Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. plans to transfer its common stock listing from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to Nasdaq on November 5, 2026. The company will retain its existing ticker symbol, HLT. Hilton expects trading on Nasdaq to begin at market open on November 5. Its shares will continue
Lucky Ou has been appointed general manager of Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit. The hotel is the lifestyle brand’s first property in Southeast Asia. Career Background at Hilton Ou joined Hilton in 2014. In 2021 he was appointed general manager of Hilton Da Nang. He later led the pre-opening of
Wizz Air is urging UK travellers to check their passports before the October half-term holidays. Data obtained by the airline shows that 135,006 British adult passports are due to expire in October 2026. Figures obtained from HM Passport Office through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request show that a further
IHG Hotels & Resorts plans to open Holiday Inn Resort Luang Prabang Naluang Hill in 2027, marking the group’s entry into the UNESCO-listed city and expanding its presence in Laos. The 101-key resort will be developed in partnership with Naluang International Resort and Hotel Limited. Located on Naluang Hill, the
Editorial Update — October 2026: The Sanchaya on Indonesia’s Bintan Island joined The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) in July 2026. The affiliation connects the independent luxury resort with an international collection of hotels and gives eligible guests access to LHW’s Leaders Club loyalty programme. The development provides a
Mark Foxwell is returning to Japan to lead the opening of Waldorf Astoria Tokyo Nihonbashi, drawing on three decades of experience in luxury hotels across Asia Pacific and other markets. His career has taken him across Japan, Greater China, Southeast Asia, Australia and the United States. Earlier in his career,
The Cove Restaurant at Laguna Bintan will host Italian chef Maurizio Bombini for a two-day dining event on 6–7 November 2026. The event will feature Italian-inspired menus with three-, five- and six-course options. The culinary event will take place at The Cove Restaurant at Banyan Tree Bintan, with dining sessions
Holafly has launched Ultra, a subscription combining unlimited mobile data across more than 160 destinations with travel protection and access to healthcare services. The plan costs £72.35 per month and is available through the company’s website. Designed for digital nomads, students studying abroad and long-stay travellers, Ultra combines mobile connectivity
Markus Kosch brings 28 years of experience with Hilton to Conrad Nagoya, the luxury brand’s first hotel in the Japanese city. His career with the group has included several hotel openings across Asia, from Hilton Hefei to Conrad Guangzhou. Kosch began his first general manager role at Hilton Hefei, which
IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Vignette Collection is expanding across Greater China, with new hotels in Chengdu, Chongqing, Shanghai, Beidaihe, Qiandao Lake and Sanya this year. The expansion follows the recent addition of The Hari Hong Kong, Vignette Collection. The luxury collection brand brings together independently distinctive properties under a shared
As airlines invest in premium cabins, business travellers continue to face travel-related stress. New research from Dragonpass suggests that better travel benefits could help employers improve staff performance and retention while managing costs. British Airways is redesigning its premium cabins, Emirates is introducing electrically powered Premium Economy seating with adjustable
China’s hotel performance improved in August 2026, following a slower start to the summer season. However, rising hotel supply continued to outpace demand, putting pressure on occupancy, average daily rates and revenue across much of the market. According to CoStar hospitality data, hotel supply in Mainland China increased by 2.4%
Hilton has appointed Winnie Chu as General Manager of Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection by Hilton, as the group continues to develop its luxury and lifestyle hotel portfolio across Asia Pacific. Chu brings 20 years of luxury hospitality experience in mainland China and Hong Kong. She joins the Wuxi property
Hilton has appointed Fabien Gastinel as General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Osaka, bringing more than two decades of international luxury hotel experience to the property as the group continues to expand its luxury and lifestyle portfolio across Asia Pacific. Gastinel has held leadership positions across Asia, the Middle East, Europe
The Ascott Limited, a Singapore-headquartered hospitality company wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment, has signed a hotel management agreement with DETECH Group for Oakwood Premier Hallbridge Hanoi. The project marks the first Oakwood Premier property in Vietnam and the start of a partnership between the two companies. Portfolio Growth in Vietnam
APT. has opened at Stamford Place, offering 66 serviced apartments across Levels Three and Four of the reimagined Civic District landmark. The apartments are available for stays of six nights or longer, ranging from a few weeks to a full season. A Flexible Serviced-Living Concept The name APT. draws from
