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Ramadan travel transforms traditions amid a global rise in cultural tourism

With this year’s observance of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan starting this week, it is interesting to note that the holiday has shifted from a quiet period into a more vibrant observance coloured by cultural nuances. For Muslims travelling during the month, and even for those of different faiths travelling to countries where Islam is the majority religion, it serves as an opportunity to experience the traditions observed in different parts of the world. Indeed, contemporary Ramadan travel is now characterised by evening festivities that transform the customary dusk-to-dawn iftar meal into a feast for the senses, along with immersive experiences that bring a touch of local colour to the festivities and pave the way for better cultural understanding. Three trends to keep an eye on As this year’s observance of Ramadan is expected to begin by Thursday, 19th February, and end with Eid al-Fitr on 20th March, observant nations are making the most of winter temperatures as well as shorter fasting hours due to longer nights. Winter wonders Unlike, say, a Ramadan that comes during the height of summer, this year’s observance will see cool and pleasant late winter and early spring weather, particularly in Middle Eastern destinations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Cooler weather gives rise to a greater number of outdoor activities, including an interesting new trend for this year: iftar hiking. Word to the wise, however: iftar hiking isn’t really a sporting activity, but more of one rooted in tradition and community spirit as these are a devotional exercise following the post-iftar taraweeh prayers and involve groups made of up to 30 participants. In the UAE, such hikes may be conducted at ranges like Jebel Al Mebrah and Jabal Qada’ah in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. Ramadan nocturne For sporting types, a growing number of cities in Muslim-majority countries have seen a surge in activity between 10 in the evening and around 2am, particularly among fitness centres, gymnasia, and even courts for a variety of sports. In Malaysia and Indonesia, Ramadan nights involve visits to pasar malams (night markets) which offer everything from delectable local dishes and traditional games, to a variety of goods for sale and family-friendly entertainment. A time for promotions One need not be a Muslim to dive deep into the cultural aspects of the season, and many travel agencies and OTAs offer discounted tour packages to key destinations. Likewise, hotels and other forms of accommodation may also offer discounts and rates could drop by as much as 50 percent in the first two weeks of the period. One may also keep an eye out at retailers and dining establishments in destinations observing Ramadan as these, too, offers special menus or discounted items throughout the period. Things to keep in mind Be sure to look into local customs and traditions if travelling to destinations observing Ramadan. It helps to know etiquette regarding dress and behaviour, particularly in public or religious areas; Throughout Ramadan, keep in mind that business hours may be reduced and most restaurants may only open later in the day for the iftar hours. Slower service may also be expected; and Plan your day carefully as the late afternoon hours in Muslim destinations are characterised by heavier traffic as sunset draws near.

