Tourism Malaysia formalised a strategic partnership with Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA Sepang (MOP KLIA) on Wednesday, 12th February.

The partnership was sealed through the launch of the Tourist Privilege Card (TPC) campaign which supports the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) initiative and serves to strengthen Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem and further position the country as a preferred international destination, particularly within the shopping and lifestyle segment.

The signing ceremony was officiated by Malaysian deputy minister of tourism, arts, and culture Chiew Choon Man and witnessed by Daisuke Nihei, minister and deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia; Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) deputy secretary-general for tourism Chua Choon Hwa; and Tourism Malaysia’s deputy director-general for promotion Lee Thai Hung.

Aligned with the national agenda to revitalise the tourism industry and enhance its contribution to the economy, the initiative represents a significant milestone under the VM2026 campaign.

The growing importance of collaboration between public and private sectors

In his remarks, Chiew highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration as a key success factor for VM2026. 

He likewise cast the spotlight on MOP KLIA’s strategic location just eight minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) which positions it as a vital gateway for international visitors seeking a world-class shopping experience. 

At the same time, the TPC initiative is also expected to stimulate international visitor spending while supporting a resilient, people-centric tourism economy in line with Malaysia MADANI principles and VM2026 objectives.

For his part, Nihei noted that the collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both countries and MOP KLIA to supporting Malaysia’s national tourism agenda through the provision of competitive incentives and visitor-focused facilities.

Great rewards in the offing

Under the precepts of the partnership, the TPC campaign will offer exclusive rewards to international visitors from 12th February to 12th May of this year. 

Visitors who spend RM2,500 and above in a single receipt at participating outlets will be entitled to redeem an exclusive cabin-size travel luggage, while those who spend RM300 and above may redeem a MOP KLIA Travel Scale. 

Redemptions are limited to one per eligible visitor per day, on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.

Beyond retail incentives, the partnership will also encompass joint marketing initiatives, national and international events, and other collaborative programmes aimed at attracting more visitors, stimulating local economic growth and increasing tourism receipts. 

This collaboration supports the successful delivery of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) while further enhancing Malaysia’s appeal as a vibrant, world-class tourism destination and premier shopping haven.

Indonesian hospitality management company Archipelago successfully concluded its 2026 Commercial Summit which ran from 10th to 13th February.

Staged at the Aston Serang Hotel & Convention Centre, the summit centred on the theme Digital + Human: Reinventing Commercial Excellence, pointing out how the integration of digital technology and human engagement has become a key foundation in creating sustainable commercial excellence.

As such, the event emphasised the importance of synergy between data-driven innovation and personalized engagement in optimising business strategies.

Attended by over 170 leaders representing approximately 150 Archipelago hotel units across Indonesia from Sumatra to Kalimantan. Commercial Summit 2026 served as a strategic platform to strengthen collaboration, share industry insights, and formulate innovative strategies to drive sustainable commercial growth in the digital era.

According to Archipelago’s chief commercial officer Chris Legaspi: “Commercial Summit 2026 marks an important milestone in strengthening our commercial transformation through the synergy of digital capabilities and the power of human connection. The theme we introduced reflects our commitment to integrating technological innovation and data analytics with collaborative leadership and a deep understanding of market needs. In an increasingly digitalized era, technology enables us to move with greater precision and strategic focus; however, creativity, empathy, and relationship-building remain the core foundation in creating long-term value. Through this approach, we are not merely adapting to change, but actively reinventing commercial excellence to drive sustainable growth and enhance the company’s competitiveness.”

A thorough learning experience

The series of events commenced on the first day with the implementation of Sales Blitz as well as the Archipelago PR Workshop & Media Connect, which were conducted separately. 

The Sales Blitz involved 148 hotel representatives from across Archipelago’s portfolio, who carried out visits to various government institutions, corporate companies, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), NGOs, travel agents, and industrial areas. 

Meanwhile, the Archipelago PR Workshop & Media Connect was attended by 50 Marcom and Sales Leaders from Archipelago hotel units. 

The workshop session was facilitated by Sari Kusumaningrum, Archipelago’s senior director of corporate communications and PR, alongside corporate visual content specialist Daffa Noor who presented the topic Level Up Our Content Creation Skill. 

The programme also featured a Media Connect session with a speed networking concept, providing participants the opportunity to engage in discussions with ten national media representatives to strengthen relationships and explore strategic collaboration opportunities.

Ikhlas Com Travel & Umrah Sdn Bhd (ikhlas.com) recently entered two agreements with TheNoor and Touch ’n Go as a way of broadening access to fidyah payments.

