Global Travel News

Sepang, Malaysia, December 01, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / In line with the urgent Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by certification authorities requiring airlines to roll back the software on the Airbus A320 Family, AirAsia Aviation Group (AirAsia) will implement the mandated changes beginning today, 29 November 2025. This directive does not impact its A330 fleet.

In compliance with the AD, AirAsia is prioritising the timely implementation of the rollback and will adjust flight operations accordingly. According to media reports citing Airbus sources, around 6000 aircraft could be impacted globally across the industry.

AirAsia will reach out to directly notify guests on affected flights and service recovery options. Guests are also encouraged to stay updated on their flights via the AirAsia MOVE app, the AskBo chatbot, and their registered email for the latest information.

Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group said: “We are taking immediate steps to comply with the Airworthiness Directive and aim to complete the process within the next 48 hours, while ensuring minimal disruption to our guests. We seek our guests’ understanding, as these mandated measures are essential in upholding the highest standards of operational safety. We would also like to thank our engineering teams, who began the process immediately and are working around the clock to complete the required actions.”

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Bangkok, Thailand, December 01, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF), the leading gathering of the world’s most adventurous and accomplished travelers, is excited to announce Roberto Helou, known online as Explorob, as a featured speaker for ETF III, scheduled for October 22–25, 2026 in Bangkok.

Roberto Helou is a French-Lebanese cyclist, filmmaker, and environmental activist with a massive and engaged following (380K+ on Instagram as @explorob). His journey is defined by epic overland adventures, sustainability, and storytelling. After leaving his studies in environmental engineering and audiovisual communication, Helou dedicated himself to exploring the world, founding Plastic Free Lebanon to fight plastic pollution while embracing zero-waste and ecological travel.

One of his most remarkable undertakings: cycling from Cairo to Cape Town, capturing raw and human stories across Africa, highlighting issues of culture, sustainability, and shared humanity. This expedition became the foundation for his YouTube mini-series and Instagram storytelling, bringing light to environmental and social realities often unseen.

“Roberto Helou embodies sustainable exploration and creative courage,” said ETF co-founder Ric Gazarian. “He teaches us that travel is not just about distance, but about connection—with people, landscapes, and the planet itself.”

At ETF III, Helou will share insights drawn from his life on the road, including:

• Long-distance overland cycling strategies
• Capturing travel stories through film and photography
• Environmental activism and sustainable travel
• Building human connections across diverse communities
• The mental and physical discipline required for epic journeys

The festival will bring together hundreds of elite travelers—country collectors, adventurers, explorers, and storytellers from around the globe. Among its 20+ speakers, ETF III will spotlight individuals pushing the boundaries of what travel means in a deeply connected world.

“Our vision for ETF is to inspire a community rooted in curiosity, creativity, and purpose,” Gazarian adds. “Roberto’s approach to travel — methodical, artistic, and environmentally aware — is an ideal example of what it means to live adventurously and responsibly.”

ETF III will feature keynote talks, breakout sessions, film screenings, cultural events, and social gatherings, culminating in a gala dinner. Previous editions of the festival have drawn front-page attention from major media outlets including the Wall Street Journal and the Australian Financial Review.

Ticket Information

Tickets for ETF III are on sale now:
extraordinarytravelfest.com/tickets/
Use code BANGKOK for a special discounted rate.

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Dalat, Vietnam, November 29, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, expands its portfolio in Vietnam with the opening of Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat, a brand-new upscale hotel that puts guests in the heart of an enchanting destination known as the “City of a Thousand Flowers.”

Nestled in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Da Lat is an oasis of cultural charm and natural beauty, with a refreshingly cool climate and a wealth of attractions for all travelers. Commanding a prime location close to the city center, Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat is within walking distance of Da Lat Market, Xuan Huong Lake and Con Ga Church, and surrounded by casual cafés and scenic photo spots.

The 91-key hotel was designed to meet the needs of both leisure and business travelers, featuring contemporary rooms and suites – including connecting options for families – with panoramic views of the city or mountains. Throughout their stay, visitors can swim in the year-round heated pool, work out at the fitness center, or feel rejuvenated at the spa, while children can enjoy fun activities at the kids’ club. Culinary options include authentic Vietnamese and Western cuisine at the all-day dining venue, an elegant Japanese restaurant, a stylish lobby lounge, vibrant beer garden and sophisticated cigar lounge.

Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat is also a hub for meetings and events, with a grand ballroom and several smaller function spaces providing intuitive options for every occasion, from executive meetings and training sessions to gala dinners and one-of-a-kind weddings.

