Global Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, July 10, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Plate Restaurant at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit presents its latest Plate of the Month, Massaman Beef Cheek Curry, a comforting Thai classic renowned for its aromatic spices and deep, complex flavours.

Widely regarded as one of Thailand’s most celebrated curry dishes, Massaman curry combines fragrant spices, coconut milk and traditional seasonings to create its distinctive character. This signature dish features tender beef cheek, slow-braised until melt-in-the-mouth tender and simmered in a flavourful Massaman curry sauce.

Served with Dauphinoise potatoes, the dish offers a harmonious balance of savoury richness, subtle sweetness and gentle warmth, creating a satisfying dining experience that showcases the timeless appeal of Thai cuisine. It is the perfect choice for lunch or dinner.

Available at Plate Restaurant from 1 July to 31 August 2026.

THB 530++ per dish

Enjoy 20% savings when paired with our Beverage of the Month.

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

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Danang, Vietnam, July 8, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Vietnam Golf Coast clubs are gearing up for one of their strongest seasons yet as Danang enjoys record tourism growth and prepares to welcome even more international visitors in the months ahead.

The city welcomed a record 7.74 million overnight visitors during the first five months of 2026, a 20.9% increase year on year. International arrivals climbed 23.6% to 4.18 million, while domestic visitors rose 17.9% to 3.55 million.

The recent rollout of Vietnam’s digital arrival card in Da Nang is expected to build further on that momentum by making travel to Central Vietnam even more seamless for overseas visitors.

For golfers, the timing could hardly be better.

Few destinations in Asia combine such a concentration of championship golf with beaches, luxury resorts, UNESCO World Heritage sites and an acclaimed culinary scene. Within a little more than an hour’s drive, visitors can play courses designed by Colin Montgomerie, Luke Donald, Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Jr. As the region enters its peak playing season, Vietnam Golf Coast clubs are unveiling major tournaments, enhanced playing experiences and compelling seasonal offers designed to build on growing international demand.

At Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Night Golf continues to gain popularity, giving golfers the chance to experience the Luke Donald-designed championship course under floodlights every Wednesday and Friday. Available over both 09 and 18 holes, the experience combines cooler evening conditions with a post-round food and beverage offering.

The course has also returned to peak condition following its annual coring and summer maintenance programme, setting the stage for the busiest months of the golfing calendar. Attention is now turning to the prestigious IMG Trophy Tournament 2026 in September, when 132 golfers will compete in one of the club’s flagship annual events.

“Our course has recovered exceptionally well and is in outstanding condition heading into our busiest period of the year,” said Andrew McGregor, General Manager of Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “Night Golf has become one of our defining experiences, while the IMG Trophy Tournament 2026 showcases the quality of golf and hospitality that golfers can expect when they visit Central Vietnam.”

Meanwhile, Montgomerie Links Golf Club will host its 16th Club Championships on 22 August 2026, bringing together members and guests for one of the highlights of the club’s annual calendar.

Beyond celebrating the spirit of golf, the Club Championships also reflect Montgomerie Links’ ongoing commitment to the community through its Green Hope CSR projects. This year, the tournament will raise funds to support underprivileged students in Da Nang, helping them pursue their educational dreams.

“Our Club Championships have become about much more than competition,” said Le Vo Hoang Van, Club Manager of Montgomerie Links Golf Club. “They bring golfers together, showcase everything that makes Central Vietnam such a rewarding golf destination and continue to support an initiative that is making a real difference in our local community.”

Golfers visiting during the season can also take advantage of Twilight Golf from just VND750,000, offering outstanding value on the acclaimed Colin Montgomerie-designed layout.

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Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, July 8, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Located within Mozambique’s Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary, overlooking the breathtaking Bazaruto Archipelago, Pambele Beach House is situated in one of Mozambique’s most remarkable coastal environments, and a world of extraordinary marine diversity including “Mozambique’s Marine Big 5″.

Whale watching in Mozambique: Witnessing the return of the Humpback Whale

Each year, between June and October, humpback whales migrate along the Mozambican coastline and through the waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago. August to October is considered one of the best periods for whale watching in Mozambique, offering guests the opportunity to witness these magnificent giants as they journey through the Indian Ocean.  Growing up to 16 metres in length and weighing as much as 30 tonnes, humpback whales are known for their dramatic breaches, powerful tail slaps and underwater songs.  For guests at Pambele, encountering these giants in their natural habitat is a reminder of the
incredible life that exists beyond the shoreline.

Exploring Mozambique’s Marine Big 5

• Humpback Whale
  While humpback whales are one of the seasonal highlights, the waters surrounding the Bazaruto Archipelago offer extraordinary marine encounters throughout the year.

• Whale Shark

  The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, with some individuals growing beyond 18 metres in length.  Despite their impressive size, these gentle filter feeders are completely harmless, feeding primarily on plankton as they move gracefully through tropical waters.  October to March is typically considered the best time to search for whale sharks around the
  Bazaruto Archipelago, offering an unforgettable opportunity to swim alongside one of the ocean’s most remarkable creatures.

• Manta Ray

  With wingspans reaching up to seven metres, manta rays are among the most graceful inhabitants of the Indian Ocean.  These elegant rays glide effortlessly through the water, using their distinctive cephalic lobes to feed on plankton. Unlike stingrays, manta rays do not have venomous tails, making encounters with these incredible animals a truly special experience.  Manta rays can be seen throughout the year while scuba diving in the waters surrounding the archipelago.

