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Bangkok, Thailand, March 4, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Siam Yacht Club at Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok invites guests to experience an immersive evening of cuisine, cocktails, and sensory storytelling with “Yacht Club Fusion: The Fifth Sense,” a one-night-only four-hands collaboration taking place on Thursday, 19 March 2026.

Set along the iconic Chao Phraya River, the evening brings together Siam Yacht Club’s culinary creativity and the artistry of award-winning mixologist Kenny Thianthong, 2024 Giffard West Cup Champion and former Head Bartender of Bangkok’s renowned Vesper. Together with Chef Nu Natchayapong Homsombutchoti, the duo presents a curated five-course modern Asian tasting menu paired with crafted cocktails, including both alcoholic and refined zero-proof expressions.

What is The Fifth Sense?

At Siam Yacht Club, dining has always been about more than taste. It is about atmosphere, rhythm, energy, and emotion.

The Fifth Sense represents that unspoken element — the feeling that lingers long after the last sip and final bite.

In this one-night-only edition of Yacht Club Fusion, cuisine and cocktail craftsmanship come together in a seamless dialogue. Each course is designed not only to complement the next, but to awaken sight, sound, scent, and texture — culminating in the fifth sense: emotional connection.

Set against the flowing backdrop of the Chao Phraya River, the evening unfolds like the water itself — layered, expressive, and alive. Through modern Asian flavors and boundary-pushing mixology, guests are invited to experience dining not as a sequence of courses, but as a curated sensory journey.

A Curated Culinary & Cocktail Experience

The five-course menu begins with Lobster Toast with cocktail dressing, coriander, pear, and gochujang, followed by Creamy Oyster Soup with wakame and dashi broth, before refreshing the palate with Passion Fruit Sorbet.

The main course presents Roasted Beef Tenderloin with tarragon crust, creamy potato mille-feuille with Époisses cheese, and port wine jus, culminating in an indulgent dessert of Mayan hazelnut chocolate with raspberry tuile, macadamia caramel, and balsamic rhubarb cherry compote.

Each course may be enhanced with carefully crafted cocktail pairings, created by Kenny Thianthong using premium ingredients from partners including Giffard, Sober Spirits, Maison Perrier, Vittel, and Pinnacle Gastro.

Yacht Club Fusion: The Fifth Sense will take place on Thursday, 19 March 2026 at Siam Yacht Club, Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok, with guest arrival from 6:30 PM and dinner commencing at 7:00 PM. The experience is priced at THB 1,688++ per person for the five-course set menu, with optional cocktail pairing at THB 988++ per person, available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic (Sober Spirits 0%) selections. Seating is limited to ensure an intimate and curated riverside dining experience.

The Venue: Siam Yacht Club

Nestled along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Siam Yacht Club combines sleek contemporary design with the relaxed spirit of the waterfront. With open-air terraces, signature cocktails, and a vibrant yet refined energy, it embodies the essence of Bangkok’s riverside lifestyle — where culinary artistry meets effortless charm.

About Kenny Thianthong

With over 9 years behind some of Asia’s top bars, Kenny Thianthong has evolved from an energetic bartender into a true force in the region’s cocktail movement. As the 2024 Giffard West Cup Champion, Kenny’s skill is matched only by his passion for storytelling through liquid craft.

A former Head Bartender at the legendary Vesperbkk, and one-time brand advocate for Stranger & Sons, Kenny now leads beverage innovation for Giffard Thailand’s non-alcoholic range — reshaping the future of mindful mixology.

His creations celebrate Asia’s diverse ingredients, combining culinary precision with emotional depth. With Kenny at the helm, expect cocktails that are unexpected, elegant, and rooted in culture. At SYC, he makes his next mark — reimagining riverside drinking with bold new expressions.

For reservations and inquiries, please call 02 266 0123

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 3, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok proudly announces the opening of The Ledger Room, an intimate cigar and whiskey bar located on the 32nd floor of the hotel. Designed as a sanctuary for discerning guests, The Ledger Room introduces a new chapter in refined leisure—where legacy is felt, not displayed.

