Global Travel News

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.

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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.

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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.

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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++

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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.

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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.

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London, United Kingdom, May 9, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / UK based tour operator Africa Collection is delighted to announce the launch of its brand-new Guided Journeys brochure – an exciting and comprehensive showcase of touring experiences across Africa and the Indian Ocean.

With over 25 years of expertise, Africa Collection has built a reputation as a leading specialist across South Africa, Southern Africa, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean islands.

The newly released 80-page brochure features an extensive range of predominantly small group tours, including adventure itineraries across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, and Angola. Travellers can also discover multi-centre journeys that seamlessly combine two or more countries, offering exciting and more immersive African experiences. Each itinerary has been carefully curated to highlight the very best of these iconic destinations.

For those looking for a more luxurious mode of travel, the brochure also showcases exceptional rail journeys through some of Africa’s most scenic landscapes. Routes span South Africa and further into Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Angola, through some of Africa’s most scenic landscapes.

Routes span South Africa and further into Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Angola.

Cruise enthusiasts are equally well catered for, with a selection of unforgettable river, lake and ocean experiences. Guests can enjoy tranquil wildlife encounters on 2-5 night houseboat cruises along the Chobe River and Lake Kariba or embark on boutique Indian Ocean voyages cruising the breathtaking Seychelles, with itineraries ranging from 3 to 7 nights, and extended journeys incorporating Kenya, Tanzania, or Madagascar.

This new Guided Journeys brochure is an inspiring resource for travellers seeking expertly designed tours, combining Africa Collection’s deep destination knowledge with exceptional attention to detail.

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Miri, Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia, May 8, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Mark your calendars! Miri is set to take center stage on the culinary landscape this June as host of the 3^rd edition of World National Tapas and World Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition, Festival & Seminar 2026, a vibrant culinary celebration bringing together Michelin-starred chefs, tastemakers, and food lovers from across the globe.

Known for its rich cultural diversity and proximity to Borneo’s natural treasures, Miri provides the perfect backdrop for an event that blends tradition, innovation, and sustainability through the art of tapas. The culinary showcase returns to Borneo promising a dynamic showcase of small plates that tell big stories—each dish reflecting the heritage, creativity, and evolving techniques of its creator. Attendees can expect an exciting mix of flavours and fun, with the insightful masterclasses and trade exhibitions and Tapas festival culminating in the World National Tapas and World Asia Tapas competitions.  From classic interpretations rooted in Spanish culinary tradition to bold, modern twists infused with regional influences from Southeast Asia and beyond, look forward to a flavourful fiesta this 18 – 21 June, 2026. The 3^rd Edition of this event is organised by ETHOS CONNECT International Consulting SDN BHD and Sarawak International Technical and Vocational Education Association, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak and Tourism Malaysia in cooperation with Valladolid City Council of Spain.

A key highlight will be its distinguished panel of jurors, featuring globally recognized culinary experts and industry leaders such as Jasbir Kaur, Head Juror of Asia Tapas Championship hailing from New Zealand, Abang Abdul Rahman Bin, Alex Ting, Billy Lee, Su Kim Hock, Johnson Wong, Lee Zhe Xi, YC Chong, Leslie Teong, Jason Manson, Danny Ho and Pieter Fitz-Dreyer will be among those lending their expertise, ensuring that each creation is evaluated with both precision and passion. Additional VIP guests, including the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts and the Mayor of Valladolid City Council, are expected to attend, adding prestige and global attention to the celebration. Regional and Bornean participation will be a defining feature of this year’s gathering. 30 Malaysia nationals and 25 Southeast Asian chefs, and even more culinary-based businesses from across Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak, and other neighboring countries will bring their unique identities and products to the table, highlighting Southeast Asia’s growing influence in the global food scene and encouraging cultural exchange through cuisine.

Want to see how your local contestants will reinvent traditional ingredients like gula apong, dabai, terung Dayak, sago, pandan, or mambangan? Innovation and sustainability stand at the heart of the World National Tapas Event. Participating chefs are encouraged to prioritize locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, showcasing Borneo’s rich biodiversity. From sustainably caught seafood to indigenous herbs and organic produce, the emphasis is on responsible sourcing and respecting local ingredients – showing culinary excellence and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Beyond the competition, the event will include live demonstrations, interactive workshops, and networking sessions, offering attendees an immersive gastronomic experience. Whether you are a culinary professional or an enthusiastic foodie, the World National & World Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition, Festival and Seminar 2026 in Miri happening this June promises inspiration, innovation, and unforgettable flavors.

CEO WELCOME MESSAGE
by
Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor
Chief Executive Officer
Sarawak Tourism Board

On behalf of the Sarawak Tourism Board, I am pleased to warmly welcome all chefs, exhibitors, organisers, partners, gastronomy professionals and delegates to Sarawak for the World Asia Tapas Trade Exhibition & Seminar 2026. We are honoured to host this international gastronomy platform, bringing together culinary experts, hospitality professionals and industry stakeholders from across Asia and beyond.

We are especially delighted that the event is being held in Miri, widely recognised as the northern gateway to Sarawak. From here, visitors have access to some of the region’s most remarkable natural and cultural destinations, including Sarawak’s twin UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park — which showcase the depth of the region’s heritage.

