wttc2

Gyeongju, Korea (ROK), May 14, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TOP25 Restaurants, an artificial intelligence-powered travel ranking system that provides travel guidance on a variety of attractions.

Signed by Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of PATA, and Bernard Metzger, Founder and Chairman of TOP25 Restaurants, the agreement was witnessed by over 300 travel and tourism professionals at the PATA Annual Summit 2026.

Following the signing, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “We believe that when travellers have access to clear, reliable, and comprehensive information, they are better equipped to make informed decisions and enjoy experiences of a higher calibre. This is why we are keen to support the work of TOP25 World, which plays an important role in enhancing visitor satisfaction.”

He added, “Additionally, I would like to sincerely thank TOP25 Restaurants for the opportunity to collaborate, and hope that this will open up new avenues for future joint projects.”

Bernard Metzger, Founder and Chairman of TOP25 Restaurants, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with PATA in advancing the role of gastronomy tourism as a strategic driver of destination attractiveness, cultural identity, and visitor engagement across the Asia Pacific region. As we look into the possibility of integrating TOP25 Restaurants Awards into PATA events, we aim to create meaningful international visibility for destinations, chefs, restaurants, and culinary ecosystems while contributing added value to the overall event experience.”

He added: “Today, destinations increasingly compete not only through heritage and attractions, but also through their culinary identity and food experiences. By recognising and promoting restaurant excellence through our internationally visible awards platforms, we help destinations strengthen their positioning as gastronomy tourism destinations and generate enhanced media, digital, and social media exposure.”

This partnership is also expected to benefit Destination Management Organisations and tourism boards across the Asia Pacific region by improving destination visibility and providing exposure for the local gastronomy and food industry.

Under the MoU, PATA and TOP25 Restaurants will collaborate on mutual event promotion and participation. In addition, each organisation will prioritise representatives from the other organisation for speaking engagements at its events, where appropriate.

Source

Gyeongju, Korea (ROK), May 14, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Filtrum Inc., a health- and sustainability-driven company focused on addressing the growing challenge of microplastic contamination in bottled water. The signing was held during the PATA Annual Summit 2026 (PAS 2026) on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing global tourism wellness and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Following the signing, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “While this partnership is cross-sectoral, both PATA and Filtrum share a common goal of improving public health and ensuring the availability of water and sanitation across the Asia Pacific.”

He noted that through this collaboration, “PATA and Filtrum aim to raise awareness, facilitate knowledge exchange, and support solutions that reduce microplastic contamination in drinking water and its impact on the well-being of travellers and communities alike. I sincerely thank Filtrum for the opportunity to collaborate on such an important cause.”

Filtrum CEO Robert Brown followed up by saying, “Every human being is going to drink water today. None of them know what’s in it. Our partnership with PATA helps Filtrum reach a global travel audience as more people become aware of microplastic exposure and its negative impact on personal health, sustainability, and guest wellness. For many travellers, bottled water has become the default — not because it is ideal, but because it is convenient. Filtrum is built to give people more choice, knowledge, and transparency in how they drink water on the go, while helping hospitality brands deliver a higher standard of service and care.”

The partnership also aligns with recent movements taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address microplastic contamination in drinking water, underscoring the growing focus on the issue and its implications for public health. While this particular effort focuses on the US, it inspired PATA to recognise the true importance of supporting missions like that of Filtrum, which promote access to safe drinking water cleaned of microplastics for all.

As outlined in the agreement, areas of cooperation include research and knowledge exchange, advocacy efforts, and marketing efforts. The MoU establishes a foundation for ongoing cooperation, with both parties expressing the intention to pursue joint initiatives in the future.

Source

Gyeongju, Korea (ROK), May 14, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the China Chamber of Tourism (CCT) announce a new strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration is a step towards strengthened tourism-related cooperation between China and the Asia Pacific region.

The MoU was signed by PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid and CCT Secretary-General Guoliang Wu on May 13, and witnessed by PATA Chair Henry Oh and CCT Chairman Ji Xiaodong, during the PATA Annual Summit 2026 (PAS 2026). It establishes a framework of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two organisations with a focus on key areas including sustainable tourism development, rural revitalisation, and global marketing initiatives.

