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Hua Hin, Thailand, January 17, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Akoya | Beach Lounge is excited to announce an exclusive 2-night Guest Shift on 27-28 February 2026 featuring renowned mixologist Khun Watcharapong “Bank” Suriyaphan. Founder of Taste of Spirits and the Brand Ambassador for PRAKAAN, Khun Bank is a whiskey aficionado, renowned for his deep knowledge of global spirits and for crafting spelling binding, story-driven cocktails. 

The Guest Shift with Khun Bank offers local Hua Hin residents and travellers a rare opportunity to experience original, spirits-inspired cocktails by one of Thailand’s most exciting mixologists. Each evening, from 18:30 to 21:30, guests can enjoy curated cocktails created just for this event against the backdrop of relaxing beach vibes, gorgeous sunset views, and a live DJ. 

Akoya | Beach Lounge is a contemporary beachside cocktail lounge situated within the award-winning V Villas Hua Hin – MGallery Collection, a five-star luxury private pool villa resort on Hua Hin Beach. 

A STORIED MIXOLOGIST

Popular in Bangkok’s spirits and mixology community, Khun Bank is known for crafting charismatic, story-driven cocktails that explore the unique character of its base spirit. He is the Brand Ambassador for PRAKAAN and the founder of Tales of the Spirit, a multifaceted brand sharing knowledge about the culture and craft of spirits and whiskies. Khun Bank is also a partner and creative force behind award-winning Midlife Crisis, named 12th Best Cocktail Bar in 20 Best Bars of Thailand 2023 and the winner of the Roku Gin Competition 2019.

GUEST SHIFT EXCLUSIVE — SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

During his Guest Shift, Khun Bank will create  signature cocktails specifically for Akoya | Beach Lounge. Each cocktail is a deep dive into the personality and origin of the base spirit. 

For instance, Tropical Malady unveils the complexities of Thai crafted rum. Infused with Thai fruits and herbs, the cocktail is a balance of sweet, sour, and salty — a true reflection of Thailand’s  tropical beach experience. 

Whisky lovers will swoon over Coastal Compose, a cocktail celebrating 200+ years of Old Pulteney, a distinguished distillery in  northern Scotland. Headlined by a 12 year-old single malt Old Pulteney, the cocktail is spirit forward, briny, zesty, and imparts notes of vanilla and caramel. 

With Tribura Highball and Peated and Fig, Khun Bank delivers a twist on the typical highball experience. “Normally, single malts are enjoyed neat on the rock, but Thai PRAKAAN whiskeys actually go well with sparkling water,” says Khun Bank. In Tribura Highball, Khun Bank blends PRAKAAN Single Malt Whisky with honey, vanilla, citrus and sparkling water. The exceptionally flavourful Peated and Fig highlights the complexity and beauty of PRAKAAN Peated Malt by blending it with honey, vanilla, citrus and sparkling water. 

SIP YOUR WAY — TASTE OF SPIRIT PACKAGE OR A LA CARTE 

Khun Bank’s cocktails are available á  la carte, starting at THB 390++ per cocktail. For a more robust experience, guests  can choose the “Taste of Spirits” package which includes three cocktails, plus bar bites, for only THB 1,200++.  

Guest Shift with Khun Bank is a must-go event for whiskey and cocktail enthusiasts. Due to limited spaces each evening, reservations are recommended. 

THE DETAILS
Guest Shift with Watcharapong “Bank” Suryaphan 

27-28 February | 18:30 – 21:30
Akoya | Beach Lounge at V Villas Hua Hin – MGallery Collection

PACKAGE: THB 1,200++ for 3 cocktails and 1 snack package

A LA CARTE: THB 390++ per cocktail, THB 220++ bar bite

About Akoya | Beach Lounge
Situated on one of Hua Hin’s most scenic beaches, Akoya | Beach Lounge is a contemporary luxury cocktail lounge surrounded by beautifully manicured beach-side lawns, lush tropical greenery, and uninterrupted seaside views. Akoya | Beach Lounge is renowned for its creative mixology menu and an ultra private and relaxing ambiance. Signature cocktails are inspired by the iconic cuisine, nature, culture, and attractions found in Hua Hin town. Akoya | Beach Lounge is inspired by Akoya | Star Lounge at V Villas Phuket—MGallery Collection, the award-winning  luxury rooftop bar at V Villas Hua – MGallery Collection’s sister property.