Royal Caribbean will deploy seven ships across Europe for the 2028-29 season, offering cruises in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Canary Islands. The programme includes year-round European sailings aboard Rhapsody of the Seas, with itineraries ranging from summer cruises with overnight stays in Egypt to winter trips to the
Accor has opened greet London Harlow, the first UK property under its greet economy hotel brand. Converted from an existing hotel, the 119-room property brings the brand to Harlow, Essex, with a focus on comfort, local character and value. Located in Harlow Sculpture Town, the hotel is approximately a 20-minute
Air New Zealand will add more than 7,000 seats between Shanghai and Auckland during Chinese New Year 2027, increasing capacity during a peak travel period for Chinese visitors to New Zealand. From 23 January to 20 February 2027, the airline will operate three additional return services per week on the
China’s hotel industry continued to recover in 2025, but performance varied significantly by location, star rating and room rate segment, according to the 2026 China Hotel Industry Study published by the China Tourist Hotel Association (CTHA) and Horwath HTL. The 2026 study collected data from 1,321 hotels, covering nearly 357,573
The first MICHELIN Guide South Australia 2027 selection was unveiled on October 14, featuring 77 restaurants across the state. Magill Estate Restaurant in Adelaide received Two MICHELIN Stars, while 10 other restaurants earned One MICHELIN Star. The selection also includes 16 Bib Gourmand recipients and 50 MICHELIN Selected restaurants. The
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is marking its 63rd anniversary in 2026 with Make It Yours, a campaign focused on personal coffee and tea preferences, customer stories and customizable drinks. Founded in 1963, the brand built its identity around the idea that customers should be able to find their
Beijing Marriott Marquis Hotel has completed its hosting assignment for the China Open delegation, welcoming tournament players, coaches, officials and event staff since late September. The hotel said it received positive feedback on its service, dining arrangements and overall guest experience. The assignment marked one of the larger international sports
Shangri-La Group has appointed Hakan Ozel as Vice President, Operations, overseeing three properties in Europe: Shangri-La The Shard, London; Shangri-La Paris; and Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul. Ozel brings more than 28 years of international hospitality experience, including over two decades with Shangri-La Group. His background spans luxury hotel operations and leadership
Orient Express has appointed Amélie Thiriet as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment comes as the brand expands across hotels, trains and sailing yachts. Previously, Thiriet served as Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Communication at LVMH Hotel Management. The organisation manages the development and operation of LVMH’s Cheval Blanc
Tourism Malaysia and AirAsia MOVE have launched the Oh Sem Malaysia! campaign to encourage travel across Malaysia, with a focus on secondary cities and lesser-known destinations. The initiative expands their public-private strategic partnership and supports the ongoing Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 campaign. The partnership will feature curated travel experiences, destination-led promotions
IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened InterContinental Taipei at the Taipei Dome complex in Xinyi District, expanding the group’s luxury hotel portfolio in Taiwan. Developed in partnership with Farglory Group, the 347-room property marks the partners’ second InterContinental collaboration, following InterContinental Kaohsiung. The opening also adds to IHG’s Luxury &
A sweeping Victoria Harbour view, thoughtful staff recommendations and several memorable dining experiences shaped my stay at Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong. From a well-equipped guest room to rooftop cocktails at Swim Club and coffee at Birdsong, the hotel offered more than a striking skyline. Opening the door to
Mandarin Oriental has expanded its Exceptional Homes collection with 12 additional properties, bringing the portfolio to 43 homes across 18 destinations. The latest additions introduce six new locations: Lopud in Croatia, Porto Heli in Greece, Florence and Chianti in Italy, Sardinia and Marbella, Spain, alongside further expansion in Puglia and
Lufthansa Group will expand its services to Japan for the 2027 summer flight schedule, adding flights to Tokyo-Narita and resuming seasonal services between Frankfurt and Nagoya. SWISS will also increase capacity, bringing the group’s total services to Japan to up to 50 flights per week. The expansion reflects increased demand
Europe could secure a larger share of global Travel & Tourism growth over the next decade by acting on eight strategic priorities, according to a new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), released at its 26th Global Summit in Valletta, Malta. The report, Travel & Tourism in
Minor Hotels has appointed Magdalena Martorell as General Manager of Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort. She joins the Maldives property from Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort in Indonesia, where she has served as General Manager since February 2025. Martorell brings more than a decade of hospitality leadership experience in Asia. Her international
