Tasmanian Walking Company has introduced a 54km small-group guided walking tour linking Uluru with Kata Tjuta, with prices starting from A$5,395 (US$3,450) per person twin share.
This five-day, four-night journey takes guests through the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, where they will stay in remote wilderness areas. Accommodation includes two off-grid campsites and an architect-designed lodge.
Embark on a five-day journey through the Red Centre, exploring Uluru and Kata Tjuta with expert guides and immersive cultural experiences; photo by Tasmanian Walking Company
The tour offers a range of experiences, including daily three-course meals, two expert guides, and cultural workshops with local Anangu people. Participants will dine under the stars with views of Kata Tjuta at sunset and enjoy meals prepared by a chef.
Transfers between Yulara and the trail are included, and guests will receive a A$500 contribution to support park conservation and the Anangu community. A National Park pass and a complimentary day pack and duffle bag are also provided.
Tasmanian Walking Company has spent ten years working with Anangu owners to develop the walk, ensuring it provides long-lasting cultural and economic benefits to the local community.
For more information, visit Tasmanian Walking Company.
Trafalgar, part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) group, has taken the plunge into river cruising, announcing two new itineraries for Europe.
Launching in April 2026 are two journeys – an eight-day cruise along the Danube on the 128-passenger Trafalgar Reverie and a 10-day cruise along the Rhine on the 128-passenger Trafalgar Verity – now available for booking.
Trafalgar launches Danube and Rhine cruises for 2026, offering guests a new way to explore Europe with familiar experiences; Trafalgar Verity sails down the Rhine from Basel Amsterdam, pictured
“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.
“I think the cards were at the right time and right place for us,” shared Mae Cheah, managing director, Asia, TTC on the company’s move to introduce river cruising. “It gives guests a new way to travel with a brand that they love.”
River cruising is not new to the TTC group, which has luxury river cruise brand Uniworld as part of its portfolio.
The Trafalgar river cruise includes experiences found on its land tours, such as Be My Guest, where guests meet local hosts, for example, having lunch at a farm, and Make Travel Matter activities that support sustainability.
Trafalgar also offers flexibility. Guests can choose to explore further through optional tours, added Cheah, or spend time having a coffee or shopping.
Trafalgar’s river cruise has 64 cabins and a passenger capacity of about 128 per ship. This means less time queuing and more time to yourself, according to Lim.
“Ships will roll up right to the town and you disembark and off you go into town for coffee, sightseeing and in-depth exploration of the destination,” he added.
He also noted an expected crew-to-guest ratio of 1:3. The crew will be from the TTC group, allowing the group to maintain its service standards.
The ships themselves are designed to reflect the destination with distinct interiors such as rich blue and white fabrics, marble-accented bathrooms, and even the first authorised fireplace on a European river ship on Trafalgar Verity, shared Lim.
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Singapore is the first market where Trafalgar has launched its river cruise, with upcoming launches in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Trafalgar will also introduce Christmas itineraries for 2026 and has plans to expand the fleet in 2027.
Agoda has renewed its agreement with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism to support travel development and increase both international and domestic visitor numbers, while aligning with the Ministry’s Tourism 4.0 strategy to advance digital and data-driven approaches in the sector.
The three-year collaboration will include joint marketing campaigns, promotion of sustainable tourism practices, and training programmes to build digital skills among young tourism professionals in Indonesia.
Agoda hosted the first Agoda Academy workshop in Bandung; photo by Agoda
As part of this partnership, Agoda held its first Agoda Academy workshop for students at Bandung Tourism Polytechnic. The session introduced participants to Agoda’s operations and included practical case studies to support learning in digital tourism.
Agoda’s senior country director Gede Gunawan and other Agoda representatives shared industry insights and highlighted trends and career opportunities in the digital tourism sector.
Under the previous agreement, Agoda launched several co-branded campaigns with the ministry’s Wonderful Indonesia initiative, including efforts to promote sustainable tourism. These included partnerships with public figures, destination promotion activities, and support for national tourism targets.