About V Villas Hua Hin – MGallery Collection
V Villas Hua Hin – MGallery Collection is a tranquil, luxury private pool retreat perched along a tranquil stretch of white sand beaches in Hua Hin, just 2.5 hours from Bangkok. inspired by Thai and European architecture and designed for absolute comfort and privacy,  the 28 private pool villas are available in 1, 2 and 3-bedroom options and feature expansive living and sleeping spaces, private pools and outdoor lounging areas. Guests enjoy 24-hour butler service and luxurious amenities. Villazzo | Ocean House, the resort’s signature restaurant, boasts a regional Thai and European menu, with contemporary indoor and alfresco dining spaces. Guests can enjoy creative beachside cocktails at  Akoya | Beach Lounge, the resort’s sophisticated and relaxing beachside cocktail bar. La VIE Luxury Tea & Coffee Lounge features a fusion small plates menu, classic espresso and teas. V Spa offers guests European and Eastern wellness therapies and beauty rituals. Ideal for romantic and family getaways and destination weddings, the resort is within minutes of Hua Hin’s exciting restaurant, nightlife and shopping scene. 

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Bangkok, Thailand, January 27, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / In the fast-paced capital of Thailand, NutriChef BKK is transforming the way Bangkok eats clean. As a leading premium healthy meal delivery service, NutriChef offers a wide range of chef-crafted, macro-balanced meal plans tailored for both fitness and wellness and now includes medically informed options for clients managing complex dietary needs.

Whether your goal is weight loss, muscle building, or addressing specific health conditions, NutriChef delivers fresh, functional meals made with organic ingredients and zero compromise on taste or nutrition.

Now offering personalized meal plans for individuals with:
– Cancer recovery & treatment protocols
– IBS or FODMAP-sensitive digestive needs
– Hormonal balance, PCOS, and metabolic support
– Anti-inflammatory plans

From high-protein plans like SHRED and BULK to low-carb KETO and plant-based VEGAN options, every meal is portioned and nutritionally calibrated to meet client goals. Meals are crafted without MSG, refined sugar, or artificial additives, and we also offer gluten free and dairy free options.

Rooted in the belief that your health is non-negotiable, NutriChef makes eating well simple and sustainable for Bangkok’s busy professionals, parents, athletes, and anyone seeking better balance.

Nutrichef. Wellness. Delivered.
Explore meal plans or order online: www.thenutrichef.net
Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/nutrichefbkk
Contact for inquiries or custom plans: contact@thenutrichef.net

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Seychelles, January 26, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / It has been confirmed that Alain St.Ange, a candidate in the 2025 Seychelles Presidential Election, is preparing a new political history book that offers a first-hand account of his bid for State House, and an inside look at the realities of modern Seychellois politics.

The book, Trials Of A Candidate – The Untold Story of the 2025 State House Race, is being developed in collaboration with his daughter, Michelle St.Ange-Ebrahim, a lawyer who is currently completing a PhD in Law, and will analyse the 2025 election from the perspective of a candidate who entered the race challenging two entrenched political parties.

Drawing on personal experiences, campaign records, photographs, and legal and political analysis, the publication lifts the curtain on what St.Ange describes as the underbelly of Seychelles politics—the unspoken rules, structural imbalances, and pressures faced by those who challenge entrenched power.

“We have a story to tell, and we are telling it exactly as we lived it,” said Alain St.Ange. “This is not about making accusations. It is about documenting what it feels like to contest a national election from the outside. We were the underdogs, and this book allows the country to see—through facts, reflections, and lived experience—what that journey truly looked like.”

The book is a commentary on local politics, building on Alain St.Ange’s former political books: – Seychelles: What’s Next?, Seychelles, In Search of Democracy, Seychelles, The Cry of A People and Alain St.Ange, My Journey – Life & Times in Politics and looking forward to the future in a rapidly developing political landscape. It explores the themes that shaped the 2025 election, including the continued role of money as a decisive factor in political success, the realities of campaign financing, and the barriers faced by independent and non-establishment candidates seeking to compete meaningfully.

