Malaysia Airlines has rolled out limited-time fare promotion under its ongoing Time for Memorable Journeys campaign, offering discounted Economy Class fares from July 8 to 21, 2025, for travel until May 31, 2026.
Return fares start from 119 ringgit (US$25) for domestic routes and 559 ringgit for international destinations. The offer applies to travel across the airline’s network, including Sydney, Tokyo, Bali, and Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia Airlines launches limited-time fare deals for travel through May 2026
In addition to discounted fares, passengers will have access to a range of services aimed at improving the end-to-end travel experience. This includes in-flight Wi-Fi across the airline’s Airbus A350-900, A330neo, Boeing 737-8, and select A330-300/200 aircraft, and the option to pre-order meals from the Best of Asia inflight menu from 30 days to 24 hours before departure.
On selected routes to Melbourne, Auckland and Bali, Malaysia Airlines will operate its new Airbus A330neo, equipped with 269 Recaro R3 Economy Class seats, 24 of which offer additional legroom. Each seat features a 13.3-inch 4K entertainment screen with Bluetooth connectivity, Kids Mode, and parental controls.
The promotion also includes discounts of up to 10 per cent on seat selection and additional baggage allowance on selected routes.
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) has appointed three seasoned executives to key leadership roles as part of its continued growth: Katharina Dein has been promoted to vice president commercial, Jelena Kezika steps into the role of vice president strategy, and Andrea Krenn has been appointed senior vice president communications.
In her new role, Dein will oversee commercial strategy, with a focus on optimising the performance of newly integrated properties, onboarding new brands, and launching new products and services across GHA’s portfolio. A long-serving GHA team member since 2013, she has played a pivotal role in brand relations and developed the alliance’s global online training platform.
From left: Katharina Dein, Jelena Kezika and Andrea Krenn
Kezika will oversee the development of future-facing initiatives to strengthen GHA’s positioning and loyalty ecosystem, while Krenn will lead GHA’s global communications strategy.
Despite mounting challenges in travel and tourism, business leaders and industry professionals continue to maintain a vigorous appetite to learn and grow through virtual and in-person events, observed PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.
Noor told TTG Asia in an interview that the mood to learn, share best practices and build network is not dampened by concerns about macro-environmental factors.
Asia-Pacific tourism leaders stay committed to growth and knowledge-sharing despite uncertainty
“On the contrary, we believe that growing macro-environmental challenges, whether economic uncertainty, climate change, shifting geopolitical dynamics, or evolving consumer behaviour, only heighten the urgency for the industry to come together, learn from one another, and build stronger networks,” he stated.
Noor added that “fear or uncertainty” are no “barriers to collaboration”.
“In fact, they often motivate deeper engagement and dialogue. Industry professionals are increasingly aware that no single entity can tackle these challenges in isolation. Collective intelligence and cross-sector collaboration are more vital than ever.
“That is why events like the PATA Annual Summit and the PATA Travel Mart continue to draw strong interest. They’re not just about business meetings; they are about building community, trust, and shared purpose, especially in uncertain times,” he said.
The association’s next major trade gathering is the PATA Travel Mart 2025, set for Bangkok, Thailand from August 26 to 28. The event includes the one-day PATA Knowledge Forum on August 26, where a host of industry experts will discuss major trends and developments in the business.
PATA’s calendar of events covers a broad range of topics relevant to the travel and tourism industry. This variety is necessary, according to Noor, to cater to PATA’s diverse membership base across Asia-Pacific, made up of national tourism organisations, airlines, hotels, tour operators, DMOs, academia, and tech innovators.
“Because of this diversity, a one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work; variety in our events is not just a strategy – it is a necessity,” he explained.
Noor expressed commitment to championing learning “as a proactive investment in the future of a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia-Pacific travel ecosystem”.
PATA’s events line-up will get even more exciting next year, opined Noor, who pointed to the association’s 75th anniversary. He described it as a “significant milestone that reflects our enduring legacy and continued relevance”.
To commemorate the occasion, PATA will host two Annual Summits for the first time – one in Gyeongju and another in Pohang, both cities in South Korea.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and OpenAI have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the tourism sector’s adoption of advanced AI.