Through its digital travel platform, which includes accommodation, transport, and activities, Agoda continues to work with the ministry to support tourism development across Indonesia in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Gunawan said: “This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to seeing Indonesia thrive as a destination while enabling local communities to benefit from the many opportunities tourism generates around local economies.”
Bayu Aji, chief secretary of the ministry, added: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Agoda, as it not only strengthens Indonesia’s standing as a vibrant and more sustainable tourism destination, but will also help equip our workforce in the tourism sector for the future through initiatives such as the Agoda Academy Workshop.”
Scoot increases flight frequencies and capacity
Scoot has announced a series of flight frequency increases and capacity upgrades across its network to meet growing travel demand in the coming months.
From June 6, Scoot will double its flights to Iloilo City from two to four times weekly. Flights to Cebu will increase from seven to ten times weekly starting June 24, while services to Davao will rise from nine to 12 times weekly from August 30.
In Australia, Scoot will expand its Perth services from 12 to 14 weekly flights beginning August 4. Sydney services will also increase from 10 to 14 weekly flights starting October 5.
The airline will boost services to Koh Samui from 21 to 25 weekly flights from June 24. Flights to Taipei and Seoul (via Taipei) will become daily from August 2, up from five times weekly.
Scoot has already implemented several changes since March this year. Flights to Jakarta increased from 19 to 25 times weekly on March 30. Capacity to Bali has grown, with all 21 weekly flights now operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Yogyakarta flights now use Airbus A321 aircraft on all seven weekly services.
Scoot has also increased capacity on its Taipei and Tokyo (via Taipei) route, with all 12 weekly services now operated by Boeing 787s since March 30. Additionally, the airline raised frequencies to Phu Quoc from five to six flights per week.
Qantas
Qantas adds two new international routes, upgrades Dreamliner
Qantas has announced the launch of two new international routes from Perth, with direct flights to Auckland and Johannesburg set to commence in December 2025. These services will operate three times weekly using Airbus A330 aircraft, offering 27 lie-flat Business Class seats and 224 in Economy.
The Perth-Auckland service will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, while the Perth-Johannesburg route will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
This expansion is part of Qantas’ broader strategy to grow its western hub, adding over 155,000 annual seats in and out of Perth.
Further bolstering its longhaul operations, Qantas will also introduce the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on its Brisbane-Los Angeles route from October 2025, operating daily.
During the peak travel season of December 2025 and January 2026, Qantas and American Airlines will jointly maintain daily Dreamliner services between Brisbane and Los Angeles, with Qantas operating four weekly flights and American Airlines three. Qantas will also increase Melbourne-Dallas flights to daily during this period, continuing daily Brisbane-Los Angeles services from February 2026.
In a network adjustment under its dual-brand strategy, Jetstar will end its Sydney-Honolulu route after October 24, 2025. Qantas will take over with five to six weekly flights, complementing its newly launched Melbourne-Honolulu service.
Lastly, Qantas will reintroduce its final Airbus A380 to daily Sydney-Dallas Fort Worth services from January 2026, offering expanded premium seating across First, Business, and Premium Economy cabins.
The inaugural Vietnam Airlines flight from Bengaluru to Hanoi was marked by a celebration at Kempegowda Airport
Vietnam Airlines starts direct flights from Bengaluru to Hanoi
Vietnam Airlines has commenced direct flights between Bengaluru and Hanoi. The airline will operate four flights a week using Airbus A321 aircraft. The service includes Indian meal options and basic onboard facilities.
This new route makes Bengaluru the third Indian city in Vietnam Airlines’ network, after Delhi and Mumbai. The airline is aiming to expand its connections with South India.
Philippine Airlines and Alaska Airlines
Philippine Airlines, Alaska Airlines partner on frequent flyer programme
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has teamed up with Alaska Airlines to expand travel options for members of their frequent flyer programmes. Soon, PAL’s Mabuhay Miles and Alaska’s Mileage Plan members will be able to earn and redeem miles across both airlines.