Tourism boards ditch mass marketing as digital era shifts focus to authenticity

One of the most pressing issues hitting the global tourism scene in recent weeks involved allegations of self-promotion against Philippine tourism secretary Christina Frasco. Earlier this month, the secretary was summoned by members of the Philippine Senate to respond to these allegations and to explain why the country has failed to hit its tourist arrival targets for two consecutive years despite active, even aggressive, promotion both domestically and overseas. However, the Philippines isn’t the only country pondering why its promotional campaigns aren’t delivering the results it wants. The challenges of the digital age when practically everyone is communicating and transacting online has changed the game and the old methods are no longer up to snuff. In which case, how can tourism boards and travel companies promote themselves more effectively on- and offline? (Not quite) the end of conventional marketing and promotions The experts at Connect Worldwide hit the bullseye when they pointed out how tourism marketing has undergone significant changes within the past half-decade. As they put it: “Old-school tourism marketing was a race to attract the most visitors to your destination by making it look exciting, new and trendy. Today, tourism marketing is more of a balancing act than a numbers game. Its goals and campaigns are more subtle. No destination wants to drop off the map, but gone are the days when the only thing that mattered was numbers.” To put it bluntly, while we can’t really say that it’s less effective than it was in the ‘90s, tourism marketing has become significantly more complex, fragmented, and competitive. This is particularly true now as the overall market mindset is shifting from wanting the same thing as everyone else (mass-marketing) to wanting something that is completely unique to the individual customer (hyperpersonalisation.) With that said, traditional mass-market tactics should no longer be considered in the context of contemporary tourism marketing. Instead, today’s campaigns are built from solid data, social media, and user-generated content; these are also more precisely targeted towards key markets or focus groups. Authenticity is also a major factor that could make or break the success of a campaign, as marketers need to build the public’s trust from a particularly prized destination or an up-and-coming travel service. Not without challenges At the same time, crafting campaigns to attract digital-savvy / tech-centric target markets comes with its own rafter of hurdles. Oversaturation is one such issue, especially given the sheer amount of both broad-spectrum and targeted content posted on visual-centric platforms like Instagram and TikTok. With so many ads, reels, and what have you, both brands and destinations are struggling to stand out, thus developing a unique selling proposition (USP) well beforehand is a must for marketers. Trust is another issue, and it stems more from the proliferation of influencers and key opinion leaders who may opt to do their own thing rather than align themselves with the bigger global players or brands. The presence of influencers also calls into question the authenticity of both campaigns and the brands or destinations they focus on: how much is just hype and how much of it is real? We also return to our previous example with the Philippines: especially in politically-volatile regions, the possibility that tourism promotion could be used for an individual's personal political agenda cannot be ruled out. Now what?!? To be fair, it’s not all doom and gloom; in fact, contemporary tourism marketing is in a position to be more objective and data-driven. The digital age has made it possible for national tourism boards to target audiences which were not previously open to them, expanding their reach and improving the potential for meeting their targets. Indeed, the broad range of digital marketing tools at one’s fingertips allows for better and more accurate targeting, leading to a greater potential for conversions. Data-driven returns on investment (ROIs) have also been made more attainable thanks to tools for tracking engagement, page-clicks, and conversions that enable professionals to monitor campaigns in real time as opposed to waiting for a specific period of time to elapse. As a result, recalibration may be done faster or in a more timely fashion for better results. While these may not necessarily be infallible, they are proof that we have come a long way from the print ads and TVCs of days gone by and the results are well worth it.

Ras Al Khaimah shifts to ecotourism as UAE neighbors focus on ultra-luxury

Mention the name Ras Al Khaimah and most people will draw a blank, completely unaware of this state within the United Arab Emirates. One of the seven states making up the country, Ras Al-Khaimah (often referred to by its abbreviation RAK) tends to be in the background when the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai come to the fore as the nation’s leading destinations. But this could change soon enough: experts see RAK as a destination with a great deal of potential, not just for the Middle East, but for the rest of the Asia Pacific. As a recent Xinhua interview with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) chief executive Philippa Harrison pointed out, the emirate is currently working on boosting inbound tourism with the goal of tripling visitor numbers by 2030. In today’s feature, we take a closer look at the aces in RAK’s hands with regard to its potential as a destination of choice, covering the bases when it comes to adventure tourism, luxury travel, and ecotourism. Ras Al Khaimah by the numbers To understand what exactly is driving RAK’s tourism authorities to raise the emirate’s profile as a tourist destination, we need to see how well the state’s tourism sector performed in the past year. As of end-2025, Ras Al Khaimah welcomed a total of 1.35 million visitors, significantly higher than the total reported at the end of 2024. Likewise, tourism revenue was up 12 percent from 2024, spurred on by MICE tourism and a year-on-year increase of 25 percent for events staged within the state. Harrison likewise pointed out that the tourism sector enjoys the support of the state government which plans to diversify the area’s hospitality offerings through signings with global brands and doubling the current inventory of 8,700 hotel keys before the end of the decade. It should be noted, however, that tourism only contributes five percent of Ras Al Khaima’s annual gross domestic product (GDP), something that the authorities seek to raise to 25 percent before 2030. While Russia and the United Kingdom are currently RAK's biggest source markets, RAKTDA is in the process of ramping up promotions to draw in travellers from China, India, and the rest of the Asia Pacific, particularly those seeking an alternative to better-known but increasingly crowded luxury destinations. What Ras Al Khaimah has going for it For the most part, those who travel to Ras Al Khaimah are those on the look out for unique experiences that also offer a touch of serenity and relaxation often absent from major destinations. It should also be noted that, unlike Dubai and Abu Dhabi which primarily focus on ultra-luxury, RAK prides itself on being the Nature Emirate. According to RAKTDA vice-president for destination tourism development Iyad Rasbey: “We call ourselves the ‘Nature Emirate’ because we have pristine beaches, vast desert dunes, lush mangroves, and the majestic Hajar Mountains, all within a very short distance. That allows us to offer experiences that you can’t find anywhere else, [and] we truly have a unique landscape that sets us apart, as does our history. We have 7,000 years of continuous human settlement, which is pretty remarkable. That deep cultural heritage is evident in our archaeological sites and traditional villages, which we’re proud of and are committed to preserving and celebrating.” It should also be noted that four sites in RAK are currently on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and state authorities are working to conserve the area’s cultural and historical sites to offer guests a truly immersive experience rooted in the traditions of Arabian hospitality. Furthermore, RAK is the first area anywhere in the Middle East to merit EarthCheck’s Silver Certification as the state’s tourism programmes adhere to the environment, social, and governance (ESG) practices aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Rasbey also pointed out the state’s successful initiatives for reduced energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste output. Indeed, the Responsible RAK programme for hospitality and tourism continues to encourage hotels, tour operators, and transportation providers to earn certification for sustainable practices throughout their operations.