Tucked above Sukhumvit Soi 24, The Ledger Room is a high-rise retreat with the soul of a forgotten barroom and the posture of a private club. Darker corners, considered comfort, and deliberate design replace excess and spectacle. This is a space shaped by restraint, ritual, and intention—created for those who value discretion over display.

The venue officially opened its doors on February 27 with an exclusive, invitation-only evening for select partners, collaborators, and industry leaders. Guests were welcomed to explore the walk-in humidor, curated whiskey selections, and signature house rituals, while enjoying complimentary food and beverages throughout the evening.

Opening remarks were delivered by Markus Hesse, Cluster General Manager of SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok and SKYVIEW Resort Phuket, who expressed his gratitude to the hotel’s owners, Khun Vikromjit Sachdev and Khun Channarong Sachdev, for their continued support and vision, also highlighting the concept behind The Ledger Room and its place within SKYVIEW’s evolving lifestyle portfolio.

The evening also recognized the contributions of Martin Loving, Director of Culinary Service at SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok, who has been instrumental in bringing The Ledger Room to life alongside the hotel’s Food & Beverage and operations teams.

A Room Defined by Access and Intention

Open to the public, The Ledger Room also introduces a tiered membership program designed for guests seeking a more private and personalized experience. Membership is built around Ledger Credit—an internal currency redeemable for curated pours, cigars, and bespoke experiences within the room.

Members enjoy exclusive privileges such as:

• A curated welcome ritual featuring select bottles and cigars
• Private whiskey or humidor lockers for personal collections
• Priority reservations and early access to rare and marked pours
• Preferred room rates when settling hotel stays through the bar

Four distinct tiers—The Seal, The Key, The Reserve & The Vault—offer varying levels of access, ritual, and recognition, each crafted with intention rather than excess.

More Than a Bar

“The Ledger Room is not about being seen,” said Markus Hesse. “It’s about presence. It’s about slowing down, honoring ritual, and creating a space where every detail has meaning.”

With its carefully curated whiskey library, premium cigars, and understated atmosphere, The Ledger Room sets a new benchmark for cigar and whiskey lounges in Bangkok—one rooted in legacy, discretion, and timeless indulgence.

The Ledger is now open.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 2, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / On 20 February 2026, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya paid a visit to the royal exhibition and display of local wisdom on Thai textile and the community handicrafts of the South at Suratthani Rajabhat University, Surat Thani province. The exhibition is part of the “Fun with Thai Fabrics” project, which aims to further develop and enhance Thai textile wisdom in an environmentally responsible manner, in line with the royal initiative “Sustainable Fashion.”

On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with his spouse, led 98 participants of the Study Visit to Surat Thani Province, of whom 65 are Heads of Diplomatic Missions from 45 countries together with their spouses, as well as with executives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and spouses, to attend the royal audience with Her Royal Highness alongside H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

Her Royal Highness graciously hosted a luncheon in honor of the Diplomatic Corps, led the delegation in visiting the exhibition of Thai textiles and Southern Thai community handicrafts, and granted the diplomatic representatives an opportunity to learn about Her Royal Highness’s work in carrying forward the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother in preserving traditional craftsmanship and Thai textiles as invaluable local wisdom and cultural heritage passed down through generations.

Her Royal Highness has also actively promoted weaving communities in all regions to ensure sustainable livelihoods, drawing upon Her expertise and experience gained from engagements both at home and abroad to further develop Thai textiles, preserving their distinctive local identities while enhancing their modern appeal and international relevance to meet global market demands.

This activity not only provided a valuable opportunity for the Diplomatic Corps to witness firsthand the royal initiatives of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya in preserving, safeguarding, and further developing Thai arts and crafts, reflecting the creative strength of local communities and sustainable development under the guiding principle of “Sustainable Fashion,” but also created meaningful opportunities for local communities to engage with and learn from the experiences and perspectives of international visitors through the presence of the Diplomatic Corps.

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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 2, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA, has released its science-based model for delivering a 30% net conservation gain (NCG) across its regenerative destinations by 2040 – and is making the framework publicly available for global adoption.

