Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group have entered a three-year strategic partnership aimed at expanding live entertainment, sports and tourism experiences in Macau.
The agreement, which runs from 2026 to 2029, will combine Trip.com Group’s travel platform and membership network with Galaxy Macau’s entertainment and event operations.
The agreement will focus on live events, travel experiences and membership benefits between 2026 and 2029
The partnership will focus on developing and promoting live events at Galaxy Macau, including concerts, sporting events and other programmes hosted at venues such as Galaxy Arena. It will also involve greater integration between the companies’ membership programmes, providing travellers and event attendees with benefits linked to ticket purchases, travel bookings and on-site experiences.
The collaboration comes as Macau continues efforts to diversify its tourism offering through entertainment, culture and major events. The companies said they will explore destination marketing campaigns and new tourism experiences that combine travel, accommodation and entertainment offerings to attract regional and international visitors.
The partnership coincides with Galaxy Macau’s preparations for its 15th anniversary in 2026 and is intended to support Macau’s position as a tourism and leisure destination while strengthening links between the travel and entertainment sectors.
Travelport is working with Cognizant and Anthropic on an AI programme aimed at modernising software development and travel retailing systems across its platform.
The collaboration will deploy Anthropic’s Claude AI models to support software development, testing and maintenance across Travelport’s travel distribution and retailing infrastructure. The companies said the initiative is intended to accelerate the delivery of new AI capabilities for airlines, hotels, travel management companies and online travel agencies.
The initiative will use Anthropic’s Claude AI models to support software development and travel booking services
The initial focus will be Travelport Trip Services, the platform that manages bookings, exchanges, refunds and servicing. The project is being developed on Travelport’s cloud-native platform, with the first customer-facing capabilities expected to be released this year.
According to the companies, the programme is designed to address growing complexity in travel booking and servicing. For travel management companies, Travelport aims to automate tasks such as rebooking, exchanges and disruption management. For online travel agencies, the company is developing tools that can convert conversational AI travel requests into bookings using live availability data.
Cognizant will integrate Claude into its engineering platforms and delivery processes, including its Neuro AI multi-agent accelerator. The AI models will be used for code development, test creation and software review, with the aim of reducing software delivery times.
The companies said the work builds on Cognizant’s wider AI Builder strategy and extends its partnership with Anthropic, first established in November 2025.
“This collaboration is about giving Travelport the tools to move faster and deliver higher quality at scale to meet the challenge of a changing travel distribution landscape,” shared Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant.
Travelport CEO John Mangelaars, said: “AI is not a future consideration, it is happening now, and the companies that move fastest and most intelligently will define the next era of travel technology.”
Rich O’Connell, head of alliances at Anthropic, added: “Reasoning across large, complex codebases is where Claude is at its best – and that’s exactly what travel infrastructure demands.”
Hilton will bring its LXR Hotels & Resorts brand to Tokyo with the rebranding of Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, which is scheduled to join the luxury collection in 2027.
Owned by Brookfield and managed by Hilton, the property will undergo a phased enhancement programme before reopening its guestrooms and restaurants in mid-2026. It will continue operations ahead of its official transition to the LXR Hotels & Resorts brand.
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is expected to reopen in stages from 2026 before joining the LXR Hotels & Resorts brand in 2027
The move marks the first LXR Hotels & Resorts property in Tokyo and the second in Japan, following Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts. It also forms part of Hilton’s broader luxury expansion plans in Japan, with additional projects planned in Hiroshima and Niseko, Hokkaido.
Located in Meguro, the hotel has a history dating back almost a century and is known for its Japanese artwork, architecture and cultural heritage. The property is home to Hyakudan Kaidan, or the Hundred-Step Staircase, a designated Tangible Cultural Property of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the only remaining original wooden structure within the hotel.
The hotel will feature 60 guestrooms, including suites exceeding 100m², alongside five dining venues, a spa, fitness centre and approximately 5,700m² of meeting and event space.
Situated near Meguro Station, the property provides access to central Tokyo and is located close to the Meguro River, a popular cherry blossom viewing area with around 800 trees.
Hirohisa Fujimoto, vice president, development, Japan and Micronesia, Hilton, said: “As demand for luxury brands continues to grow in Japan, the introduction of LXR Hotels & Resorts to Tokyo offers a new and distinctive option to both domestic and international travellers.”
Skypark Sentosa will reopen on June 7, 2026, with the launch of Skyslides by Klook, a new dual-slide attraction developed in partnership with travel experiences platform Klook.
The attraction features two 44m-high dry slides, Skydrop and The Big Klook Slide, which Skypark Sentosa says are among the tallest dry slides in South-east Asia. Both slides offer views across Sentosa and are designed to cater to different comfort levels and visitor preferences.
Skyslides by Klook features two 44m-high dry slides at Skypark Sentosa, offering visitors different ride experiences overlooking Sentosa
Skydrop features a drop element before transitioning into a curved ride experience, while The Big Klook Slide provides a more gradual descent. Both attractions incorporate lighting, music and audiovisual effects.