More than 90% of respondents to the ITE Hong Kong Public Visitor Survey 2026 said they would maintain or increase their travel spending, despite geopolitical uncertainty. The findings suggest that travel budgets among surveyed visitors have remained broadly stable compared with 2025. Conducted in June 2026, the survey received 2,687
Spago Shanghai will host Wolfgang Puck and his son, Byron Lazaroff-Puck, on October 13 as part of The Generational Tasting Tour, a global four-hands dining series featuring the two chefs. The Shanghai event follows previous stops in Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, İstanbul, Budapest, London, Maui and Singapore. The tour brings
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has set a target of connecting one million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with its Together in Travel Community. The initiative aims to support independent and growing businesses through free research, practical guidance, industry connections and advocacy. The announcement came at the WTTC
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has appointed John Woolley as General Manager, bringing him back to the Ritz-Carlton brand and the Caribbean after several years in Asia. Woolley joins the Cayman Islands resort from JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa in Vietnam, where he has served as General
Conrad Hong Kong has appointed Conor Hadlington as General Manager, effective 28 September 2026. Hadlington brings nearly 18 years of experience in global luxury hospitality to the role. He will lead Conrad Hong Kong, a 513-room hotel at Pacific Place in Admiralty. Originally from the United Kingdom, Hadlington has held
Mirai is deploying hotel plugins that allow guests to access hotel information and booking functions through ChatGPT. Pablo Delgado, Managing Partner & CEO America at Mirai, oversees the company’s work in the Americas as it develops this approach to AI-powered hotel distribution. The company said users can now interact with
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has opened its 200th Hotel Indigo property worldwide, doubling the brand’s global footprint since 2019. Hotel Indigo had 100 open hotels in 2019. Today, the brand operates 200 properties across more than 30 countries, with a further 134 hotels in its development pipeline. The expansion
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has appointed Amar Lalvani as its first Chief Creative Officer. He will also continue as President & Creative Director of Hyatt’s Lifestyle Group, effective immediately. Lalvani will remain on Hyatt’s senior leadership team. He will report to Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. The
Mandarin Oriental has marked the groundbreaking of Mandarin Oriental, Miami and The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami on Brickell Key, a major step in the development of the new hotel and residential project. The ceremonial event brought together executives from Mandarin Oriental, Swire Properties, project partners and invited guests. The
Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur has unveiled details of its wellness offering ahead of the hotel’s scheduled opening on 30 October 2026. The new Waldorf Astoria Spa will span more than 2,275 square metres across two floors. According to the hotel, the wellness facility will combine spa treatments, personalised wellbeing
International travelers are increasingly exploring destinations beyond Japan’s traditional Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka route, according to new data from Japan-based tour provider Tourist Japan. However, the trend does not mean visitors are moving away from Tokyo. More than 95% of Tourist Japan package travelers still begin their journeys in the
The Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail in northern Ibaraki Prefecture has fully opened as an approximately 350-kilometer route connecting six cities and towns. With its full opening, the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail is described as Japan’s longest long trail designed as a loop route. The trail connects forests and satoyama landscapes with valleys,
Traveloka Data Shows Southeast Asians Exploring More of China Southeast Asian travelers are exploring a wider range of destinations across China, according to new data from Traveloka. Travelers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam continue to book China’s major gateways, with Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing and Shenzhen among the four
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa has appointed Javier Gimeno as its new General Manager, bringing more than 25 years of hospitality leadership experience across Asia and Europe to the Egypt-based property. Gimeno’s background includes luxury hospitality, hotel openings, operations, guest experience development and multi-property management. During his career, he has
Allianz Partners has launched its next-generation travel insurance ecosystem, powered by its proprietary Metaportal platform. The digital platform is designed to give banks and loyalty partners more flexibility in how they offer travel insurance. It also allows customers to manage and customise their cover online. The launch comes as Australian
WOW – The Vegas Spectacular will mark nine years at Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas this October, while reaching more than 3,500 performances. The 90-minute production combines acrobatics, aerial acts, water effects, comedy and dance. The show is staged in a 180-degree theater. WOW is open to all