“From the beginning, we set out to make tourism better for people and planet. Today, for the first time, we are revealing in detail how we will achieve a 30% net conservation gain at The Red Sea and AMAALA. In addition, we are sharing our science-based model so that others can replicate our approach and help ensure a better environment for future generations,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

At the core of RSG’s regenerative approach is its proprietary SIIG Model, which follows four interconnected and iterative steps:

• Survey: Establishing robust biodiversity baselines and tracking change through long-term monitoring.
• Identify: Pinpointing key risks and pressures affecting priority species and habitats.
• Intervene: Implementing targeted, evidence-based conservation actions, from fisheries regulation to habitat enhancement.
• Gain: Measuring and verifying biodiversity uplift through a dedicated conservation scoring system.

In the report published today, RSG details how its SIIG Model is being applied across The Red Sea and AMAALA, using one of the most comprehensive ecological baselines ever developed for the region, covering eight priority marine habitats and species groups.

The roadmap consolidates ongoing and planned conservation actions and evaluates predicted outcomes against a no-action scenario, ensuring informed decision-making and optimized allocation of resources.

For example, at The Red Sea, a cornerstone intervention is the establishment of the proposed Al Wajh Lagoon Fishery Management Area, spanning 5,015 km², comprising:

• 38% Conservation Priority Zones (including 62% of coral reefs)
• 61% Sustainable Fishing Zones
• 1% Special Management Areas

Modelling shows that removing fishing pressure in highly protected zones could increase reef fish populations by 113%, sharks and rays by 72%, and marine mammals by 24%.

These results point to strong recovery trajectories, with improved ecosystem functioning that supports coral health, seabirds, and marine megafauna. Additional ecosystem benefits include:

• Restoration of natural processes that enhance coral resilience and reduce anchoring damage
• Reduced risk of incidental capture of sea turtles
• Improved prey availability for seabirds
• Elimination of a key pathway for invasive species reaching sensitive island ecosystems

Other interventions detailed by RSG are expected to lead to net conservation gains across corals, red mangroves, seagrass, sea turtles, marine mammals and island birds.

Ehab Al Kindi, Head of the Red Sea Zone at Red Sea Global, said: “Regeneration requires science, data, and measurable outcomes. The SIIG Model is our roadmap to restoring ecosystem health at scale, reducing pressures on nature and witnessing the measurable return of life, from nesting turtles to thriving coral communities.”

The full methodology is detailed in a new report titled ‘SIIG Model: the roadmap to achieving measurable conservation gains’. To download the report:

www.redseaglobal.com/en/responsible-development/planet/the-siig-model

About Red Sea Global

Red Sea Global is a vertically integrated real estate developer with a diverse portfolio across tourism, residential, experiences, infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and services. This includes the luxury regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea, which began welcoming guests in 2023, and AMAALA, which remains on track to welcome first guests in the coming months.

A third destination, Thuwal Private Retreat opened in 2024. RSG has also been entrusted with refurbishment works at Al Wajh Airport, focused on upgrading the existing terminal and infrastructure, and building a new international terminal.

RSG is a PIF company and a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify its economy. Across its growing portfolio of destinations, subsidiaries, and businesses, RSG seeks to lead the world towards a more sustainable future, showing how responsible development can uplift communities, drive economies, and enhance the environment.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 2, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) invites tourism professionals and organisations to participate in the PATA Gold Awards 2026, an award programme focusing on celebrating exceptional achievements across various sectors within the Asia Pacific travel industry.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “With more than four decades of history, the PATA Gold Awards have earned a strong reputation as a trusted mark of tourism excellence in the Asia Pacific region. As PATA celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, the Awards continue to reflect our long-standing commitment to quality, integrity, and meaningful industry recognition. What sets the programme apart is its thorough and independent judging process, which recognises work that delivers real impact, strong ideas, and measurable results. Each year, we are impressed by the level of innovation and dedication shown across our tourism community.”

He added, “We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) for its tireless support. It is a joy to continue this long-standing collaboration with one of our most valued partners.”