Organised under the theme “Asia on a Plate,” the event celebrates the diversity of Asian gastronomy by bringing together flavours, ingredients and culinary traditions from across the continent. It highlights how food serves as a cultural bridge, enabling chefs and culinary professionals to exchange ideas, showcase their heritage and connect through the universal language of cuisine. Through its exhibitions, seminars, masterclasses and competitions, the event creates a valuable platform for collaboration and cross-cultural exchange.

Sarawak offers a distinctive setting for this celebration of food. Home to 34 ethnic communities, the state’s culinary identity is shaped by a rich blend of indigenous knowledge, local ingredients and traditions that have evolved across generations.

This continues to define Sarawak’s food culture today, with our capital city, Kuching, recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to preserving culinary traditions while positioning gastronomy as an integral part of our tourism and cultural identity.

As you take part in this event, I encourage you to explore Sarawak beyond the programme — discover our culinary traditions, experience the richness of our cultures, and immerse yourself in the natural heritage that defines this remarkable region.

I wish you a productive and inspiring event, and a memorable stay in Sarawak, the Gateway to Borneo — where gastronomy, culture, biodiversity and heritage come together.

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Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana, May 7, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Botswana is largely known for its famous Okavango Delta. But the Northern Tuli in its far eastern corner AKA the “Land of Giants” offers a completely unique experience that truly has to be experienced … and right now is the perfect time to visit!

In the words of owner, Stephen Lansdown CBE, “You haven’t been to Botswana unless you’ve been to Mashatu”.

From May through to October, Mashatu Game Reserve enters its shoulder and peak season. Tucked into a wedge of pristine wilderness where Botswana‘s borders meet South Africa to the south and Zimbabwe to the east, Mashatu is a place that will truly touch your soul.

At this time of year, the bush vegetation thins, water becomes scarce, and wildlife reveals itself with remarkable ease. Sightings are more apparent and intimate as elephants gather in vast numbers at waterholes, predators move with intent, and the landscape opens up in a way that draws you deeper into it.

Mornings begin crisp, with a cup of coffee in hand (perhaps a ‘bush coffee’ with a warming touch of Amarula) as the first light breaks across the reserve. By afternoon, game drives unfold against golden, dust-soft horizons. And as evening settles, the experience slows—fires are lit, stories shared, and the glow of the boma becomes the centre of it all.

Slow Safaris – Stay Longer, Experience More

Spanning 42,000 hectares (104,000 acres), Mashatu’s varied landscapes—from towering baobabs and expansive riverbeds to rugged sandstone outcrops—offer a distinctly different experience depending on where you stay. This flexibility allows for a seamless, multi-layered safari without the need to move beyond the reserve.

To fully appreciate the scale and diversity of Mashatu, a slower, more considered stay is encouraged – and rewarded.

• Stay 5 nights and save 10%
• Stay 7 nights and save 15%

Available across all lodges and exclusive-use safari homes, guests are invited to combine stays within the reserve: Euphorbia Mashatu, Kolokolo Safari Home, Mashatu Lodge, Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu, Mashatu Tent Camp, Shalimpo Safari Camp.

It is a way of travelling that prioritises depth over distance—where the experience unfolds naturally, and unrushed.

The Matebole Hide: An Unrivalled Perspective

A defining highlight during the shoulder and peak season is the recently enhanced Matebole Hide, now featuring a newly designed entrance.

Set at ground level and overlooking a well-frequented waterhole, the hide offers a rare, eye-level encounter where wildlife comes to you. Elephants pass within metres, birdlife gathers in striking numbers, and the boundary between observer and wild quietly disappears.

Operating exclusively during this time of year, it remains one of Mashatu’s most compelling additional experiences—immersive, unobtrusive, and unforgettable.

Effortless travel Access to the Wild

Despite its remote setting, Mashatu is easily reached.

Guests can fly directly from Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg to Limpopo Valley Airfield — Mashatu’s private international airport, in approx. 1.5 hours.

Alternatively, a scenic self-drive or road transfer from Johannesburg (approximately six hours) leads to Pont Drift Border, where a crossing over the Limpopo River delivers you straight into the reserve.

Limpopo Valley Air Access (previously Mashatu Connect) utilises Pambele Aviation as its preferred aviation service provider, offering seamless connectivity to and between locations within the Kaelo Destinations collection, as well as across the wider Southern African region. The fleet consists of a portfolio of three aircraft – the King Air 360, the King Air B200 and the Cessna Caravan – owned by Steve and Maggie Lansdown, reflecting a long-term commitment to safety and excellence in private aviation.

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Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit invites guests to enjoy this month’s featured creation, “Crispy Crab Bean Curd Rolls,” perfect for pairing with your favourite beverages.

Thoughtfully crafted for both texture and flavour, these delicate rolls feature a savoury blend of seasoned minced pork and generous lumps of crab meat, wrapped in silky bean curd skin. Each piece is carefully deep-fried to a golden crisp, offering a satisfying contrast to the rich and succulent filling inside.

Paired with a sweet and sour black vinegar dip, the dish delivers a bright, tangy lift that cuts through the richness, enhancing the natural sweetness of the crab while adding a refined complexity to every bite.

Elegant yet comforting, this dish is designed to complement an evening of cocktails and city views — a perfect balance of crisp texture, nuanced flavour, and understated luxury.

THB 390++ per dish

Available from now until 30 June 2026

Enjoy 20% off when paired with the Beverages of the Month

Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar
Level 34, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
Open: 5:00 pm – midnight
Happy Hour: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

For more information or reservations, please contact us at 02 090 7888

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