Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) has announced the appointment of Craig Bond as Chief Operating Officer. The move marks a strategic internal promotion and reflects the Group’s continued investment in building a future-ready executive leadership team to support its next phase of growth.

A highly respected hospitality leader with deep operational and commercial expertise, Craig steps into the role following his tenure as Senior Vice President, Head of Operations. He brings a holistic approach to operations, ensuring that PPHG’s brand promise, commercial objectives and guest experiences are delivered consistently and profitably across its growing portfolio.

In his new role, Craig will oversee global operations across PPHG’s Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION and PARKROYAL brands. He will work closely with the Group’s executive leadership team to translate strategy into execution, strengthen operational discipline, build talent capability across regions, and harness technology to drive efficiencies, elevate guest and employee experiences, and support sustainable growth at scale.

“Craig’s appointment reflects the depth and maturity of the leadership bench we have been deliberately building across the Group,” said Choe Peng Sum, CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group.

“He brings the clarity, strategic approach and people-centric leadership required to scale our operations while preserving the integrity of our brands. As PPHG advances into its next phase of growth, Craig will play a critical role in ensuring our ambitions turn into real outcomes.”

Bond said he was taking on the role at an important moment for the hotel group.

“Building on the group’s strong momentum in recent years, and I will work closely with our teams across regions to further strengthen our operational foundations, develop our people, and support the group’s ambitions as we continue to grow,” he said.

Dubai has reported an 11% increase in overnight visitors from the UK in 2025, totalling 1,473,000 guests. This growth is part of a broader trend, with the city achieving a record-breaking 19.59 million international visitors, a 5% rise from the previous year, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

The surge in UK visitors is attributed to Dubai’s strategic partnerships, global marketing campaigns, and major events that have bolstered its appeal as a long-haul destination. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, highlighted the city’s “visionary leadership” and the effectiveness of policies aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033.

Dubai’s hotel sector also saw impressive results, with an average occupancy rate of 80.7% in 2025, up from 78.2% in 2024. The city’s hotel inventory reached 154,264 rooms across 827 establishments, nearly matching London in total room capacity. New initiatives, such as the Hotel Incentive Programme and a contactless check-in solution, were introduced to further enhance the hospitality sector.

The city’s global recognition continued to grow, with Dubai being named the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere and ranking as one of the world’s safest cities. Additionally, Dubai International Airport retained its title as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for the 11th consecutive year.

Looking ahead, Dubai aims to maintain its momentum by enhancing its global competitiveness through digital innovation and exceptional guest experiences, ensuring its status as a top destination for visitors worldwide

This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

IWTA interviews Ellice Bugayong on “OV Traveller leader draws on experience to grow firm”

NOMINATE SOMEONE

NOMINATE YOURSELF

The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) is set to present the UAE premiere of “Echoes of Fez,” an exclusive inshad concert by the Moroccan Ensemble for Andalusian Music, featuring renowned vocalist Noureddine Tahiri Jouti. Scheduled for 1 March 2026 at Louvre Abu Dhabi, the event is part of ADMAF’s Spiritual Series and is organised in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in the UAE and Louvre Abu Dhabi.

“Echoes of Fez” will offer an immersive musical experience, showcasing a curated selection of Andalusian and Moroccan musical forms and spiritual pieces. The concert will include traditional works such as san’a, tawshiya, muwashshah, and zajal, performed across classical Arabic poetic metres and modal systems. Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF, emphasised the event’s alignment with the values of coexistence and human fraternity during Ramadan.

The concert aims to revive masterpieces of spiritual chant and Prophetic praise, featuring more than 23 traditional works performed by seven leading vocalists and instrumentalists. His Excellency Ahmed Tazi, Ambassador of Morocco to the UAE, highlighted the event’s role in reflecting the deep cultural ties between Morocco and the UAE, whilst underscoring music as a bridge for dialogue and human connection.

The ensemble accompanying Tahiri Jouti includes Tehami Belhouat on qanun, Mohamed Fahd Ronda on oud, Slim Ameri on violin, Mohamed Hamza Ameri on tar, and Abdel Fattah Ameri on darbuka. The performance will unfold progressively, offering a coherent spiritual and musical arc in harmony with the holy month of Ramadan. The concert begins at 9:30pm, with further details available on ADMAF’s website

This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.