The partnership will also improve connections for PAL passengers travelling through the US West Coast, including Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu, granting better access to Alaska Airlines’ domestic network in the United States.
Both airlines are also considering reciprocal codeshare flights, which would add more destinations and make travel between the Philippines and the US more convenient.
The partnership builds on PAL’s existing relationship with Hawaiian Airlines. PAL passengers can continue booking Hawaiian codeshare flights to cities in Hawaii, and soon, Hawaiian Airlines passengers will also be able to earn and redeem miles on PAL flights.
Spending related to Japan’s hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season is expected to reach a record high this year, with the blooms providing an additional draw for the increasing number of inbound tourists.
In January and February 2025, Japan welcomed 5.48 million international visitors, a 28.5 per cent increase year-on-year, despite being the off-peak season, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
With a surge in international visitors, the 2025 cherry blossom season is poised to generate a record economic impact
Katsuhiro Miyamoto of Kansai University predicts the 2025 hanami season will generate a record 1.39 trillion yen (US$9.43 billion) of economic impact nationwide, with more than 25 per cent of visitors hailing from overseas, which would be the highest ratio ever recorded.
Indeed, in March inbound visitors totalled 45 per cent of all cruise passengers on cherry blossom cruises along Tokyo’s Meguro River, a spot renowned for the pink blooms, up from 41 per cent in 2024, according to operator Spice Serve Co.
New services catering to the high-end market have also been launched. The Sakura Ride Plan, for example, offers a private chauffeur-driven car around Tokyo’s blossom sites “free from rain, pollen and crowds” with champagne for 56,000 yen .
And, as this year’s cherry blossom season drew to a close in Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku, some international visitors travelled north to “follow” the blooms, including to Tohoku, which experienced peak blossoms in mid-April, and Hokkaido, which celebrated the hanami season between late April and early May, thereby extending their economic impact across the country.
Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to manage two hotels in Batam, Indonesia: Cross Batam The Mix and Cross Vibe Batam The Mix.
Located in The Mix, a five-in-one integrated development in Pasir Putih, Batam Centre, the dual-branded project will form part of a broader urban complex combining residential, retail, and leisure elements.
Cross Hotels & Resorts expands footprint in Indonesia with two properties in The Mix development
The development is led by MIG Putra Indonesia, a joint venture between PURI Group Indonesia and Rima Properties Group Malaysia. This marks Cross Hotels & Resorts’ second project on the island.
Targeting a varied guest profile including travellers from Singapore, domestic visitors, wellness-focused travellers, and business event organisers, the hotels will be located near Batam Centre Point International Ferry Terminal and Hang Nadim International Airport.
Facilities will include spa and wellness areas, rooftop event spaces, family-friendly zones, and meeting venues. Cross Batam The Mix will offer suites starting at 115m2, with kitchen facilities and separate living areas. Cross Vibe Batam The Mix, situated in the 23-storey Iconic View Tower, will focus on communal spaces and short-stay accommodation.
The hotels are scheduled to open in phases beginning in 2027, with full operations expected by 2028.
Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts, commented: “This deal reflects our belief in the immense potential of Batam and our continued mission to deliver owner value through meaningful partnerships.”
Wagiman, president director of MIG Putra Indonesia, added: “This collaboration marks a significant milestone, not just for our businesses, but for the guests, travellers, and communities we both serve. We look forward to a successful journey ahead, one that brings growth, opportunity, and lasting impact.”
PATA has confirmed that the PATA Annual Summit 2026 (PAS 2026) will be jointly hosted by the cities of Gyeongju and Pohang in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea, in partnership with the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization (GCTO).
The event is scheduled to take place from May 11-13, 2026. The official handover was made on April 23, 2025, during the closing ceremony of the PATA Annual Summit 2025 (PAS 2025) in İstanbul, Türkiye, marking the continuation of the association’s primary event.