“As Vietnam is one of the key markets for BWH Hotels, we are excited to introduce guests to this exceptional new property in Da Lat. With its fresh air, breathtaking scenery, lush floral landscapes and a wide range of attractions—from historic palaces and pagodas to golf courses and organic farms—this is the perfect place to unwind, create memorable experiences, or make a lasting impression. We look forward to supporting the growth of tourism in the City of a Thousand Flowers” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

With the opening of Best Western Premier Imperial Dalat, BWH Hotels now offers five hotels and resorts across Vietnam, spanning destinations including Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang, with many more in the pipeline.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 28, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / These were shocking, yet incredible and overwhelming news that caught with us today. INDDEE garnered Two Michelin Stars in today’s (November 27, 2025) prestigious Michelin Guide Thailand 2026 Award Ceremony. This recognition comes only two years after we opened our doors and marks a milestone we never imagined reaching this quickly.

Joining the very few two-star restaurants in the city is both an honour and a responsibility. We now stand among the kitchens described as “excellent cooking, worth a detour”. This second star, also makes INDDEE the second Indian restaurant in Thailand to hold this distinction and the 4th in the world.

“It still feels unreal. To grow from our first star to two stars in such a short time… we are grateful, humbled and very overwhelmed. This win is for our loyal guests, patient suppliers, our powerful team of unique individuals, ownership without whom we would not be here today, and everyone who believed in what INDDEE could become.” ––Chef Sachin on receiving the 2026 Two MICHELIN Stars for INDDEE

This ninth edition of the MICHELIN Guide Thailand also marks the 125th anniversary of the Guide, reinforcing its role as one of the world’s most respected authorities in dining.

A Vision of Changes

This past year brought a lot of change to INDDEE. New ideas, dishes, ingredients, pairings, a more refined experience. Your support gave us the confidence to keep evolving and to hold ourselves to higher standards every day.

This second star is a moment of celebration, but also a promise. As Chef Sachin said earlier today, “Let’s celebrate today, think big and start fresh tomorrow.” – and we can’t agree more. We’d love to welcome you back to INDDEE. Our creatively simple journey keeps moving, keeps improving and stays true to its promise of continuous enhancement. And we’ve got plenty of things brewing for you already up our sleeve for 2026!

A warm thank you to you – our loyal guests, our suppliers and everyone who has supported us from the beginning. We would also like to recognise the team members who pushed tirelessly behind the scenes: Thanakorn Bottorff, Matylda Grzelak (Maddy), João Pereira, Ravi Sharma, Jalam Singh Rana, Buhngar Pradabyart (Lah), and Rajesh Kewalramani, whose vision has been central to this project.

The complete listing of the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026, including INDDEE’s recognition, can be found on the official MICHELIN Guide website and mobile app.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands, November 28, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / ICCA and Destination Canada have unveiled The State of Sustainability in Associations Report, revealing that while global associations increasingly value sustainability, many still struggle to turn commitment into measurable action.

According to the study, 66% of international associations now rate sustainability as very or extremely important, up from 60% in 2023, but consistent implementation remains elusive. Nearly a quarter (24%) still do not calculate their carbon footprint, and 19% outsource measurement rather than building internal expertise.

The report also highlights a “cost paradox”: 63% cite cost as the top barrier to sustainable event planning, yet 46% are willing to pay 5–24% more for sustainable options—suggesting perception, not price, is the true obstacle.

Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “Our industry has moved beyond debating whether sustainability matters. The challenge now is transforming aspiration into accountability. This report provides the insight and evidence our community needs to act with purpose and precision.”

Virginie De Visscher, Executive Director, Business Events of Destination Canada, said: “At Destination Canada, we are committed to building a more sustainable business events industry—in Canada and around the world. We’re proud to partner with ICCA on this report, and we hope it empowers associations and destinations alike to turn their sustainability goals into lasting impact.”

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 28, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is partnering with Content With Purpose (CWP) to produce Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose – an inspiring new digital series celebrating how tourism across the Asia Pacific region can drive a more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Tourism is one of the world’s most powerful forces for connection – linking people, economies, and cultures across an extraordinary diversity of places. Throughout the Asia Pacific region, tourism supports livelihoods, strengthens communities, and fuels innovation across industries. Yet as the sector evolves, its true value extends far beyond visitor arrivals and receipts. Reflecting on PATA’s renewed mission and holistic vision, Tourism with Purpose will explore tourism’s wider impact on people and places, on well-being and the environment, and on the many sectors it touches beyond the visitor economy.

