For MICE professionals, a great deal goes into the planning and execution of a successful event, and the team behind Singapore MICE Forum 2025 certainly pulled it off.

But what is unique to the event’s third live run in the post-COVID period is that this was no longer just a MICE event, but a business event geared towards MICE professionals, one that would help broaden their perspectives and, in turn, lead to the evolution of the way events are done in Singapore and beyond.

SMF 2025 co-chair Adeline Lim shared: “Bringing in professionals from fields outside of the MICE experience was intentional. We’d like people to come and hear the insights shared from the outside. What they do next with the information they received during the forum is entirely up to them.”

Indeed, there is a great deal that MICE professionals could pick up from fields as diverse as sport and sports coverage, even heading straight to food and beverage and hospitality, many of which have interacted with or required the services of events experts.

As the event has drawn to a close, we at Travel Daily Media share with you, our readers, the various key concepts presented throughout the course of SMF 2025.

Lessons from the field

Broaden your horizons and keep an open mind

The beauty of this year’s SMF was how the majority of panellists weren’t from the MICE sector, but came instead from fields as far off as haute couture and comedy productions in order to show professionals a different way of doing things.

Keeping an open mind also means becoming flexible, thus becoming more capable of dealing with evolving situations, especially given the uncertainty of today’s world.

Flexible thinking also trains individuals and organisations to think fast on their feet, especially necessary in the event that they encounter situations wherein they need to come up with solutions on the fly.

While the brand is important, the people behind the brand are more important

When it comes to events, building a recognisable brand that works is the key to ensure audience recall, as well as longevity.

Think about it: the Oscars are one, the Olympics are another; in the contemporary context, we also have the likes of Paris Fashion Week and San Diego Comic-Con.

But people tend to forget that these events weren’t exactly a flash in the pan: they were built up over time by people who dedicated themselves to make them work.

So, why not humanise a brand to make it more approachable, relatable, and memorable?

MICE professionals can make this possible by sharing behind-the-scenes looks at their events on social media or build excitement up prior to an event with talking heads teasing the insights they intend to share onstage.

This enables core audiences to appreciate the amount of effort that goes into bringing an event to life on top of building brand image and recall.

Leverage the power of technology

Love it or hate it, artificial intelligence (AI) is most probably here to stay; so why not get some good use out of it in the context of MICE?

AI’s applications for events are manifold: while admittedly imperfect, the technology can be used to transcribe oral interviews and panel discussions which, at the end of the event, may be condensed into an official summary for dissemination to participants via the official event website or social media accounts.

At major international events like the Macau International Travel Expo and ITB China earlier this year, AI was also put to work for automatic translation: an especially useful addition given the global audience in attendance, many of whom had little to no understanding of the local lingua franca.

Likewise, we are already seeing the extensive use of QR codes for fielding questions for speakers, holding polls throughout the duration of a session and revealing results as they come in, and getting post-event feedback from participants.

Hardware matters when it comes to connectivity

The necessary equipment for staging events now goes beyond microphones, projectors, sound systems, and lighting.

Aside from projection screens on which to flash a speaker’s presentation, today’s events go the extra mile and offer live broadcast studios for podcasters and content creators, enabling them to share their experiences from the floor to their followers in real time.

This aspect was an offshoot of the pandemic and led to the development of hybrid events, further expanding the scope of MICE in the post-pandemic era as they bring events to those who may not be able to attend in person.

On a more mundane level, placing tablets with pre-installed applications or relevant content for the use of event participants also helps in boosting onsite interactivity.

Make the most of your online presence

I have personally noticed, particularly among corporate events in Asia, that related social media accounts tend to seem underutilised.

Most of the time, social media tends to be used for pre-event marketing; hype-building, so to speak.

However, MICE professionals should not discount the ability of their socials to amplify the total impact of their event.

Thanks to app functions like Instagram Live and Facebook Live, organisers have the ability to bring a wider audience base to where the action is currently happening.