“This partnership reflects the growing connection we have with the China Chamber of Tourism and the destination’s tourism community,” said Noor following the signing. “China has been part of our journey since the early years of the Association, so it is especially meaningful to formalise this partnership during our 75th anniversary. I extend my gratitude to our new partner, the China Chamber of Tourism, and I look forward to working closely with them on new projects and initiatives in the future.”

Mr. Ji Xiaodong, Chairman of China Chamber of Tourism, stated, “It is our great honor to formally establish a strategic partnership with the Pacific Asia Travel Association on the occasion of PATA’s 75th anniversary. China and the Asia-Pacific region enjoy close tourism exchanges and broad prospects. Focusing on sustainable tourism, rural revitalization and global marketing, the two sides will deepen exchanges and cooperation, share development experience, jointly promote the high-quality and sustainable development of tourism in China and the Asia-Pacific region, and inject new impetus into the prosperity of global tourism industry.”

Under the agreement, PATA and CCT will collaborate on a range of initiatives, including the co-organisation of events, development of training programmes, joint marketing and promotional activities, and the publication of industry reports for global audiences. The partnership will also facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices between the two organisations.

A notable aspect of the collaboration is its extension to the PATA Gold Awards. CCT has expressed its support in promoting the awards within China’s private tourism sector and in recommending outstanding enterprises and projects for consideration.

Through this partnership, both organisations reaffirm their shared commitment to fostering a more connected, resilient, and collaborative travel and tourism industry across China and the wider Asia Pacific region.

Source

Gyeongju, Korea (ROK), May 13, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The PATA Annual Summit 2026 (PAS 2026), organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), convened over 550 delegates from over 35 destinations—China, India, Maldives, Hong Kong SAR, and UAE—at Lahan Hotel, Pohang, and HICO, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

During the press conference, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “As an Association, our focus remains clear: to deliver value to our members through knowledge-sharing, practical insights, and meaningful connections. This is reflected not only in our discussions, but also in the way we design our programmes—ensuring they are relevant, actionable, and forward-looking. The future of tourism will depend not only on technology and infrastructure, but on people—on how we attract, train, and empower the next generation of industry talent.”

He added, “I would like to thank our delegates, partners, speakers, youth and student participants, local industry professionals, volunteers, and members of the media for contributing to the energy and success of this Summit, and for being part of this journey.”

Held under the theme “Navigating Towards a Resilient Future“, the Summit has brought together more than 60 speakers, moderators, and panellists from leading organisations in both public and private sectors, such as UN Tourism, Azerbaijan Tourism Board, Guam Visitors Bureau, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Plaza Premium Group, Amadeus, and AirAsia MOVE, to name a few.

Highlights from the main conference include:

• Sustainable Tourism Governance in a Post-APEC Landscape
• Digital Tourism at a Crossroads: Platforms, Data and Destination Resilience
• Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Global Trends Shaping Travel and Tourism
• The Next Chapter of Destination Marketing: Trends Shaping the Road Ahead
• Strategic Opportunities for Travel & Tourism in an Ever-changing World

Across the three-day programme, the event encompasses PATA Youth Symposium, Industry and Education Roundtables, Executive Board and Board Meetings, the Annual General Meeting, Policy Forum, conference plenaries, breakout salons, and immersive Destination Experiences across Gyeongju and Pohang.

From Vision to Legacy: PATA at 75
“Seventy-five years ago, in 1951, PATA was founded with a bold vision for tourism in Asia Pacific,” said Hamid in his conference opening remarks. “That vision helped shape an organisation that would grow alongside one of the most dynamic tourism regions in the world.”

As 2026 marks PATA’s 75th Anniversary, the Summit programme proudly features commemorative activities celebrating the Association’s legacy in Asia Pacific tourism. Delegates are encouraged to engage with interactive historical exhibitions and participate in games highlighting key milestones, achievements, and defining moments throughout PATA’s journey.