Tourism Malaysia inks partnership with Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA

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.

Visa-free policy boosts medical tourism in Shanghai

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.

Robust growth in GCC outbound tourism drives increased Asian participation at ATM 2026

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 4-7 May, is projecting a significant increase in exhibitors from Asia-Pacific countries, underpinned by a strong 13.95% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in participation from Asian exhibitors over the 2024–2026 period. The burgeoning participation from Asian destinations runs in parallel with the continued strong growth of GCC outbound travel to the Asia-Pacific region. Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan remain among the most in-demand destinations for Gulf travellers, supported by robust air connectivity and increasingly competitive airfares. Asia-Pacific remains a significant air travel market, with Southeast Asia in particular experiencing significant growth, contributing to a projected 5.9% increase in Middle East air passenger traffic in 2025, according to the Airports Council International (ACI) World’s 2025 global air traffic forecast. This is further compounded by data from the 2025 ATM Travel Trends Report, developed in collaboration with Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, which shows that destinations such as Thailand are set to attract more travellers from the Middle East region as preferences shift and more destination choices open up. “Thailand is the standout performer, as Asia-Pacific takes an even greater share of outbound travel from the Middle East, with over ten million extra tourism nights expected in 2030 compared with current levels, according to our report,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market. “It is one of the top outbound destinations for the UAE and broader GCC in 2025, with 12% growth year-on-year. Excluding inter-regional travel in the Middle East, Thailand is forecast to capture the second largest volume of outbound leisure nights for the period 2025-2030, with 33%,” she added. Tourism boards from across Asia confirmed for ATM 2026 include the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cambodia Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Korea Tourism Organization, the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, Brunei Tourism and Visit Maldives Corporation, among many others. Exhibitors already confirmed include Hilton Hotels of Malaysia, Conrad Singapore Orchard, The Garden Hotel Company Ltd. (Guangzhou), Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Six & Six Private Islands, Ayana Hospitality and China Cultural Centre in the UAE, to name a few. A number of factors are driving this upward trend, including increased air connectivity, more affordable travel options, and a growing appetite among GCC travellers for diverse cultural experiences. Asian destinations also benefit from the fact that GCC residents are among the world’s highest-value tourists, spending 11 times the global average when travelling in Asia, according to the research company, Reso. Strengthening economic ties between the Gulf and Asia is further supporting travel flows. Trade between the two regions is projected to reach $802 billion by 2030, according to insights from the global think tank Asia House, which expects the continent to become the Gulf’s largest trading bloc by 2028. To address this topic in more detail, ATM 2026 will feature a panel session on the Global Stage entitled “Asia–GCC Corridor: The Next Great Growth Engine”. Industry experts will examine the broader issue of how and why the GCC’s premium spenders are fuelling one of the world’s most lucrative travel corridors. “ATM supports the wider travel and tourism industry by analysing emerging trends, addressing sector-wide challenges and equipping stakeholders with strategic insights to strengthen existing revenue streams and unlock new ones,” added Curtis. ATM 2026 will also deliver an in-depth exploration of global travel trends, innovations, and growth opportunities through a packed content programme across the Global Stage, Future Stage, and Experience Stage, featuring expert panels, market outlooks, technology showcases, and destination briefings. With the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, IBTM @ ATM and the co-located event, ATM Travel Tech, which will have two dedicated halls, ATM 2026 will highlight the industry’s rapid response to shifting traveller expectations and its drive to build deeper connections across the global tourism ecosystem. VIEW ENGLISH VERSION