The two cities in Gyeongsangbuk-do will welcome tourism leaders from across the region in May 2026
South Korea has previously hosted the PATA Annual Summit five times: in Seoul in 1965, 1979 and 1994; in Jeju in 2004; and in Gangneung in 2018. In 2026, the cities of Gyeongju and Pohang in Gyeongsangbuk-do will jointly host the Summit.
During PAS 2025, Jeong Seonghoon, manager at the GCTO, gave a presentation on the destinations, outlining the preparations and capacity of the two cities to host the summit.
In line with PATA’s approach to sustainable tourism, PAS 2026 is planned as a carbon neutral event. Participants are invited to contribute by paying an optional carbon offset fee of US$10.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated: “Gyeongju and Pohang each hold unique significance within the Republic of Korea’s tourism industry – Gyeongju as a cradle of ancient Korean civilisation, rich in cultural treasures, and Pohang as a vibrant coastal city where natural beauty coexists seamlessly with contemporary landmarks. They are the meeting point of tradition and modernity, and reflect the kind of depth and diversity that today’s travellers increasingly seek.”
Kim Namil, GCTO president and the head of the Gyeongsangbuk-do delegation of 13 individuals who attended PAS 2025, added: “Our goal is to make PAS 2026 more than just a tourism event – it will be a platform for sustainability, innovation, and human connections. With the support and expertise of PATA, we believe this vision can become a powerful reality. We look forward to welcoming you all to Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, in 2026.”
Further details about PAS 2026 and registration will be shared in due course.
The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group has signed agreements with Neste and World Energy to acquire sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and SAF certificates, supporting its decarbonisation efforts and providing further insight into renewable fuel systems, standards, and certification processes.
The first agreement involved the acquisition of 1,000 tonnes of Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)-eligible neat SAF from renewable fuel producer Neste. The SAF was produced at Neste’s refinery in Singapore, blended locally, and supplied at Singapore Changi Airport. This is the group’s second purchase of neat SAF from the same facility, contributing to the development of Singapore’s SAF infrastructure and improving supply chain resilience.
The two deals aim to reduce emissions and strengthen SAF infrastructure
The group also purchased around 2,000 tonnes of CORSIA-eligible SAF in the form of emissions reductions from World Energy, a US-based producer, through the Book & Claim Chain of Custody model. This allows the group to claim emissions reductions without physical delivery of the fuel.
Both transactions were completed in 1Q2025 and are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 9,500 tonnes.
SIA also participates in the Green Fuel Forward campaign, an initiative led by the World Economic Forum and Singapore’s GenZero, aimed at increasing SAF use in the Asia-Pacific region. The campaign promotes awareness, use, and regional collaboration around sustainable fuel.
Lee Wen Fen, chief sustainability officer, SIA, said: “These agreements represent important steps in the SIA Group’s broader strategy to scale up its use of SAF. By working with different suppliers and exploring diverse sourcing models and certification pathways, we gain crucial insights into the SAF landscape and we can better understand the pathways towards a more sustainable aviation ecosystem.
“The SIA Group will continue to work with partners around the world to test and implement solutions that support the airline industry’s long-term decarbonisation goals. This will allow us to validate SAF demand, enhance our technical expertise in this area, and strengthen our ability to meet our medium-term commitment of five per cent SAF use by 2030 and long-term goal net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
A major project is underway to make Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains – the largest remaining intact rainforest in South-east Asia – and surrounding areas a regional ecotourism hub, with a series of tourism products, activities and infrastructure being developed in the Cardamom Mountains-Tonle Sap (CMTS) landscape.
Approved in 2021, the Cambodia sustainable landscape and ecotourism project (CSLEP) is a joint collaboration between the nation’s Ministry of Environment (MoE) and the World Bank. The US$55 million project, which runs until 2027, marks the World Bank’s heaviest tourism investment in the country.
The Cardamom Mountains will become an ecotourism haven, with CSLEP focusing on protecting ecosystems and biodiversity through sustainable practices
Its aim is to develop ecotourism, cut deforestation, and boost the livelihoods of impoverished communities throughout the seven provinces the Cardamoms span, the Tonle Sap Lake’s flooded forests, and Phnom Kulen in Siem Reap province. The area covers more than 3.8 million hectares, including one of the world’s most productive freshwater fisheries and Indochina’s largest protected forest.