Central Vietnam is poised to make 2026 a landmark year for golf tourism, as the Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC) continues its ascent as Asia’s most desirable golfing destination. With its stunning championship courses, expanding international air links, and world-class hospitality, the region is consolidating its status as the ultimate playground for golfers seeking a blend of challenge and luxury.

A Decade of Excellence for Ba Na Hills Golf Club

A key driver of this momentum is the Ba Na Hills Golf Club, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026. Managed by IMG and designed by Luke Donald, this award-winning course has been crowned Asia’s Best Golf Course five years in a row by the World Golf Awards. General Manager Simon Mees notes that Central Vietnam’s success is entering “a new phase of maturity and international recognition,” as golf travellers increasingly turn to Da Nang for both championship golf and memorable cultural experiences.

Ba Na Hills continues to elevate Vietnam’s international prestige, combining a breathtaking mountain setting with impeccable playing conditions and luxurious amenities — a destination where sophistication meets sport.

Montgomerie Links: Boutique Golf at Its Finest

Equally vital to the Vietnam Golf Coast’s success story, Montgomerie Links Vietnam heads into 2026 from a position of strength, retaining its crown as the most-played course in the Hue–Da Nang region with 17% of the market share. Designed by legendary golfer Colin Montgomerie, this 18-hole championship course offers a boutique experience that merges intimacy, top-tier service, and authentic Vietnamese hospitality.

“Our appeal lies in providing a more personal, home‑away‑from‑home setting,” says Le Vo Hoang Van, Club Manager at Montgomerie Links. Golfers enjoy a sense of exclusivity, enhanced by on‑site accommodation, dining, and practice facilities — all designed to create an immersive and relaxing environment.

A Line‑Up of Legends

The Vietnam Golf Coast is anchored by a remarkable collection of signature courses created by golfing giants, including Sir Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, and Robert Trent Jones Jr. This concentration of elite design talent cements Central Vietnam as one of the world’s most exciting destinations for serious golfers.

Connectivity and Culture Strengthen Vietnam’s Appeal

2026 brings an exceptional calendar of events and improved accessibility. Da Nang International Airport continues to expand routes from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and India, boosting inbound golf tourism. Visitors can align their golf getaways with major events such as the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (May–July), the Vietnam–Korea Festival, and the Vietnam–Japan Festival later in the year — all offering vibrant cultural immersion alongside world‑class golf.

Australia and New Zealand remain key markets, with ongoing promotional efforts through trade shows like the Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Thailand in March 2026, ensuring the Vietnam Golf Coast remains front of mind for travellers seeking premium, long‑haul golf holidays.

Conclusion

With its combination of globally acclaimed courses like Ba Na Hills Golf Club and Montgomerie Links, strengthened connectivity, and rich cultural offerings, Central Vietnam is confidently teeing off into 2026 as Asia’s premier golf destination. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a leisure traveller seeking luxury, the Vietnam Golf Coast promises an unforgettable experience — where every fairway tells a story and every round feels like a celebration.

Cathay has marked another milestone year in its journey toward net‑zero aviation, announcing record growth in its Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Programme for 2025. With SAF commitments more than doubling year‑on‑year, the airline continues to position itself as a global leader in sustainable air travel, supported by a growing network of corporate and cargo partners.

Travellers and partners can learn more about the airline’s sustainability initiatives at Cathay Pacific.

Corporate SAF Commitments Surge by Nearly 180%

Since launching in 2022, Cathay’s Corporate SAF Programme has rapidly expanded, and 2025 marked its strongest year yet. Seventeen global partners collectively committed to using around 17,400 tonnes of SAF, representing a 180% increase compared with 2024.

This commitment translates to an estimated 54,600 tonnes of CO₂e emissions avoided on a lifecycle basis—equivalent to the emissions from approximately 61,800 Economy‑class round trips between Hong Kong and London.

New and Long‑Term Partners Drive Momentum

Cathay welcomed Microsoft as a new partner in 2025, joining a roster of influential organisations committed to decarbonising business travel and air cargo operations. Long‑standing Diamond partners—including EQT, DSV and EY—reinforced their leadership with multi‑year SAF commitments.