The collaboration was announced during the Amanah Fidyah: Sekampit Beras, Seribu Makna fidyah distribution at the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council Hall (MPAJ), Kampung Ampang Indah. 

The programme involved the distribution of fidyah rice to 200 asnaf households in the Lembah Jaya area, demonstrating how expanded digital payment access can translate into tangible community impact.

Furthermore, this initiative reflects how collaborative partnerships across digital platforms can help simplify the fulfilment of Islamic obligations by expanding access while supporting responsible implementation on the ground. 

Bringing pious acts into the 21st century

Through these partnerships, Asian Muslims, particularly those in Malaysia, will be able to fulfil their obligations through extensively-used digital platforms.

According to ikhlas.com Ikhlas Kamarudin said: “Our focus is on making the fulfilment of religious obligations more accessible, without adding complexity for users. By working with multiple digital platforms, we are able to widen reach and convenience, while ensuring that fidyah contributions are managed and distributed in an organised, transparent and responsible manner.”

TheNoor CEO Noor Neelofa added: “TheNoor is a digital Islamic lifestyle platform that integrates worship, knowledge and social impact into one seamless ecosystem. From prayer times and Al-Quran features to zakat and charitable giving, TheNoor aims to simplify daily ibadah through technology. TheNoor is also preparing to introduce TheNoor Pro, an enhanced experience designed to provide deeper spiritual engagement and premium digital Islamic services.”

How the system works

Muslims can now make fidyah payments via TheNoor or Touch ’n Go as additional payment channels while ikhlas.com functions as a facilitating platform, supporting the organised management and distribution of fidyah contributions in line with shariah principles and responsible welfare practices.

Payments made through the respective platforms are channelled through ikhlas.com’s fidyah programme, where contributions are documented and implemented through planned distribution activities, with appropriate reporting mechanisms in place to support transparency and accountability.

Through its role as a facilitating platform, ikhlas.com continues to support the use of technology to enable worship and social good, while fostering public confidence in digital Islamic welfare initiatives.

B2B travel booking system RateHawk introduces a new digital payment option in Asia through integrations with several digital wallets offered throughout the region.

The platform now accepts payments through GCash in the Philippines, TrueMoney in Thailand, TNG in Malaysia, Dana in Indonesia, and AlipayHK for customers in China.

RateHawk chose the most popular service for each country, ensuring fast, secure, and convenient transactions tailored to local preferences throughout the region. 

Besides digital wallets, the platform offers a wide range of payment options ranging from traditional credit cards, wire transfers, and cash payments at check-in, to innovative solutions such as pay-by-link and PayPal.

According to RateHawk’s regional director in APAC Erik Akhmetgaliev: “We’ve integrated digital wallets in Asia due to their outstanding popularity among both businesses and consumers. This update enhances payment flexibility, which is essential for travel professionals navigating a fast-moving market and increasingly fragmented customer preferences. At RateHawk, travel agents can easily choose the most convenient format for themselves and their clients.”

Optimising use of Asia’s leading payment method

Since 2020, digital wallets have emerged as the leading payment method in Asia, particularly within the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. 

Per recent analyses, digital wallets account for nearly 70 percent of all transactions in APAC, highlighting their rapid adoption and dominance in the regional payments landscape. 

Akhmetgaliev added: “The integration of digital wallets is part of our regional strategy, focused on developing local solutions and supporting Asian travel professionals in their digital transformation. As we continue to expand our presence across the APAC region, we are committed to delivering relevant solutions tailored to our partners’ needs.”

Abercrombie & Kent marked a significant milestone as it laid the keel for its second newbuild luxury riverboat on the Nile. 

The ceremony took place at The Arab Contractors shipyard in Egypt, formally commencing construction of the sister vessel to Nile Seray, An A&K Sanctuary.

The keel laying ceremony, a centuries-old maritime tradition marking the joining of a vessel’s first structural components, formally marked the beginning of construction for the as-yet-unnamed riverboat.

According to Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) chief executive Cristina Levis: “Celebrating this keel laying represents another important step in our commitment to Egypt. The construction of this second vessel reflects both the tremendous interest we’ve seen from travellers and our confidence in Egypt’s enduring appeal as a destination. Working with The Arab Contractors demonstrates our dedication to Egyptian craftsmanship and supporting the local economy.”

A&K senior vice-president for Egypt and the Middle East Amr Badr added: “Egypt’s position as a premier luxury destination continues to strengthen, and this milestone reflects the confidence we see from discerning travellers worldwide. These vessels represent the finest in Egyptian craftsmanship and our commitment to offering experiences that honour the country’s extraordinary heritage whilst setting new standards for river travel.”