This marks OpenAI’s first partnership with a national tourism organisation in Asia, and reinforces Singapore’s position as an innovative destination that continuously pursues solutions to meeting the evolving expectations of global travellers.
From left: OpenAI’s Oliver Jay and STB’s Jordan Tan at the MoU signing
Advanced AI refers to systems that perform complex tasks such as natural language understanding, large-scale data analysis, and context-aware response generation. The collaboration will support the use of OpenAI’s tools to enhance visitor experience, improve productivity, and inform tourism strategies.
The partnership aims to support the tourism sector in adopting new technologies responsibly and preparing for future developments in AI. Under this MoU, STB will explore potential use cases to incorporate advanced tools and robotics within the tourism context, and evaluate their potential impact on the sector. STB will further explore the scalability and potential trials with relevant partners within the sector.
By incorporating OpenAI’s technology, it will prepare STB and the tourism sector for an AI-driven future by laying the groundwork for the tourism sector to benefit from the newest and latest advancements in AI, allowing for new applications to flourish.
Jordan Tan, chief technology officer, STB, said: “By leveraging OpenAI’s capabilities, we envision AI as a key enabler in addressing productivity challenges and accelerating digital transformation across the sector.
“This collaboration aligns with our Tourism 2040 roadmap to prepare the industry for evolving technological advancements, laying the foundation for transformative changes in the travel industry. From helping businesses boost operational efficiency to enhancing visitor experience through greater personalisation and engagement, these initiatives will ultimately encourage repeat visits and advocacy for Singapore.”
Oliver Jay, managing director of international at OpenAI, added: “Singapore has consistently set global standards in innovation, and we are proud to support STB’s commitment to shaping the future of tourism through AI. By integrating OpenAI’s technology across multiple applications, we look forward to helping STB redefine visitor experiences at scale and drive new standards of excellence within the global tourism industry.”
The petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream in Ulsan have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming South Korea’s 17th World Heritage Site and the country’s first from the Stone Age.
The newly recognised site includes the Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace in Daegok-ri and the Petroglyphs of Cheonjeon-ri. These ancient rock carvings offer rare insight into prehistoric life, with vivid depictions of everyday scenes, rituals, and beliefs.
Ulsan’s newly listed petroglyphs offer a rare glimpse into South Korea’s Stone Age life and artistry; Petroglyphs of Cheonjeon-ri, pictured; photo by Korea Heritage Service
The Bangudae Terrace carvings are notable for their detailed whale-hunting imagery, while those at Cheonjeon-ri illustrate aspects of life from prehistoric times through to the Silla dynasty.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee praised the petroglyphs as “a masterpiece of creative genius” and a testament to South Korea’s 6,000-year-old rock-carving tradition.
The listing is expected to boost cultural tourism in Ulsan, with local authorities planning to introduce city tours and enhance nearby attractions such as the Ulsan Petroglyph Museum and Ulsan Daegok Museum.
Travelport has revealed improved global air search speeds on its Travelport+ platform. Travel agents using Travelport+ now receive results in an average of 0.84 seconds, a 23 per cent improvement, despite a 200 per cent increase in shopping volumes since 2023.
The platform’s enhanced search and booking functions are designed to support faster response times and more efficient operations for travel agents. Travelport has also integrated tools such as Content Optimiser and Productivity Automator to help streamline workflows and support revenue growth.
Travelport cuts search times by 23 per cent, helping agents work easier, smarter, and faster
According to a global survey conducted by Dynata with 1,289 travel industry professionals across EMEA, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, Travelport was rated highest in ease of use and innovation. In the US, it ranked 11 per cent higher than competitors.
It is also rated number one in Travel Agency Software on G2.com, based on user reviews and satisfaction scores.
“We deliver for travel agencies because we think like a travel agent. Agents’ needs are at the heart of our business, and their success in working smarter, selling better, and growing faster is our mission,” said Greg Webb, CEO of Travelport.
“From our lightning-fast search speeds to smart automation and machine intelligence, Travelport+ is the only modern retailing platform built with travel agents in mind.”
Taj Damdama Lake Resort & Spa, India Taj Damdama Lake Resort & Spa has reopened in Gurugram following extensive enhancements. Set on a large expanse of green space against the Aravalli hills, the resort offers 143 rooms, suites and villas. Among these are Grand Luxury Villas that come with private plunge pools.