At the same time, recordings posted after an event (even immediately after a session) can boost follower engagement on so many different levels, depending on whether these are full-length video footage or more easily digestible snippets or reels.

Also, while they may be temporary, short-form stories posted on social media also give viewers the opportunity to be at an event if only for a fleeting moment; add a poll related to the content, and the event’s engagement stands to grow at a significant rate.

On to the next one…

The post-mortem of any event is the time when both organisers and suppliers can look back and see the minutiae, so to speak, of what just came to pass.

This part of the event brings up participant feedback, and this should always be interpreted in a positive light; a challenge, to be exact, to make the next event better.

Indeed, as the organisers of SMF 2025 put it: the feedback, the notes, and the learnings are all there; what you as organisers, suppliers, or even participants do with all that is entirely up to you.

Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oxfordshire, has launched an intriguing new tour titled “Servants’ Tales: Ghosts, Gossip and Secrets.” Running from 7 January to 14 February 2026, the tour offers visitors a unique glimpse into the lives of those who worked behind the scenes at the historic palace.

The daily tour begins at the Life Below Stairs exhibition and takes visitors through the former Kitchen Courtyard, laundry rooms, hidden corridors, staff quarters, the Chapel, and Crypt. Guides share stories of the servants’ lives, revealing tales of hardships, hierarchy, and hauntings that have never been told before. Among the chilling legends is that of the “Dusting Nanny,” who is said to continue her duties long after her death, preparing the palace for significant events like a Duke’s funeral.

Heather Carter, Managing Director of Visitor Attraction, expressed excitement about the new offering, stating, “We’re thrilled to offer guests a unique glimpse into the lives of the people who once kept Blenheim Palace running. The Servants’ Tales: Ghosts, Gossip and Secrets Tour reveals stories of scandal and the supernatural that will intrigue visitors and give everyone a whole new perspective of events that have unfolded in our 300-year history.”

The tour concludes in the Chapel and Crypt, the resting place of the Dukes and Duchesses of Marlborough, where centuries of family history and mystery converge. Admission to the tour is included with a valid Palace & Gardens Ticket or Palace and Play Pass, which provides access to Blenheim Palace and Adventure Play for a full year. For more information, visit the Blenheim Palace website.
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One of the key trends many travel professionals are keeping an eye on this year is that of urban exploration (urbex), particularly throughout Asia.

Especially in major capitals like Tokyo, Seoul, and Bangkok, that isn’t surprising: cities offer a little of everything that a country can present to foreign travellers in the way of cultural experiences, dining, retail, and even adventure.

Likewise, popular culture has done its part in romanticising urban destinations, particularly in written fiction, film, and television; viewers find themselves drawn to city lights, the excitement they promise, as well as the slight frisson of peril involved in exploring new locations.

This feature takes a look at the urban exploration trend in Asia and how it may spin out throughout this year.

But first: a caveat

This is not to say, of course, that Asian nations should freely embrace urbex visitors without qualms.

On the contrary, urban tourism also poses several challenges that local governments need to take into consideration prior to going all-out on tourism promotion.

Overtourism is one such issue and one that bears down hard on the resources available within a city.

Over the years, we have seen how Japan in particular has struggled with the boom in tourist numbers following the pandemic and how these have caused stress for locals in the form of surging prices of basic commodities, transportation and traffic issues, as well as ill-advised behaviour on the part of visitors in sacred places or areas of historical relevance.

Unpreparedness is another, especially in developing nations like the Philippines whose basic tourism infrastructure is in sore need of improvement (if not outright total replacement) or Cambodia which continues to reel from the effects of armed conflict.

Likewise, overall safety and security remain a major concern, particularly for women and visitors belonging to ethnic or racial minorities.

In light of the BIMP-EAGA drive towards quality tourism, particularly within ASEAN, before the end of the decade, it has become imperative for countries to address glaring issues well before they present their urban centres as desirable destinations.