Additionally, PATA recognised long-standing members with the Long-standing Member Awards and commemorative certificates in appreciation of their enduring support and relationship with the Association.

Other Event Highlights Include

Strengthening Connections and Leadership in Asia Pacific Tourism
On May 11 and the morning of May 12, PATA convened a series of leadership discussions and stakeholder dialogues, including the Industry Roundtable, Education Roundtable, and PATA Policy Forum, creating opportunities for tourism leaders, educators, and industry partners to exchange perspectives on the future of the visitor economy across the Asia Pacific region.

These sessions took place alongside key governance meetings, including the Executive Board Meeting, Board Meeting, and Annual General Meeting, where PATA leadership and those in attendance discussed the priorities and initiatives influencing PATA’s strategic direction.

Unveiling of PATA Small Garden May 12
On the second day of the event, the PATA Small Garden—a monument commemorating the hosting of the 75th PATA Annual Summit in Gyeongju in 2026—was unveiled at the Bomun Tourist Complex Watermill Garden.

PAS 2026 Gala Dinner May 12
The PAS 2026 Gala Dinner was held at Expo Grand Park, a cultural theme park and landmark in Gyeongju known for its iconic Gyeongju Tower. The evening also featured K-Culture experiences and an outdoor fashion show.

VIPs who attended the Gala Dinner include:

• DaeHyun Kim, Vice Minister, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST)
• SungHyeuck PARK, President, Korea Tourism Organization (KTO)
• MyuongSuk Hwang, Acting Governor, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• HyukJun Choi, Acting Mayor, Gyeongju City
• Sang Gil Jang, Acting Mayor, Pohang City
• NamIl Kim, CEO/President, Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization

The Launching of the PATA Microcredentials Course on May 13
PATA unveiled the Micro-Credentials Programme, offering accessible, expert-led learning pathways in areas such as digital transformation, sustainability, and emerging technologies. The programme aims to equip tourism professionals with the capabilities needed to lead in an increasingly complex and fast-changing environment.

The Summit was co-hosted by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Gyeongsangbuk-do Province; the cities of Gyeongju and Pohang; and Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization.

Supporting organisations include Supporting Airline, Korean Air; Policy Forum Sponsor, MMGY Global; Breakout Session Sponsor, School of Hotel and Tourism Management and Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Private Lunch Sponsor, Booking[dot]com; Official Online Hotel Booking, HotelPlanner; Event Tech Partners, Cvent and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); Youth Sponsor, PATA Thailand Chapter; and Premier Media Partner, BBC Studios.

Source

Gyeongju, Korea (ROK), May 12, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce that Henry Oh, Chairman, Global Tours Ltd. has been elected as the Chair of the Association, following ratification at the PATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, May 12.

Following his appointment as PATA Chair, Oh said, “I am honoured to be elected by members of the PATA Board of Directors to take on this role. As the new Chair, I am committed to strengthening collaboration within the Association, while building partnerships across the industry, so that PATA continues to serve as a guiding force for our members and network.”

Alongside Oh, Ben Montgomery, Corporate Ambassador of Centara Hotels & Resorts, was appointed the new Vice Chair.

Moreover, four new members of the Executive Board were ratified during the AGM. This includes Jackson Pek, Chief Corporate & Legal Affairs Officer, Amadeus; Maria Paz Alberto, President, Ark Travel Express, Inc.; Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Director-General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA); and Shuichi Kameyama, Chief Consultant, JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co. They will join Dr Sharzede Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board, who will remain a member of the PATA Executive Board.

Henry Oh is Chairman of Global Tour, Ltd., Korea (ROK)’s first private travel agency and one of the earliest Asian members of PATA. His strategic direction has earned the company both national and international recognition, including the Korean Government’s ‘20 Million Dollar Award’ and the ‘Tourism Pioneer Award’ from ITB Berlin.

Moreover, Oh has contributed significantly to advancing tourism development and international partnerships for Korea (ROK). He has built enduring collaborations with the Korean Olympic Committee and national sports federations, served on the International Relations Committee for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, and held a leadership role in Skål International Korea.

