The post Meliá Hotels International accelerates its expansion into the Asia Pacific appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Spanish hospitality company Meliá Hotels International speeds up its luxury presence across Asia with a series of landmark openings in 2026 and beyond. 

Led by the debut of Paradisus by Meliá Bali next month, the company is expanding its premium and luxury portfolio, bringing its signature blend of Mediterranean warmth and destination-inspired hospitality to some of the region’s most sought-after destinations.

According to managing director for the Asia Pacific Ignacio Martin: “Luxury travel in Asia is evolving rapidly. It’s no longer defined by exclusivity, but by meaningful connection and sense of place. With one in every three Meliá openings worldwide positioned in the luxury segment, we’re accelerating that transformation. Through Paradisus and The Meliá Collection, we’re not only expanding our footprint but reimagining what luxury means for today’s traveller: authentic, immersive, and deeply connected to the destination.”    

Points for expansion

Indonesia

Paradisus by Meliá Bali marks the company’s first all-inclusive luxury resort in Asia and introduces its signature Destination Inclusive® concept to the region. 

Guests can immerse themselves in Bali’s culture, nature and wellness through curated experiences beyond the resort. 

This is complemented by The Reserve adults-only enclave; Family Concierge offering personalised luxury for families; signature kids club Kidsdom; YOURWAY club designed for teenagers; and a dedicated water park and modern sport facilities.  

Vietnam 

In Q2-2026, Meliá Serenity Cam Ranh Beach Resort will open along Vietnam’s Long Beach, designed as a sanctuary for personalised well-being. 

Families can unwind in spacious pool villas and enjoy the benefits of Kidsdom and Teens Club, while couples and wellness seekers rejuvenate at the YHI Spa and adults-only Level Pool.  

Later in 2026, Meliá Aurea Nha Trang will join the portfolio beside the iconic Villa Le Corail Gran Meliá, offering refined beachfront luxury in one of Vietnam’s most vibrant coastal destinations.  

Over the next two years, Meliá Hotels International will also transform Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat into a property under The Meliá Collection, the company’s curated collection of independent hotels. 

Nestled within Ba Vi National Park, just an hour from Hanoi, the property blends French colonial architecture and Vietnamese village style, surrounded by misty mountains and lush greenery. 

Laos

Currently operating as Grand Luang Prabang, Affiliated by Meliá, the property will be rebranded under The Meliá Collection within the next two years. 

This will bring the company’s curated approach to luxury to Laos for the first time. 

As the only international hotel overlooking the Mekong River, the property blends colonial heritage with serene gardens and timeless design, celebrating the city’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. 

Maldives

Marking the brand’s first property in the Maldives, Meliá Amilla Fushi will introduce the group’s refined approach to resort living in Baa Atoll. 

Scheduled to open in 2026, the resort will feature private villas, a spa and leisure centre, and a collection of world-class dining concepts. 

Designed for modern travellers seeking privacy and connection to nature, it will offer direct access to vibrant coral reefs and some of the Maldives’ most celebrated dive sites, blending understated elegance with the destination’s natural splendour.

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The post AIME 2026 names its keynote speakers for Knowledge Monday appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has announced three keynote speakers for its highly anticipated 2026 Knowledge Monday programme.

The next edition of AIME Knowledge Monday will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on 9th February 2026

This year’s Knowledge Monday theme Expertise Matters! celebrates the credibility, clarity, and strategic influence of professionals across the business events sector. 

AIME event director Silke Calder says the 2026 keynote lineup epitomises the theme and the growing strength of the Knowledge Monday platform.

Calder said: “Our keynote speakers each bring a unique lens on what true expertise means today. It’s about lived experience, self-awareness and the ability to apply knowledge with purpose. Knowledge Monday continues to be the heart of AIME’s learning experience, inspiring our community to connect, collaborate and lead with confidence.”

Meet the speakers

Attendees will be guided by three standout speakers who will explore the art and science of expertise from mindset and behaviour to resilience, reinvention, and human connection.

Dan Haesler

Performance and leadership coach Dan Haesler is a leading authority on mindset, mental skills and leadership. 