Cargo partners also played a pivotal role. Kuehne + Nagel remained the largest cargo contributor, while collaboration with DHL Express enabled the first SAF uplift for flights operated by Air Hong Kong, a Cathay Group subsidiary.

Scaling SAF Through Global Supplier Partnerships

Growing demand from corporate partners allows Cathay to purchase SAF beyond regulatory requirements, accelerating adoption across its network. In 2025, the airline strengthened partnerships with leading global suppliers, including:

• China Aviation Oil Europe
• Itochu
• Neste
• Shell Aviation
• Sinopec
• SK Energy

These collaborations support the availability of SAF certified to internationally recognised sustainability standards, helping scale production and supply across Asia and beyond.

A Shared Path Toward Net‑Zero

Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam emphasised the importance of collaboration:

“Cathay has set ambitious sustainability goals, but like every airline, we cannot achieve them on our own. The growing collaboration between our corporate customers and SAF suppliers is a powerful example of how partnership can help scale SAF adoption.”

Lam also highlighted the need for supportive policies and market incentives to accelerate SAF production and ensure the aviation industry remains on track for its 2050 net‑zero target.

Expanding SAF Access for Individual Travellers

Beyond corporate partnerships, Cathay is empowering individual travellers to participate in decarbonisation. In 2025, the airline launched Asia’s first membership‑linked SAF contribution platform, enabling passengers to make direct contributions toward SAF usage.

This initiative complements Cathay’s strategic investments in next‑generation SAF technologies and production capacity, reinforcing its long‑term commitment to sustainable aviation.

Conclusion

Cathay’s record‑breaking SAF commitments in 2025 highlight the power of global collaboration in driving aviation decarbonisation. With expanding corporate partnerships, strengthened supplier networks and new opportunities for individual travellers to contribute, the airline continues to lead the industry toward a more sustainable future.

The Sense Experience Resort, a five‑star coastal retreat in Tuscany’s Maremma, has been nominated for the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026, reaffirming its status as one of Italy’s most distinctive luxury beach resorts. This guest‑voted recognition highlights the property’s philosophy of experiential luxury, where nature, design and authentic Tuscan identity are woven together to create stays that are deeply felt rather than simply observed.

A Resort Immersed in Nature on the Gulf of Follonica

Set within a five‑hectare natural park on the Gulf of Follonica, near Torre Mozza, The Sense Experience Resort combines a private beach, preserved sand dunes and a heated outdoor pool with sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Century‑old pines, native Mediterranean scrub and carefully restored dune vegetation form a living backdrop, allowing guests to experience Tuscany’s coastline in its most elemental form.

The resort’s 112 rooms and suites are spread across five low‑rise buildings, with categories ranging from Comfort and Deluxe to themed Suites and spacious Two‑Bedroom Sea View Suites featuring outdoor Jacuzzis. Interiors use natural materials, warm woods and vibrant fabrics to echo the surrounding landscape, all aligned with the property’s guiding motto: “Be natural, be you.”

Experiential Luxury: Guests as Protagonists

Rather than a traditional concierge, The Sense offers an “Experience Specialist” team dedicated to crafting tailor‑made stays, from sunrise beach rituals to cycling, wine routes and multi‑sensory nature walks. Here, guests are invited to become protagonists of their own Tuscan story: time slows, contact with nature becomes a language, and hospitality is expressed as attentive, personalised listening.

This experiential approach extends across the resort, where preserved dunes, sea‑view paths and quiet corners in the pine forest are treated as part of the overall design canvas. The result is a luxury experience defined less by ostentation and more by a feeling of being genuinely connected to place.

Tuscan Flavours, Beachfront Fine Dining and Mixology

Culinary journeys are central to the Sense ethos. Dimorà, the main à la carte restaurant, serves refined Tuscan dishes that champion local ingredients, with the choice of indoor, terrace or beachside dining. On the sand itself, Eatè offers a fine‑dining, toes‑in‑the‑sand experience where creative plates meet sunset views across the Gulf of Follonica.

Evenings continue at the Red Rabbit Mixology Bar, where crafted cocktails draw inspiration from Mediterranean botanicals and coastal aromas. Taken together, the resort’s gastronomic offering presents a modern interpretation of Tuscan cuisine that is both rooted in tradition and unapologetically contemporary.