The publication also confronts the challenges faced by women in politics, including female presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Despite Seychelles often being described as a matriarchal society, the book examines the disconnect between social structures and political power, highlighting the additional scrutiny, resistance, and systemic hurdles women encounter when attempting to emerge, lead, and be taken seriously within the political arena.

Alain St.Ange has indicated that he will now retire from active politics. He says he was called to action last year and answered that call with determination and resilience. He will continue to serve his country in other ways, while refocusing on his family and personal life.

“This has never been about personal ambition,” said St.Ange. “I have always sought to serve Seychelles in every stage of my life. I answered the call when it came, and I am proud of what we achieved. Now I am ready to close this political chapter, to return to my family, and to continue serving my country in other ways.”

Co-authored with Michelle St.Ange-Ebrahim, the work combines political narrative with legal context, carefully distinguishing between verifiable facts, personal observations, and reflective analysis. The authors emphasise that the publication is intended as a contribution to democratic discourse and as a historical record, rather than an attack on individuals.

More than a campaign chronicle, the book positions itself as a tell-all account of how power is experienced, contested, and defended in Seychelles—offering readers an unfiltered view of the political terrain through the eyes of those who dared to challenge it.

Further details regarding the book’s ISBN Number, publication date, and official launch that is set for later this year will be announced in due course.

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Bangkok, Thailand, January 26, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and with support from B.Grimm, is scheduled to present a performance in remembrance of the boundless royal grace of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who dedicated her life to the well-being of the Thai people. She played a crucial role in promoting quality of life, preserving culture and the environment, and ensuring the continuity of Thai arts, crafts, and wisdom.

In remembrance of Her Majesty’s immeasurable contributions, the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra presents this performance. The RBSO is honoured to have the Romanian pianist Daniel Ciobanu, known for his exceptional musical talent and technique, and guest conductor Sander Teepen perform on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the Main Hall of the Thailand Cultural Centre.

The program includes Édvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, his only concerto and one of the most popular Romantic piano works, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique,” the composer’s last symphony, deeply conveying the emotions of life, love, hope, and loss.

Together, these two pieces weave into a beautiful tribute, reflecting His Majesty’s boundless compassion and virtuous character, which will forever remain in the memory of the Thai people.

Tickets are available at ThaiTicketMajor:

www.thaiticketmajor.com/concert/rbso-2026-in-remembrance-of-her-majesty-queen-sirikit-the-queen-mother.html

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Bangkok, Thailand, January 24, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Blue Jasmine, a beautifully restored historic train, sets off on its heritage-rich journey from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station, embarking on an immersive cultural tour of the kingdom’s ancient sites. In a new collaboration with DTH Travel, Jim Thompson has curated a range of exquisite travel experiences to accompany the journey. From a welcoming event and dinner at the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, to stepping onboard The Blue Jasmine x Jim Thompson, featuring brand-designed interior décor, dining essentials, personal accessories, and Jim Thompson’s first-ever onboard showroom.

The Blue Jasmine is a 1960s heritage charter train, featuring ten wagons that accommodate up to 36 passengers. The journey takes travelers from the vibrant cityscape of Bangkok to the serene ancient sites of Ayutthaya, Uthai Thani, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai. The train invites guests to embrace the art of slow travel, with carefully curated stops along the route that allow passengers to explore UNESCO heritage sites, engage with local artisans, connect with communities, and savor authentic Thai cuisine. Every moment aboard The Blue Jasmine x Jim Thompson offers a rich and immersive experience of Thailand’s culture, history, and natural beauty.

The experience commences with an exclusive dining event at Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant, located at the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter. A special Blue Jasmine 5-course menu presents contemporary Thai dishes with diverse flavors from across the country, using seasonal ingredients with local producers in presenting dishes that reflect both tradition and modern Thai creativity.

The visit incorporates a tour of the Jim Thompson House Museum, comprising six traditional Thai teak houses built in 1958, showcasing Thompson’s passion for Thai architecture, featuring a remarkable collection of Asian art and antiques, and includes a stop at the Jim Thompson Iconic Store before boarding the train at Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong Station.