Countries to keep an eye on in 2026

• Thailand As stated earlier, Bangkok has long drawn in tourists thanks to its dynamic and highly exotic vibe, the plethora of dining options available for all budgets, as well as the richness of its cultural attractions. But Bangkok isn’t the only centre for urban exploration in Thailand: the northern hub that is Chiang Mai offers a more laid-back approach to city tourism, while locations like Pattaya and Phuket add a splash of tropical fun to the mix to draw in tourists;
• Malaysia While most travellers into the Pan-Malayan Peninsula are more drawn to Malaysia’s neighbour Singapore, it’s no secret that Kuala Lumpur’s popularity has grown by leaps and bounds since the pandemic era. But KL had better watch its back: UNESCO-recognised Melaka draws in tourists on the strength of its cultural preservation and immersive attractions like the Encore Melaka performances, while Penang and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah are breaking ground as regional venues of choice for MICE;
• Singapore The bustling urban hub of Southeast Asia continues to regale travellers with innovations at every turn. The impending opening of Terminal 5 at Changi International Airport is timely, given how the country is bracing itself to welcome between 17.5 and 20 million foreign travellers this year, drawn in by the promise of world-class events featuring top artists;
• Vietnam Vietnam continues to shine as the cultural hub for urban explorers in Southeast Asia, thanks to the wealth of museums, heritage sites, and historical locations in its chief cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Likewise, places like Da Nang, Hue, and Sapa are gaining ground for their equally vibrant urban offerings; and
• Indonesia The tropical paradise that is Bali may remain the biggest draw for foreign visitors to Indonesia, but its capital Jakarta has been steadily building its own following in the years after COVID-19 hit. The ad campaign Enjoy More, Enjoy Jakarta is seen to have been a driving factor in this, encouraging foreign guests to experience for themselves the melting pot that is the Indonesian capital.

How cities can make the most of urban exploration

Moving forward, we offer several points to ponder as to how cities can capitalise on urbex tourism without compromising comfort for their citizens, and even drive visitor numbers higher.

Such measures need to include:

• Establishing a proper legal and ethical framework for urban tourism Right at the onset, city governments need to make visitors aware of local laws and customs to prevent untoward incidents. This is something that has become glaringly important in light of the rowdy behaviour of tourists in Bali, or westerners desecrating sacred sites in Japan, as well as North American tourists behaving or dressing inappropriately at places of worship in Europe and India. It also means that travellers need to hold up their end of the bargain by reading up on laws and customs before their trips to prevent misunderstandings and ensure that they are not showing disrespect to local communities;
• MICE matters The ability to host business events as well as large-scale entertainment spectacles like concerts is one factor that has driven travellers to cities like Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City. Keeping major venues in good repair and ensuring that these are equipped with everything event organisers need to pull off a successful function are plus points for any city seeking to make itself more visible on the map;
• Get communities involved and give citizens ownership of key initiatives Especially where cultural tourism is concerned, local communities should have a say as to how their areas may be best presented to travellers. This involves coordination between national authorities, local governments, and community leaders or experts with regard to curated approaches to local tours. The one-town one-product retail tourism approach also enables citizens to share their specialities or handiwork with foreign visitors, enabling them to get a better understanding of a place and its people through food and craftwork; and 
• Private-public partnerships are key To push the matter further, cooperation needs to occur between the government and private sector entities in order to present urban destinations in the best light.

All photos: Marga Manlapig

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced the appointment of prominent Thai actor, model, and celebrity Mean Phiravich Attachitsataporn to lead the Thailand Co-Creator initiative under the Trusted Thailand framework late on Thursday, 8th January.

The actor’s appointment marks a strategic move on the part of Thai tourism officials to strengthen international confidence and stimulate demand in key short-haul markets.