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened Hyatt Centric Sapporo, the first Hyatt Centric hotel in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Located in central Sapporo, the new hotel occupies the upper floors of a mixed-use tower and is positioned as a base for exploring the city and the wider Hokkaido region. The property features
The MICHELIN Guide will expand to Phu Quoc, making the island its fourth destination in Vietnam, following the launch of restaurant selections in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in 2023 and Da Nang in 2024. The Vietnam 2027 restaurant selection is scheduled to be revealed in mid-2027. Phu Quoc’s
DoubleTree by Hilton has opened DoubleTree by Hilton Singapore Robertson Quay, marking the brand’s debut in Singapore. The 344-room hotel is located along the Singapore River in the Robertson Quay precinct. The hotel is positioned within walking distance of Robertson Quay, Chinatown, Tiong Bahru and Clarke Quay. The Central Business
Radisson Hotel Chateau de Bangkok is beginning a new chapter after more than three decades as Chateau de Bangkok on Soi Ruamrudee. Relaunched under Radisson Hotel Group in January 2026, the 178-room hotel has been redesigned with new dining, wellness and event facilities while retaining its established presence in Bangkok’s
Minor Hotels has appointed Patrick Manthe as General Manager of Avani+ Luang Prabang in Laos. He will oversee the 53-room hotel in the UNESCO World Heritage town. A Swiss national, Manthe brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience across Asia, Europe and Australia. He joins Avani+ Luang Prabang from
Stelliers Asia 2026 has named 25 hospitality professionals as winners at its Grand Awards Ceremony, held on September 25 at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. The awards recognise hotel professionals across a range of operational and leadership roles. This year’s ceremony was presented by NORDAQ and brought together hotel leaders, industry experts,
Dusit Thani Bangkok has been awarded Two Michelin Keys in the Michelin Guide’s 2026 global hotel selection, while several other Dusit Hotels and Resorts properties and restaurants have retained or received Michelin recognition. The Bangkok hotel was elevated from One to Two Michelin Keys, which the Michelin Guide uses to
The Hari Hong Kong has officially joined Vignette Collection, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ collection of independent luxury properties. The move connects the 210-room hotel in Wan Chai with IHG’s global distribution network and IHG One Rewards loyalty programme. The transition follows last month’s announcement that The Hari Hong Kong, The
Nearly 9 million CentaraThe1 members worldwide can now use loyalty points for access to participating Plaza Premium First and Plaza Premium Lounge locations through a new partnership between Centara Hotels & Resorts and Plaza Premium Group (PPG). CentaraThe1 members can redeem points earned from hotel stays for airport lounge access.
EAST Beijing has appointed Dany Lützel as General Manager, with the Swiss national taking responsibility for the hotel’s operations and team. Lützel has more than 25 years of luxury hospitality experience across the Chinese Mainland and Europe. He has spent more than a decade in the Chinese Mainland and has
De Tiger, a Far East-inspired speakeasy bar at House of Tugu Old Town Jakarta, opened on June 26, 2026. Located in Kota Tua, the bar draws on the history of Old Batavia, particularly the merchants, sailors and spice traders who once passed through Sunda Kelapa and Kali Besar. The bar
Travel and tourism organisations from across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean were recognised at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 in the Maldives. Held at CROSSROADS Maldives, the event brought together representatives from across the region to receive awards across destination, hospitality, aviation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) has announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Jiaxing Nanhu, marking the Hyatt Regency brand’s debut in Jiaxing, China. Located along the shores of South Lake in the city’s historic water town district, the hotel follows the recent opening of Hyatt Place Jiaxing Nanhu. The two
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is bringing its Noted Collection brand to Japan with the signing of two hotels in Tokyo, including a 207-key conversion in Shinjuku and an 81-key new-build property in Ginza. The agreements involve separate ownership partners. The Shinjuku hotel will be Noted Collection’s first conversion property
Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit opened in August 2026 as Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in Thailand. I stayed for two nights in September, shortly after the opening, in a Fairmont Gold Deluxe King, experiencing The Club Fairmont, Harper’s all-day dining restaurant, Aela Social Bar and Fairmont Spa, while also visiting
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) and the Tourism EXPO Japan (TEJ) Executive Committee have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation between Japan’s Travel & Tourism sector and the global industry. The agreement focuses on collaboration, innovation, knowledge
Crowne Plaza by IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened Crowne Plaza Paris Marne-la-Vallée in Magny-le-Hongre, at the heart of Marne-la-Vallée, France. The hotel occupies 2.5 hectares of landscaped grounds and is located near the region’s theme parks and La Vallée Village. It has 250 guestrooms and suites, with most rooms