The addition expands Skypark Sentosa’s existing attractions, which include a bungy jump, giant swing and skybridge.
Bookings are available through Klook and the Skypark Sentosa website.
Two-ride packages are priced at S$28 (US$22), while three-ride packages cost S$33. As part of a launch promotion, the first 1,000 Skyslides ticket packages purchased will receive a complimentary ride video worth S$20.
During June 2026, guests purchasing a slide package can also access special rates on selected attractions, including the Bungy Jump at S$40, down from S$99, and the Giant Swing at S$20, reduced from S$59.
Skypark Sentosa also includes Summerhouse, a beach club and dining venue overlooking the attraction.
The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) and the Palace Museum have opened a new exhibition examining the Forbidden City’s role as a centre of cultural exchange between China and the wider world.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Forbidden City and the World—Cultural Encounters opened on June 3, 2026, in Gallery 1 at HKPM and features more than 130 artefacts from the Palace Museum in Beijing, HKPM and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha.
The exhibition features more than 130 artefacts exploring cultural exchanges between China and the wider world across the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties
Spanning the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, the exhibition explores diplomacy, trade, science, technology, philosophy and craftsmanship through objects including paintings, calligraphy, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, furniture and timepieces – 18 grade-one national treasures are included in the display.
The exhibition is organised into four sections covering the Silk Routes and maritime trade, imported treasures and court art, artistic and scientific exchanges between China and Europe, and the role of the Canton Customs in shaping cultural connections during the Qing dynasty.
Highlights include a Ming dynasty textile linked to the voyages of Zheng He, a rare jadeite ruyi sceptre, a geometric model reflecting the Kangxi Emperor’s interest in mathematics, and objects connected to the tea trade between China and Europe.
The exhibition also features multimedia installations, interactive displays and educational programmes, including guided tours, workshops and public talks.
Presented by HKPM and the Palace Museum, the exhibition is solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.
Sharmishtha Patange has been appointed business events manager – India at Business Events Australia, effective June 8, 2026.
Based in India, she will support the implementation of the organisation’s distribution strategies and partnerships across the country’s MICE sector, while working with customers and stakeholders to drive business events and incentive travel to Australia.
The Indian Union Cabinet, chaired by prime minister Narendra Modi, last week approved a one-time budgetary support package of 100 billion rupees (US$1.17 billion) for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to help stabilise Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices for Indian airlines operating domestic and international flights.
The support will be provided as interest-free advances to OMCs and comes as Indian airlines grapple with rising operating costs. Industry stakeholders and aviation analysts believe the measure could provide short-term relief for carriers.
Indian airlines are expected to receive short-term relief from a government-backed initiative to help stabilise aviation fuel prices; photo by explorewithinfo
Subhash Goyal, chairman of STIC Travel Group and chairman of the aviation and tourism expert committee of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), said: “The budgetary support will help airlines avoid steep increases in airfares, therefore keeping air travel more affordable for passengers. While this initiative may not eliminate the challenges arising from high global fuel prices, it is certainly a positive step that can provide short-term stability and support the growth of the Indian aviation industry.”
According to Mayur Patel, OAG Aviation’s commercial and industry affairs leader for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa, the Indian aviation sector is facing several pressures simultaneously.
“When fuel already accounts for roughly 40 per cent of airline operating expenditure under normal conditions and can climb towards 60 per cent under extreme market stress, the arithmetic of running scheduled services simply breaks down,” Patel said.
He noted that airlines are contending with three major challenges: higher crude oil prices linked to the West Asia crisis, rupee depreciation that is increasing fuel procurement costs, and longer international flight paths following the closure of Pakistani airspace.
“The impact is already visible in airline capacity decisions. Air India has reportedly cut up to 22 per cent of domestic flights over a three-month period while IndiGo has reduced domestic capacity by five to seven per cent and international capacity by 17 per cent,” Patel stated.
Pushan Sharma, director at Crisil Intelligence, noted rising fuel prices continue to weigh on the sector’s profitability and growth prospects.
“Passenger traffic is expected to see only marginal growth in the current fiscal year as rising fuel costs keep airfares on the higher side. While Indian carriers are benefiting from capped ATF prices, up by 15 per cent only compared to doubling of ATF rates globally, still the pressure on sector profitability remains significant,” Sharma said.
Goyal added that airlines continue to face the challenge of balancing higher operating costs with the need to maintain affordable fares and support passenger growth.
While welcoming the government’s support package, industry experts said long-term structural reforms remain necessary.
Patel highlighted the need to bring ATF under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework to reduce the tax burden on airlines.
“The combined effective tax burden on ATF for domestic operations sits at approximately 24.9 per cent of the final inclusive price and because ATF was deliberately excluded from the GST framework when it launched in 2017, airlines cannot claim input tax credit on a single rupee of fuel tax. Every litre burned on a domestic route carries an embedded tax cost that no other comparable industry in India faces on its primary input,” Patel said.