A trusted coach to elite sporting teams, Olympians and global organisations, Dan helps high performers thrive by combining research, psychology and real-world experience.

With regard to the theme, Haesler opines: “Expertise matters: however, time and again it’s lost in translation due to environments and delivery that dampen authentic engagement. My keynote is less about the expertise we share and more about the environment we create to share it.”

He added that delegates will leave with a more nuanced approach to designing for authentic engagement, something he believes is critical in today’s high-pressure business events landscape.

Milo Wilkinson

​Behavioural scientist and futurist Milo Wilkinson is renowned for decoding human behaviour in high-stakes environments from boardrooms to interrogation rooms. 

With seven degrees spanning neuroscience, psychology and criminal sciences, she brings a razor-sharp lens to leadership, influence and performance.

Wilkinson said: “Expertise Matters! aligns directly with the neuroscience behind intentional design, decision-making, and human connection. True expertise goes beyond logistics, as it requires understanding subconscious drivers of attention, trust, and engagement. By revealing the brain’s pattern recognition and threat-response systems, we can elevate events from functional gatherings to strategically engineered experiences that create measurable impact.”

She added that delegates will leave with practical strategies to strengthen mental agility and a deeper understanding of their primal brain, recognising that their expertise is grounded in science, not instinct.

Kristina Karlsson

kikki.K and Dream Life founder Kristina Karlsson is a globally recognised entrepreneur, author and speaker whose story embodies the power of resilience, reinvention and purposeful expertise. 

From building and leading a $650 million global design brand to starting again with her company Dream Life, she inspires audiences to dream big, act bravely and create impact that lasts.

According to Karlsson: “Expertise isn’t just what you know, it’s what you’ve lived. I’ll be sharing what I learnt from building then losing a $650 million globally loved business and how that can help you, no matter where you are in life.”

She also pointed out that attendees will walk away from her talk refreshed and inspired to dream big, with new practical tools to start using immediately in their own lives.

Knowledge matters

Hosted by BEAM experience founder El Kwang, Knowledge Monday is expected to attract more than 1,500 global event professionals, setting the tone for three dynamic days of networking, learning and connection.

The AIME 2026 Knowledge Monday programme brings together AIME Hosted Buyers and Exhibitors, while Visitor Buyers can upgrade their tickets to attend.

AIME 2026 will run from 9th to 11th February 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

Returning for its biggest edition yet delivered by Calder and her team, the event will feature over 4,500 attendees including 700 exhibitors, 700 hosted buyers and more than 20,000 pre-scheduled appointments.

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The post Virtuoso Connects opens in Seoul today appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global luxury and experiential travel network Virtuoso’s event Virtuoso Connects opens today, 13th November, in Seoul, South Korea.

The network continues to deepen its commitment to the South Korean market through the event which is being done in partnership with Conrad Seoul, a Virtuoso preferred hotel since 2018. 

As one of Virtuoso’s key events in the region, Virtuoso Connects will unite 15 of the network’s global partners and the region’s top travel advisors for an afternoon of meaningful networking, market insights and business development.

Virtuoso general manager for North and Southeast Asia Raymond Ang said of this year’s venue: “South Korea represents one of the most dynamic and forward-looking luxury travel markets in Asia. The upcoming Virtuoso Connects and Symposium events in Seoul reflect our long-term commitment to this market and our appreciation for the outstanding quality of our Korean member agencies and partners.”

Conrad Seoul general manager Samuel Peter added: “We are truly honoured to host these world-class Virtuoso events here in Seoul. This partnership underscores Conrad Seoul’s ongoing commitment to delivering the ultimate luxury experience, while further strengthening the connection between Korea and the global luxury travel industry.”

Coming up next

Momentum and support of South Korea will continue with the Virtuoso Symposium, taking place in Seoul from 15th to 19th April 2026, also at Conrad Seoul. 

A prestigious event on Virtuoso’s global calendar, Symposium gathers the network’s most influential leaders, including agency owners and managers, preferred partners and senior executives, for high-level discussions on the future of luxury travel, destination immersion and global collaboration. 

