Avalon Waterways has reported record bookings for 2026, with sales up 17 per cent compared to 2024 and seven per cent ahead of 2025 at the same point last year.
The company attributes the growth to continued demand for flexible cruising options and expanded itineraries across key destinations.
Avalon’s early 2026 sales surge reflects growing interest in personalised river cruising and expanded global routes
In Europe, the Rhine River remains Avalon’s top performer, led by the Romantic Rhine route from Amsterdam to Basel. On the Danube, two itineraries are driving bookings: Danube Dreams on the upper river and Balkan Discovery along the lower section. France is showing the strongest growth, with the Paris to Normandy route maintaining its position as a bestseller. The new Bonjour Bordeaux itinerary is also attracting interest.
Seasonal demand remains strong, with Christmas cruises continuing to perform well, particularly Christmastime on the Danube.
Outside Europe, bookings on the Mekong River are up 76 per cent compared to 2025. Avalon operates a 36-guest Suite Ship through Vietnam and Cambodia.
Avalon’s fleet features Suite Ships with two decks of Panorama Suites, which the company states are 30 per cent larger than standard river cruise cabins. Each suite includes open-air balconies and beds positioned to face the river view. Guests can customise their experience with excursions grouped under Classic, Discovery and Active categories.
While demand remains high for traditional routes, Avalon’s Active & Discovery cruises are gaining momentum. These itineraries offer up to 28 included excursions and are designed to give travellers greater flexibility in how they engage with destinations.
With bookings for 2026 tracking ahead of previous years, Avalon Waterways expects the coming year to mark its strongest performance to date.
“We didn’t just elevate river cruise ships – we reimagined the entire river cruise experience,” said Chris Hall, managing director Asia Pacific, Globus family of brands. “The record demand we’re seeing is more than cruising’s popularity. It’s about Avalon’s difference: Suite Ships with a view, passion-filled excursions and the freedom to cruise your way.”
Conrad Hotels & Resorts has launched Conrad 1/3/5, a new programme offering immersive experiences lasting one, three, or five hours. The initiative aims to provide modern travellers with time-based itineraries that highlight local culture, design, and connections, inspired by founder Barron Hilton’s legacy.
The programme offers tailored activities suited to the guest’s available time and interests, simplifying planning for travellers who seek authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences. With 56 per cent of these travellers working with travel advisors and 43 per cent using the concierge, Conrad 1/3/5 provides a convenient and personalised way to explore without compromising comfort or quality.
The new time-tailored itineraries will be introduced across Conrad properties globally
According to Hilton’s recent trends report, nearly 70 per cent of global travellers prefer active trips, and over 75 per cent value hotels offering diverse and immersive adventures. Each itinerary can be booked through the Conrad Concierge and features localised activities designed to leave a lasting impression.
In Tokyo, one-hour options include a coffee tasting with rare beans or a premium sake pairing with seasonal dishes. Three-hour experiences feature a Ukiyo-e masterclass and an onigiri workshop at a historic shop. Five-hour experiences include a tea tasting evening and a sword-making workshop with a master smith.
At Conrad Bali, one-hour sessions offer a weighted blanket relaxation and crystal sound healing. Three-hour activities include a full moon celebration with traditional rituals and art therapy sessions. Five-hour options feature a guided forest bathing tour and a cooking journey involving local farms and traditional dishes.
Conrad Singapore Orchard offers a one-hour Negroni cocktail and cheese infusion workshop. Three-hour experiences include a cocktail tasting at one of the world’s top bars and a chocolate-making workshop. Five-hour options feature guided edible garden walks and a visit to a private Peranakan home museum.
In Beijing, one-hour tours cover the Temple of Heaven and an art walk through the CBD. Three-hour options include shopping at Panjiayuan Market and dining on Peking duck at a renowned restaurant. Five-hour experiences involve tours of the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, exploring historic sites and gardens.
Dino Michael, senior vice president and global head of Hilton Luxury Brands, said: “With the launch of Conrad 1/3/5, we’re empowering our guests to discover new perspectives through curated, time-tailored experiences that go beyond the expected. Whether guests want to enjoy a quick tour or embark on a full afternoon of local discovery, this programme reflects our commitment to offering meaningful, memorable experiences that connect them more deeply to the world around them.”