Regent Hong Kong has introduced The Terrace, a new indoor-outdoor waterfront venue overlooking Victoria Harbour. The venue is positioned above the harbour and offers views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline. The Terrace combines a covered area with open-air space. This allows events to move between indoor
Priority Pass is set to benefit from Collinson Group’s £500 million, five-year investment programme. The programme follows a new £350 million financing facility. A significant share will support the group’s proprietary lounge network and investment in Priority Pass. According to Collinson, the investment will support the development of digital, AI
Alila Shanghai marked its second anniversary with an event in Shanghai’s Jing’an District. The celebration brought together Alila Shanghai, Alila Wuzhen and Alila Dong’ao Island. They are the brand’s three properties in China. Held under the theme “Celebrating the world of Alila,” the event welcomed media, VIPs and other guests.
Bookings are now open for NoMad Singapore, which is scheduled to open in late 2026 as the NoMad brand’s first hotel in Asia Pacific. Located on Orchard Road, the 173-room hotel is being developed in partnership with UOL Group. The project reimagines the former Faber House building at the Cairnhill
Frasers Hospitality, a business unit of Frasers Property, is launching Fraser Suites Reserve, a new luxury serviced living brand aimed at extended-stay and longer-stay travellers. The brand is positioned at the luxury end of Frasers Hospitality’s portfolio. It builds on the company’s experience in extended stays while combining private accommodation
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has signed a two-hotel portfolio agreement with King Park Hotel Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of Hass Enterprise Sdn. Bhd., a privately owned, diversified investment group headquartered in Miri, Sarawak. The agreement introduces IHG’s franchise model in Malaysia and marks the country debut of Garner hotels,
Chinese travellers are planning earlier departures and longer trips for this year’s Golden Week, according to the latest data from Trip.com Group. By taking three days off, workers can extend the break to 13 days by combining the Golden Week and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays. As a result, outbound departures are
World Spa Awards has announced its 2026 winners, with spas, wellness retreats, brands and experiences recognised across categories covering hotels, resorts, day spas, airlines and cruise lines. Now in its 12th year, the awards programme recognises businesses and experiences across the global spa and wellness sector. World Spa Awards is
Marriott International and SomeraRoad have unveiled The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Brooklyn Heights, a new residential development at 98 Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights. The project will occupy the former 14-story Hotel Bossert, a Renaissance Revival building that originally opened in 1909. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with completion
Kämp Spa has opened at Hotel Kämp in Helsinki as part of the historic hotel’s largest refurbishment in modern times. The 1,200-square-metre spa combines Finnish sauna traditions with technology-led wellness treatments and personalized programs. The project forms part of a wider refurbishment of Hotel Kämp that is scheduled for completion
Minor Hotels has appointed Judd Rabbidge as General Manager of Avani Singapore Hotel, the group’s first property in Singapore, which is scheduled to open in Q2 2027. Rabbidge joins the Singapore project from Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort. He has served as General Manager of the Maldives property since joining Minor
AI has become a visible part of travel planning, changing how travelers search for destinations, compare hotels and build itineraries. Rather than relying only on search engines, travel websites, guidebooks or personal recommendations, travelers can now use AI tools to process large amounts of information and return personalized suggestions within
Jean-Pascal Bernet, General Manager of Radisson Hotel Chateau de Bangkok, is overseeing the repositioning and relaunch of a Bangkok hotel with more than three decades of history. Located in the Ploenchit neighborhood, the contemporary upscale city hotel combines Thai cultural touches with a more contemporary interpretation of the property’s established
1 Hotel Austin has opened in downtown Austin as part of the mixed-use Waterline development, bringing 252 accommodations, three food and beverage venues, a dedicated wellness floor and more than 10,000 square feet of event space to the city. Developed by Lincoln and Kairoi Residential, the hotel sits near Waller
I spent two nights in a King Corner Suite, experiencing a spacious, design-led hotel shaped by personalised service, Bangkok views and a varied restaurant and bar offering. Waldorf Astoria Bangkok occupies a prominent position on Ratchadamri Road, in the heart of Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong district. It is housed within the 60-storey
Marriott Bonvoy’s “Marry Me at Marriott” wedding and honeymoon fair will return to Bangkok on October 3, 2026, bringing together 32 Marriott properties from across Thailand. The full-day event will take place at the Thai Chitlada Grand Ballroom on the second floor of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. The showcase