Earlier today, TAT deputy-governor for marketing communications Nithee Seeprae met with Mean Phiravich to provide the project’s policy framework, strategic direction, and operational guidelines ahead of the campaign rollout, with a clear focus on positioning Thailand as a quality leisure destination for short-haul markets. 

The meeting marked the formal launch phase of the initiative, establishing a clear foundation for coordinated content production aligned with Thailand’s tourism priorities.

What exactly is the Thailand Co-Creator project?

The Thailand Co-Creator initiative is designed to present a contemporary and credible image of Thailand at the international level, with emphasis on safety, service standards, and destination readiness for regional travellers. 

By leveraging the reach and storytelling capability of trusted creators, the project aims to translate real travel experiences into authentic digital narratives for global audiences.

Mean Phiravich will lead the initiative at the programme level, convening participating creators, sharing campaign guidelines, and setting the overall creative direction to ensure consistency and alignment across all routes. 

Between 23rd and 25th January, over 20 creators, KOLs, and influencers from Thailand and ten international markets from Asia and Oceania will embark on coordinated content journeys across five high-potential routes: Kanchanaburi; Lampang–Chiang Mai; Sakon Nakhon–Nakhon Phanom; Surat Thani; and Songkhla.

With Mean Phiravich steering the initiative and a multi-market creator network activated on the ground, TAT expects the Thailand Co-Creator initiative to generate more than 100 million impressions, reinforcing Thailand’s positioning as a trusted, high-quality, and sustainable leisure destination for short-haul travellers worldwide.

Hong Kong, often associated with shopping and Disneyland, is revealing a lesser-known side to Filipino travellers: its extensive countryside, which makes up 75 percent of the city.

As the new year begins, many are discovering the appeal of Hong Kong’s accessible hiking trails, ideal for first-time hikers seeking both exploration and relaxation.

Hong Kong’s trails offer a unique blend of nature and convenience: Sai Kung, for instance, provides a gentle introduction to hiking with its scenic beaches and minimal challenges, making it perfect for beginners.

Along the way, hikers may encounter local wildlife, such as buffalo and cows, adding an unexpected charm to the experience.

A gentler approach

For those less inclined towards physical exertion, Hong Kong’s Great Outdoors offers alternatives like forest bathing at Tam O Shan.

This Japanese mindfulness practice encourages participants to connect with nature through sensory exercises, such as noticing the scent of trees or listening to rustling leaves; indeed, the experience is designed to reduce stress and promote a sense of peace.

Post-hike, visitors can unwind at Nan Lian Garden, a Zen retreat inspired by the Tang Dynasty, or indulge in sound healing at Red Doors Studio.

The latter offers deep gong vibrations that promote relaxation and physical recovery, a practice endorsed by renowned gong master Martha Collard.

As more millennials and Gen Zs embrace wellness travel, Hong Kong’s hiking trails are gaining popularity; with cooler weather from January to April, these trails offer a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, making them an attractive addition to any travel itinerary.
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Vietjet has announced the reintroduction of its premium fare classes, Business and SkyBoss, aimed at elevating the travel experience for Indian passengers.

These services are available on all direct routes between India and Vietnam, with Business class specifically offered on flights connecting New Delhi to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The airline’s initiative is inspired by the “Wings for Leaders” spirit, catering to professionals, entrepreneurs, and leisure travellers seeking a seamless journey.

Vietjet’s high-frequency routes across major economic and tourism corridors offer travellers greater flexibility and efficient trip planning.

The SkyBoss service is available on routes including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, whilst Business class is exclusive to the Delhi routes.

What to expect

The premium experience begins with dedicated check-in counters, priority security clearance, and boarding, ensuring a stress-free start.

Passengers also gain access to premium airport lounges, while, on board, Business class passengers enjoy premium leather seats in a private cabin, along with unlimited hot meals featuring Vietnamese favourites like Pho and Banh Mi.

Vietjet’s cabin crew, known for their attentive service, further enhance the in-flight experience.

