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Bangkok, Thailand, October 7, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Minor Hotels, a global leader in the hospitality industry across hotels, resorts and branded residences in 59 countries, has signed an agreement with SUNRISE Resorts & Cruises to form a new joint venture company. The signing ceremony took place at the office of H.E. Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Madbouly in the attendance of H.E. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathi; underscoring the importance of this partnership for the country’s growing tourism sector.

The joint venture sets an ambitious target of opening and managing up to 50 hotels over the next decade. Development will span both key urban centres and leisure destinations, including West Cairo, Azha Ras El Hekma on the North Coast and Azha Ain Al Sokhna. As part of the agreement, Minor Hotels will commence management of seven projects, covering operational hotels, brownfield conversions and greenfield developments. A highlight of the pipeline will be the introduction of Minor Hotels’ flagship luxury brand, Anantara Hotels & Resorts in locations across the country.

The partnership will also extend Minor Hotels’ hospitality expertise to Nile cruise operations across Aswan and Luxor, building on the success of Minor Hotels’ portfolio of Asia based river cruises including Mekong Kingdom and Loy Pela, reinforcing Egypt’s appeal as one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations.

William E. Heinecke, Chairman & Founder of Minor International parent company of Minor Hotels commented, “Signing this joint venture with SUNRISE Resorts & Cruises is an important milestone as we bring Minor Hotels’ brands and hospitality expertise to Egypt, one of the world’s most storied and inspiring destinations. Together, we are charting a long-term vision that combines SUNRISE Resorts & Cruises’ deep local knowledge with our global reach to deliver exceptional luxury and lifestyle experiences across Egypt’s leading destinations.”

Mr. Hossam El Shaer, Chairman of SUNRISE Resorts & Cruises and Madaar Developments, noted “Egypt’s tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, fueled by increased investment and growing global interest. We are proud to be part of a collaboration that reflects our shared vision to elevate the country’s hotel and tourism industry. Since founding SUNRISE in 2002 we’ve focused on creating integrated, sustainable destinations that meet the highest international standards. This Partnership signals strong global confidence in Egypt’s economy and directly supports the goals of Egypt’s Vision 2030.”

The new entity establishes a long-term strategic partnership to introduce and expand Minor Hotels’ world-class brands across Egypt’s dynamic and fast-growing tourism sector.

About SUNRISE Resorts & Cruises

Founded in 2002, SUNRISE Resorts & Cruises is one of Egypt’s leading hospitality groups, operating 27 resorts and 7 Nile cruise ships. With over 9,000 rooms and properties across key Egyptian destinations—including Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Luxor, Aswan, Ain Sokhna, and Alexandria—as well as a growing international presence in Greece, Zanzibar, and Morocco, SUNRISE welcomes over 5 million guests annually. The group is supported by a dedicated team of 10,000 hoteliers.

About Madaar Developments

Madaar Developments is a premier luxury real estate developer in Egypt, known for delivering fully integrated destinations with world-class facilities. Its diverse portfolio includes major projects such as Kinz in the west of Cairo, AZHA Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea, and AZHA Ras El Hekma on Egypt’s North Coast. With a land bank spanning over 1,000 acres and more than 5,000 units, these developments have generated sales exceeding EGP 40 billion over the past 10 years.

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Almaty, Kazakhstan, October 5, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Women’s empowerment is being placed at the heart of tourism development through a new collaboration between UN Tourism and the Almaty Tourism Bureau.

Kazakh women have historically played a strong role in society, from Nomadic times to the 21st century, and currently make up a large segment of the tourism workforce in the Almaty region. However barriers still remain in the way of their full participation and advancement in the sector, most notably a lack of financial investment, training and equal representation in leadership positions.

To address this, UN Tourism has welcomed Kazakhstan to its flagship ‘Centre Stage’ initiative. Centre Stage provides targeted support to governments and tourism businesses, creating more opportunities for women’s empowerment and their professional development. In the new collaboration, the city of Almaty, local tourism businesses and civil society organizations will undertake a series of activities to give visibility to the huge contribution of women to the Kazakh tourism sector and implement measures aimed at providing more opportunities for economic empowerment and career progression.

Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director of UN Tourism, says “Women are shaping the future of sustainable tourism in Kazakhstan and across the region. Through the Centre Stage programme, UN Tourism is empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals in Almaty with the skills, support, and confidence they need to lead and succeed.”

Diyar Askarov, Director of Almaty Tourism Bureau, says “Almaty is proud to be a hub where tourism and sustainability come together, and where women play a growing and vital role across all sectors of our industry. Empowering women in tourism is essential for driving innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth, and their leadership makes a real difference for communities and for the city as a whole. Through our partnership with UN Tourism, we are committed to supporting women professionals and entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. Together, we are shaping Almaty’s future as a centre of opportunity, global connection, and shared progress.”

Within the framework of the Centre Stage initiative, UN Tourism and Kazakhstan will partner around key initiatives, including:

• Regional Conference on the Empowerment of Women in Tourism in Europe (22-23 October)
• 3-month training programme with up to 200 tourism professionals
• Awareness raising campaign
• Almaty ‘Call for Action’ for women in tourism

The Almaty ‘Call for Action’ for women in tourism will contain measures supporting women-owned businesses, introducing gender-responsive budgeting, more training opportunities and promoting women’s leadership in decision-making roles.

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Madrid, Spain, October 5, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have launched the UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism powered by FIA.

Featuring four categories, the awards are designed to recognise initiatives that drive sustainability, innovation, social impact, and successful examples of public-private partnership within the sports tourism sector, while promoting and encouraging responsible practices that align with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Most Sustainable Sport Event
2. Community Impact in Sports Tourism
3. Innovation in Sports Tourism Development
4. Outstanding Public-Private Partnerships in Sports Tourism

The launch of these Awards builds on the strategic partnership established between the two Organizations in September 2024, to foster collaboration in areas where tourism, sport and sustainable mobility intersect.

UN Tourism Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili stated: “These Awards reflect the growing recognition of sports tourism as a strategic driver of sustainable development, social cohesion and innovation. We are proud to partner with our Affiliate Member FIA to honour the efforts of those making a meaningful impact through sport and tourism”.

FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, added: “Sport and tourism are both powerful drivers of economic growth, cultural exchange, and community development. This partnership with UN Tourism, and these Awards, will not only celebrate best practice but also inspire others to create positive change. Together we can build a future where sport continues to unite people and benefit societies worldwide.”

As one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, sports tourism reached a market value of $609 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $2.3 trillion by 2032, and this initiative seeks to spotlight exemplary initiatives that are shaping the future of the sector. The awards are open to UN Tourism Members, FIA Member Clubs, and other stakeholders involved in the fields of sports and tourism.

The Awards are now open, and UN Tourism and FIA invite all eligible organizations to take part in this first edition – a unique opportunity to showcase how sport and tourism can drive sustainability.

About the FIA

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.

About UN Tourism

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), a United Nations specialized agency, is the leading international organization with the decisive and central role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how. Its membership includes 160 countries, 6 territories, 2 permanent observers and over 500 Affiliate Members.

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Bangkok, Thailand, October 5, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) reinforced its leadership in the global tourism industry as its Chief Executive Officer, Noor Ahmad Hamid, addressed delegates at the World Tourism Day and World Tourism Conference 2025, held in Melaka, Malaysia, on September 27 – 29.

World Tourism Day 2025 was officiated by The Right Honourable Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia; Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, the Chief Minister of Melaka; YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, the Minister of Culture, Arts & Tourism Malaysia; and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General, UN Tourism. Held under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the conference underscored tourism’s role as a catalyst for positive economic, social, and environmental change.

During the session “People-Centered Tourism: Unlocking Opportunities through Education, Innovation and Investments,” moderated by Antonio López de Ávila, Director, Innovation, Education and Investment Department, UN Tourism, Hamid joined fellow panellists — Prof. Amran Hamzah, Professor in Tourism Planning, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia; Phillip Seiji Vincent, Managing Partner APAC, Plug and Play; David Bardolet, Academic Director for Executive Education, EHL; and Dr. Aradhana Khowala, CEO & Founder – Aptamind Partners. — in examining how investment in human capital, particularly youth and women, can strengthen resilience, equity, and future-readiness within the tourism sector. The panel further discussed how targeted investments can be scaled to foster entrepreneurship, accelerate digitalisation, and promote long-term sustainability across destinations.