YOTEL will make its Thailand debut in October with the opening of YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit, a 250-key hotel within the Cloud 11 development in Bangkok’s South Sukhumvit district. The hotel will welcome its first guests on 15 October 2026. It will become YOTEL’s 24th hotel globally and its fourth property
Kempinski Group has appointed Noel Attard as Chief Development Officer, following two decades with the company across operations, finance and corporate roles. Attard most recently served as Chief Transformation Officer, a position he took up in early 2025. In that role, he led Kempinski’s business transformation strategy. He will now
Sébastien Pisano, General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, discusses Bangkok’s changing luxury market, personalised service, Chinese travellers, food and beverage, technology and the importance of discovering the city beyond its obvious landmarks. Sébastien Pisano has returned to Bangkok with an international hospitality career that has taken him through different markets,
Rosewood Hong Kong has retained the No. 1 position in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026, while Bangkok hotels took the next two places in the global ranking. Capella Bangkok ranked No. 2, rising from No. 3 in 2025, while Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River placed No. 3.
Banyan Group has acquired a majority stake in Newmark Hotels & Reserves, adding 26 hotels, lodges and reserves across seven African countries to its global portfolio. The Cape Town-headquartered hospitality management company will join Banyan Group as a collection brand under a phased ownership structure that is expected to lead
Alexander Kellermann has a long history with W Bangkok. After spending more than seven years with the hotel, progressing from Director of Rooms to Hotel Manager, he returned as General Manager in 2023. Since then, Kellermann has focused on keeping the established W property relevant in Bangkok’s increasingly competitive luxury-hotel
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has signed an agreement with long-standing partner Pacific Beachcomber to transform InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora. The resort closed on 1 June 2026 for extensive renovations. It is scheduled to reopen as Regent Bora Bora in late 2027, marking
Capri by Fraser will make its UK debut with a new hotel residence in London’s Kensington, following the transformation of seven restored Victorian buildings on Cromwell Road. The six-storey property will have 180 units and span more than 7,000 sqm. According to Frasers Hospitality, the project will combine the buildings’
France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Italy and Switzerland have reportedly been given informal permission to delay full implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES), according to reports this week. No new deadline has been attached to the delays. The stated reason is “maintaining border fluidity”. The European
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has appointed Paul Jones as General Manager, bringing him back to the hotel where he first joined Mandarin Oriental more than two decades ago. Jones previously served as Hotel Manager at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok from 2005 to 2008. Meanwhile, his return comes as the hotel marks its
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced two further speakers for its 26th Global Summit in Valletta, Malta. The event takes place from 7–9 October 2026 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. José María Aznar, former Prime Minister of Spain, and His Excellency Ambassador Nick Adams, U.S. Tourism Minister,
Navera Phuket – MGallery Collection is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026 on Phuket’s west coast, near Surin Beach. The boutique resort will draw on Phuket’s maritime heritage, with its design referencing the island’s history as a trading and seafaring destination. The resort will be built into
The Middle East’s travel and tourism organisations and destinations were recognised at the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony 2026, held at One&Only One Za’abeel in Dubai. Industry leaders gathered for the VIP ceremony, where winners across destinations, hotels, brands and aviation received regional titles. Dubai Named Middle East’s
MGM Shenzhen Prince Bay opened on 10 September in Shekou, Nanshan, adding a new waterfront hotel to Shenzhen’s Prince Bay area. Located at the maritime gateway of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the hotel is connected to the Shekou Cruise Home Port. MGM said the location provides access
Accor plans to expand its hotel presence in Albania with five new properties in Tirana and coastal destinations. The group currently operates three hotels in Albania across three brands. Its expansion plans will introduce Handwritten Collection and Novotel to Tirana. Accor also plans to launch its Swissôtel brand in key
Park Hyatt Sydney has appointed Bastian Germer as its new general manager. Germer brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience to the Sydney hotel. His career includes senior leadership positions at Four Seasons Resort Maldives, Raffles Hotel Singapore, The Ritz-Carlton Osaka, The Ritz-Carlton Toronto and The New York EDITION.