As travel across the region continues to grow, the need for a sustainable and resilient approach has never been greater. Through destination stewardship, skills development, and cross-sector collaboration, tourism can ensure that growth is inclusive and that its benefits are shared widely to create opportunity and prosperity for all.

Launching in the year of PATA’s 75th anniversary, Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose will showcase the stories, innovations, and partnerships leading this transformation. Through short form films, expert interviews, and character-led storytelling, the series will highlight pioneering initiatives in sustainable tourism, climate action, community empowerment, and regional connectivity – revealing how purpose-driven tourism can uplift both societies and ecosystems.

Aligned with PATA’s commitment to be a catalyst for meaningful impact, Tourism with Purpose will amplify diverse voices from across the Asia Pacific and share a distinctly regional perspective with the world, celebrating the power of tourism to connect, protect, and inspire.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “Tourism acts as a bridge between cultures, communities, and economies. Through Tourism with Purpose, we want to highlight how our region is leading the way toward a more responsible and resilient tourism future. This series will showcase the people and partnerships driving that change, demonstrating how purposeful travel can create lasting benefits for our environment, our societies, and generations to come. We also extend our appreciation to Content With Purpose for their help in bringing these previously untold stories to life.”

Max Smith, Founder and Managing Director of Content With Purpose, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with PATA to create a series that celebrates the transformative potential of tourism. The series is an opportunity to celebrate the vision and leadership across the Asia-Pacific, and to show how tourism, when guided by purpose and collaboration, can strengthen communities, protect the planet, and inspire a more connected world.”

The series will launch with a preview screening at the PATA Annual Summit 2026, to be organised from May 11 – 13 in Gyeongju and Pohang, Korea (ROK). The screening will be followed by a full series launch at the PATA Travel Mart 2026, in Sarawak, Malaysia, from August 18 – 20. An extensive digital campaign will then extend its reach across PATA’s network and beyond—engaging policymakers, businesses, NGOs, academia, travellers, and the public in driving collective action toward a more inclusive, resilient, and purpose-driven future for tourism.

Organisations within the tourism industry—both public and private—interested in contributing to the series are encouraged to contact Sophie Newboult, Series Development Manager at CWP, to learn more.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 27, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Park Hyatt Bangkok is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Alessio Banchero as the new Chef de Cuisine at Embassy Room La Marina, the hotel’s Coastal Italian restaurant. Hailing from Genoa, Italy, Chef Alessio brings over two decades of culinary expertise to elevate the dining experience at Embassy Room La Marina, which now unveils a new culinary concept celebrating the vibrant flavors of Coastal Italy alongside beloved everyday Italian favorites.

Growing up in the coastal city of Genoa, Chef Alessio’s passion for food was sparked not only in his aunt’s restaurant kitchen, but also by the nearby harbor where he spent hours observing fishermen at work. Fascinated by their daily catches, he was curious about the variety of fresh seafood they brought in. These early experiences shaped his deep appreciation for authentic, ingredient-driven cuisine, particularly the sun-kissed flavors of Coastal Italian cooking. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute Nino Bergese in Genoa, he has honed his craft across the globe, from standalone restaurants like Zeffirino and Ristorante Il Veliero in Genoa to acclaimed establishments in the United States, Thailand, India and Mauritius.

While renowned for his mastery of coastal Italian flavors, Chef Alessio specializes in Italian classics as a whole, bringing a deep appreciation for traditional recipes across Italy’s rich culinary heritage. His signature dish, Spaghetti alle vongole e bottarga, spaghetti with clams, “bottarga” cured mullet roe, candied lemon zest, reflects his hometown’s flavors. Another guest favorite is the Casoncelli di Gamberi e Salsa alle Zucchine, delicately stuffed with prawns and served with zucchini sauce, burrata, peas, and Mazara del Vallo red prawns, a dish that truly delights prawn lovers. Last but certainly not least, he proudly presents the Tagliatelle al ragù di costine; handcut tagliatelle, Wagyu beef shortribs ragout, and apecorino.

“I am thrilled to join Park Hyatt Bangkok and immerse myself in this incredible city’s culinary scene,” said Chef Alessio. “Working alongside the talented team, I’m eager to create unforgettable dining experiences with dishes that resonate with Thai diners’ love for bold, fresh flavors.”