“PATA extends its warm congratulations to the Melaka State Government for being an outstanding host of the World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations,” Hamid stated. “As a proud UNESCO Heritage City, Melaka not only showcases its rich cultural legacy but also demonstrates how well-planned tourism infrastructure can deliver real benefits to local communities through thriving community-based tourism initiatives and successful homestay programmes.”

He added, “As always, PATA is honoured to contribute to critical discussions that are shaping the pathway toward a more sustainable and inclusive future for our industry and the communities it serves.”

PATA has long placed sustainability and social responsibility at the heart of its work, supporting the long-lasting transformation of destinations, businesses, and communities across the Asia Pacific through initiatives that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Association’s wide-ranging projects have led the effort on food and plastic waste reduction, climate resilience, digital transformation, and social inclusion, while being deeply rooted in the development of human capacity of tourism stakeholders of all levels.

By combining global expertise with local action, PATA continues to drive sustainable, inclusive and future-ready tourism development across the region.

Additionally, in recognition of World Tourism Day, PATA launched a dedicated 2025 World Tourism Day campaign, highlighting initiatives from members, partners, and stakeholders who are advancing sustainable transformation in the tourism sector through education, governance, innovation, and climate action.

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Bangkok, Thailand, October 5, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Award-winning travel photographer, podcaster, blogger, and filmmaker Ric Gazarian is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of the Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF III) to the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand. Scheduled for October 22-25, 2026, this third iteration of the festival promises to be an unparalleled convergence of the world’s most accomplished and adventurous travelers.

“The Extraordinary Travel Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of global exploration and human connection,” says Gazarian, whose website, @GlobalGaz, features stories and images from his extensive travels. “Following the tremendous success of our previous gatherings, we are excited to bring together this unique community once again in a city that truly embodies the spirit of adventure.”

ETF III is designed for both seasoned mega-travelers (those who have visited many countries, including all 193 UN sovereign nations) and passionate individuals aspiring to push their own travel boundaries. Attendees will gain invaluable insights, share captivating stories, and learn practical strategies from those who have truly gone the distance. While many speakers and attendees have achieved the rare feat of visiting all 193 sovereign countries—an accomplishment that fewer than 400 known people alive today can claim—the festival aims to inspire and inform all who share a deep love for travel, regardless of their current country count.

The festival will feature over 20 dynamic speakers, delivering engaging keynotes, insightful breakout sessions, and lively panel discussions. This year’s stellar lineup includes:

• Jamie Aleman: Traveled to every country in the world, both the North and South Pole, and has traveled to outer space
• Jason Wang: Recently completed summitting Mount Everest completing all Seven Summits
• Kach Medina Umandap: Has visited every country in the world being the first to complete this quest on a Filipino Passport

“Imagine the world’s modern-day Marco Polos gathered in a single location,” Gazarian adds. “The energy, enthusiasm, and vast knowledge exchanged about travel and country-collecting at our previous events were truly transformative.”

The largest mega-travel clubs will be prominently represented, including Every Passport Stamp (30,000 members) and Travel Massive (60,000 members), fostering an unparalleled networking environment.

Building on the success of past festivals, ETF III will offer attendees a robust schedule of speakers, complemented by vibrant parties and a gala dinner. Thailand was recently ranked Richest Culture in Asia by U.S. News & World Report while Travel + Leisure named Thailand its 2025 Destination of the Year.

The Extraordinary Travel Festival is held in such high extreme that both the Wall Street Journal and the Australian Financial Review found it worthwhile to send journalists to write front page travel section articles on the ETF.

The Extraordinary Travel Festival presents a unique opportunity for tourism boards, consumer travel brands, and tour providers to connect with and promote their destinations or brands to the world’s most accomplished and expert travelers. Inquiries about sponsorship opportunities are welcome.

Ticket Information: Attendees wishing to reserve a spot can now purchase tickets online at extraordinarytravelfest.com/tickets/. Use code BANGKOK to save on your ticket to this event.

For questions, please contact:
Ric Gazarian
Email: ric@extraordinarytravelfest.com
WhatsApp: +1 617 901 9248

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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 4, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / After an 18-year hiatus, Global Travel Meet 2025 returned to Kuala Lumpur with resounding success, reestablishing Malaysia as a key force in the global tourism industry. Held from October 3–6 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), the event welcomed over 1,000 delegates, including 600 international buyers, 400 exhibitors, and 100 media representatives from across the globe.