South African Tourism strengthens ties with Indian market

South African Tourism has successfully concluded the Kolkata leg of its Annual India Roadshow, engaging over 220 Indian travel trade agents. Led by Mitalee Karmarkar, Marketing and Communications Manager (MEISEA), the event featured more than 40 exhibitors and served as a platform for collaboration and insights into evolving traveller behaviour. The roadshow aims to identify new business opportunities across leisure, corporate, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel segments. The initiative underscores India's growing significance as a key source market for South Africa. Karmarkar noted, "India continues to be a priority growth market for South African Tourism, driven by strong interest across family travel, experiential holidays, and premium travel." She highlighted the shift in Indian traveller behaviour, with a growing willingness to explore destinations beyond traditional favourites. Kolkata remains a strategically important market, with travellers showing a strong inclination towards culturally rich and experience-driven travel. The roadshow aims to deepen engagement with Kolkata's travel trade and enhance South Africa's visibility in this market. South African Tourism is committed to aligning its offerings with evolving preferences, aiming to drive greater depth of travel and repeat visitation from the region. The roadshow will next move to Delhi on 12 February 2026, continuing its mission to strengthen trade collaborations and encourage outbound travel to South Africa. The country aims to return to pre-COVID levels of Indian tourist arrivals by 2026 and is set to host the 2027 ODI World Cup, providing further opportunities to showcase its diverse tourism attractions 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.

Global tourism boards ramp up Arabic localisation as Saudi outbound demand diversifies

Happy couple spending time in Dubai. As the Saudi outbound market marches toward a projected US$47.8 billion valuation by 2032, the global tourism landscape is witnessing a fundamental shift in B2B strategy: the move from "generic" luxury to hyper-localised cultural integration. In 2026, Arabic localisation has evolved from a simple translation exercise into a critical operational requirement for destinations vying for a share of the Kingdom’s diversifying travel demand. For industry stakeholders, the diversification of the Saudi traveler—ranging from Gen Z solo explorers to massive multigenerational family units—means that a "one-sise-fits-all" approach is now a liability. Destinations that prioritise end-to-end Arabic funnels, seamless digital payments, and culturally nuanced hospitality are seeing a direct correlation in high-yield bookings and extended stay durations. Attracting Saudi outbound travellers requires more than aspirational imagery. This is a market that responds strongly to reassurance, relevance and ease—particularly when travel decisions are made for families and multigenerational groups. Destinations that understand how Saudi travellers plan, book and experience trips are far better positioned to convert interest into arrivals. Make family travel effortless Family is at the heart of Saudi outbound travel, and destinations that reduce friction at every stage gain a clear advantage. Accommodation providers should prioritise family-friendly inventory, such as connecting rooms, suites and multi-bedroom units, and clearly communicate these options in both Arabic and English. Beyond accommodation, itineraries should be designed for families to enjoy together—combining theme parks, interactive attractions, dining and short excursions that work for children and adults alike. Promoting school-holiday calendars and positioning special “family weeks” with added value, such as complimentary breakfast or attraction passes, can significantly improve appeal. This approach aligns with Visa data showing strong family-oriented spending patterns among Saudi travellers. Lead with trust signals, not just inspiration While inspirational marketing matters, trust is often the deciding factor. Saudi travellers look for destinations that visibly accommodate their cultural and practical needs. Clear communication around halal dining options, prayer facilities, privacy, safety standards and access to medical care can all reduce hesitation. On the ground, well-trained frontline staff make a meaningful difference. Cultural awareness—such as understanding privacy preferences or family dynamics—often translates into better guest reviews and repeat visitation. Portrait of beautiful young solo Muslim traveler exploring the city viewing the map Sell experiences in curated modules Saudi travellers frequently book trips as experience clusters rather than standalone activities. Destinations can respond by packaging modular itineraries that are easy to understand and customise. For example, a 3–4 day short-break plan may suit regional travellers, while a 7–10 day summer escape works better for Europe or other long-haul markets. At the premium end, VIP family modules—featuring private transfers, chauffeured services, fast-track access and personalised tours—appeal strongly to affluent segments. These pre-built frameworks simplify planning while still allowing flexibility. Invest in airlift and visa simplicity messaging Ease of access plays a critical role in destination choice. Even modest improvements in direct air connectivity or visa processes can unlock significant demand from Saudi Arabia. Just as important is how these improvements are communicated. Clear, confident messaging around flight options, visa timelines and entry requirements helps remove perceived barriers and accelerates booking decisions, particularly for family groups. Localise the funnel end-to-end Winning Saudi travellers requires localisation beyond advertising. Arabic-language landing pages, WhatsApp-friendly customer support and smooth, trusted payment options are now baseline expectations. Partnerships with GCC-focused online travel agencies and platforms that already capture Saudi demand further strengthen conversion. These channels not only provide reach but also credibility, reinforcing confidence at the point of purchase. Ultimately, destinations that succeed with Saudi travellers are those that combine inspiration with practicality—making travel feel welcoming, easy and tailored from the first click to the final day of the trip.