Hosting the Symposium in Seoul highlights the country’s growing importance within the luxury travel landscape while also celebrating the ties between Virtuoso and South Korea’s vibrant travel community.

A strong regional presence

Established in 2024 and currently based in Singapore, Virtuoso’s North and Southeast Asia (NSEA) regional team currently oversees six key markets: Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

Each of these plays an increasingly important role in shaping the future of luxury and experiential travel. 

As of November 2025, Virtuoso has eight South Korean companies among its members, namely Chalet Travel and Life; IOS Travel; Kalpak; ON VACATION; PARIS CLASS; The Travel&Leisure; Tourvis Select; and ZEUSworld by Hanatour.

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The post Hospitality brand FUFU JAPAN to open its first Tokyo property in Ginza appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Kato Pleasure Group announced a ninth location for its Michelin-recognised brand FUFU JAPAN.

The ninth property for the brand, FUFU Tokyo Ginza, also marks its initial foray into the Japanese capital.

Located at the iconic Ginza 1-chome intersection, FUFU Tokyo Ginza offers a one-of-a-kind stay, with each of the 34 guest rooms featuring a private garden and natural hot spring baths, making it a rare sanctuary in the centre of Tokyo. 

Guests can also enjoy curated experiences in and around Ginza, from hands-on traditional crafts to private cruises, alongside sumo training visits and helicopter tours. Inside the property, thoughtfully designed spaces and seasonal Japanese cuisine further enrich the experience.

An excellent addition to an award-winning line

FUFU Tokyo Ginza is the latest addition to FUFU JAPAN’s collection of small luxury resorts with locations in Atami, Kawaguchiko, Karuizawa, Kyoto, Hakone, Nara, and Nikko. 

Founded in 2007, each property embodies a refined retreat where traditional Japanese aesthetics meet contemporary sophistication, guided by the concept of being a place to savour time. 

Seven of its properties have been honoured with Michelin Key distinctions for two consecutive years, which is the highest number among Japanese hotel brands.

Urban debut

With the debut of FUFU Tokyo Ginza, the brand opens its first property in a major city. 

In a district where history, refinement, and the harmony of Japanese tradition and modern sensibility thrive, FUFU aims to create a place within the city where time gently slows. 

As the flagship among all FUFU properties opened to date, FUFU Tokyo Ginza embodies the spirit of the FUFU brand for guests from Japan and abroad, marking a milestone that reflects the brand’s nationwide growth.

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The post Shiji’s Christine Lising shares insights on how technology is reshaping F&B operations appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Shiji Group’s director of solutions engineering in the Americas Christine Lising recently shared her insights on how technology is reshaping food and beverage (F&B) operations in hotels, from mobility and AI to predictive analytics and automation.

Lising highlighted the unique challenges of hotel F&B operations compared to standalone restaurants: multiple outlets, in-room dining, banquets, and PMS integrations demand flexible, intuitive POS systems. 

She explained: “The goal isn’t to replace hospitality with technology: it’s to remove the operational noise that gets in the way.”

An evolution guided by insights

As AI and data-driven platforms mature, Lising envisions a future where every F&B interaction is guided by real-time insights: anticipating guest preferences, optimizing menu choices, and enabling hyper-personalized experiences across every outlet. 

As she puts it, the balance of empathy and innovation is what will define the next generation of hospitality service.

According to Lising: “Innovation is only successful when it’s grounded in operational reality. We involve operators early, testing in real hotel environments, gathering feedback, and iterating quickly. In F&B, that means ensuring mobile ordering, kitchen routing, and integrations all work seamlessly together so staff can focus on delivering memorable guest experiences, not managing technology.”

Where does mobility come in?

Mobility continues to reshape hotel dining experiences, giving teams the freedom to meet guests where they are. 

Mobile POS systems, integrated with PMS and CRM data, empower staff to take orders, process payments, and personalize service from anywhere on property. 

The result: faster service, more upselling opportunities, and a guest journey that feels seamless and personal from start to finish.