Organized by Tourism Malaysia, the business-to-business travel trade show served as a launchpad for the country’s ambitious Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) campaign, which aims to attract 47 million international arrivals and deliver high-impact, sustainable tourism growth.

A Gathering of Global Tourism Leaders
The Global Travel Meet 2025 brought together a dynamic mix of international leaders, innovators, and stakeholders. Delegates engaged in B2B sessions, business-matching activities, high-impact networking events, and familiarization trips (FAM trips) designed to highlight Malaysia’s cultural, natural, and experiential offerings.

Over 100 journalists from international media outlets provided global coverage, extending Malaysia’s visibility as a competitive destination. For local stakeholders, the event created an invaluable opportunity to position themselves on the global stage, connect with international buyers, and explore new avenues for collaboration.

“This event is more than just a marketplace; it is a catalyst where ideas transform into action,” remarked Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan, during the inauguration. “Global Travel Meet 2025 is about igniting momentum through collective effort—between government, industry players, and partners—towards achieving the ambitious goals of VM2026.”

Strong Trade Turnout and Global Industry Engagement
This year’s edition saw participation from over 45 countries, with hosted buyers representing both established and emerging markets including India, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.

Exhibitors spanned a wide spectrum of sectors — from airlines, hotels, and tourism boards to travel tech platforms, DMCs, and luxury tour operators. Notable names included:
• Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, Berjaya
a Hotels & Resorts, Sunway Group, Genting Malaysia, and Desaru Coast
• State tourism offices from Sabah, Sarawak, Penang, Langkawi, Johor, and Kedah
• Tech-driven travel service providers
• Regional tourism boards
Exhibitors benefited from over 8,000 pre-scheduled appointments, dynamic networking sessions, and access to key media and buyer groups across various segments — including leisure, MICE, eco-tourism, and high-value experiential travel.

Exhibitors & Partners
“The quality of buyers exceeded expectations. We had serious business conversations, especially around eco-luxury travel and wellness. Malaysia is gaining ground as a premium destination.” said an exhibitor.

Strategic Support from Key Sponsors and Partners
Global Travel Meet 2025 was made possible through the support of Sponsors including Malaysia Airlines,  Air Asia, Batik Air, and official partners Starbucks, Jynns Trigona, and Telekom Malaysia. These sponsors hosted high-value sessions and facilitated key discussions around seamless travel, smart tourism, and aviation growth.

Launchpad for Visit Malaysia Year 2026
Global Travel Meet 2025 saw the official industry launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which will focus on sustainability, innovation, and authentic experiences. The campaign will be supported by a new B2B partner portal, expanded airline connectivity, and co-marketing initiatives with industry partners.

Key focus areas for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 include:
• Eco-tourism and nature-based travel
• Golf tourism and sports events
• Destination weddings and honeymoons
• MICE and corporate incentives
• Cultural heritage and community tourism

Looking Ahead: Visit Malaysia 2026 and Beyond
With VM2026 on the horizon, the Global Travel Meet 2025 served as both a launchpad and a confidence booster for Malaysia’s tourism ambitions. The campaign aims to attract 47 million international visitors, but beyond numbers, it emphasizes quality, sustainability, and inclusivity.

By 2026, Malaysia envisions itself not only as a tourism destination but as a thought leader in global tourism practices, balancing growth with preservation, tradition with innovation.

Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC)
During a presentation, ITC highlighted Malaysia’s leadership in Muslim-Friendly Tourism & Hospitality (MFTH), promoted the MFAR recognition programme and consultancy services, and strengthened Malaysia’s global visibility while expanding opportunities in the growing Muslim travel market.

As Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus summarized, “Global Travel Meet 2025 is the spark that will drive Malaysia’s tourism journey forward. With sustainability, culture, and innovation at our core, we are ready to welcome the world.”

Malaysia’s Tourism Future
The Global Travel Meet 2025 reinforced Malaysia’s position as a rising force in international tourism. By creating an environment where global and local stakeholders could collaborate, share insights, and form partnerships, the event laid the foundation for sustainable growth.