Dining options include Shamiana, an all-day restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating; Zvatra, which specialises in North Indian cuisine; and VIXX, a lounge serving cocktails. The resort also houses a wellness centre that provides traditional therapies and features a Turkish Hammam and outdoor swimming pool.
Recreational amenities include an adventure park offering activities such as pickleball, off-roading, go-karting and cricket. Guests may also join property-led experiences such as lawn picnics, yoga sessions, cooking classes, village-style dinners and local tours.
Radisson Hotel Don Mueang Bangkok
Radisson Hotel Don Mueang Bangkok, Thailand Radisson Hotel Don Mueang Bangkok has opened with 89 rooms and is located a few minutes from Don Mueang International Airport.
The hotel features a rooftop infinity pool, fitness centre, all-day dining restaurant, and a meeting space that accommodates up to 129 guests.
Nearby attractions include the Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Chatuchak Weekend Market, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Kantarat Golf Course, and Wat Don Mueang temple.
Quest Hotel Midport Port Dickson
Quest Hotel Midport Port Dickson, Malaysia Close to the Malacca border, Quest Hotel Midport Port Dickson offers 413 rooms across ten categories, ranging from Superior Rooms with twin beds and workspaces to Family Suites with separate living areas and views of the forest or sea. All rooms include Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions with international channels, and ergonomic workspaces.
Facilities include a restaurant serving buffet breakfasts and à la carte options, as well as a water play area with slides for children, and an adjacent lawn for outdoor events.
Nearby attractions include Tanjung Biru Beach, Tanjung Tuan Recreational Forest, Teluk Kemang Beach, Dickson Bay Golf Resort and Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Kepong.
Le Méridien Ahmedabad
Le Méridien Ahmedabad, India Courtyard by Marriott has reopened as Le Méridien Ahmedabad, nestled in the heart of India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City. The hotel offers 164 rooms and suites designed with mid-century influences and references to Ahmedabad’s textile and architectural heritage.
Facilities include a 1,860m² event space comprising a pillarless ballroom and outdoor lawns, as well as a fitness centre, spa, outdoor pool, and dining venues.
Guests receive complimentary access to Archer Art Gallery, Gujarat’s largest art gallery, by presenting their room key. Other initiatives include the Le Méridien Family Passport, with child-friendly activities and seasonal experiences.
Nearby attractions include Sabarmati Ashram, the old city bazaars, riverfront promenades, and modern architecture reflecting Ahmedabad’s layered urban fabric.
Pulse Active and Hoiana Resort & Golf will host The Vibe Run in Vietnam for the first time, offering a new running experience in the country, blending fitness, nature and celebration.
This event, previously held in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, is more than a race – it combines running with music, wellness activities and social events. Runners can choose between 21km or 7km routes through the resort’s gardens, coastal golf course and ocean views. The run ends on the beach at sunset, followed by a post-race party.
Experience Vietnam’s first-ever sunset run with The Vibe Run at Hoiana Resort & Golf this August
The event takes place on August 8 and 9 at Hoiana Resort & Golf in Danang. On Friday, August 8, participants can collect their Vibe kits throughout the day, followed by a welcome rooftop dinner from 18.00, priced at 650,000 dongs (US$27) per person. On Saturday, August 9, social activities will be held in the morning before the race starts at 15.30, finishing by sunset. An after-race party at NOX Beach Club begins at 19.00, featuring DJ sets, a pool party, games, food and drinks.
Hoiana Resort & Golf offers a special stay package for the event starting from 2,600,000 dongs per night for two guests at New World Hoiana Beach Resort or New World Hoiana Hotel. The booking period runs until August 9, 2025, with stays available from August 6 to 12, 2025. The package includes daily buffet breakfast for two adults and two children under six, a food and beverage coupon worth 440,000 dongs redeemable at the NOX Beach Club afterparty, and free cancellation up to three days before arrival.
At the Mega Halal 2025 Bangkok trade show, held at BITEC Bangna, stakeholders discussed powerful springboards for catalysing Thailand’s halal tourism development – from catering to daily rituals, to authentic halal certification and untapped source markets.