Once onboard guests enter a timeless world, with more than 2,000 Jim Thompson décor items transforming the train’s ten wagons into a moving showcase of refined craftsmanship inspired by the essence of Thai heritage and contemporary elegance. The design concept centers on harmonious color coordination, creating a sense of visual unity throughout the journey.

The train’s wagons feature observatory, dining, and accommodation areas, each adorned with Jim Thompson Home Furnishings, renowned for their use in high-end hotels and residences around the world. The curated interiors reflect the true spirit of Thainess, with decorative items crafted from the finest silk, including curtains, cushion covers, bed runners, and table runners. Dining essentials and personal accessories from the brand enrich the onboard ambience, from placemats, napkins, and coasters to thoughtfully designed amenity kits that include makeup cases and sleep masks. Each piece features botanical prints that echo the changing Thai landscape throughout the journey. Select items also draw inspiration from traditional weaving techniques, showcasing exceptional Thai craftsmanship.

Travelers can also look forward to experiencing the first-ever Jim Thompson Showroom on Train, a decorated store area featuring Jim Thompson iconic silk products along with select fashion and lifestyle collections which can be conveniently purchased online via QR code, with delivery conveniently arranged at the end of the trip.

“The collaboration with DTH Travel embodies our vision to expand our presence through curated travel and immersive experiences, another key milestone in our journey as a global lifestyle brand from Asia,” said Nunnapat Verojanavat, Marketing Director of Jim Thompson. “The intimate design and crafted products on The Blue Jasmine x Jim Thompson reflect our heritage, reimagined for modern travelers seeking authenticity, cultural richness, and lifestyle comfort.”

Stefan Bruns, General Manager of DTH Travel Thailand, added, “The partnership with Jim Thompson highlights DTH Travel’s dedication to offer a unique heritage train experience. We work with credible partners to create travel experiences that are genuine, responsible and sustainable. Jim Thompson’s interior design and accessories ensure that cultural authenticity is preserved not just in the destinations we visit, but throughout the entire journey onboard The Blue Jasmine x Jim Thompson.”

DTH Travel, in partnership with Jim Thompson, is set to redefine rail journeys through immersive experiences, connecting visitors to local communities and regional cultures across the country whilst promoting high-value, low-impact travel. Following its inaugural journey in November 2025, additional trips are scheduled for January, February, July, November, and December 2026. The 2027 journey schedule will be announced soon. For more details, please visit The Blue Jasmine Train Official Website, the DTH Travel Facebook page, or contact DTH Destination Thailand at 081-920-8554.

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Bangkok, Thailand, January 23, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / On 25 January 2026, The Sukhothai Bangkok launches Culinary Journey, a new campaign that brings a storytelling dimension to its iconic Sunday Brunch. Designed as a series of themed chapters, the campaign highlights the chefs behind the hotel’s kitchens, offering guests a deeper connection to the culinary talent, philosophies, and signature styles that define The Sukhothai Bangkok.

The opening edition, Chapter One: The Sukhothai Chef Showcase, brings together chefs from Colonnade, Celadon, La Scala, and Pastry. As a special addition to The Sukhothai Bangkok’s legendary Sunday Brunch, the campaign introduces curated chef highlights through live action stations and tasting portions, complementing the regular and well-loved culinary spread rather than replacing it. Each chef presents a signature dish that reflects their individual approach, transforming the brunch into a dynamic, chef-led experience. A dedicated Culinary Journey content series will also launch across video and social platforms, with Chapter Two scheduled on 15 February 2026.

Chapter One: January – The Sukhothai Chef Showcase

Chef Tuui – Executive Sous Chef
Herb-Butter Braised Potatoes with Truffle Mayonnaise and Caviar

Chef Tuui’s signature dish reflects his belief that refinement begins with simplicity. Using potatoes as the foundation, the dish is gently braised in herb-infused butter to highlight their natural flavor, with truffle mayonnaise and caviar added as subtle accents to create balance and depth through technique and restraint.