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, MGTO, said, “The PATA Gold Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the beauty of the tourism industry and showcase some of its most innovative solutions with the world. With tourism at the heart of Macao’s economy and continuing to lead the way in building a future focused on greater diversification and opportunities, we are honoured to join PATA in providing this platform for all to take advantage of and come together to create a vibrant and sustainable industry.”

Entering its 42nd edition in 2026, the PATA Gold Awards remains one of the region’s most rigorous, merit-based award programmes, having honoured hundreds of outstanding achievements, innovations, and best practices across Asia Pacific tourism. The programme features two major categories – Marketing and Sustainability and Social Responsibility – reflecting two of the most influential and wide-ranging areas of the tourism industry.

This year’s winners will be officially announced at the awards ceremony and gala dinner held in conjunction with PATA Travel Mart 2026 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, on August 19, 2026.

What is new this year?

Three new award titles have been introduced, expanding the PATA Gold Awards to a total of 27 specialised categories. This expansion ensures the awards are best aligned with the evolving priorities and emerging focus areas of the tourism industry.

Benefits of participating in the PATA Gold Awards 2026 include:
– Exposure to an elite panel of international experts and PATA’s global network spanning across the public and private travel sectors.
– International media coverage through PATA’s comprehensive promotional platforms.
– Feature placement in the PATA Gold Awards 2026 Winners’ Showcase e-booklet and video.
– Complimentary access to PATA Travel Mart 2026.

Industry organisations and professionals are encouraged to submit their entries between March 1 and May 15, 2026, 11:59 PM (Bangkok time), with a 50 per cent early-bird discount available for submissions made from March 1 – 31, 2026.

For full details on the categories and entry submission instructions, download the detailed brochure and submission guidelines.

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Madrid, Spain, March 1, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Since its launch in 2021, Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism attracted more than 1,000 applications from 100 countries. Today, the Network brings together 319 rural destinations worldwide, including more than 230 villages recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 83 taking part in the Upgrade Programme, representing a total of 65 countries across five world regions: Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais says: “Tourism is a proven game changer for rural communities. And with our Best Tourism Villages we are showcasing the very best examples, where it’s keeping traditions alive, supporting small businesses or preserving nature. Now we want to expand our network and give tourists even more chances to enjoy authentic experiences make a real difference when the travel.”

Tourism is a proven game changer for rural communities. And with our Best Tourism Villages we are showcasing the very best examples, where it’s keeping traditions alive, supporting small businesses or preserving nature.

Best Tourism Villages 2026 – Applications Open

Advancing Rural Development Through Tourism

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Bangkok, Thailand, February 28,2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to welcome LAMH Management Asia (Luxury Atelier Maison Happiness) as its newest Global Member. Operating across Asia and the United States, LAMH Management Asia is a premier strategic advisory firm dedicated to transforming non-performing assets into high-yield luxury destinations. Through its proprietary, technology-backed experiential framework, LAMH integrates data-driven intelligence with high-touch service to deliver hyper-personalised luxury experiences for institutional investors and global stakeholders.

Founded and led by Mr. Deepak Ohri, LAMH is built on a philosophy that redefines value creation in the luxury sector. Recognised globally for pioneering the concept of the “Vertical Destination” and for championing “experiential luxury,” Mr. Deepak has consistently bridged visionary creativity with robust financial performance. His transformational model has increased enterprise value across both listed and private entities, demonstrating that the “Human Spirit” remains the ultimate currency in an increasingly digital-first world.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said:

“We are delighted to welcome LAMH Management Asia to our global Membership. Travel & Tourism continues to evolve rapidly, and visionary leadership is critical to unlocking sustainable growth and long-term value. Mr. Deepak’s pioneering work in experiential luxury and transformation-driven strategy brings a distinctive and powerful perspective to our community. We look forward to his active contribution as we shape the future of global Travel & Tourism together.”

Mr. Deepak Ohri, Founder of LAMH Management Asia, said:

“It is an honour to join the World Travel & Tourism Council as a Global Member. The future of our sector lies in elevating experiences beyond transactions and embracing the Transformation Economy, where emotional engagement and human connection define true value. Through LAMH, we are committed to redefining excellence by turning underperforming assets into iconic luxury destinations. I look forward to collaborating with fellow Members to advance innovation, resilience, and meaningful growth across global Travel & Tourism.”