Conrad 1/3/5 will be available worldwide at Conrad properties and will be customised by each hotel to reflect local culture.
Sunshine Coast operator Saltwater Eco Tours has introduced new guided canoe tours, including equipment designed to support participation by wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility.
The 90-minute tours take place twice a week and use six double canoes, each featuring a distinct Aboriginal design. Departing from The Wharf Mooloolaba, the tours follow a route along the Mooloolah River and are led by a First Nations guide. Cultural storytelling is incorporated throughout the journey, which takes place in a calm water environment suitable for all abilities.
Participants canoeing on the Mooloolah River in Indigenous-themed canoes
Founder Simon Thornalley, a Saltwater Eco Tours director of Indigenous heritage, said the initiative aims to make nature-based experiences more accessible. The route includes stops at points of ecological interest, with morning tea provided.
Tours operate on Thursdays and Sundays from 08.00 to 10.00 and are priced at A$120 (US$80) per person, including equipment and refreshments. The minimum age is 12.
Private group sessions are available on Wednesdays during the same time slot.
International visitors to Japan reached a record high of 36.9 million in 2024, a 47.1 per cent increase year-on-year, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
The growth was welcomed by the trade, but much of the country did not benefit, as approximately 70 per cent of visitors stayed in the three major metropolitan areas, according to the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), fuelling concerns of overtourism in Kyoto and Tokyo.
Regional landmarks like Miyajidake Shrine, pictured, benefit from Japan’s tourism shift beyond major cities; photo by cowardlion
Still, there are signs that tourism is being redirected to lesser-known areas, supporting more sustainable tourism development.
JTA data indicates that inbound visitors are increasingly interested in regional destinations, with 5.8 million guest nights recorded in January 2025 – a 49 per cent increase year-on-year, representing 31 per cent of all international visitor stays. This follows December 2024, which saw a 33 per cent year-on-year rise, equating to 34 per cent of all international guest nights.
These results follow years of efforts, including collaboration among the JTA, Japan Sports Agency and Agency for Cultural Affairs to promote regional destinations with sporting, cultural and artistic assets. Examples include Hokkaido, with its winter sports, Ainu culture and heritage sites.
The JTA has also been expanding gastronomy tourism through food tours and experiences, such as those in Nara – a heartland for sake and matcha – which trialled guided tours in 2023 and 2024 with JTA support.
The private sector is also working to drive more traffic to rural areas. In 2024, Japan Airlines and Hoshino Resorts launched a joint campaign to promote hidden gems via a themed search website, featuring categories such as “winter wonderland” and “festive fun”. DMCs have also developed off-season regional activities, including sake brewery tours and culinary experiences.
Public and private sectors are investing in Japan’s adventure travel segment, which is largely rural, with new projects and training to build human resources.
In 2024, prefectures outside major metropolitan areas that saw the sharpest increase in total bed nights compared to 2019 included Ishikawa (up 29 per cent), Tochigi (25 per cent), Fukuoka (14 per cent), and Hokkaido (13 per cent).
Hiroyuki Sato, a 30-year travel industry veteran, attributes rising interest in Ishikawa and neighbouring Gifu to their “authentic cultural experiences”, which are especially popular with Western visitors, and the “convenient transport links” from Tokyo and Kyoto.
Fukuoka, meanwhile, is becoming more popular with Asian markets, “thanks to both its geographic proximity and diverse food culture and nightlife”, he said.
Tochigi’s growth is supported by the arrival of international hotel brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, Fairfield by Marriott, and Hoshino Resorts. Hokkaido has gained momentum from several new Ainu-related attractions; new ski slopes, gondolas and luxury accommodation in Niseko; a new national park; and Japan’s newest long-distance trail.
These high-performing regions are seeing further investment. Fukuoka Airport, for instance, added a second runway in March and will open a large-scale commercial complex in 2027.
Sébastien Duval, business development manager at Japan Travel, predicts rural destinations will continue to grow in popularity, partly due to overcrowding and rising hotel prices in major cities. He noted that luxury travellers may seek countryside stays for tranquillity and spend fewer nights in Kyoto.
However, “travel agencies lack skilled guides to dispatch as full-time assistants serving as an interface at such destinations”.
Should popular destinations worry about losing travellers to emerging parts of Japan?
Duval believes that “well-established destinations” have nothing to fear.