Chef Max – Executive Pastry Chef
Modern Mango Sticky Rice Mousse

Originally created as the winning dessert of MasterChef Thailand Season 3, Chef Max’s signature reinterprets Thailand’s beloved mango sticky rice in a contemporary form. Mango sticky rice mousse filled with sticky rice and passion fruit jelly is paired with mango cream cheese ice cream, coconut gel, and white chocolate crumble—preserving familiar flavors while presenting them through modern pastry craftsmanship.

Chef Jib – Head Chef, Celadon
Southern Thai Seafood Salad with Scallops, Shrimp, and Young Mangosteen

Chef Jib’s dish draws inspiration from Southern Thailand’s coastal produce and the balance of Thai flavors. Featuring deep-sea scallops from Trang, fresh shrimp from Krabi, and young mangosteen from Nakhon Si Thammarat, the salad is finished with a herb-forward pla chili dressing and crispy Sangyod rice from Phatthalung, reflecting Celadon’s commitment to regional sourcing and Thai culinary heritage.

Chef Andrea Cetani – Italian Chef de Cuisine
Risotto al Pomodoro
Chef Andrea Cetani reinterprets a classic Northern Italian tomato risotto, rooted in the post-war era and refined throughout his career. Applying advanced technique to simple, bold Italian flavours, the dish reflects deep respect for ingredients, with tomato trimmings transformed into a burnt tomato cream that adds depth and acidity—expressing his philosophy of tradition, territory, and thoughtful creativity.

A Continuing Culinary Narrative

Culinary Journey marks the beginning of an ongoing chef-led series at The Sukhothai Bangkok, where each chapter introduces new themes, perspectives, and culinary expressions. With future editions planned throughout the year, the series reinforces the hotel’s commitment to craftsmanship, local sourcing, and meaningful storytelling—presented through one of Bangkok’s most celebrated Sunday brunch experiences.

About The Sukhothai Bangkok

An icon of refined Thai hospitality, The Sukhothai Bangkok is set amidst six acres of tranquil gardens in the heart of the city. Inspired by the grace and artistry of Thailand’s ancient capital, the hotel blends timeless architecture, understated luxury, and heartfelt service. Celadon, its signature Thai restaurant, is celebrated for its authenticity, ambience, and culinary excellence.

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Bangkok, Thailand, January 23, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) brokers a new partnership agreement with the Phuket Hotels Association (PHA), a nonprofit organisation representing a diverse range of hotels across the island of Phuket, southern Thailand.

Signed by PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid and Jayne MacDougall, Executive Director of PHA, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a mutual affiliate membership between the organisations.

Hamid said, “As one of Thailand’s most sought-after island destinations, Phuket’s hospitality sector is a cornerstone of its economy. With this partnership, we pave the path for collaborations with the Phuket Hotels Association on their mission to promote and strengthen Phuket’s standing as a destination recognised for its quality offerings and sustainable practices.”

MacDougall said, “Formalising a partnership with PATA marks an important step in advancing shared goals around responsible tourism, regional collaboration, and innovation, strengthening long-term outcomes for Phuket and the wider region.”

The agreement supports joint activities, including the mutual promotion of events and speaker participation where appropriate. Representatives and members of both PATA and PHA will have opportunities to connect through networking sessions and annual events, with registration support provided in line with the agreement.

In addition, the partnership promotes knowledge sharing. It enables PHA to share selected tourism research and insights with the PATA network on a quarterly basis through member-exclusive newsletters and relevant online channels.

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Bangkok, Thailand, January 23, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Asia-Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association (APOLA) have entered into a formal partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

APOLA has been incorporated as a not-for-profit organisation with the mission to foster sustainable growth, innovation, and excellence within the Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging sector, which is often referred to as “glamping”.

The MOU was signed by PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid and APOLA Executive Committee Member and Founding Member Willem Niemeijer on Thursday, January 22 at the Thailand Tourism Forum 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Hamid said, “This partnership between PATA and APOLA will lead to a stronger foundation for international collaboration within the Asia Pacific region, opening the door to effective exchange of best practices and meaningful collaborations. We look forward to jointly advancing responsible and sustainable tourism in the region alongside APOLA, and bringing value to our respective members.”