With the momentum from Global Travel Meet 2025 feeding into Visit Malaysia 2026, Malaysia stands poised to emerge as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, offering not just attractions, but meaningful, memorable experiences for travelers from every corner of the globe.

All photos by Travelindex Media Group

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Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, October 3, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Hari Hong Kong is inviting up-and-coming, local artists to submit work in a competition designed to celebrate the diverse local art scene and inspire the next generation of artists.

Now in its third year, The Hari Art Prize 2026 is a collaboration between The Hari Hong Kong and the London-based art advisory, A Space For Art.

Submissions can be made until 31 December 2025. All genres and mediums of art are welcome. Winners will be announced in April 2026 with a prize ceremony at the property in Wan Chai. The winner will receive a HK$100,000 cash award, donated by Dr. Aron Harilela. The first runner-up will be awarded a One Night Corner Room stay, which includes daily breakfast and dinner for two at the hotel’s Italian restaurant Lucciola or contemporary Japanese restaurant Zoku. The second runner-up will receive a One Night Corner Room stay, with daily breakfast and a delightful set lunch for two at Lucciola or Zoku.

The selected works will be exhibited at The Hari Hong Kong, while the shortlisted artists will also have their art displayed on a dedicated page at The Hari Art Prize website, where viewers can learn more about each artist and their creative process.

This year the judging panel of industry experts includes Dr. Aron Harilela, the Chairman and CEO of Harilela Hotels, Charlie Smedley, Founder and Director of A Space For Art, Wendy Xu, Managing Director Asia for White Cube gallery, Frankie Ho, Asia retail director of TASCHEN, Amanda Hon, Managing Director of Ben Brown Fine Arts and Anqi Li, an independent curator.

Now in its third year, The Hari Art Prize has been gaining momentum since its launch in 2023. Last year almost 600 Hong Kong-based artists submitted works, more than double the number of entrants in the inaugural year. Last year’s winner was Chan Ka Kiu, who won the coveted first prize for her video installation “Tickle Tickle”.

Art has long been in the DNA of The Hari brand and is one of the core pillars of The Hari Hong Kong. The art collection at The Hari Hong Kong is curated by A Space For Art and spans a variety of mediums including installations, mixed media, surreal photographs, graphic paintings, three-dimensional images and digital film pieces.

“Art has been part of The Hari Hong Kong’s ethos since its inception,” said Dr. Aron Harilela. “Through The Hari Art Prize we can further give back to our local art scene and bring into the limelight the rich talent and creativity of our emerging Hong Kong artists.”

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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 2, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / After an 18-year hiatus, Global Travel Meet 2025 officially opened in Kuala Lumpur, positioning Malaysia back at the heart of global tourism networking. The long-awaited event, organized by Tourism Malaysia, drew over 600 qualified buyers, 400 travel trade sellers, and 100 international media delegates from more than 45 countries — making it one of the most significant tourism B2B gatherings in Southeast Asia this year.

Opening the event, Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, underscored the strategic importance of the Global Travel Meet as a platform for industry reconnection, market recalibration, and brand revitalization.

“The last time we hosted this event was in 2007. Today, we return not just to participate in the conversation — but to lead it,” said Akbar Khan. “This is a space to build sustainable partnerships and unlock new opportunities.”

Diverse Global Participation

The event featured a diverse exhibitor lineup that included national tourism boards, airlines, hotel groups, DMCs, tech providers, and regional attractions. Key exhibitors included Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, Genting Group, Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, Sunway Group, and state-level tourism bodies from Sabah, Sarawak, Penang, Langkawi, and Johor.

International tourism boards from Indonesia, Thailand, India, Korea, and the Philippines also participated, reflecting strong regional interest in two-way partnerships with Malaysia.

Leading OTA and booking platforms such as Traveloka, Trip.com, and Klook also showcased their latest solutions in AI-driven personalization, experience packaging, and seamless payments — signaling a convergence between traditional and tech-led tourism stakeholders.

Key Sponsors and Strategic Partners

The event was made possible through the support of Platinum Sponsors including Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and Petronas, while Visa, Maybank, and Amadeus served as key industry partners. Tourism Malaysia’s overseas offices in India, China, and the UK played a pivotal role in curating top buyers from priority markets.