Located on the 9th floor of Park Hyatt Bangkok, Embassy Room La Marina offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere inspired by the warmth of Italian dining traditions and the charm of fisherman villages. Experience Chef Alessio’s authentic dishes, where the flavors of Italy’s coastal regions are complemented by comforting, everyday Italian favorites, inviting everyone to share and cherish.

Embassy Room La Marina focuses on capturing the essence of Italy’s coastal regions with a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The culinary philosophy is inspired by marinas of fisherman villages and provincial fresh produce markets, where the freshest ingredients of the day are celebrated and enjoyed for their exceptional quality. The team works in unity to deliver a warm and gracious authentic experience unique to Embassy Room La Marina.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 27, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The 2025 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event, themed “Coastal Tourism: Symbiosis and Development of Nature and Culture,” will be held in Sanya, Hainan from November 18 to 20, 2025. Tourism professionals from around the world, officials of international organisations, and guests from Chinese cities will convene in Sanya, collaboratively envisioning and shaping the future of tourist cities worldwide through an innovative experiential exchange model. The event is organised by the Sanya Tourism Board and supported by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

This event aims to establish an open and credible international exchange platform by moving beyond traditional conference modes and promoting deep, immersive engagement through global experience ambassadors. Three curated experience routes, tailored to guests’ professional backgrounds and interests, will guide the delegates in groups to representative sites, including Wuzhizhou Island Ecological Conservation Area, Yalong Bay Golf Club, Binglanggu Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park, Sanya International Friendship Sanatorium of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the duty-free complex. These visits will allow the guests to witness firsthand Sanya’s achievements in ecological conservation and tourism integration, the upgrading of high-end tourism services, and the continuity and innovation of ethnic cultural heritage. Through immersive exploration and in-depth dialogue, the delegates are expected to gain insights and co-create new ideas for the future of coastal tourism.

During the visits, each route will feature interactive sharing sessions and experience exchange salons. Global experts in sustainable tourism, cultural and tourism officials from tropical coastal cities, and representatives from local enterprises will be invited to discuss key topics such as “Ecological Restoration and Sustainable Tourism,” “Innovations in High-End Tourism Experience,” and “Modern Fusion of Indigenous Cultures.” Through case sharing and in-depth discussions, the delegates will collaborate to develop and refine practical development strategies. They will not only observe Sanya’s cultural and tourism initiatives but also contribute to shaping the future of global coastal tourism—their international experience and insights will bring diverse perspectives to support the high-quality development of Sanya and other coastal cities worldwide.

“PATA is delighted to partner with the Sanya Tourism Board on this thematic B2B special project that reflects the essence of collaboration, sustainability, and innovation,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “By connecting global experience ambassadors and fostering dialogue among coastal destinations, this event represents the shared vision of building a responsible and resilient future for coastal tourism, one that balances the needs of nature, culture, and communities.”

The event has drawn extensive international interest, with over 200 delegates expected to participate from 27 countries and regions. More than 50% of the participants will be international delegates, including officials from the tourism authorities of over 37 renowned tourist cities and major source markets overseas, as well as leaders of prominent cultural and tourism enterprises, and industry experts and scholars. National delegates will include cultural and tourism officials from cities such as Beijing, Xiamen, Dalian, and Chongqing, along with heads of China offices of relevant international organisations and representatives of Sanya’s local cultural and tourism enterprises.

As a major gateway for cultural and tourism exchange of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the event will leverage site visits and exchanges to comprehensively showcase Sanya’s achievements in ecological conservation, leisure tourism, and cultural continuity. It will also serve as a practical platform for Chinese coastal cities to share development experience and foster cooperation opportunities with the international community. The event will offer an invaluable exchange opportunity for international tourism experts to deepen interaction between the Chinese and foreign tourism sectors. Additionally, it is expected to promote coordinated ecological, cultural, and economic development among tropical coastal cities worldwide, injecting new momentum into the innovative, high-quality development of coastal tourism destinations.

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Madrid, Spain, November 27, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / G20 Leaders have recognized the contribution of tourism to shared prosperity and sustainability at the first Summit held in Africa under the Presidency of South Africa.