From mobile ordering to cloud-based integrations, the future of F&B lies in connected, predictive systems that empower staff and enhance guest experiences. 

Lising concluded by saying: “Automation should create space for hospitality, not eliminate it.”

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The post Abercrombie & Kent launches destination management company in South Korea appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global luxury travel firm Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) launches its new South Korea destination management company, a move that reinforces its position as the world’s largest network of luxury DMCs.

To date, A&K’s international network is made up of over 3,000 staff in more than 70 offices in 83 countries.

Operating from Seoul, the new DMC strengthens A&K’s access to South Korea’s thriving cultural landscape at a moment when the country has emerged as Asia’s most compelling cosmopolitan alternative. 

The launch comes as global interest in K-culture accelerates, from K-pop and K-dramas to trendsetting design, beauty innovation, and Seoul’s dynamic culinary scene, positioning South Korea as one of 2026’s destinations to watch.

A&K Travel Group (AKTG) chief destination officer Rebecca Osman remarked: “South Korea represents the convergence of ancient tradition and contemporary innovation that defines modern luxury travel. This new DMC allows us to unlock authentic Korean experiences for our guests and trade partners, from Seoul’s cutting-edge neighbourhoods to centuries-old palaces and the country’s remarkable culinary heritage.”

A reflection of current trends

South Korea’s emergence mirrors broader shifts in Asian luxury travel. 

As Japan approaches capacity post-pandemic, discerning travellers seek authentic cultural immersion in destinations where cutting-edge innovation coexists with preserved heritage. 

South Korea delivers precisely this balance, from hyper-modern Seoul to Buddhist temples in rural Gyeongju, each experience revealing facets of a culture simultaneously ancient and pioneering.

A perfectly-timed launch

The launch comes as accessibility to South Korea reaches unprecedented levels. 

Virgin Atlantic’s daily nonstop flights from London to Seoul launch in early 2026, whilst major US hubs including Atlanta, Dallas–Fort Worth, and San Francisco already offer direct connections, making Seoul more accessible than ever for travellers.

The Seoul DMC will provide comprehensive ground services to tour operators, cruise lines, meeting planners, and travel advisors through exclusively business-to-business partnerships. 

A&K’s deep local expertise combined with 24-hour support ensures seamless execution from the moment guests arrive until their final departure, whether exploring traditional hanok villages, accessing private culinary experiences, or discovering the innovations shaping Seoul’s reputation as Asia’s design capital.

Ongoing regional expansion

Likewise, the debut of the new DMC accelerates A&K’s strategic expansion following recent DMC openings in Mexico, Indonesia, and strategic acquisitions in the Nordics and Bolivia. 

The company’s global DMC network now provides unparalleled coverage across destinations experiencing surging luxury travel demand.

The new facility also strengthens A&K’s DMC network across Northeast Asia, where the company has operated for 42 years from its Hong Kong office. 

With established offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo, and sales coverage in Taiwan and Mongolia, A&K offers unmatched regional reach across a destination experiencing unprecedented interest. 

The Seoul DMC enables both standalone Korean itineraries and seamless multi-country programmes across the region.

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The post Dida announces the winners of its Future of Travel Innovation Challenge appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global AI-first travel tech firm Dida recently announced the winners of its inaugural Future of Travel Innovation Challenge.

Done in partnership with Headstart Global, the final leg of the Challenge was staged at the iconic Shangri-La Hotel in The Shard, London. 

The competition brought together the brightest student innovators from leading UK universities to reimagine the future of global travel through technology, creativity, and sustainability. 

Dida Holdings group CEO Daryl Lee commented: “The future of travel belongs to those who can combine technology, creativity, and human insight. What we saw today was truly inspiring, a new generation of innovators pushing boundaries and redefining how the world will experience travel in the years ahead. Through this initiative, Dida is proud to invest in young talent and foster the ideas that will shape the next era of global travel technology.”

High-calibre thinkers

Dr Christine Chow, governor-emeritus at the London School of Economics and CEO of Tracker Group, served as guest judge on the panel and marvelled at the excellence displayed by each team.