The milestone likewise holds particular significance for AKTG executive chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio whose family has deep roots in maritime excellence spanning generations. 

This heritage of shipbuilding expertise and passion for the sea now extends to A&K’s expansion on the Nile, bringing decades of maritime knowledge to luxury river cruising.

Exclusive Egyptian luxury

Scheduled to launch in 2028, this new vessel will mirror the sophisticated design and spacious accommodations of Nile Seray, featuring 32 elegant suites for just 64 guests.

Like its sister ship, the new vessel will offer suites with a minimum area of 33sqm, floor-to-ceiling windows, and waterside Juliet balconies as standard. 

Two magnificent suites will boast full private balconies with outdoor spa pools overlooking the ancient river. 

The vessel will also feature two restaurants helmed by world-class chefs, a spa with two treatment rooms, a well-equipped gymnasium, and a stunning top deck with canopied daybeds, swimming pool, and outdoor bar with wraparound views of the Nile valley.

With regard to what guests can expect from the voyage, expert Egyptologists will accompany every excursion aboard the new vessel, bringing thousands of years of history to life through expert storytelling. 

Like Nile Seray, every booking will include access to Egypt’s most coveted archaeological sites as standard: the magnificent tombs of Nefertari, Seti I, Ramses VI, and King Tutankhamun on the West Bank of the Nile.

The new riverboat will sail carefully curated four-night voyages between Aswan and Luxor, visiting the magnificent temples of Luxor, Karnak, and Aswan, alongside authentic cultural experiences including felucca sailing, Egyptian cooking classes, and traditional entertainment.

Thai minister of tourism and sports Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn took the opportunity to extend joyous greetings from Thailand to the people of China for the Lunar New Year during the opening of the Amazing Thailand Happy Chinese New Year 2026 Festival on Saturday, 14th February.

The festival will run until Wednesday, 18th February.

Together with Chinese ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jianwei and several key figures and senior representatives from the Thai public and private sectors, the minister ushered in the 22nd anniversary of the cooperative partnership between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China.

During his opening remarks at the event staged at Siam Paragon, Sirilatthayakorn declared:   “The enduring ties between Chinese and Thai people, encapsulated by the ‘China-Thailand: One Family’ bond, have blended our arts, cultures, lifestyles, and tourism sectors. On this auspicious occasion, I thank the Chinese government for supporting four rare and exquisite cultural performances by troupes from around the country. These are invaluable gifts that will bring joy, lasting memories, and smiles to all Thai people and international visitors attending the festival.”

Zhang echoed these sentiments, remarking: “Let us jointly wish that the people of China and Thailand both enjoy happiness and well-being together during the Year of the Horse, and may the China-Thai friendship endure and flourish forever. For over two decades, our countries have jointly organised Chinese New Year activities, and our people-to-people exchanges are blooming with new splendour, advancing our shared future to even greater heights.”

Auspicious festivities

Aside from the ongoing festival, TAT is also hosting another festive event in Bangkok and one flagship event in Hat Yai, while supporting celebrations in key regional destinations.

In Bangkok, the Amazing Thailand Happy Chinese New Year 2026 is currently taking place across two locations. 

Festive illuminations illuminate the stretch of Yaowarat Road, from Odeon Circle to Chaloem Buri Intersection in a glittering display that launched last 7th February and will continue till 1st March.

In Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, the Amazing Thailand Chinese New Year 2026 @ Hat Yai kicks off tomorrow, 17th February, and will be on until Friday, 20th February, along Saneha Nusorn Road, reinforcing Hat Yai’s role as a key tourism hub in Southern Thailand.

Beyond these two flagship destinations, TAT is also supporting established Chinese New Year celebrations in the regions, including the Chao Pho–Chao Mae Pak Nam Pho procession in Nakhon Sawan Province till Saturday, 21st February, as well as the Suphan Buri Chinese New Year Festival: 18 Years of the Heavenly Dragon at Dragon Descendants Museum, Suphan Buri Province, on the 17th and 18th of this month.

Sabre, PayPal, and Mindtrip have announced a strategic partnership to introduce the travel industry’s first end-to-end agentic AI experience. This innovative platform, set to launch in Q2 2026, will integrate conversational planning, real-time shopping, booking, and payments into a seamless flow, revolutionising how consumers plan and manage their travel.

The collaboration leverages Sabre’s enterprise travel infrastructure, PayPal’s digital wallet and identity capabilities, and Mindtrip’s consumer AI platform. This unified approach aims to replace the current fragmented booking processes with a streamlined experience that transitions smoothly from inspiration to booking and post-booking management. Garry Wiseman, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Sabre, highlighted the partnership’s potential to “accelerate the future of travel in a way that is practical, scalable, and grounded in real use cases.”