The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards are determined entirely by traveller votes, making The Sense Experience Resort’s 2026 nomination a direct reflection of guest satisfaction and loyalty. The resort is encouraging past visitors and admirers to support its bid by voting in the Hotels (Italy, Europe) category on the official Travel + Leisure survey site before 23 February 2026, helping bring the emotional identity of Tuscany’s Maremma to an even wider audience.

Backed by Icon Collection, the boutique hospitality group that also oversees Park Hotel Marinetta, Antico Podere San Francesco, Borgo Verde and Hotel Botticelli, The Sense continues to push forward with innovation in service, sustainability and guest experience. Its latest nomination is less a destination in itself than a milestone along an ongoing journey to redefine what coastal luxury in Tuscany can be.

TUI Cruises is reaffirming its commitment to diversity, inclusion and community with the launch of “Rainbow Cruise: the next chapter – A future of unity”, a five‑day LGBTQIA+ event voyage sailing from 28 September to 3 October 2027 aboard Mein Schiff 2. Building on the success of the first Rainbow Cruise in 2017 and the popular “Colourful Horizons” themed sailings, the Hamburg‑based cruise line is once again sending a powerful message: everyone is welcome at sea.

The new edition of the Rainbow Cruise marks a vibrant evolution of TUI Cruises’ long‑standing support for the LGBTQIA+ community. With a focus on openness, respect and celebration, the voyage invites guests and allies to come together for an unforgettable journey across the Mediterranean.

A Five-Day Celebration of Pride, Community and Connection

Sailing roundtrip from Palma de Mallorca, the event cruise transforms Mein Schiff 2 into a colourful floating festival. Guests can expect:

• Nightly themed parties and high‑energy entertainment
• Daytime talks, workshops, sports sessions and community activities
• A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere designed for connection and celebration

The itinerary includes stops in Palermo (Sicily) and Cagliari (Sardinia), along with two relaxing sea days—perfect for enjoying the ship’s premium amenities.

Star‑Studded LGBTQIA+ Entertainment Line-Up

The Rainbow Cruise brings together an impressive roster of queer icons, performers and creators:

• Conchita Wurst, Eurovision winner and global LGBTQIA+ figurehead, performing live
• Lucy Diakovska of No Angels, delivering a powerful concert
• Miss Thunderpussy, legendary DJ and nightlife pioneer
• Berlin’s cult party series “PiepShow”, taking over the ship for an unforgettable night

Additional performers include DJane Katy Bähm, DJ Francis, pop singer Daniel Johnson, and Linda Teodosiu with DJane Xandra, who will also host a live episode of their podcast BLOND XL.

Hosts, Presenters and Community Voices

The cruise will be hosted by the incomparable Pam Pengco—comedienne, drag queen, singer and presenter—bringing humour, heart and energy to the stage.

Guests can also look forward to:

•              Kena Amoa and David Modjarad with RTL Exclusiv on Board

•              Drag queen and digital creator Miss Ivanka T.

•              Musical comedy duo Piano Buddies

•              Podcasters Alex and Markus from schwarz & eng with a live show and interactive discussion

Sports, Wellness and Influencer Experiences

Sports fans can join a session with Lucas Krzikalla, the first active German professional athlete to come out publicly. Fitness coach Alexander Dennebaum will lead daily workouts.

The journey will also be accompanied by well‑known queer influencers and travel creators, including:

•              Domenic & Jonathan Osterroth

•              The Nomadic Boys

•              Karl & Daan from Couple of Men

•              Chris from blondhair.dontcare

Their presence adds an authentic, community‑driven dimension to the voyage.

Continuing Partnerships and Commitment to Diversity

TUI Cruises continues its collaboration with the Rainbow Festival in Cologne, reinforcing its long‑term dedication to diversity, acceptance and visibility—both at sea and on land. The renewed partnership highlights the cruise line’s ongoing mission to create safe, joyful and inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ travellers.

Booking Information

The five-day Rainbow Cruise aboard Mein Schiff 2, sailing from/to Palma de Mallorca from 28 September to 3 October 2027, starts at:

• €1,099 per person in an inside cabin (double occupancy)
• €1,349 per person in a balcony cabin (double occupancy)

Prices include Mein Schiff’s premium inclusive services and are subject to change and availability.

Bookings will soon be available through travel agencies or via Mein Schiff.