Exhibitors benefited from pre-scheduled business appointments, hosted networking lunches, and destination site visits — reinforcing the B2B value proposition of the event.

Focus on Data-Driven and Sustainable Growth

Akbar Khan emphasized that the Meet serves as more than a sales platform — it’s also a listening post for industry feedback, which will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of Malaysia’s tourism growth. “We’re adjusting our products based on what our trade partners are telling us. Global Travel Meet is the starting point,” he noted.

The strong response comes at a time when Malaysia is experiencing a post-pandemic boom, with 38 million visitors in 2024, and 24.5 million already recorded by July 2025. This momentum feeds directly into the planning and positioning of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which aims to attract 47 million visitors under a unified message of sustainability, innovation, and authenticity.

For buyers, especially those from long-haul markets like Europe, Australia, and the Middle East, the event offered a chance to reconnect with Malaysian products that have evolved significantly — from niche offerings in golf and wellness tourism, to high-end destination weddings, and eco-cultural circuits in Borneo.

“There’s real energy on the floor,” said a buyer from France. “Malaysia is back with a more diversified, higher-value product. It’s the right time to reintroduce it to our market.”

As the show continues over the next two days, more than 8,000 scheduled appointments and dozens of networking activations are expected to drive meaningful commercial outcomes — making Global Travel Meet 2025 not just a comeback, but a catalyst.

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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 3, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Highrise Pvt Ltd, a leading event management company from the Maldives is proud to announce its official partnership with Travelindex Media Group, a prominent global digital media company focused on travel, tourism, and hospitality. This partnership will promote two of the Maldives’ most anticipated events Food & Beverage Show and Vacations Expo with a focus on attracting new products and businesses to the vibrant Maldivian market. The partnership was made in the Global Travel Meet Malaysia 2025 event.

The Food & Beverage Show 2026 is set to take place in the Maldives just ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, positioning it as one of the best local culinary events in the region. The event will bring together food and beverage industry leaders, chefs, restaurants and suppliers to showcase the latest trends, innovations and products in the culinary world.

In addition, the Vacations Expo 2026 will be held as a premier inbound and outbound travel exhibition, aiming to promote both the Maldives as a prime vacation destination and foster international tourism business. This exhibition will be an ideal platform for travel agencies, resorts, and tour operators to connect with visitors and potential clients.

Highrise will act as the liaison for interested businesses in Thailand, helping them access new opportunities in the Maldives market. Travelindex Media Group, leveraging its global reach and digital expertise, will assist in driving awareness and generating excitement around these events exhibitions.

Key Aspects:
* Promotion: Travelindex will activate targeted marketing campaigns in to attract new products, services, and participants to the Maldives Food & Beverage Show and Vacations Expo.
* Industry Exposure: Connecting businesses with new markets in the Maldives, creating a gateway for growth in both the food and beverage sector and the tourism industry.
* Networking Opportunities: Facilitating collaboration between exhibitors and local Maldivian businesses, fostering partnerships and driving crossborder investment.

“We are excited to partner with Travelindex Media Group to bring the Food & Beverage Show and Vacations Expo to life,” said Ms. Mariyam Maaisha, Director Sales & Marketing of Highrise Pvt Ltd. “This collaboration will play a vital role in expanding international visibility and presence in the Maldives’ booming culinary and tourism markets.”

Mr. Bernard A. Metzger, Founder of Travelindex Media Group, stated “The Maldives offers a unique and growing market for both the food & beverage and tourism industries. It is aligned with our plans to promote the Maldives as a gastronomy destination with a TOP25 Restaurants Maldives Guide, fully integrated into our strategy to elevate the Maldives into a premier gastronomy destination. Our partnership with Highrise Pvt Ltd will ensure that global and regional businesses have the opportunity to participate and benefit from these impactful exhibitions and events.”

Thai businesses interested in participating in the above events can reach out directly to the Highrise team at sales@highriseint.com for more information.