Currently, he is the Immediate Past Chairman of the Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA).

Ben Montgomery, the new Vice Chair of the Association, represents Centara in various industry councils and associations. She currently serves as Vice President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), a Board Member of the ASEAN Hotel & Restaurant Association, and represents Centara at the Joint Public & Private Working Committee to develop workforce capacity for Thailand’s hotel and tourism industry.

Moreover, she is also part of a working group of the Thailand Creative Tourism Think Tank and a Board Member of Burapa University’s Faculty of Tourism and Management. In the past, she contributed to the Thailand Research Fund under the Tourism and Hospitality Management Program (2014–2019), where she evaluated research proposals as part of an expert panel.

Before joining Centara, Ben once served as the Regional Director – Greater Mekong and Director of Chapter Development at PATA Headquarters.

Source

Bali, Indonesia, May 12, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / ONO Hotels & Resorts Asia has signed a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with PT Nelayan Development SPV for SONO Felice Bali Canggu, a 90-room upper upscale lifestyle hotel set to open in July 2028. The signing marks another strategic step in SONO’s expansion across Indonesia, reinforcing its focus on high-potential destinations in Southeast Asia.

Located on Jalan Nelayan, just minutes from Batu Bolong Beach, the hotel sits in the heart of Canggu—one of Bali’s most sought-after lifestyle destinations, known for its surf culture, creative energy, and vibrant dining scene.

SONO Felice Bali Canggu is envisioned as a modern residential-hospitality hybrid, designed to cater to both short-term and extended stays. The concept reflects growing demand for flexible, design-led accommodation, appealing to digital nomads and a new generation of global travellers.

SONO Felice is a premium lifestyle brand offering residential-style stays defined by elegance, comfort, and a refined way of life. Marking its first entry into Bali, the brand brings a distinctive approach to one of Asia’s most dynamic lifestyle destinations.

Jihong An, Senior Vice President – Asia of SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia, said, “Our expansion strategy is grounded in long-term fundamentals and strong destination potential. Canggu represents one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in the region, and this hotel reflects our focus on aligning product, location, and partner vision to deliver sustainable performance.”

The project will feature four architecturally distinct buildings inspired by Water, Fire, Air, and Earth, creating a strong design identity. Guests can expect ocean views, rooftop dining, and personalized services including private butler offerings.

“Canggu continues to evolve as one of Bali’s most desirable destinations. With SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia, we have a partner who understands how to translate this into a distinctive hospitality concept,” commented Ahti Khiili, President Director of PT Nelayan Development SPV.

Reflecting the shift towards more flexible and lifestyle-led travel, SONO Felice Bali Canggu is designed to offer a seamless balance between design, comfort, and connection to the destination.

Evan Burns, Area Vice President – Indonesia of SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia, added, “This project is designed for how people travel today; flexible, design-focused, and connected to the destination, while staying true to the energy of Canggu.”

With its prime location and clear positioning, SONO Felice Bali Canggu is set to become a strong addition to Bali’s upper upscale hospitality segment.

Source

Gyeongju, Korea (ROK), May 12, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) honours five distinguished leaders in the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry with the Awards of Merit, Life Membership, and the Chairman’s Award.

The award ceremony was held on Monday, May 11, during the PATA Executive Board & Board Member and PATA Awards Presentation Dinner, at Lahan Hotel in Pohang, Korea (ROK).

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid congratulated the recipients of the awards and the new Life Members, stating, “I would like to congratulate all the recipients and express how proud we are of their immense contributions to PATA and the wider tourism industry. Each of these changemakers has helped shape the Association through their leadership, integrity, and commitment to advancing our community, playing an important role in PATA’s continued growth and relevance today.”

PATA Life Membership was granted to SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications Private Limited, and Suman Pandey, Group Chairman, Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure. As the Association’s highest individual honour, the award serves to recognise individuals for their leadership and dedication to PATA.