All-inclusive one-way fares start from $293 (₹24,400) for SkyBoss and $327 (₹27,200) for Business class, and passengers benefit from generous baggage allowances, priority services, and wellness-focused meals.

Vietjet’s commitment to premium comfort and efficiency aims to make international travel from India more rewarding.
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2025 witnessed the travel landscape evolving at an unprecedented pace, with Asia leading the industry in both innovation and demand.

This momentum has opened doors for people worldwide to explore both Asia’s celebrated landmarks and its lesser‑known treasures, at a time when global curiosity about the region continues to grow.

The most important aspect of any holiday remains a good hotel. Now is the time for Asian hoteliers to cash-in on the growing popularity of the region with alacrity.

Garnering insights on the way forward for growth, TDM interviews Romain Christodoulou, Vice President, Supply at Agoda on the process of making travel seamless and intuitive at every step.

Travel Daily Media (TDM): We have surely come back to the adage ‘Be Global, Think Local’. Can you kindly elucidate for us how localisation drives hotel competitiveness: Why adapting to local payment preferences, regulatory environments, and traveller behaviour remains core for conversions in Asia?

Romain Christodoulou (RC): Localisation is fundamental to hotel competitiveness in Asia. It’s not simply a matter of convenience, but now a prerequisite for conversion. Markets across Asia are defined by distinct cultural, economic, and regulatory contexts. For example, the integration of e-wallets in Southeast Asia or the importance of local language support in Japan directly influences booking decision. Hotels that align their offerings with these local nuances see higher conversion rates and stronger guest loyalty. The data speaks for itself. When hotels invest in localisation, the returns are clear and compelling. As detailed in our latest report “Tailored to Win: How Hotels are Using Localisation to Capture Asia’s Tourism Boom”, the findings reveal that properties that prioritise local relevance report seeing up to 99% improved guest satisfaction, 95% note an increase in repeat bookings and 91% state that their guests are willing to pay more per room. In essence, a global approach must be underpinned by local execution to succeed in Asia’s diverse travel landscape.

TDM: How is AI reshaping hotel partnerships and supply operations? Kindly share examples of how AI-enhanced tools are improving content quality, streamlining support, and enabling more dynamic, data-driven collaboration with partners.

RC: AI is reshaping the way travellers plan and experience their journeys, and hotel partnerships are evolving in step. Today, 77% of Chinese and Indian travellers are open to using AI for trip planning. This is a shift that’s accelerating the move toward fully personalised itineraries where every aspect of the journey can be tailored to individual needs and preferences. At Agoda, we see AI as the engine behind this transformation, streamlining the booking process and making it easier for travellers to discover the right accommodation, activities and even dining options all in one seamless flow.
For our hotel partners, it’s about making online operations simpler and enabling them to showcase their properties in a way that’s both scalable and tailored to individual needs. AI-enhanced solutions help partners improve content quality to better match what travellers are searching for. On the support side, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants resolve routine queries instantly and route more complex issues to the right teams, freeing up staff to focus on higher-value interactions. This not only increases operational efficiency but also ensures that partners can respond quickly to changing demand and traveller expectations. Above all, we’re committed to responsible innovation; every AI solution we introduce is guided by our core principles of privacy, transparency, and trust.

TDM: How is Agoda applying AI across customer support, operations, and partner tools, helping hotels unlock efficiency, accuracy, and competitiveness across multiple markets?

RC: AI has become an essential part of how we deliver faster, smarter customer service at Agoda. We’re proud to be among the most advanced online travel platforms when it comes to AI adoption. From supply sales preparation to customer enquiries and content creation, AI is integrated across every department, helping us work smarter and respond faster at every step, supplementing this, our AI-powered Property Ask-Me-Anything bot now manages over 30,000 traveler questions every day, offering instant answers and tailored insights. This means our support teams can dedicate more time to complex issues, raising the standard of service where it matters most. We’re always pushing to make things better and deeper AI integration is helping us streamline support even further. At the same time, we never lose sight of the importance of human judgment, especially when it comes to handling sensitive or nuanced requests.