She said:: “The standard of innovation and professionalism displayed by these students was exceptional. Their ability to apply emerging technologies to real-world travel challenges shows that the future of this industry will be defined by fresh thinking and purpose-driven design.”

The Future of Travel Innovation Challenge represents Dida’s continued commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent and deepening collaboration between academia and the travel technology industry.

Meet the winners

The nine finalist teams pitched their groundbreaking ideas live to a panel of judges from Dida’s global executive leadership and innovation partners.

The winners per category are as follows:

• Team Trip Sentinel: Winners of the AI-powered Travel category, recognised for their intelligent trip optimisation and personalisation engine. (Durham University, Year 1 Bachelors)
• Team RME Solutions: Winners of the Sustainability category, for their innovative approach to reducing carbon impact in travel supply chains. (University College London, Year 1)
• Team Synapse: Winners of the Future of Accommodation Design category, celebrated for their forward-thinking model of adaptive, tech-integrated hospitality spaces. (Imperial College London, Masters Year 1)

Each winning team received a cash prize and an all-expenses-paid visit to Dida’s global headquarters in Shenzhen, China’s renowned “Silicon Valley,” where they will immerse themselves in Dida’s innovation ecosystem and collaborate with its product and engineering teams.

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The post Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila gives back at its first-ever tree-lighting ceremony appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila ushered in the Holiday Season tonight, 12th November, with a tree-lighting ceremony.

The event is the hotel’s first Christmas salvo following its recent rebrand from Crimson Filinvest City Manila, as well as the first Philippine Christmas for its new hotel manager Olivier Ramos.

In his welcome remarks, Ramos welcomed guests to experience the warmth and conviviality of the Season at the property which combines contemporary comforts with classic traditions.

The event also served as a venue for Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila to give back, as it introduced it’s beneficiary for this year’s holiday promotions, the SOS Children’s Villages Pilipinas.

For a happier future

The organisation’s head of philanthropy and partnerships Ivy Ramos Evangelista pointed out that, while this is the first time that they are Quest Plus’ beneficiary, this is actually the third year with the property as it partnered with Crimson for two consecutive years.

A portion of proceeds from this year’s holiday promotions will be donated to SOS Children’s Villages Pilipinas to be used in their efforts to ensure family care and alleviate child abandonment.

SOS Children’s Villages Pilipinas has transformed 30,000 lives, empowered 2,000 families, and currently has more than 3,000 children in its care.

Evangelista said: “Now, zeroing in in the partnership with Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila, we will be having an impact on 75 children and young people. Let’s continue to advocate for our children and young people and jointly deliver impact to the Filipino community.”

A taste of the Holidays

Guests attending the event enjoyed a variety of traditional Filipino Yuletide sweets paired with festive cocktails.

The De La Salle – Zobel Chorale likewise regaled the audience with Christmas carols and Filipino Christmas melodies.

 

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The post Hong Kong Airlines Expands Codeshare with Turkish Airlines  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hong Kong Airlines has announced the expansion of its  codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, effective from 26 October 2025. The enhanced  collaboration will further strengthen the airline’s international route network and offer  passengers greater flexibility and convenience in their travel choices.

Building upon their existing cooperation, the two airlines have extended their codeshare  arrangement to include Hong Kong Airlines’ services to Australia. Passengers will now enjoy  enhanced connectivity via Hong Kong, with seamless access to Sydney and Melbourne — two of  Australia’s major cities — for a smoother one-stop travel experience.

Under the new agreement, Hong Kong Airlines places its “HX” code on Turkish Airlines flights  between Hong Kong and Istanbul. In parallel, Turkish Airlines adds its “TK” code to Hong Kong  Airlines-operated flights connecting Hong Kong with Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Sydney, and the  upcoming Melbourne service scheduled to commence in December 2025.

Louis Li, Executive Vice President of Hong Kong Airlines, said: “Istanbul is one of the world’s  most historic and dynamic metropolises, as well as a key gateway to Europe. Since we  established our codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines in 2018, our collaboration has  become tighter, enabling Hong Kong Airlines passengers to connect conveniently through

 

Istanbul to destinations across Europe, while Turkish Airlines travellers can easily transfer via  Hong Kong to major cities across Asia, including Japan and Thailand. The codeshare partnership  not only deepens our business relationship but also enhances the overall travel experience for  our customers.”

Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi stated: “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Hong  Kong Airlines, building on Hong Kong’s role as a key gateway in Asia and offering travellers even  greater convenience and choice across our networks. This collaboration further connects Türkiye  with Asia and beyond, reflecting our shared commitment to seamless global travel.”

Details of the codeshare flights are as follows (All times local):  

Codeshare Flights operated by Turkish Airlines:

Operating  Flight   Number	Operating Flight   Number	Origin	Destination	Departure	Arrival	Days of   Operation
Hong Kong (HKG) – Istanbul (IST)
TK071	HX3671	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Istanbul (IST)	23:20	06:10 +1	Daily
TK070	HX3670	Istanbul (IST)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	01:55	17:05	Daily
TK171	HX3681	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Istanbul (IST)	10:00	16:50	Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
TK170	HX3680	Istanbul (IST)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	17:10	08:20 +1	Monday, Wednesday,  Saturday

 

Codeshare Flights operated by Hong Kong Airlines:

Operating  Flight   Number	Operating Flight   Number	Origin	Destination	Departure	Arrival	Days of   Operation
Hong Kong (HKG) – Sydney (SYD)
HX017	TK9226	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Sydney (SYD)	22:25	10:55 +1	Daily
HX018	TK9227	Sydney (SYD)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	12:35	19:25	Daily
Hong Kong (HKG) – Melbourne (MEL)

 

 

HX013	TK9213	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Melbourne  (MEL)	23:00	11:30 +1	Monday, Wednesday,  Friday
HX014	TK9214	Melbourne  (MEL)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	13:00	19:25	Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Hong Kong (HKG) – Tokyo Narita (NRT)
HX604	TK9202	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Tokyo Narita (NRT)	08:15	13:25	Daily
HX605	TK9203	Tokyo Narita (NRT)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	14:25	18:45	Daily
HX606	TK9204	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Tokyo Narita (NRT)	02:10	07:10	Daily
HX607	TK9205	Tokyo Narita (NRT)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	09:05	13:45	Daily
HX608	TK9206	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Tokyo Narita (NRT)	09:25	14:25	Daily
HX609	TK9207	Tokyo Narita (NRT)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	15:25	19:55	Daily
HX610	TK9208	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Tokyo Narita (NRT)	14:15	19:20	Daily
HX611	TK9209	Tokyo Narita (NRT)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	20:20	00:40 +1	Daily
Hong Kong (HKG) – Osaka Kansai (KIX)
HX612	TK9200	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Osaka Kansai (KIX)	14:35	19:05	Daily
HX613	TK9201	Osaka Kansai (KIX)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	20:05	23:40	Daily
HX614	TK8866	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Osaka Kansai (KIX)	09:35	14:05	Daily
HX615	TK8867	Osaka Kansai (KIX)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	15:05	18:40	Daily
HX616	TK9211	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Osaka Kansai (KIX)	02:45	07:15	Daily
HX617	TK9212	Osaka Kansai (KIX)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	09:55	13:20	Daily
HX618	TK8876	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Osaka Kansai (KIX)	11:25	16:05	Daily
HX619	TK8875	Osaka Kansai (KIX)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	17:05	20:35	Daily
Hong Kong (HKG) – Bangkok (BKK)

 

 

HX759	TK9228	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Bangkok (BKK)	23:45	01:50 +1	Daily
HX760	TK8863	Bangkok (BKK)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	03:20	07:05	Daily
HX765	TK9224	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Bangkok (BKK)	16:55	19:05	Daily
HX766	TK9225	Bangkok (BKK)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	20:05	23:45	Daily
HX775	TK9221	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Bangkok (BKK)	12:50	14:50	Daily
HX776	TK9220	Bangkok (BKK)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	15:50	19:40	Daily
HX779	TK9223	Hong Kong  (HKG)	Bangkok (BKK)	22:05	00:25 +1	Daily
HX780	TK9222	Bangkok (BKK)	Hong Kong  (HKG)	01:55	05:55	Daily

 

* Flight number and schedule may change without prior notice

 

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The post New Routes and Relaxed Visas Fuel Asia-Pacific Travel Growth: PATA appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) gathered insights from members attending WTM 2025, where the region was very much in the spotlight.  Despite hints of a short-term slowdown from Europe, optimism prevailed throughout the show, fuelled by new air routes, relaxed visa policies, and the continued diversification of Asia’s tourism offering.