“CSLEP will use ecotourism as a driver to boost economic prosperity of rural communities and strengthen management of the rich natural capital of the CMTS landscape,” MoE undersecretary of state Vann Saravuth said, adding the project also aims to strengthen the value chains of non-timber forest products to further elevate local income.
Many remote communities in the area traditionally rely on illegal logging and wildlife trafficking to support their livelihoods. The aim is to provide them with an alternative income source through tourism to halt these environmentally-detrimental activities and curb the deforestation that plagues the area.
Khin Meng Kheang, director of the MoE’s ecotourism department and CSLEP project manager, said the first phase of the project has seen 90km of roads built to connect target areas. Park ranger offices have also been constructed and 11 ecotourism destinations selected.
“Our landscapes are important green destinations,” he stated. “We need to take advantage of the opportunity to develop green ecotourism, which will support (forest and environmental) protection, law enforcement, and connectivity.”
A ranger moves through the Cardamom Mountains, watching for poachers
Hong Sok Heng, business development director at Travel Asia a la Carte, said the area has huge untapped ecotourism potential, welcoming it being sensitively developed.
“It has nature, forests, lakes, mountains and conservation projects. There are also local communities that we can work with and can give benefits to local people.”
Heng pointed to Shinta Mani Wild as an example of an upscale ecolodge in the area that doubles up as a guardian of the forest. The luxury jungle retreat protects more than 300 hectares of forest through a partnership with Wildlife Alliance to support a team of rangers who patrol the area on the lookout for poachers, loggers, and other illegal activities.
Under CSLEP, much needed infrastructure has also been added to connect various outlying areas. These include roads, a major bridge, and a planned network of more than 500km of hiking trails, of which some have already been completed.
“With products, activities, infrastructure, and more being added, I believe it will provide a better way to promote Cambodia to those who wish to enjoy nature,” Heng said, adding that due to upgraded infrastructure nation-wide, it is now possible to travel from Battambang to Koh Kong in the Cardamoms within one day.
“This is a good way to combine the Cardamom Mountains with other destinations, such as Angkor Wat in Siem Reap and Battambang,” Heng noted. “With the new added infrastructure, it will help us to promote the area better. So, we hope we will be able to get more demand.”
Heng added that to attract more visitors, a broader range of restaurants and accommodation is needed.
“Tourism should cater to different markets, both international and domestic, and for all levels of budget, from backpackers to luxury guests.”
A range of accommodation is starting to emerge, from the existing luxurious Shinta Mani Wild and Canvas and Orchid, to mid-scale options, including Krâvanh La Vallée Eco Resort, through to basic camp sites operated by local communities. Later this year, five-star wellness-centred Samanea River Resort and Spa is slated to open in Osoam, Pursat province.
To further promote the area, CSLEP recently organised a four-day fam trip to showcase the latest additions to the area and the potential in a bid to stamp CMTS firmly on the region’s ecotourism map.
Minor Hotels has made two senior leadership appointments for its Anantara resorts in Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle.
Arnaud Béril, general manager of Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, will now also oversee Anantara Chiang Mai Resort as cluster general manager of both resorts. Jean-Marc Pougnet, resort manager at Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, will take on the role of general manager at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort.
From left: Arnaud Béril and Jean-Marc Pougnet
Béril, who returned to Anantara Chiang Mai after holding various operational roles across Minor Hotels’ properties in Thailand, has led various initiatives to enhance the resort experience, including the introduction of Canopy, A Tree Top Dining Experience, and the launch of Samsarn restaurant and the Mekong Explorer Tents.
Pougnet first joined Anantara Golden Triangle in 2018 as F&B manager, before moving to Avani+ Khao Lak Resort in 2021. He brings extensive experience in food and beverage and operational roles across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