TDM: How has the year 2025 been for Agoda globally and especially in Asia? What are your targets for 2026?

RC: This year we have observed the travel landscape evolving at an unprecedented pace, with Asia leading the industry in both innovation and demand. This momentum has opened doors for people worldwide to explore both Asia’s celebrated landmarks and its lesser‑known treasures, at a time when global curiosity about the region continues to grow.

Central to our strategy has been working closely with leading local partners such as Indian Hotel Company Limited (IHCL) in India, partnering with UK’s largest hotel chain, Premier Inn to capture Asia travel interest, and partnering with one of Japan’s leading hotel management companies, Hoshino Resorts, to deliver more tailored experiences and broaden our reach. By collaborating with these key players, we’re able to strengthen localisation and ensure our offerings resonate with travellers across diverse markets. Looking ahead to 2026, our priority is to keep building on this momentum. We remain committed to advancing localisation, strengthening connectivity and supporting partners in capturing emerging opportunities to make travel simpler and more accessible, no matter the destination.

TDM: Can you share top travel trends that will impact hotels the most in 2026 in APAC?

 RC: Localisation will remain at the heart of competitiveness; hoteliers who tailor their offerings to local preferences and habits will be best positioned to capture demand. Agoda’s ‘Tailored to Win’ report shows that hotels embracing advanced, integrated localisation, across marketing, booking, payment and on-site experiences saw higher guest satisfaction, increased repeat bookings, and greater willingness to pay among international travellers. As intra-Asia travel grows more diverse, this level of cultural and linguistic fluency is increasingly tied to commercial outcomes. It also reinforces the growing importance of local partnerships which include collaborating with regional brands and service providers to deliver experiences that resonate with domestic travellers.

We’re also seeing a structural shift in where demand is going. Our latest 2026 Travel Outlook report finds that secondary destinations already account for roughly a third of accommodation searches, growing faster than traditional hubs, driven by travellers’ search for better value, unique local culture, and outdoor experiences. Hotels that invest in stronger digital visibility, localised content, and curated neighborhood or nature-led experiences will be better placed to capture this next wave of growth, particularly outside of the classic city center locations.

At the same time, the rise of a more connected trip experience will continue to accelerate, with travellers seeking seamless experiences that bundle flights, hotels and activities on a single platform. AI is also becoming a central part of the conversation; travellers are increasingly comfortable with AI-powered planning tools and welcome AI assistance for trip planning. For our hotel partners, these shifts create new opportunities to engage diverse segments – from families searching for kid-friendly amenities to business travellers who prioritise speed and convenience.

TDM: What is it that hotels should prepare for next? How will the future reward properties that offer unified connectivity and intelligent automation?

RC: The next chapter for hotels is all about gaining control and clarity in a landscape that’s still highly fragmented. Too many intermediaries and inconsistent rates can erode both value and trust. Hotels that invest in unified connectivity and intelligent automation will be best positioned to overcome these challenges. Through consolidation of distribution tools, properties can reduce revenue leakage, maintain rate parity, and gain actionable oversight of their business. Those who embrace these changes will unlock greater efficiency, stronger partnerships, and a more sustainable competitive edge as the market matures.

TDM: Why should consumers, hotels and travel advisors choose Agoda over and above other OTA’s?

RC: Agoda is centered on creating a truly connected trip experience. We’re harnessing AI to deliver deeper personalisation and proactive, concierge-like service for every user. From discovery and booking to in-destination support, we’re focused on making travel seamless and intuitive at every step. Most importantly, we innovate responsibly, putting customer needs and trust at the heart of everything we do. That’s why consumers, hotels, and travel advisors can rely on Agoda for a smarter, more connected journey.