Sato agreed, adding: “Redistribution of visitor flow (from Kyoto) to neighbouring areas such as Shiga and Nara may reduce pressure on Kyoto and, in turn, enhance the overall quality of the visitor experience. Rather than acting as competitors, these emerging destinations may be seen as complementary to existing ones.”
Hiroshi Kurosu, chief researcher at JTB Tourism Research and Consulting expects direct flights and proximity to more quickly attract Asian visitors deeper into Japan.
Sato added that lesser-known regions would likely rely on an increase in repeat visitors than Westerners who “still regard Japan as a once-in-a-lifetime destination”.
Amara Sanctuary Sentosa has partnered with German luxury fashion and lifestyle label MCM to offer a curated series of experiences in celebration of the brand’s Autumn/Winter 2025 collection launch.
Running from now to August 10, the collaboration features a themed villa stay and a weekend-only afternoon tea, both set within the resort’s tranquil Sentosa grounds.
Discover the exclusive MCM-inspired villa stay at Amara Sanctuary Sentosa
For the duration of the campaign, one of Amara Sanctuary’s Two-Bedroom Villas will be converted into an MCM-inspired space, featuring select items from the brand’s home and pet accessory lines. The setup includes designer poufs, pet bowls and a full display of the latest MCM Parfum collection.
Guests staying in the villa will be transported via a customised MCM-decorated buggy and receive an exclusive MCM gift set valued at S$150 (US$111), which includes two 30ml bottles from the new fragrance line.
In addition to the stay experience, the partnership also includes an afternoon tea service themed around MCM’s latest scents. Held on Saturdays and Sundays from 14.00 to 17.00, the tea service will run throughout the campaign period and is priced at S$88++ for two guests. The menu includes a range of savoury and sweet items served alongside a welcome drink and free-flow coffee and tea. Highlights include lobster mayo salad in choux pastry, abalone cold green tea soba with truffle-sesame dressing, black sesame Swiss roll, and pineapple mousse with basil.
Minor Hotels has added four new hotel brands to its portfolio – The Wolseley Hotels, Minor Reserve Collection, Colbert Collection and iStay Hotels.
The move includes the group’s first soft brands and is aimed at supporting its expansion across the luxury, premium and select market segments.
The newly launched brands aim to fulfil evolving traveller and owner needs and drive the hospitality group’s sustainable growth; The Wolseley, London, pictured
The Wolseley Hotels is linked to the Piccadilly-based restaurant and positioned in the luxury segment with British and European influences. Minor Reserve Collection is a luxury soft brand, with properties selected for unique characteristics and a focus on tailored guest experiences. Colbert Collection, a premium soft brand, includes independent hotels with a focus on food-led experiences and social engagement. iStay Hotels targets the select segment, offering affordable accommodation with standardised service and technology features in key cities.
These four new brands join Minor Hotels’ existing portfolio, which includes Anantara, Elewana Collection, Tivoli, NH Collection, Avani, nhow, NH and Oaks. The additions reflect the group’s strategy to diversify its offerings, particularly in the growing soft brand category.
The brand expansion follows the launch of the Minor Hotels master brand in March 2025. This initiative includes investment in digital infrastructure and distribution channels, along with a unified loyalty programme under Minor Discovery. The platform is intended to support future brand development, improve returns for property owners, and streamline the guest experience.
Ian Di Tullio, chief commercial officer of Minor Hotels, commented: “By expanding our brand offering to address new segments, we are empowering our partners, delighting our guests, and accelerating our global growth strategy. These additional brands are instrumental in helping us reach our growth target of 850 properties by the end of 2027.”
Minor Hotels is in active discussions regarding development opportunities for each of its brands. The first property announcements for The Wolseley Hotels, Minor Reserve Collection, Colbert Collection and iStay are expected in the coming months.
Far East Hospitality has expanded its presence in Japan with the launch of two new properties in Osaka under the Far East Village brand.
Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Namba South, and Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Honmachi mark the group’s latest move in its plan to double its portfolio to 2,000 rooms across Japan’s key cities – Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Fukuoka – within the next five years.
Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Namba South, pictured, offers access to key attractions in the Oku-Namba neighbourhood
The group entered Japan in July 2020 with Far East Village Hotel Tokyo Ariake, followed by a second hotel in Yokohama in June 2021. It added a third property in Tokyo Asakusa in 2023 despite pandemic-related travel restrictions.