Event Details:
* Food & Beverage Show 2026: A culinary Maldives exhibition ahead of Ramadan.
* Date: 28-31 January 2026
* Location: Central Park, Hulhumale, Maldives

* Vacations Expo 2026: An inbound and outbound travel exhibition in the Maldives.
* Date: 9-11 April 2026
* Location: Central Park, Hulhumale, Maldives

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Singapore, Singapore, October 3, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / This year, travelers are increasingly planning detours along their journeys, discovering less crowded, unique experiences that provide a welcoming sense of place. With 18 distinct brands that cater to every type of traveler, and more than 4,300 hotels in 100+ countries, BWH Hotels, the global hospitality enterprise comprised of WorldHotels, Best Western^® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay^® Hotels, is inviting travelers to explore its world-class resorts and hotels with six “Detour Destinations.” This curated portfolio of unique properties, including immersive locations across Asia Pacific, aligns with the growing desire of discerning travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path escapes.

While travelers continue to venture to popular destinations worldwide, they are also looking to add stops along the way to explore lesser-known locations that offer a fresh perspective and new experiences. Recent data shows that 63% of travelers will likely explore a detour destination on their next getaway. Whether it’s an inspiring escape from Vietnam’s beautiful beaches or an intriguing urban retreat in Singapore’s culture-rich districts, BWH Hotels offers more than a place to sleep; it delivers authentic locations that provide opportunities to recharge and explore.

Goodwood Park Hotel, WorldHotels Elite

Singapore is one of the world’s most famous metropolises, with an array of iconic landmarks and world-class attractions. Guests who step off the tourist trail can uncover a wealth of cultural wonders, such as colorful shophouses, hawker markets street art and more. Curious explorers can take the MRT to vibrant districts, including Chinese, Indian and Arabian quarters, to soak up the buzzing street life.

Design Detour: This elegant heritage hotel dates from 1900 and its interior design has been faithfully restored to capture the colonial elegance of Singapore’s past.

Ambassador Hotel Hsinchu, WorldHotels Elite

Known as “Taiwan’s Silicon Valley,” Hsinchu is a dynamic city that makes a great alternative to the busy streets of Taipei. Explore Hsinchu Chenghuang Temple, which dates from 1747, and stay until sunset for the night market, where foodies can discover local delicacies like Hsinchu meatballs.

Delectable Detour: Perched on the 12^th floor, A Shabu is the city’s top shabu-shabu hotpot restaurant which specializes in imported Japanese beef.

Best Western Wellington

While Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, it retains a laid-back vibe and feels a million miles away from the busy streets of Auckland. This makes it a great place for leisurely exploration, with many attractions in the compact city center. Hannah’s Laneway is the place to grab light bites and meet friendly locals, Lambton Quay is superb for shopping and the Wellington Cable Car promises panoramic views.

Self-Drive Detour: Travelers exploring New Zealand by car will appreciate the hotel’s EV car charging station and spacious apartments with kitchenettes for short or extended escapes.

SureStay by Best Western Vientiane

Southeast Asia’s dynamic capital cities attract millions of visitors each year, but for urban explorers who want to experience a more traditional way of life, the Lao capital of Vientiane offers a sense of laid-back charm. Nestled on the Mekong River, this captivating city has a wealth of cultural attractions, such as the golden Pha That Luang temple and exquisite Wat Sisaket, with its 10,000 Buddhist statues. 

Dusk Detour: As the sun sets, travelers can head up to the Tipsy Elephant Rooftop Bar for cool drinks and stunning views of the cityscape and Mekong riverside.

Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang

The seaside city of Nha Trang may seem like a modern resort destination with high-rise hotels and state-of-the-art attractions, but its roots run much deeper – all the way back to the ancient Champa Kingdom. Guests who want to take a break from the beach can explore the region’s rich history at Po Nagar, a magnificent mountaintop temple which dates back almost 1,300 years.

Driving Detour: Vietnam is a great golfing destination, and guests can practice their driving, chipping and putting skills with the hotel’s state-of-the-art 3D golf simulator.

Best Western Plus Hotel Subic

Just a 2.5 hour drive from Manila, Subic Bay lets city dwellers enjoy some rest and relaxation by the sea with its soft sandy beaches. It is also an exceptional diving destination, with several shipwrecks that teem with marine life. Nature lovers who want a break from the beach can head 20 minutes inland to Pamulaklakin Nature Park, a lush forest with wildlife trails and indigenous villages.

Indigenous Detour: The elevated pool deck and bar at the newly-renovated Best Western Plus Hotel Subic is the perfect place to sip cocktails and soak up the sunset.

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