per cent), Sendai (+32 per cent), Okinawa (+27 per cent), and Sapporo (+26 per cent) seeing the highest increases. Major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka remain top choices. Many Hoshino Resorts properties are located in these popular areas, allowing the partnership to meet growing accommodation demand.
Satomi Nakabayashi, country director, Japan at Agoda, said: “Hoshino Resorts’ commitment to quality resonates with Agoda’s dedication to understanding and meeting the evolving desires of travellers. We are pleased to have Hoshino’s trust in our ability to deliver exceptional experiences, and together, we aim to create memorable journeys for our customers.”
Hoshino Resorts CEO Yoshiharu Hoshino added: “Our collaboration with Agoda marks the beginning of a new era in delivering enhanced convenience and excellence to our guests. This partnership is a testament to the trust we place in Agoda and our commitment to strengthening our relationship.”
APG has been appointed general sales agent (GSA) for Kenya Airways in Malaysia, Taiwan and 36 additional offline markets, including 34 countries in the Americas. The appointment expands APG’s existing role representing the airline in 24 European markets since 2020.
As GSA, APG will oversee sales and marketing, trade engagement and brand visibility to support Kenya Airways’ commercial reach in the designated regions. The expanded partnership is part of the airline’s plan to build its presence in strategic international markets and improve access to its network.
Kenya Airways expands its commercial reach with APG managing sales across new global markets; photo by Wirestock Creators
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Kenya Airways,” said Richard Burgess, president of APG Network. “This appointment reflects our mutual dedication to driving growth, optimising market presence, and connecting passengers to one of Africa’s most dynamic carriers.”
“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to strengthen Kenya Airways’ presence in strategic international markets,” added Julius Thairu, chief commercial and customer officer at Kenya Airways. “APG’s extensive experience and strong relationships within the global travel trade will enable us to reach more customers, improve accessibility to our network and deliver even greater value and convenience to our passengers.”
Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton, Australia
Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton has opened nearby Melbourne’s CBD, featuring 89 guestrooms with views of Princes Park and the outdoor pool, including connecting rooms for families or small groups.
With a multilingual team providing service in over 10 languages, the hotel also includes facilities such as a café with all-day food and barista coffee, an outdoor pool, and a planned wellness hub with saunas and a cold plunge. Sustainability measures include up to 80 per cent solar-powered energy, water-efficient fixtures, and low-irrigation landscaping.
The location provides access to Lygon Street, Melbourne Zoo, tram routes, the University of Melbourne, and nearby medical and research institutions, with running and cycling paths and local eateries nearby.
Ozo Medini
Ozo Medini, Malaysia
Ozo Medini in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, offers 198 rooms and suites across four categories: Superior, Deluxe, Premier, and Junior Suites. Each room is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, IPTV systems, multimedia panels, blackout curtains, and premium bedding.
The hotel’s public and lifestyle spaces include Eat, an all-day dining venue; Connect, a web bar for work or casual meetings; Splash, a pool area with a planned poolside bar; Tone, a fitness studio; and Talk, a meeting room for small gatherings.
Siamese Hotel Pattaya, BW Signature Collection
Siamese Hotel Pattaya, BW Signature Collection, Thailand
Siamese Hotel Pattaya, BW Signature Collection is situated close to the city centre, with Terminal 21 Mall, the Art in Paradise gallery, and Pattaya Beach 1.2 kilometres away. The property is a two-hour drive from Bangkok and accessible via Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao airports.
The hotel has 121 guestrooms, each with a private balcony and standard in-room amenities. Leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant serving local and international dishes, and a café. For business and events, the property has a meeting room, business centre, and a flexible ballroom for corporate functions or private gatherings.
Jo&Joe Auckland
Jo&Joe Auckland, New Zealand
Jo&Joe Auckland has opened in the city’s CBD, marking the Asia-Pacific debut of the global hybrid hospitality brand. Located at 16-20 Fort Street, the property blends hostel, hotel, and social spaces under its ‘open house’ concept.
The property offers 293 beds across 75 rooms, including shared dormitories and private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Dorms accommodate four, six, or eight guests, with male-only and female-only options, while private rooms include 37 doubles, of which 17 are standard and 20 feature bunk beds.
Communal areas include the Happy House common area, a 40-seat lobby bar with self-check-in, a snack and chill corner, and a 50-seat rooftop bar and restaurant serving pizzas, loaded fries, tap beers, and cocktails. The rooftop will host weekly DJ sets and live music.
The hotel is near Auckland’s waterfront, ferry terminal, Fort Street bus routes, Britomart train station, and Sky Tower, providing access to local eateries and cultural attractions.
The Lana, Dorchester Collection’s debut property in the Middle East, is introducing a bespoke yacht service – a Sunseeker Predator 57 with interiors designed in the hotel’s signature style.
Located in Dubai’s Business Bay, The Lana offers guests a new perspective of the city along the Dubai Canal.
The Lana brings its signature elegance to the Dubai Canal, offering immersive yacht experiences for in-house and external guests alike
Experiences onboard the 18-metre yacht are available to both in-house and external guests, reflecting the hotel’s attention to detail and service. Guests can board via the Marina Gate, steps from the hotel’s Bonbon Café.
The range of experiences includes a shared sunset cruise, an early evening journey against Dubai’s skyline with selected refreshments and light bites. Prices start from 650 dirhams (US$177) per person for two hours.
Private half-day and full-day cruises are available for intimate celebrations or bespoke occasions. Charters feature curated coastal routes, gourmet refreshments, and ambient music. Prices start from 6,000 dirhams for a four-hour half-day cruise and 10,000 dirhams for an eight-hour full-day cruise, each for up to 10 guests.
Tea at Sea offers a reimagined afternoon tea experience on deck, with fine china, floral arrangements, and views of open water. Guests enjoy pastries by Angelo Musa, paired with premium teas, champagne, and non-alcoholic sparkling Wild Idol. Prices start from 4,500 dirhams for a three-hour charter and 400 dirhams per person for afternoon tea.
The yacht is also available for transfers to One Palm Jumeirah, turning a journey into a statement arrival. Prices start from 2,250 dirhams for a 90-minute return transfer.
With its boat experiences, The Lana extends its contemporary luxury offering onto the water, blending service, storytelling, and subtle elegance with Dubai’s scenic waterways.
Guests can enjoy curated cruises, sunset journeys, and Tea at Sea aboard The Lana’s 18-metre Sunseeker Predator, blending luxury hospitality with Dubai’s waterways.