Travellers will interact with an AI-powered assistant on the Mindtrip platform, allowing them to describe destinations, timing, budgets, and preferences in plain language. They will receive personalised flight and hotel options, ask follow-up questions, and complete bookings directly within the experience. PayPal will provide identity verification and a trusted checkout process, including flexible payment options like Pay Later.

Mindtrip CEO Andy Moss expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Rather than bouncing between search tools, booking sites, and payment screens, travellers will have the ability to discover, plan, book, and pay for a trip in one continuous, intuitive, trusted, conversational experience.”

This partnership sets a new standard for agentic travel, aiming to create a more intuitive, personalised, and simplified future for travellers 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.

Air Astana is set to enhance its connectivity to Baku by resuming direct flights from Almaty and increasing the frequency of its services. Starting 15 March 2026, the Almaty-Baku-Almaty route will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. This frequency will rise to three times a week in April and four times a week by May, adding Mondays and Fridays to the schedule. The flights will feature daytime departures and arrivals, offering greater convenience for travellers.

Additionally, the airline will increase the frequency of its Atyrau-Baku-Atyrau route to three times weekly. From 18 March, flights will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, shifting to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in April. The flight duration is approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes from Almaty and 1 hour and 25 minutes from Atyrau.

Economy class round-trip tickets, inclusive of fees and taxes, start at $320 (US$320) from Almaty and $198 (US$198) from Atyrau. Tickets can be booked via Air Astana’s official website, mobile app, and accredited travel agencies.

Air Astana Group, the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus, operates a fleet of 62 aircraft. It has been recognised by SkyTrax as the Best Airline in Central Asia & CIS for 14 consecutive years. The group includes FlyArystan, a low-cost carrier established in 2019. Air Astana continues to expand its regional and international reach, providing a range of travel options across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and beyond

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.

Oman Air has announced the introduction of a new direct flight service between Dubai and Salalah, set to commence on 3 July 2026. The service will operate three times a week throughout the year, aiming to bolster connectivity to the Dhofar Governorate and expand travel options for both residents and international visitors, especially during the khareef season. This move is in response to the growing demand for travel between Salalah and Dubai and aligns with Oman Air’s strategy to enhance regional connectivity within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air, stated, “The launch of our Dubai-Salalah service highlights our strategic commitment to strengthening regional connectivity in line with Oman’s national priorities.” He emphasised the airline’s role in supporting tourism growth and economic activity in the region, in line with Oman Vision 2040.

Oman Air has been increasing its capacity to meet rising demand, with a 20% increase in available seats to Salalah in January 2026 compared to the previous year. During the 2025 khareef season, capacity was boosted by 15%, facilitating greater access for tourists. Additionally, the airline recently launched a direct Moscow–Salalah charter service, targeting the Russian leisure market and expected to attract over 7,000 visitors to the Governorate.

Tickets for the new Dubai–Salalah flights will be available for booking from 16 February 2026. The service is expected to provide increased flexibility and travel options, further supporting the region’s tourism and economic diversification efforts

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.

Shanghai’s recent implementation of a 144-hour visa-free transit policy is driving a new trend in medical tourism, as international visitors increasingly incorporate healthcare into their travel plans. Parkway MediCentre Xintiandi and Parkway Shanghai Hospital are becoming popular choices for foreign nationals seeking high-quality medical services during their stay in China.

Parkway, with over two decades of experience in Shanghai, has served nearly 500,000 patients from 77 countries. It is recognised as an official medical examination provider for embassies, including those of the UK, Canada, and New Zealand. The institution’s strategic locations and seamless communication have made it a key player in connecting global health needs with Shanghai’s premium healthcare resources.

The Parkway Shanghai Hospital, located near Hongqiao International Airport, offers multidisciplinary outpatient services and collaborates with nearly 300 experts from Shanghai’s Class A Tertiary hospitals. This extensive network allows patients to access specialists efficiently, reducing waiting times and enhancing the overall healthcare experience.

Parkway MediCentre Xintiandi, situated in the city centre, spans nearly 7,000 square metres and provides tailored healthcare services for travellers. Notably, it offers overnight health screening packages and optimised procedures for minor surgeries, allowing patients to complete their medical needs within 24 hours.

As Shanghai continues to open up, Parkway’s patient-centric service model and strategic locations are redefining the international medical travel experience, bridging global healthcare demands with Shanghai’s top-tier medical resources

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.