IndiGo has become the first Indian airline to incorporate the Airbus A321XLR into its fleet, marking a pivotal step in its international expansion strategy. The aircraft, which landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on 7 January 2026, will commence non-stop flights from Mumbai to Athens on 23 January and from Delhi to Athens on 24 January, with three weekly services on each route.

The Airbus A321XLR is a next-generation narrow-body aircraft boasting a range of up to 8,700 km and improved fuel efficiency. This will allow IndiGo to operate longer international routes whilst maintaining cost efficiency. The aircraft features a dual-class configuration with 12 IndiGoStretch seats and 183 economy seats, all equipped with RECARO seating for enhanced comfort.

IndiGo has placed a firm order for 40 A321XLR aircraft, with nine expected to be delivered in 2026. These aircraft will initially serve routes to Athens, Istanbul, and Denpasar, with plans to expand to new long-haul destinations in Europe and East Asia. Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, stated, “IndiGo is honoured to be the first Indian airline to welcome the Airbus A321XLR into its fleet – an important milestone as we prepare to redefine long-haul travel for India.”

The aircraft is equipped with next-generation digital inflight entertainment accessible on personal devices, offering a variety of films, TV shows, and games. Complimentary meals and beverages will be available, with options for pre-booking non-vegetarian meals and purchasing alcoholic beverages.

This development not only strengthens IndiGo’s position in international aviation but also supports India’s ambition to become a global aviation hub.
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Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah has been named one of the World’s Top 100 Sustainable Companies at the International Sustainability Awards 2025. This accolade, presented in association with the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, highlights the resort’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its daily operations.

The resort has implemented several eco-forward initiatives, including the elimination of single-use plastics, advanced water conservation through Airowater Atmospheric Water Generators, and a focus on local and sustainable sourcing. Energy efficiency is enhanced by smart technology, and the resort actively engages with the local community through collaborations with local artists and support for the RAK Animal Welfare Centre.

Evan Harrington, Cluster General Manager of Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island and Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, stated, “At Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island, sustainability is not a trend or a statement; it is a way of life. This global recognition is a powerful testament to the passion, innovation and dedication of our team.”

The International Sustainability Awards celebrate organisations that lead by example in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and innovation. Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island’s recognition underscores its role in shaping a sustainable future for luxury hospitality. Harrington added, “We are proud to contribute to a more sustainable future, one meaningful action at a time.”
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The Blackhawk Group, a leader in turboprop performance solutions, has announced its acquisition of Silver Sky Aviation, based in Wasilla, Alaska. This strategic move establishes Wasilla as the sixth location in Blackhawk’s expanding Performance Centre Network, targeting the burgeoning turboprop market in Alaska, where performance and reliability are crucial.

Alaska’s demand for turboprop operations has surged due to the aircraft’s range, speed, and payload capabilities, essential for the region’s challenging cold-weather conditions. Silver Sky Aviation, renowned for its maintenance and performance upgrades over the past decade, supports King Air, Caravan, Kodiak, and PC12 platforms, aligning seamlessly with Blackhawk’s core services.

Chad Cundiff, CEO of The Blackhawk Group, stated, “Silver Sky provides a tremendous opportunity to expand The Blackhawk Group’s support of Alaskan aviation. Turboprops are a lifeline for operators in the region, and many already benefit from Blackhawk and Finnoff upgrades.”

Silver Sky will operate as a Blackhawk Performance Centre, benefiting from Blackhawk’s industry partnerships, infrastructure, and resources. Aaron McCarty, founder of Silver Sky, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, noting, “Joining The Blackhawk Group allows us to expand our capabilities, strengthen partnerships with local operators, and create new opportunities and benefits for our team.”

The acquisition supports Blackhawk’s ambition to become the premier service provider for the light turbine market, as highlighted by Daniel Han, Senior Principal at New State Capital Partners. Silver Sky’s specialised services, combined with Blackhawk’s technical expertise, aim to deliver long-term value to customers and stakeholders across the region.
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