Dream Cruises has launched Forever Broadway, a new musical production created in partnership with Broadway Asia International and premiering exclusively aboard Genting Dream.
The show debuted on June 5, 2026, as part of Dream Cruises’ 10th anniversary celebrations and features a selection of songs from well-known Broadway productions, including New York, New York, Dancing Queen, Grease Lightning, Tonight and On Broadway.
Forever Broadway brings Broadway-inspired music, dance and theatrical performances to Genting Dream as part of Dream Cruises’ 10th anniversary celebrations
Developed for Asian audiences, the production combines live performances, choreography, special effects and orchestral recordings created specifically for the ship’s theatre.
The show was conceived by StarDream Cruises and developed in collaboration with Broadway Asia International. The cast brings together international performers from New York and London alongside resident entertainers from the Dream Cruises and StarCruises fleet.
Dream Cruises has also partnered with Design Orchard Singapore and local brands Bohème by Véro, Frey and Raja Rani, with selected apparel and accessories featured in the production.
Forever Broadway is now showing aboard Genting Dream.
China’s Adora Cruises has selected Port Klang for its first overseas homeport deployment, with the 2,680-passenger Adora Mediterranea scheduled for an exclusive charter season from November 24 to December 14, 2026.
The collaboration with Malaysian cruise specialist Hwajing Travel & Tours was unveiled at ITB China 2026 in Shanghai.
Adora Mediterranea will operate an exclusive charter season from Port Klang between November 24 and December 14, 2026
Kenny Cheong, managing director of Hwajing Travel & Tours, said: “We look forward to creating a distinctive, Muslim-friendly cruise holiday experience for Malaysian and regional travellers aboard Adora Mediterranea.”
Jenny Ye, vice president of sales, revenue management and commercial operations at Adora Cruises, described Malaysia as an important market in the cruise line’s international expansion plans.
“We are pleased to bring Adora Mediterranea to Port Klang and introduce guests to Adora’s cruise experience,” she said.
Marketed as the newly upgraded “Art Ship”, Adora Mediterranea features Mediterranean-inspired interiors, international dining, live entertainment, themed bars and family-friendly facilities. The vessel has 1,057 cabins across 12 decks.
All sailings will depart from Port Klang and include Muslim-friendly meal options, as well as multilingual crew members fluent in Mandarin, English and Bahasa Malaysia.
The programme comprises eight sailings across four itineraries: a three-day cruise to Penang; four-day cruises to Penang and Langkawi or Phuket; and a six-day one-way voyage to Nha Trang and Guangzhou.
Cruise fares start from 499 ringgit (US$118) for the three-day Penang itinerary, 799 ringgit for the Penang-Langkawi route, 899 ringgit for Phuket, and 1,299 ringgit for the six-day sailing to Guangzhou.
The charter coincides with Hwajing Travel’s 37th anniversary and adds another homeported cruise programme to Port Klang ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Vinpearl has signed partnership agreements with Agoda, AirAsia Move, BeMyGuest and GlobalTix as it seeks to expand the international reach of its hospitality, leisure and entertainment businesses.
The agreements were signed during business forums held in Thailand and Singapore as part of Vietnamese state visits to Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines between May 28 and June 1, 2026.
Vinpearl has signed agreements with Agoda, AirAsia Move, BeMyGuest and GlobalTix to broaden international access to its tourism and entertainment products
In Thailand, Vinpearl extended its relationships with Agoda and AirAsia Move. Through Agoda, the company aims to increase visibility for its accommodation, attractions and entertainment offerings in markets including South-east Asia, India, the Middle East and Australia. The agreement also expands distribution of VinWonders products through Agoda’s platform.
The partnership with AirAsia Move will make Vinpearl and VinWonders products in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and Danang-Hoi An available through the travel platform’s booking ecosystem, allowing travellers to combine flights, accommodation and attractions within a single itinerary.
In Singapore, Vinpearl signed agreements with experience distribution platforms BeMyGuest and GlobalTix. The partnerships are intended to increase the presence of VinWonders products across South-east Asia, China and India, while expanding access to attractions and experiences in Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Danang.
According to the company, the agreements will combine the partners’ technology and distribution networks to broaden international access to Vinpearl and VinWonders products and support the promotion of Vietnam’s tourism sector.
Ngo Thi Huong, CEO of Vinpearl, said: “These partnerships not only expand Vinpearl’s network of strategic partners but also create a strong foundation for the Vinpearl and VinWonders ecosystem to connect more deeply with global traveller segments through some of the region’s leading travel, aviation, and distribution platforms.”
Krishna Rathi, associate vice president, supply, Agoda, added that the partnership would help Vinpearl and VinWonders engage more closely with international travellers across Asia and other global markets.
Nadia Omer, CEO of AirAsia Move, commented that the collaboration would support travel connectivity and tourism flows within the region while increasing access to Vietnam’s tourism offerings.
Based in India, she will support the implementation of the organisation’s distribution strategies and partnerships across the country’s MICE sector, while working with customers and stakeholders to drive business events and incentive travel to Australia.