Conclusion

“Rainbow Cruise: the next chapter – A future of unity” represents far more than a themed voyage. It is a celebration of diversity, a tribute to community and a bold statement of inclusion from TUI Cruises. With world‑class entertainment, meaningful programming and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the 2027 edition promises to be a milestone event for LGBTQIA+ travellers and allies alike.

Learn more about the cruise line at TUI Cruises and explore the fleet at Mein Schiff.

The company has transformed airport hospitality worldwide with its end-to-end digital platform oneTECO.

Plaza Premium Group (PPG), the global leader in integrated airport hospitality and passenger service solutions, was named the Technology Innovation of the Year – Hong Kong recipient at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2026 – Hong Kong, highlighting its exemplary efforts in reshaping airport services through oneTECO.

PPG launched oneTECO, a centralised digital platform that bridges the gap between demand and supply in the airport services ecosystem. It allows airport services operators to access and manage passenger services such as lounges, transportation, wheelchair support, meet-and-greet, and dining through one connected digital system.

oneTECO acts as a 360° Airport SaaS platform that brings together service bookings, staff dispatching, live tracking, performance monitoring, and powerful analytics. These capabilities are under a unified ecosystem, which helps airports streamline operations and deliver a seamless passenger journey.
PPG used a flexible micro-services architecture to build and deploy oneTECO in just 10 months. This enabled the platform to support airports around the world whilst still meeting local needs.

A key feature of oneTECO is its ability to fully connect the airport service ecosystem through a centralised command centre that provides full visibility across all services and digital workflows — from booking to billing.

The platform addresses fragmentation — a major pain point for airports and service providers — by introducing digital workflows that replace manual processes, enabling real-time visibility into service demand and staff availability, smarter workforce allocation through skill-matching, and predictive analytics for better planning.

In addition, airports can gain access to real-time dashboards that track service completion, punctuality, and resource usage. Over time, this data empowers teams to forecast demand more accurately and plan more efficiently.

oneTECO is now running in over 20 international airports in Asia, North America, and Europe. High-traffic airports using oneTECO include Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, Rome, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Toronto Pearson. Furthermore, oneTECO supports multiple languages, including English, traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. This offering is expected to expand to six languages by 2026.

Notably, in Hong Kong International Airport, oneTECO handles 2,000 to 3,000 wheelchair services daily with 99% on-time performance. The implementation of oneTECO has resulted in over 99% service reliability and higher passenger satisfaction.

oneTECO is part of PPG’s broader investment strategy aimed at advancing airport hospitality through technology innovation. This initiative aligns with PPG’s focus on product diversification and sustainable growth across regions such as Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and the Americas.

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Hong Kong spotlights the exemplary hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives in the travel industry. It gives a platform to the key players that elevate the industry standards with pioneering technologies, eco-conscious initiatives, and unparalleled customer service.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2026 – Hong Kong is presented by Travel Daily Media. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more information about the awards programme, you may contact Danica Avila at +(65) 3158 1386 or awardshongkong@traveldailymedia.com.

Yas Island and Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi have achieved a remarkable milestone by securing over 195 regional and international awards in 2025. These accolades, announced by Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations in Abu Dhabi, underscore the islands’ status as premier global tourism and lifestyle destinations. The awards span various categories, including theme parks, cultural attractions, hospitality, dining, sustainability, marketing, and guest experience.

Yas Island has been particularly celebrated for its immersive entertainment offerings. It was named ‘World’s Leading Theme Park Destination’ at the World Travel Awards and ‘Best Integrated Leisure Destination’ at the MENALAC Awards. Ferrari World Yas Island, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island also received top honours, reinforcing their positions as leading attractions in the Middle East.

Saadiyat Island, known for its luxury and cultural offerings, was recognised as the ‘Best Beach Destination, Middle East’ and ‘Best Luxury Destination, Middle East’ at the CEO Destinations Travel Awards. It also earned accolades for its luxury wedding destinations and golf courses, further enhancing its reputation as a top-tier destination.

Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, stated, “These accolades highlight our unwavering dedication to delivering joyful and memorable experiences for our guests whilst demonstrating our commitment to Abu Dhabi’s long-term tourism ambitions.”

These achievements reflect Miral’s focus on innovation and collaboration, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global hub for culture, entertainment, and tourism

This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.