With the addition of the two Osaka hotels, Far East Hospitality now operates five hotels in Japan within five years of entering the market.
Japan’s tourism sector has shown sustained recovery since the pandemic. In Tokyo, international visitor arrivals between January and October 2023 were around 12 times higher than the previous year and exceeded pre-pandemic levels by over 34 per cent. The upward trend continued in 2024, with the country recording 36.9 million international visitors, a 47.1 per cent increase from 2023.
The group said its continued expansion is supported by demand from inbound travellers and shifts in preferences toward personalised and culturally focused travel, trends that align with its offerings.
Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Namba South is a 77-room property located in the Oku-Namba neighbourhood, close to attractions such as Namba Yasaka Shrine and Dotonbori. The hotel is within walking distance of Daikokucho and Namba Stations, providing access to the wider Kansai region.
Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Honmachi has 165 rooms and is situated in the Chuo-ku business district near Osaka Castle. Guests can also access Osaka-jo Park and the Minami district from the hotel. A Village Passport guide is available to guests, offering local recommendations on dining, attractions and activities in the area.
“We’re excited to embrace the richness of Japan’s culture and bring our Live Like a Local philosophy to life, inviting travellers to engage meaningfully with what Japan has to offer. With our combined expertise and commitment to authentic hospitality, we look forward to delivering memorable guest experiences and unlocking full potential of these properties,” said Mark Rohner, chief operating officer of Far East Hospitality.
“Our entry into the Osaka market through the acquisition of two centrally located hotels and our partnership with Far East Hospitality for their management marks an exciting milestone in the continued growth of our hotel portfolio. We look forward to working with Far East Hospitality to deliver exceptional guest experiences and further strengthen our footprint in key locations across Japan,” added Benjamin Cho, principal of Anglo Fortune Capital Group.
Visa policy relaxations across South-east Asia are driving a rise in outbound travel among Indian passport holders, according to data from Agoda.
Accommodation searches by Indian users between July and December 2024 for travel between January and May 2025 showed notable year-on-year increases in destinations offering eased entry.
Visa-free access is boosting Indian travel to South-east Asia, with destinations like Malaysia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka seeing sharp rises in interest; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, pictured
Malaysia, which introduced visa-free entry for Indian citizens in 2023, saw a 47 per cent increase in searches. Langkawi recorded the largest spike at 118 per cent, followed by Kuala Lumpur (28 per cent) and the Highlands (27 per cent).
Palau, which recently lifted visa requirements for Indian travellers, saw a 49 per cent rise in interest.
The Philippines, which began offering visa-free access in April 2025, recorded a 26 per cent increase. Manila searches rose by 43 per cent, Palawan by 30 per cent, and Cebu by 25 per cent.
Sri Lanka reported a nine per cent increase following its visa waiver for Indian citizens. Search volumes rose significantly for Mirissa (31 per cent) and Nuwara Eliya (16 per cent).
The figures point to a correlation between simplified visa processes and travel interest from India.
Gaurav Malik, country director India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal at Agoda, commented: “The easing of visa restrictions across South-east Asia is a welcome move that resonates strongly with Indian travellers. As barriers to entry fall, we’re seeing a direct impact on travel interest and planning. This new era of accessibility is helping travellers discover not just tourist-favourites like Malaysia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, but also hidden gems like Palau… we’re excited to see where this heightened accessibility takes Indian tourists next.”
Resorts World Genting and Trip.com Group have signed two agreements to strengthen their strategic partnership and drive travel demand to the resort.
Both agreements, inked with two of Trip.com Group’s core business pillars in Malaysia, capitalises on Trip.com’s global reach. It also reflects both organisations’ commitment to delivering seamless, personalised, and elevated travel experiences for international tourists.
From left: Trip.com Group’s Boon Sian Chai, Resorts World Genting’s Spencer Lee and Trip.com Group’s Chase Liu at the signing ceremony on July 9
A key component of the partnership is the API integration between Trip.com Group and Resorts World Genting’s hotel and theme park booking systems. This enables real-time inventory updates, instant booking confirmations, and rate parity. Trip.com users will have access to exclusive offers and improved convenience when booking visits to the resort.