Niemeijer said, “Outdoor lodging is growing at around 11% a year in the region. It is therefore fitting that APOLA works with PATA, the leading voice and authority on tourism in Asia Pacific, to draw attention to the potential that the sector has to deliver quality, nature-based responsible tourism experiences.”

He added that demand for nature-first tented camps, cabins, yurts, treehouses, or nature pods on beaches, mountains, forests, and natural areas has increased dramatically during and since the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from promoting sustainable practices, Niemeijer said APOLA also aimed to establish standards for the sector.

As outlined in the agreement, the areas of cooperation include reciprocal, complimentary membership access, enabling both organisations to utilise each other’s member benefits at the respective association levels. The partnership also covers research and knowledge exchange, with APOLA contributing selected research, tourism insights, and travel trends on a quarterly basis through PATA’s members-only communication channels.

In addition, the organisations will support reciprocal activities, including the mutual promotion of events and speaker participation where appropriate. Representatives and members of PATA and APOLA will be offered opportunities to engage across organisations through networking and annual events, with registration support provided in line with the agreement.

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Madrid, Spain, January 22, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / International tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) grew by 4% in 2025, as most destinations worldwide posted solid results. According to the first World Tourism Barometer of the year, an estimated 1.52 billion international tourists were recorded globally in 2025, almost 60 million more than in 2024.

These numbers reflect a return to pre-pandemic growth trends, closer to the 5% average increase per year between 2009 and 2019. Results were driven by strong demand, robust performance from large source markets and the ongoing recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific. Increased air connectivity and enhanced visa facilitation also supported international travel in 2025.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais said: “Demand for travel remained high throughout 2025, despite high inflation in tourism services and uncertainty from geopolitical tensions. We expect this positive trend to continue into 2026 as global economy is expected to remain steady and destinations still lagging behind pre pandemic levels fully recover.”

Africa sees strongest results in 2025; Asia and the Pacific rebounds

The World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism provides comprehensive data for the sector by region, sub-region and destination. Key takeaways from this edition show:

• Europe, the world’s largest destination region, recorded 793 million international tourists in 2025, a 4% increase from 2024 and 6% more than in 2019. Western Europe (+5%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+3%) saw robust performance. Central and Eastern Europe rebounded strongly (+6%) though arrivals remained 9% below 2019 levels.
• The Americas (218 million) recorded 1% growth last year, with mixed results across subregions. After a strong first half of 2025, the region saw small declines in Q3 and Q4, partly due to weak results in the United States. South America (+7%) and Central America (+5%) led results by subregion. Some destinations in the Caribbean (+0%) were affected by Hurricane Melissa in the last quarter of the year.
• Africa (81 million) saw an 8% increase in arrivals in 2025, with particularly strong results in North Africa (+11%).
• The Middle East recorded 3% growth in 2025, equivalent to 39% above pre-pandemic levels, the strongest results relative to 2019. The region virtually reached the mark of 100 million international visitors in 2025.
• Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific (331 million) grew 6% last year but are still 9% below 2019 levels as the region continued to rebound. North-East Asia led performance with 13% growth over 2024, while South Asia recovered pre-pandemic levels.

Most destinations report positive results for 2025

• After solid growth in 2024, most destinations continued to enjoy strong results in 2025.
• Among destinations with available data for the twelve months of 2025 several show double-digit growth in international arrivals, among which Brazil (+37%), Egypt (+20%), Morocco (+14%) and Seychelles (+13%). Destinations reporting data through November also saw strong growth, including Bhutan (+30%), Iceland (+29%), Guyana (+24%), South Africa (+19%) and Japan (+17%).
• The positive results in international arrivals last year are also reflected in other industry indicators. Both international air capacity and air passenger traffic grew 7% through October 2025 (IATA). Global occupancy in accommodation establishments reached 66% in November 2025, matching the levels of November 2024 (based on STR data).

Export revenues from tourism reached a record USD 2.2 trillion in 2025

Monthly data show strong visitor spending throughout 2025, with preliminary estimates pointing at USD 1.9 trillion in international tourism receipts globally, a 5% increase from 2024.