A two-term Member of the Executive Board and a dedicated PATA board member for over 18 years, SanJeet has played key roles across various PATA committees and leadership positions, including with the PATA India Chapter. He was an instrumental force in bringing PATA Travel Mart, one of Asia Pacific’s longest-standing region-wide travel trade exhibitions, to New Delhi, India, in 2023.

As the Director of DDP Publications—a steadfast advocate and long-standing member of PATA for over 25 years, having joined the Association in 1999—Mr SanJeet oversees the publication of ten travel industry magazines, including two based in Dubai. He is a founder of the India Travel Awards, India Cargo Awards, and the Arabian Travel Awards, which recognise and encourage notable achievements of stakeholders within the travel industry.

Pandey is one of Nepal’s leading tourism entrepreneurs, with more than three decades of leadership across adventure travel, aviation, hospitality, and tourism policy. He currently serves as Chairman of the Explore Himalaya Group, and has held several influential roles, including President of the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal and PATA Nepal Chapter, Board Member of the Nepal Tourism Board, and General Secretary of the Airlines Operators Association of Nepal.

In 2009, he pioneered skydiving in Nepal, having coordinated the historic World’s Highest Cabinet Meeting at Kalapathar. He later led the launch of Nepal’s first Himalayan Travel Mart and International Bloggers Conference in 2017, and played a key role in hosting the PATA Annual Summit 2023. Moreover, Pandey also drives grassroots change through initiatives such as ‘Development through Tourism’, ‘Each One Teach One’, and the ‘Nuwakot Green Initiative’.

The Association was honoured to present Ben Montgomery, Corporate Ambassador, Centara Hotels & Resorts, and Judy Torres, Deputy Managing Director, Marianas Visitors Authority, with the PATA Awards of Merit for their consistent contributions to PATA and the PATA chapter network over the years.

Beyond strengthening relations between Centara and the owners of Centara-managed hotels and representing the brand in various industry councils and associations, Montgomery currently serves as Vice President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), a Board Member of the ASEAN Hotel & Restaurant Association, and represents Centara at the Joint Public & Private Working Committee to develop workforce capacity for Thailand’s hotel and tourism industry.

She is also part of a working group of the Thailand Creative Tourism Think Tank and a Board Member of Burapa University’s Faculty of Tourism and Management. In the past, she contributed to the Thailand Research Fund under the Tourism and Hospitality Management Program (2014–2019), where she evaluated research proposals as part of an expert panel.

Torres is the Deputy Managing Director of the Marianas Visitors Authority with over 30 years of experience in tourism administration, destination marketing, research management, and public relations in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. She has played a key leadership role in tourism development, industry recovery initiatives, airline and stakeholder relations, grants management, and strategic marketing efforts for the Marianas.

Torres has also represented the Marianas through various leadership positions within the Pacific Asia Travel Association Micronesia Chapter and currently represents the agency as a board member of the Northern Mariana Islands Museum of History and Culture. She continues to support sustainable tourism growth and community-focused destination development throughout the region.

Kornchalee Tantimongkonsakul, Corporate Affairs, PATA, was presented with the PATA Chairman’s Award in recognition of the exceptional behind-the-scenes support she has provided to the Chair during his tenure, as well as her commitment, professionalism, and dedicated service to the Association.

Having served as part of the PATA Secretariat for many years, Tantimongkonsakul has contributed to a wide range of activities related to supporting PATA leadership, governance matters, executive coordination, and member engagement initiatives. Furthermore, she has worked closely across Secretariat functions to support the Association’s ongoing operations and coordination efforts.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, May 10, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / High above Bangkok’s rooftops, where the city skyline meets an endless open sky, The Dome at lebua announces the launch of its spring tasting menus across three of its most celebrated restaurants: Mezzaluna by lebua, Chef’s Table by lebua, and Sirocco by lebua. Each kitchen has curated an entirely new dining experience, drawing from the finest ingredients of spring, a celebration of nature’s renewal expressed through world-class culinary artistry.

Spring, with its abundance of tender asparagus, delicate florals, fresh seafood, and the earth’s first green harvest, has long been a muse for great chefs. At The Dome at lebua, this season becomes an occasion to go further, weaving seasonal produce into menus that are at once poetic and precise, elevated and personal.