PATA member Sandra Kwan, UK Trade Sales and Marketing Manager for the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB), reported strong engagement throughout the event. “Strong interest in Okinawa was evident, we connected with new travel companies, some of whom were unfamiliar with the prefecture and were pleasantly surprised by its diverse offerings beyond beaches, as well as its convenient connections to nearby destinations such as Taiwan, South Korea, and China.” Kwan noted that operators were keen to feature Okinawa more prominently within Japan itineraries.

Gavin Dixon, PATA Committee member and Product Manager Africa/Asia at Freedom Holidays, highlighted that Sabah tourism is experiencing a strong peak period for arrivals, particularly in September. “We discussed the ongoing FCDO advisory against travelling to the north and east coast islands (e.g. Selingan Island). There is hope that the British embassy will send a delegation to evaluate the safety of the area, along the lines of a similar trip that took place to a different coast in 2024, although nothing is confirmed.”

Dixon added that discussions with the Vietnam Tourist Board centred on the potential reopening of a UK office in 2026. “Given that the UK is their top European source market, the trade could benefit from having someone to promote the destination. There are lots of new and exciting developments, such as Bhaya Cruises who launched a new luxury boat, ‘Soul’ this summer which has a wellness focus, signalling a move towards more contemporary travel in Vietnam.”

There is an overall feeling that after 3 years of unprecedented growth from Europe/UK, the last 3 months have slowed. Sam Collins, PATA Committee member and Product Manager at Best at Travel has observed that shift in momentum. “Despite this, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos reported steady interest, supported by new routes and visa-free entry for UK travellers. Cambodia’s strong presence at WTM inspired confidence in further growth for 2026.”

Airlift to Asia continues to expand significantly. Norse Atlantic launched new routes from London Gatwick and Manchester to Bangkok from October 26, 2025. British Airways has boosted capacity from London Gatwick to Bangkok, alongside its daily London Heathrow flights to Kuala Lumpur and twice-daily service to Tokyo Haneda. Virgin Atlantic recently announced the first-ever direct flight from London Heathrow to Phuket, commencing October 2026. Cathay Pacific has enhanced its premium experience with the new “Aria Suite” business class on its London–Hong Kong route, while London Gatwick further strengthens Asian connectivity with services to Singapore, Shanghai, and Baku.

Confidence was expressed by Malaysia, notable Sarawak and Sabah, both citing strong UK demand and forecasts for continued expansion.

Helen Wheat, PATA Committee member and Destination Manager for Travelbag, summed up the show’s energy: “5 years post pandemic, and it’s starting to feel as though WTM London is back in business with bustling halls and full meeting schedules. This year’s show offered a wide range of suppliers from across the Pacific-Asia region and it was great to see secondary destinations investing in WTM with larger stands.” Wheat also praised the Philippines for its stand out presence. “It is still noticeable that some major players are no longer supporting the show (such as Malaysia Tourism) and the ownership falls to DMCs and hoteliers to pick up the baton.” Notably, Wheat commented “…partnerships and flexibility remain key as budgets tighten globally – wiggle room from both sides of the table are required in order to nurture mutually beneficial relationships to grow travel from the UK.”

In summary, WTM 2025 was a success for Pacific Asia with great destination representation that showcased the region’s strengths and diversity. There is a clear appetite for authentic, sustainable and experience-rich travel. There are no signs of tourism slowing with the development of new hotels, products, tours and airline routes on the horizon for 2026 and beyond.

 

 

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Source: traveldailymedia