Thai tourism surges as low-cost carriers expand regional networks

Low-cost carriers (LCCs) have played a transformative role in reshaping Thailand’s air travel landscape by making flying more affordable and accessible, particularly for leisure and budget travellers. Increased competition among budget airlines over the past decade has driven down airfares, stimulated demand from both domestic and international markets, and expanded connectivity between major urban centres, island gateways and secondary cities. This wider network has opened up more destinations across the country and strengthened the overall tourism ecosystem, supporting airlines, hotels, tour operators and related businesses. The Asia Pacific region leads global traffic growth and is projected to achieve net profits of $6.6 billion in 2026, up from $6.2 billion in 2025. The net profit margin remains at 2.3%, with profit per passenger at $3.20, down slightly from $3.30 in 2025. Asia Pacific airlines express optimism for continued air transport growth through 2026, citing resilient regional economies and infrastructure investments. Overcapacity remains a challenge as international traffic recovery lags domestic markets in some countries. Asia Pacific remains the largest contributor to global traffic growth. Load factors are projected to reach 84.4% in 2026, an all-time high for the region, indicating strong underlying demand even amid yield pressures. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand’s air transportation industry has experienced a strong recovery in aircraft movement during 2022–2023, driven largely by a rebound in passenger volumes. While total movements have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, international aircraft traffic in particular has shown notable growth, reflecting renewed confidence in air travel and the importance of regional and international connectivity to Thailand’s tourism revival. Thailand’s aviation sector demonstrates remarkable resilience and diversification as it enters 2026. The mix of established full-service carriers, aggressive low-cost operators, and specialized regional airlines creates a competitive environment that benefits both passengers and the broader tourism economy. 1. Thai AirAsia Thai AirAsia is one of the leading low-cost carriers in Thailand and Southeast Asia and forms part of the wider AirAsia Group, which pioneered the low-cost travel model in the region. The airline operates an extensive network of domestic and international routes, connecting major Thai cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket with regional hubs across Asia. Its strategy focuses on high-frequency, competitively priced services that stimulate travel demand from both local and international travellers. The airline offers broad domestic coverage alongside strong regional connectivity, operating on a simple low-cost fare structure with optional paid add-ons such as checked baggage, seat selection and in-flight meals. Frequent promotional fares further enhance its appeal, making short-notice and spontaneous travel more affordable for leisure and budget-conscious travellers. 2. Thai Lion Air Thai Lion Air is the Thai affiliate of the Indonesian Lion Air Group and operates as a cost-efficient alternative within Thailand’s competitive LCC market. Based primarily at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, it serves a wide range of domestic and regional destinations across Asia, competing strongly on price and flight frequency. Founded in 2013, the airline now operates a fleet of Boeing aircraft serving approximately 50 destinations. It is often recognised for offering relatively generous baggage policies and competitive ancillary options compared with some rivals, adding value for leisure and group travellers. Through frequent promotions and partner-led discounts, Thai Lion Air helps unlock more affordable access to smaller Thai cities and regional centres, supporting tourism dispersal and travel trade activity. 3. Nok Air Nok Air is a well-established domestic low-cost airline in Thailand, known for its distinctive branding and focus on internal connectivity. The airline links Bangkok with key tourist hubs and provincial airports, making it easier for travellers to move between beach, cultural and heritage destinations. It operates a strong feeder network within Thailand and is also known for offering occasional bundled services that combine flights with bus or ferry transfers to island destinations, creating smoother end-to-end journeys. As a result, Nok Air plays an important role in supporting domestic tourism, particularly weekend getaways, short breaks and regional tour itineraries. 4. Thai VietJet Air Thai VietJet Air is the Thai affiliate of VietJet Air, a major Vietnamese low-cost carrier. Established in 2014, it has grown into a dynamic LCC connecting Thai cities domestically and internationally to destinations including India, Vietnam and Taiwan, and competes strongly on price for cross-border leisure routes. The airline operates dozens of domestic and short-haul international services and offers tiered fare bundles such as Eco, Deluxe and SkyBoss, providing varying benefits including baggage allowances and priority services. By offering cost-competitive flights from neighbouring countries, Thai VietJet Air plays a role in stimulating inbound demand and strengthening Thailand’s position as a regional tourism hub. 5. Thai AirAsia X Thai AirAsia X is the long-haul, low-cost affiliate of AirAsia, focusing on extended international routes connecting Thailand with destinations such as Japan and other parts of Asia. The airline operates long-haul LCC services from Don Mueang Airport using Airbus widebody aircraft, extending the low-cost model beyond short-haul travel. By expanding its international network and offering more affordable long-haul options, Thai AirAsia X supports tourism growth by opening budget-friendly access to distant markets for both leisure and business travellers, further enhancing Thailand’s global connectivity. Low-cost carriers are central to Thailand’s travel trade ecosystem. By expanding air access, lowering travel costs and increasing seat capacity, LCCs enable tour operators, DMCs and OTAs to create more affordable and flexible travel packages linking multiple destinations. Tourism boards and hotel groups benefit from stimulated demand and improved visitor dispersal, while MICE and incentive planners gain access to cost-efficient airlift that frees up budget for on-ground experiences. Collectively, LCCs act as catalysts for volume tourism, destination development and long-term competitiveness within Thailand’s tourism industry.