“Today, it’s no longer just Muslims promoting to Muslims. Even non-Muslim business owners are asking us how to welcome halal guests,” shared Aida Oujah, president of the Thai-ASEAN Halal Tourism Trade Association (TAHTA), who has been promoting Muslim-friendly travel routes in Thailand for almost 30 years.
The Bright Future of Thai Tourism: The Hottest Trends in Halal Hospitality session covered key trends, challenges, and untapped opportunities in Thailand’s halal hospitality sector; photo by Anne Somanas
When it comes to welcoming Muslim tourists, it is the small things that matter, such as bidets in bathrooms, prayer signage, same-gender massage therapists, and so on.
“The bidet is important. If there’s no water in the bathroom, it’s a big issue, especially for Muslim women. At the same time, Muslim travellers mostly want the same itineraries as other tourists. The religious requirements create only about 30 per cent differences in the programme,” Aida stressed.
Aida also highlighted that religious and cultural respect often intersect with iconic Thai tourism sites, noting that Muslim travellers frequently express disappointment when landmarks like Wat Arun or Wat Chalong in Phuket are not included in their itineraries, as many feel their visit to Thailand is incomplete without them.
Aida encouraged local operators interested in welcoming Muslim tourists to seek guidance from halal organisations such as the Islamic Committee, the Halal Institute, or TAHTA.
“Phone the contacts; approach the organisations. Don’t wait. Participate in trade shows, fam trips, and foreign buyer inspections,” she urged.
Session moderator Premrapee Punwangdeeyukul, factory manager at SPC Factory All Supply, shared: “Halal is an opportunity, not a limitation. Muslim-friendly doesn’t mean changing everything – just paying attention to the details that matter.”
Dumrong Poottan, advisor to the Speaker of the National Assembly, stressed proper certification, noting that only institutions like the Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University or the Central Islamic Council of Thailand can formally certify Halal.
“Others may promote or market halal, but legal authority matters when it comes to the certification,” he underscored.
“Muslims talk among themselves and know when something isn’t truly halal – even if the vendor wears a hijab. Also, travellers don’t look for the owner’s name Fatimah or Mohammad – they look for the halal symbol,” advised Aida.
Travel blogger Sakarin Sadlah, founder of the Lamard tang tin (Praying in a Foreign Land) Facebook page, warned of fake halal labels.
“The biggest issue we face is opportunistic behaviour – stickers with no certification. That’s not just misleading; it’s a violation of religious trust. Thailand needs laws to stop this,” he opined.
While Thailand has a strong Muslim-friendly foundation, and halal snacks available at chains like Foodland and 7-Eleven, Sakarin added that having a local halal app – like Halal Navi in Japan, for checking certifications – would be a game-changer.
Dumrong meanwhile urged stakeholders to look beyond traditional source markets.
“India is now the most populous country, with a sizable Muslim population – in fact, its third wealthiest person is Muslim. We only need to capture a portion of this niche but high-value segment, but many of them don’t know that Thailand has halal-friendly travel options because our dominant image (in India) is nightlife and entertainment. That has to change,” he advised.
Kusuma Kinglek, CEO of Aonang Princeville Villa Resort & Spa, noted that halal tourism merges seamlessly with other broader wellness trends.
“Thailand already has the food and culture. We just need to adapt our kitchens and evolve our service standards to conform to halal wellness. The new tourism S-curve of clean living is a mega trend. Halal fits naturally into that,” she commented.
Aida concluded with a call for leadership, urging the Thai government to make a clear statement of readiness to welcome halal tourists. She noted that Malaysia, with a population that is 70 to 80 per cent Muslim, is emerging as a major source market alongside China. To capture this growing segment, she stressed, Thailand “must be prepared”.
Passport-less immigration procedures that rely on biometrics are known to dramatically improve efficiency in custom clearance and crowd control, but public concerns about security and data privacy remain. Jasie Fon, regional vice president of Asia with Ping Identity, a software company that specialises in identity management solutions, says there are systems in place to protect digital identities in travel processes.
In this episode of TTG Conversations: Five Questions video news series, Fon discusses existing mandates and measures that address data privacy concerns within the aviation industry, innovations in identity fraud prevention efforts and their impact on travel technology adoption, as well as opportunities for other travel organisations and facilities to adopt decentralised identity and password-less authentication to speed up and simplify customer processing.