Throughout the spring season, each restaurant presents a specially curated tasting menu, capturing the craftsmanship and culinary philosophy that define lebua Bangkok’s approach to fine dining.

Mezzaluna by lebua
At Mezzaluna, two-MICHELIN-starred Chef Ryuki Kawasaki presents a deeply personal interpretation of spring, a dialogue between French elegance and Japanese refinement, built upon the season’s most prized ingredients. His new Chef’s Tasting menu is an ode to the ephemeral: the delicate bitterness of spring vegetables, the oceanic sweetness of freshly sourced seafood, and the warmth of ingredients that speak of coastal Japan and the French countryside.

7 Course Tasting Menu THB 8,000++
9 Course Tasting Menu THB 9,600++

Chef’s Table by lebua
Chef’s Table by lebua is one of Bangkok’s most coveted dining addresses, an intimate, immersive experience where every detail is deliberate, and every course tells a story. This spring, Chef Vincent Thierry channels the season’s emotional clarity into a menu of striking contrasts and exquisite harmony: the richness of heritage proteins, the brightness of spring vegetables, and the precision of classic French technique, reimagined.

5 Course Creation Menu THB 6,800++
5 Glasses Wine Pairing THB 5,800++
7 Course Signature Menu THB 9,200++
7 Glasses Wine Pairing THB 8,800++

Sirocco by lebua
Perched on the 64th floor of State Tower, Sirocco is Bangkok’s most iconic open-air restaurant and the world’s most awarded alfresco dining destination. This spring, the kitchen brings the freshness of the season to its signature Mediterranean canvas, with a menu celebrating the sea, the orchard, and the garden, each dish a tribute to the lightness and abundance of spring.

Chef’s Tasting Menu THB 6,500++
Wine Pairing THB 5,200++

Source

Quebec, Canada, May 10, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Leading senior Canadian travel operator Approach Tours has unveiled its highly anticipated new cruise portfolio, marking the company’s expansion into ocean expedition and river cruising. Its distinctive small-group, radically all-inclusive model has been designed to meet growing demand for more immersive and seamless travel experiences.

The new cruise collection builds on the operator’s award-winning land-based expertise, combining curated cruise itineraries with integrated pre- and post-cruise land experiences. This hybrid structure creates a fully connected journey, blending the depth of land touring with the ease of cruising, while streamlining the entire end-to-end customer journey.

Styled as “cruising reimagined”,  the portfolio has consciously avoided traditional large-ship formats, focusing instead on smaller groups, deeper destination engagement, and complete pricing transparency. All itineraries operate on a charter basis, giving the operator full control over the guest experience. 

Approach Tours is launching with three signature cruise itineraries across Amazon & Ecuador, France & The Rhône and Costa Rica & Galápagos Islands. Further global destinations, including multi-river journeys along the Rhine, Main, and Danube, the Scottish Highlands and Antarctica, are set to be introduced in the coming months. The tours will be sold directly to customers, following Approach Tours’ existing direct-to-consumer model.

The ‘Untamed Amazon and Equador’ cruise features a 7-day land tour exploring the natural beauty of Ecuador before spending 7 days cruising the Napo River in the Amazon Jungle. Travellers will spend longer in the Amazon than most products on the market. By choosing the Napo River, a tributary of the Amazon River, travellers will be cruising the most biodiverse region of the Amazon, an area no other tour operator in Canada is offering.

The ‘Savoury France & The Rhône’ cruise features a 7-day sailing of the Rhône focused on its greatest foodie experiences, and a pre and post tour in Lyon and Nice to let travellers continue to explore and really soak in the region. Currently, no cruise operator sailing on the Rhône offers included stays in Lyon and Nice with an itinerary designed to continue the experience from the cruise. By deliberately travelling one way, this cruise ensures that travellers don’t see the same sights on their return journey. 