Hong Kong Tourism Board opens visitor centre at HKCEC

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched its first dedicated Visitor Service Centre at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), targeting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) visitors. Located at the Harbour Road entrance, the centre offers international delegates information and tips to explore Hong Kong beyond their business events. Anthony Lau, Executive Director of HKTB, highlighted the centre's strategic timing with the global cryptocurrency and Web 3 conference, Consensus Hong Kong 2026. He stated, “We aim to assist MICE visitors in balancing their business commitments with exploring Hong Kong's diverse tourism offerings through our visitor services, thereby enriching their overall experience.” Michael Lau, Chairman of Consensus Hong Kong, praised the initiative, noting, “Having a dedicated Visitor Service Centre right here at HKCEC is invaluable, as it gives our delegates immediate access to discover all that Hong Kong has to offer—from incredible food and cultural diversity to scenic hikes and iconic experiences.” The centre features a self-service kiosk with the latest travel information, including major events and HKTB's thematic campaigns. It also provides practical travel guides on accommodation and transportation. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the centre is staffed during large conventions to offer immediate assistance, introducing attractions and advising on itineraries. This development underscores HKTB's commitment to enhancing the experience of business travellers, encouraging them to extend their stay and explore the city's rich offerings 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.

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PATA Annual Summit 2026

PATA Annual Summit 2026 Monday, May 11, 2026 9:00 AM Wednesday, May 13, 2026 6:00 PM Gyeongju City & Pohang CityGyeongsangbuk-doKorea (ROK)

9th Hospitality Philippines Conference #HPC2026

9th Hospitality Philippines Conference #HPC2026 Philippines’s Leading Event for Hospitality and Tourism September 9-10, 2026 | Marriott Manila What Comes

5th Hospitality Thailand Conference #HTC2026

5th Hospitality Thailand Conference #HTC2026 Thailand’s most influential event for hospitality and tourism leaders May 13–14, 2026 | Eastin Grand Hotel

9th Hospitality Vietnam Conference #HVC2026

9th Hospitality Vietnam Conference #HVC2026 Vietnam’s premier platform spotlighting hotel growth and development trends. March 10-11, 2026 • Holiday Inn &

9th Hospitality Indonesia Conference #HIC2026

9th Hospitality Indonesia Conference #HIC2026 Indonesia’s Leading Event for Hospitality and Tourism February 10-11, 2026 | Le Meridien Jakarta From Vision

TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Malaysia 2026

Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.

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