The agreement also introduces a series of targeted marketing campaigns aimed at increasing international awareness and demand, particularly within Asia. These campaigns, including flash sales and member-only promotions, will leverage Trip.com Group’s traveller data and marketing network to keep Resorts World Genting visible to its user base.
Spencer Lee, executive vice president of sales, marketing and public relations at Resorts World Genting, commented: “This partnership comes at an ideal time. We’ve observed significant growth from both regional and international markets, with double-digit increases in room nights booked through Trip.com, a clear sign that demand world-class travel experiences is not just recovering, but thriving.
“With growing affluence, evolving preferences, and an increased appetite for luxury, entertainment, and convenience, today’s travellers are seeking integrated, one-stop destinations. Together with Trip.com’s cutting-edge technology ecosystem, we can now respond to market shifts in real time – whether it’s pricing trends, seasonality, or evolving consumer behaviour.
“Imagine launching a flash sale across 200 million users within minutes. Or a family booking our school holiday getaway package within seconds after seeing a targeted ad. This is the level of speed, precision, and personalisation we are unlocking. Together, we are not just keeping up with the digital age – we are leading it.”
Boon Sian Chai, managing director and vice president of international markets at Trip.com Group, shared: “Malaysia is a key growth market for Trip.com, and this collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting its tourism sector.”
Chase Liu, general manager of attractions and tours at Trip.com Group, said bookings for Genting theme parks on Trip.com recorded triple-digit year-on-year growth in 2024.
He added: “We are seeing similar growth levels for 1H2025. Most notably, 60 per cent of these bookings are from international guests, underscoring Malaysia’s increasing appeal as a destination.
“With this partnership delivering faster access and enhanced convenience to our users, we’re confident that this high-speed growth trajectory will continue.”
The integration will also enhance Resorts World Genting’s participation in Trip.com Group’s signature campaigns and flash promotions by allowing automated updates of room rates and availability, ensuring quick responsiveness and dynamic pricing flexibility.
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of national carrier Malaysia Airlines, has exercised its purchase rights for 20 additional A330neo aircraft through a direct order with Airbus – reaffirming its commitment to a long-term strategy for fleet renewal and network development.
With this latest acquisition, Malaysia Airlines is set to become one of the largest A330neo operators in the Asia-Pacific region, strengthening its position as a leading premium airline in one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets.
Malaysia Aviation Group deepens commitment to fleet renewal with new A330neo order
This new order builds on MAG’s initial commitment in 2022 for 20 A330neo aircraft – comprising 10 directly purchased and 10 leased from Avolon – bringing the group’s total A330neo commitment to 40 aircraft to date. Deliveries from this additional batch are scheduled between 2029 and 2031.
The expanded widebody fleet will enhance connectivity and drive network development across key markets in South-east Asia, China, India, and Australasia.
The A330neo remains a cornerstone of MAG’s fleet modernisation programme, enabling the group to serve high-growth markets more efficiently while enhancing the overall travel experience. The aircraft features the latest cabin design, including an all-suite Business Class with sliding privacy doors, full-flat beds, and direct aisle access. Across all cabin classes, passengers will enjoy refreshed interiors, next-generation seating, and the latest in-flight entertainment system – delivering a consistently premium journey in line with Malaysia Airlines’ service standards.
Izham Ismail, group managing director of MAG, said in a press release: “The A330neo continues to deliver the right balance of operational efficiency, range, and cabin comfort to support our network and growth strategy. With its enhanced fuel efficiency and flexibility across both regional and longhaul routes, the aircraft is a strong fit for our evolving market needs. It also allows us to offer a product that aligns with our premium positioning – streamlined, modern, and designed around passenger comfort and expectations.
“This additional order reinforces our long-term vision of building a future-ready fleet that supports sustainable growth, delivers consistent value to our passengers, and strengthens our competitiveness in key markets.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, executive vice president sales of the commercial aircraft at Airbus, added: “This repeat order is a strong endorsement of the A330neo’s exceptional performance, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, as well as a testament to the aircraft’s popularity among the world’s premium airlines.”
To date, MAG has taken delivery of four A330neo aircraft, currently operating on selected services to Auckland, Melbourne, and Bali. Six more are scheduled for delivery by the end of the year, with the remaining aircraft from the original order set to arrive progressively through to 2028.