Total export revenues from tourism (including receipts and passenger transport) are estimated at USD 2.2 trillion in 2025 based on available data. Other key takeaways include:

• International tourism receipts saw extraordinary growth in 2025 following an already strong 2024, with many destinations posting a higher increase in receipts than arrivals.
• Destinations reporting solid growth in receipts during the first ten to twelve months of 2025 were Morocco (+19%), the Republic of Korea (+18%), Egypt (+17%), Mongolia (+15%), Japan (+14%), Latvia (+11%) and Mauritius (+10%), all calculated in local currencies.
• Among the world’s top tourism earners, the United Kingdom and France (both +9%), as well as Spain (+7%) and Türkiye (+6%), saw solid growth in the first ten to twelve months of 2025 compared to the same months of 2024.
• Data on international tourism expenditure reflects the same trend of strong demand, especially among large source markets such as the United States (+8%), France (+4%), as well as Spain (+16%) and the Republic of Korea (+10%).

Outlook for 2026: continued growth amid a challenging environment

International tourism is expected to grow 3% to 4% in 2026 compared to 2025, assuming that Asia and the Pacific continues to recover, global economic conditions remain favorable and geopolitical conflicts do not escalate. Uncertainty from current geopolitical tensions and conflicts pose an increasing risk for tourism in 2026.

• UN Tourism’s prospects for 2026 reflect a normalization of growth rates after a strong rebound in international arrivals in 2023 (+34%) and 2024 (+11%) and a 4% increase in 2025.
• This positive outlook is confirmed by the latest UN Tourism Confidence Index and survey among the Panel of Experts. 58% of experts foresee better or much better performance in 2026 than in 2025, while 31% expect similar results and 11% worse.
• Survey respondents pointed to economic factors, high travel costs, and geopolitical risks as the main challenges international tourism could face in 2026. These factors were viewed as the most relevant by about half of all experts.
• While headline inflation has receded globally in 2025, inflation in tourism-related services remains elevated by historical standards. Against this backdrop, tourists are expected to continue to seek value for money according to the Panel of Experts.
• While positive prospects for the global economy and lower oil prices could favour tourism performance in 2026, uncertainty derived from geopolitical risks and ongoing conflicts, trade tensions and extreme weather events could weigh on traveller confidence.
• International tourism in 2026 will be driven by solid consumer demand, enhanced air connectivity and growing outbound travel from emerging markets. Major international events such as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (Italy) and the FIFA World Cup 2026 (Canada, United States and Mexico) will also contribute to international travel.

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Bangkok, Thailand, January 22, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / As part of its year-long 150th anniversary programme, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok presents the next chapter of Masters of the 150th: An Epicurean Journey with a collaborative dinner at Alex Dilling at Lord Jim’s.

From 3–8 February 2026, guests are invited to a six-course dinner by Alex Dilling, chef-patron of Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, London, and Gilad Peled, Executive Chef of The Colonnade Restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Palace, Lucerne. The collaboration brings together two chefs whose approach is grounded in classical technique and guided by seasonality. This meeting of two chefs reflects Mandarin Oriental’s long-standing tradition of hosting the world’s most respected culinary figures across generations.

Chef Gilad Peled’s cuisine is rooted in French culinary tradition and shaped by a contemporary outlook, guided by local and seasonal ingredients. His work is marked by clarity of flavour and precision of technique, with careful attention to produce at every stage. This approach finds a natural point of dialogue with Chef Dilling’s modern classical cooking, creating a menu defined by craft rather than contrast.

Presented at the iconic riverside setting of Alex Dilling at Lord Jim’s, the six-course dinner reflects the individual perspectives of both chefs while forming a unified experience. Each course is composed with restraint, allowing technique and ingredients to lead.

The dinner is priced at THB 9,000++ per person for food only. Optional wine pairings are available. Dinner service begins from 6:30pm onwards. Seating is limited and advance reservations are warmly recommended via online booking, by telephone at +66 (2) 659 9000, or email at mobkk-adlordjims[@]mohg[.]com.

This collaboration forms part of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok’s 150th anniversary programme, marking a legacy of hospitality, culinary exchange, and continued excellence.

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