The ‘Costa Rica & Galápagos Islands’ cruise begins with 7 unforgettable days exploring the jungles, mountains, and farms of Costa Rica, before setting sail for 7 days in the Galápagos Islands. No company on the market is offering a package complete with both Costa Rica & the Galápagos Islands in one adventure. These two destinations combined offer a chance to see more animal life over two weeks than nearly any other tour in the world.

The travel industry is a crowded space, but Approach Tours has a clear differentiator: its “radically all-inclusive” approach. Packages include international and domestic flights, transfers, excursions, meals and free-flowing alcoholic beverages, gratuities, port fees, and onboard Wi-Fi, alongside guaranteed land tour extensions. 

Experiences are delivered in small groups of approximately 40 travellers, each supported by a dedicated “Group Guru” and local expert team, ensuring a high-touch, personalized experience throughout.

Further enhancing the offering, Approach Tours provides a fully integrated, door-to-door service, including private home-to-airport transfers and flights, creating a seamless journey from start to finish.

Commenting on the launch, Daniel Fequet, Founder of Approach Tours, said:

“For too long, travellers have had to choose between convenience and meaningful experiences. Our new cruise portfolio brings those together – combining small groups, deeper destination access, and a radically all-inclusive model that removes the friction from travel. We’ve also shaped these itineraries based on direct feedback from our customers about where they want to travel next, so we’re excited to now bring these destinations to market.”

Bookings are now open for the Untamed Amazon and Equador, Savoury France & The Rhône, and Costa Rica & Galápagos Islands cruises, which are due to commence in early 2027.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, May 9, 2026 / TRAVELINEEX / Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, Thailand’s first and Asia Pacific’s largest Moxy hotel, introduces a new collection of social event experiences at Sato San Rooftop Bar, designed for local guests seeking a vibrant and stylish setting for celebrations and private gatherings.

Located on the 32nd floor, Sato San Rooftop Bar brings together panoramic Bangkok skyline views with a distinctive culinary concept inspired by Thai–Isaan flavours and Japanese finesse. The newly introduced offerings cater to a variety of occasions, including birthdays, small private parties, corporate gatherings, and special moments, delivering a seamless rooftop experience in the heart of Ratchaprasong.

Guests can select from three curated event packages, each designed to suit different social styles. Packages start from THB 1,020++ per person for a drinks-focused experience, including a selection of signature beverages and a one-hour free-flow offering. For a more elevated gathering, the THB 1,530++ per person package includes beverages and shared bar-style bites, along with reserved seating for added comfort.

For celebratory occasions, a full-experience package is available at THB 1,700++ per person, featuring curated food platters, signature drinks, and special touches such as celebratory elements and enhanced beverage selections, ideal for birthdays and milestone moments.

Each package is designed with flexibility in mind, including reserved areas, basic decorative support, and optional enhancements such as curated playlists, welcome drinks, and brand collaborations, allowing guests to tailor their experience to suit the occasion.

With a minimum of 6 guests per booking, these experiences are ideal for intimate gatherings, reflecting Moxy’s signature spirit—social, stylish, and effortlessly fun—set against Bangkok’s skyline from sunset into the night.

Perched on the 32nd floor of Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, Sato San Rooftop Bar offers a distinctive rooftop experience where Thai–Isaan boldness meets Japanese finesse, creating a flavour profile that is both rooted and refined. Framed by panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline, the space blends an energetic indoor lounge with an open-air terrace, transitioning seamlessly from golden hour into late-night social moments.

Further elevating its appeal, Sato San Rooftop Bar has been recognised at the International Architecture & Design Awards (IADA) 2026, receiving an Honourable Mention in the Interior category—an accolade that reflects its distinctive design and experience-led rooftop concept, with the project submitted by renowned design firm dwp | design worldwide partnership.

With its focus on thoughtful flavour pairings, vibrant atmosphere, and a design that captures the rhythm of the city, Sato San stands out as a social rooftop destination that is both elevated and effortlessly approachable.

Reservations are required at least three days in advance. These packages are curated specifically for the local market in Thailand, offering a fresh and dynamic rooftop option for social occasions in Bangkok.

Source