The G20 South Africa Summit: Leaders’ Declaration includes an important set of commitments to advance tourism as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable development with a focus on:
– Promoting innovation and Investment
– Enhancing air connectivity, market access and new routes
– Supporting the digitalization of tourism start-ups and MSMEs
– Unlocking financing for sustainable tourism
– Creating opportunities for youth, women, people in vulnerable situations, local communities and Indigenous Peoples
– Developing inclusive and sustainable tourism practices
– Mobilizing public-private capital for sustainability alignment investment, and
– Integrating tourism in national development strategies

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The G20 economies represent around 70% of international tourism, and so this clear recognition of our sector’s importance to shared prosperity and sustainability is hugely welcome. We are particularly encouraged to see G20 Leaders intent to work on more and better connectivity between destinations, accelerating innovation and the shift to digital, ensuring the sector leaves no one behind and placing tourism in national development strategies. Great strides were made by South Africa’s G20 Presidency. I would like to congratulate HE President Cyril Ramaphosa for an outstanding Presidency, the first in Africa, and Minister Patricia DeLille for her leadership in the tourism track.”

In the Declaration, G20 Leaders highlight their “strong support for tourism innovation and investment, enhancing air connectivity, expanding market access, opening more routes, promoting sustainability, aviation safety and security while ensuring fair competition and policy coordination, facilitating people-to-people contacts and developing inclusive, sustainable tourism practices, as well as advancing digital innovation to enhance travel and tourism start-ups and MSMEs.“

G20 Leaders further commit to work to “promote and expand opportunities for youth, women, people in vulnerable situations, local communities and Indigenous Peoples, as appropriate, with a practical and evidence-based approach.”

They “emphasize the importance of integrating tourism into national development strategies and the need to unlock financing for sustainable tourism. We call for the mobilization of public-private capital through transparent, predictable, and sustainability-aligned investment environments.

UN Tourism as South Africa G20 Presidency Knowledge Partner

UN Tourism is honored to have worked with the South African G20 Presidency as a Knowledge Partner and contributed to the discussions at the Tourism Working Group and the Tourism Ministers Meeting held last September.

Last September, Tourism Ministers gathered in Mpumalanga committed to advancing policies that foster a sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism sector, namely in terms of:
– Digital innovation to enhance travel and tourism start-ups and MSME
– Tourism financing and investment to enhance equality and promote sustainable development
– Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel
– Enhancing resilience for inclusive, sustainable tourism development

The G20 represents around 70% of all international tourist arrivals and exports from tourism.

Tourism accounts for 3.1% of the total GDP of the G20, 5% of all exports, and 21% of all service exports.

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Sydney, Australia, November 27, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism has presented Professor Larry Dwyer with the prestigious Ulysses Prize in recognition of his commitment to using knowledge to guide action and creating lasting, positive change. The prize was awarded during a special ceremony at the University of Technology Sydney, where he serves as Professor and Adjunct Fellow.

The UN Ulysses Prize is UN Tourism’s highest academic honor. It recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the creation and dissemination of knowledge in tourism. In this case, Professor Dwyer has been recognized for his career-long achievements in the field of tourism economics and policy, destination competitiveness and sustainable tourism development, as well as his commitment to sharing knowledge outside of the sector itself.

Receiving the award, Professor Dwyer observed that, while the wellbeing outcomes of industrial development are being emphasized by social scientists, tourism analysis and policy continues to focus more narrowly on the economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism development. The Ulysses Prize Laureate also emphasized that “tourism policies and programs should look beyond narrow, efficiency-driven economic indicators, to employ wellbeing measures to better gauge progress in tourism sustainable development.”

Academia Joins UN Tourism in Recognizing Excellence

The Award was presented at a ceremony attended by academic staff from the University of Technology Sydney and other universities, as well as by policymakers and industry stakeholders both from across Australia and Sydney.

Professor Andrew Parfitt, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Technology Sydney said: “Through his research, Larry has embodied the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – showing how evidence-based research can promote inclusive and sustainable growth. This recognition also shines a light on Australia’s leadership in tourism research, and on the important role of universities in addressing global challenges.”

Professor Dwyer’s focus on the wider social and economic impacts of the sector reflects UN Tourism’s mission and key priorities.

UN Tourism Director of External Relations, Beka Jakeli, highlighted the global challenges facing the sector, including climate change as an existential threat, political unrest, macroeconomic fluctuations, and rapid shifts in supplier operations and consumer behaviour. “It is time to rethink traditional partnerships and build an effective and innovative Public–Private–Academia partnership model to guide evidence-based decision-making grounded in research findings for the long-term sustainability and resilience of the tourism sector,” he said.

Recognizing Leadership and Exploration

With 17 editions celebrated to date, the Ulysses Award symbolizes intellectual exploration and leadership, as exemplified by the legendary traveler it is named after. Recipients are typically distinguished scholars, whose work bridges theory and practice, influencing policy, governance, and industry strategies globally.

The prize aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, reinforcing tourism’s role as a force for positive change.

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