With its flagship implementation launching in May 2026, LAMH Management Asia is entering a new phase of global expansion, reinforcing its commitment to reshaping the luxury landscape through strategic transformation, experiential design, and measurable financial impact. As a Global Member, LAMH will play an active role in advancing dialogue around investment strategy, destination repositioning, and the future of luxury within Travel & Tourism.

About WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global, private sector voice of the Travel & Tourism industry. Its members include the Chairmen/women, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world’s leading travel and tourism companies, spanning airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, technology firms and more. Through this unified membership, WTTC works with governments and international institutions to drive sustainable growth, support exports, create jobs, and deliver prosperity globally.

For more than three decades, WTTC has championed the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. Its rigorous, data-driven research quantifies the sector’s impact — on GDP, employment, exports and wider societal benefits — helping shape policies, raise awareness, and foster public-private collaboration.

About LAMH Management Asia
LAMH Management Asia (Luxury Atelier Maison Happiness) is a global strategic advisory and industry disruptor founded by visionary Deepak Ohri. Operating at the vanguard of the Transformation Economy, LAMH specializes in revitalizing diverse luxury assets.

Moving beyond traditional hospitality, the firm utilizes its proprietary “Architecture of Happiness” model to achieve Total Asset Optimization. Beginning in May 2026, LAMH will pivot into a new vertical, pioneering a tech-driven experiential model that converts physical spaces into high-yield, cinematic destinations. By merging institutional financial rigor with radical storytelling, LAMH redefines luxury as a measurable driver of both financial ROI and human transformation.

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Madrid, Spain, February 27, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) held recently a high-level meeting in Madrid, bringing together global industry leaders, ministers and senior policymakers to examine investment challenges and opportunities across the Travel & Tourism sector worldwide.

The meeting was led by Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, and featured the participation of Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, alongside senior government representatives and leading global tourism businesses.

Discussions focused on removing barriers to travel, the role of technology in enabling more seamless journeys, strengthening global connectivity, and advancing sustainable tourism that protects the environment while delivering tangible benefits to local communities. A core theme was the importance of public-private partnerships as a catalyst for scaling investment, developing resilient infrastructure, and unlocking long-term growth.

Participants also underlined the importance of legal certainty for investors, continued infrastructure development, and effective government facilitation to unlock private-sector capital and support long-term sector growth.

“Travel & Tourism continues to be one of the most powerful drivers of global economic growth. In 2025, more than 1.5 billion people travelled internationally, 80 million more than in 2024, making it the strongest year on record for global tourism,” said Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC. “The sector contributed approximately $11.7 trillion to the global economy, representing 10.3 % of global GDP and year-on-year growth of 6.7 %.”

Guevara also highlighted the sector’s critical role in employment. “Travel & Tourism supports one in nine jobs globally. Over the next decade, the sector is expected to create 91 million new jobs, or one in three new jobs worldwide, making talent development and skills training an urgent priority.”

Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, emphasised the importance of safeguarding natural and cultural heritage while ensuring tourism delivers inclusive growth.

“My vision is ambitious, but achievable. Real progress requires the reach of the private sector and close collaboration with governments and communities,” she said. “Investment will be the catalyst for balanced and equitable tourism development, particularly in emerging destinations, while supporting sustainability, entrepreneurship and women across the sector.”

Mara Lezama, Governor of the State of Quintana Roo, highlighted the need for inclusive tourism development. “Tourism success cannot exist alongside social inequality. Democratising tourism, promoting rural and community-based tourism, and ensuring transparent investment frameworks are essential for shared prosperity,” she said.