The Hari Hong Kong has introduced a new wedding experience at Japanese restaurant Zoku and outdoor venue The Terrace in Wan Chai. The hotel’s ‘The Hari Ever After’ package gives couples exclusive use of both venues for four hours. The package costs HK$50,000 (USD 6378) for 50 guests. It includes
Raffles London at The OWO will launch a new family experience this autumn inspired by Gruffalo Granny, the first new Gruffalo book in 20 years from authors Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, published by Macmillan Children’s Books. From 21 September 2026, the hotel will offer a Gruffalo Experience as part
马来西亚国家旅游局 副局长李泰康：谈中国市场、延长停留时间、新兴目的地、航空连接，以及2026–2027年“马来西亚旅游年”的下一阶段 今年7月，在马来西亚旅游局2026年大型熟悉考察团（Mega FAM 2026）期间，来自亚太地区13个市场的55名代表体验了马来西亚不同于以往的一面。 此次行程不仅涵盖马来西亚最知名的旅游景点，也重点展示了美食、文化、自然和农业旅游体验。行程亮点包括彭亨州猫山王榴莲体验、布城现代马来菜，以及“2026年马来西亚缤纷文化节”（Citrawarna 2026) 的启动。 Mega FAM展示了马来西亚正在如何拓展其旅游形象。标志性景点依然重要，但马来西亚旅游局正更加重视特色体验以及较少被游客探索的目的地。 目标十分明确：马来西亚希望游客停留更久、走得更远，并体验更多。 在这一背景下，《Red Bird Travel News》在 Mega FAM 期间采访了李泰康。 READ IN ENGLISH 马来西亚国家旅游局 副局长李泰康 分享旅游业洞察 在这次专访中，李泰康谈及 2026–2027年“马来西亚旅游年”（Visit Malaysia 2026–2027）的表现、中国市场的复苏、航空连接，以及中国游客不断变化的旅行偏好。 他还分享了自己对人工智能（AI）、专业旅游媒体的作用以及穆斯林友好型旅游的看法，同时强调可持续发展，以及确保旅游业增长能够惠及当地社区的重要性。 超越马来西亚的标志性景点 1. 马来西亚已经拥有一些亚洲最具知名度的旅游景点。如今，您是否希望鼓励游客探索这些景点以外的地方？ 是的。双子塔（PETRONAS Twin Towers）和黑风洞（Batu Caves）等标志性景点依然十分重要。 不过，如今的游客越来越追求真实、沉浸式和个性化的旅行体验。 因此，马来西亚旅游局正更加重视美食、农业旅游、活态文化遗产、乡村民宿、自然、康养以及社区旅游等领域。 这也符合我们更广泛的目标。我们希望游客停留更久、消费更多，并走出主要旅游门户城市，探索更多马来西亚目的地。 2. Mega FAM本身似乎也体现了这一策略。您希望55位代表通过此次行程获得什么？ 此次Mega FAM汇聚了来自亚太地区13个客源市场的55名国际代表。 参与者包括媒体代表、旅行社、KOL以及市场推广代表。 此次行程让他们亲身体验马来西亚多元化的旅游资源，同时也展示了我们向体验式旅游转型的方向。 行程涵盖农业旅游、美食、文化遗产以及自然旅游等体验。 通过亲身体验这些旅游产品，媒体和KOL能够创作更加真实的国际内容。 旅行社也能够获得第一手体验和信息，从而根据各自市场的需求，开发并推广新的马来西亚旅游产品和线路。 来自中国、日本、韩国、印度、印度尼西亚、泰国和澳大利亚等市场的代表参与，也进一步扩大了马来西亚旅游产品的国际曝光度。