The meeting convened senior leaders from across the global private sector, including Désirée Bollier, Chair and Global Chief Merchant of The Bicester Collection; Gloria Fluxà, Vice-Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer of Iberostar; Pansy Ho, Group Executive Chairman of Shun Tak Holdings; José Chapur, Honorary President and Founder of The Palace Company; Juan Vela, Executive Vice President of Grupo Velas; Gabriele Burgio, President and CEO of Alpitour World; Frank Rainieri, Founder and Chairman of Grupo Puntacana; José Carlos Azcárraga, CEO of Grupo Posadas; Jorge Paoli, CEO of Grupo Diestra; Ayhan Bektas, Chairman of Coral Travel Group; and Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotel Group, alongside other global and regional travel executives. Public-sector participation included ministers and vice ministers of tourism from across Latin America, alongside senior representatives from the Japan Tourism Agency and other national tourism authorities.

Closing the meeting, Gloria Guevara announced that WTTC will host a series of regional forums to deepen analysis of sector-specific challenges and opportunities, supporting industry growth, job creation and Travel & Tourism’s contribution to global economic development through enhanced public-private collaboration.

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Manila, Philippines, February 27, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Philippines unveiled the official anthem and music video (MTV) for ASEAN 2026, marking a defining moment in its Chairship of the regional bloc under the theme Navigating Our Future, Together.

Carrying the unifying message of One Vision, One Ocean, the anthem delivers a stirring call for resilience, solidarity, and collective progress. The lyrics portray nations bound by the sea, weathering tides and storms together, guided by hope and a shared purpose. It affirms that ASEAN rises, shines, and moves forward as one community.

The MTV showcases sweeping aerial and cinematic panoramic shots of significant landmarks across ASEAN Member States, capturing vibrant cultures, storied heritage, dynamic cityscapes, and diverse cultural expressions. The visuals emphasize unity in diversity and highlight the strong connections that link the peoples of Southeast Asia.

Through powerful imagery and music, the ASEAN 2026 anthem and MTV celebrate the region’s interconnectedness and reinforce its collective commitment to stability, cooperation, and sustainable growth.

By unveiling the anthem and MTV, the Philippines underscores its dedication to leading a cohesive, forward-looking, and resilient ASEAN community toward a shared future.

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Bangkok, Thailand, February 27, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to once again endorse the Rainforest Youth Summit 2026 (RAYS 2026), held in collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), taking place in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, from June 24 – 26, 2026.

Positioned as a collaborative platform for environmental conservation and sustainable development, RAYS 2026 brings together young leaders, sustainability advocates, and emerging changemakers from across ASEAN and beyond. The programme encourages youth-led dialogue on climate resilience, alongside the development of pragmatic action plans that support responsible and inclusive transformation.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “Having had the opportunity to attend RAYS last year, I was inspired by the strong participation of youth united by a clear and shared purpose: protecting our environment. This dialogue is one that PATA is proud to support, and I am confident that RAYS 2026 will continue to serve as a vital platform for young people to exchange ideas, take action, and emerge as changemakers for our planet.”

As an endorser of the event, PATA will leverage its global network of student chapters and communication channels to amplify the event’s outreach and visibility.

STB CEO Dr. Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said, “We deeply appreciate the continued endorsement from PATA, which reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership and shared commitment to advancing sustainable tourism. As host of the Rainforest Youth Summit 2026, Sarawak remains focused on delivering a structured platform that connects youth, industry, and community stakeholders in meaningful collaboration across ASEAN and the wider Asia Pacific.”

RAYS serves as a regional platform that connects youths with indigenous leaders, scientists, and creatives, encouraging participants to better understand their role in advancing climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and cultural continuity. The programme will feature expert-led sessions, interactive lab workshops grounded in lived experience, and curated off-site excursions centred on Sarawak’s protected rainforest areas. This year’s theme – Youth: Many Ways, One Planet – further highlights how young people from diverse backgrounds can unite around a shared commitment to create a more sustainable world.

The closing of the summit will coincide with the opening day of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 (RWMF 2026), one of Sarawak’s most celebrated cultural events. The festival was ranked among the Top 10 in the Transglobal World Music Chart’s 2025 Festival Awards.

Early bird tickets are available to purchase from today until March 15. For youths in the ASEAN region seeking financial assistance to attend the event, applications are now open for the RAYS ASEAN Access Fund.

The event is proudly funded and organised by the State Government of Sarawak, and endorsed by ASEAN, PATA, and UN Tourism.

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