• Dugong

  The dugong is one of the ocean’s most elusive inhabitants. A close relative of the manatee, this gentle marine mammal is the only surviving member of the Dugongidae family and is unique as the world’s only fully herbivorous marine mammal, feeding exclusively on seagrass.  Classified as critically endangered, dugongs are incredibly rare to encounter. Seeing one in the wild is a privilege and a powerful reminder of the importance of marine conservation.

• Bottlenose Dolphin
  Dolphins are among the most familiar and captivating marine mammals.  Bottlenose dolphins can be found in the waters around Mozambique throughout the year, often delighting guests with their playful behaviour and curiosity.   Other species, including endangered humpback dolphins and spinner dolphins, can also be encountered in the region.

 A marine safari experience at Pambele

As part of the Kaelo Destinations collection, Pambele offers guests a chance to experience Mozambique’s natural beauty both above and below the water.  From snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and exploring vibrant reefs while scuba diving, to
boat excursions across the Bazaruto Archipelago, every experience reveals a different side of this extraordinary marine environment.

For guests seeking a luxury Mozambique island escape, Pambele offers more than pristine beaches. It offers a chance to connect with one of Africa’s most spectacular coastal ecosystems.  With whale watching season from August to October, now is the perfect time to plan your Mozambique escape.

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Pattaya, Thailand, July 7, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / A new sound healing experience suspended high above Pattaya’s shoreline is beckoning guests to calm the nervous system and encourage mindfulness.

Conducted at the Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s rooftop bar, the new Sound Healing Retreat combines therapeutic sound frequencies with guided relaxation techniques.

The sessions harness singing bowls, crystal bowls, gongs and other instruments to shift the mind from a heightened alert state, spurred by the busyness of everyday life, into slower, more meditative brainwave patterns. The experience supports physical and mental wellbeing by activating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system.

Private sessions are available at the hotel’s YHI Spa for individuals and couples, while larger group classes and corporate wellness experiences are also on offer for meetings, incentives and retreats.

Among the most atmospheric offerings is the hotel’s “Yoga with Sound Bath” experience held at the rooftop bar at sunrise. Combining a 45-minute yoga class with a 20-minute sound healing journey, the session unfolds as the city gradually wakes beneath the rooftop venue.

“There’s something especially powerful about experiencing sound healing above the city as the sea stretches out in front of you,” said Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s general manager Alexander Lopez. “These experiences encourage guests to come up for air and reconnect with themselves in an extraordinary setting that simultaneously feels calming and reinvigorating.”

Sound healing builds on Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s wider wellness offering at YHI Spa, which blends Asian healing traditions with contemporary wellbeing therapies. The spa menu offers an array of massages, body rituals, facials and hydrotherapy treatments using natural products and techniques designed to restore balance and relaxation.

The hotel’s regular morning yoga and Pilates classes held throughout the week offer guests gentler movement-based wellness experiences. Hosted at Yitong Sky Bar, the beginner-friendly sessions focus on flexibility, posture, core strength and mindful movement while taking in Pattaya’s morning skyline.

Sound healing sessions, yoga and Pilates classes are available by advance booking through the hotel’s spa.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the best-known international brand in the portfolio of the Meliá Hotels International company; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The brand offers exemplary meetings and events facilities in all important business cities as well as in exotic locations, catering to the ever-expanding conference and incentive travel market. As part of its innovation philosophy and new positioning, Meliá Hotels & Resorts has reinvented itself to cater to every aspect of the guests’ wellbeing. Unique experiences are created for guests and are defined by relaxation, quality time and personalised services. For a balanced lifestyle, Meliá Hotels & Resorts instinctively understands the guests’ needs and lifestyle expectations, which is an integral part of its redefined identity.

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, The Meliá Collection, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá, plus a wide portfolio of affiliated hotels under the “Affiliated by Meliá” network. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe, according to the last S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (Silver Class). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market.

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, is redefining the country’s landscape of hospitality, commercial workspaces, and iconic lifestyle destinations with its diversified portfolio, strategically located in prime areas across the nation. Committed to creating new landmark projects that not only set new benchmarks for the industry but also strengthen Thailand’s position as a global sustainable tourism destination, AWC collaborates with world-renowned partners, including Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Nobu Hospitality, Okura Hotels, Banyan Tree, Melia International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Accor, and Hyatt, to deliver unforgettable experiences. Its portfolio features flagship commercial properties such as The Empire, Athenee Tower, Asiatique The Riverfront Destination, and Phenix, along with premier F&B destinations like ‘EA’ Rooftop at The Empire, offering world-class top cuisine. AWC is committed to delivering exceptional experiences while championing sustainability in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders through initiatives under three key pillars of Better Planet, Better People, and Better Prosperity (3BETTERs), driving innovation and responsibility to inspire millions and elevate Thailand’s tourism and real estate industry to new heights.

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Bangkok, Thailand, July 07, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Central Department Store, under Central Retail, Thailand’s leading department store, and Rajadamnern Stadium, one of the country’s most treasured cultural landmarks and a revered home of Muay Thai, have joined forces on a landmark collaboration to launch the Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag at the TWO LEGENDS, THE SPIRIT OF THAILAND event. The special-edition bag reimagines Thai character in contemporary form and carries the remarkable stories of both names for shoppers and travellers around the world to experience and own, reinforcing Central Department Store’s role as a destination that connects Thai identity with world-class retail lifestyle experiences. It goes on offer from 1 July 2026.

Both names have been part of Thais: Central Department Store as the country’s foremost department store, Rajadamnern Stadium as a Muay Thai arena that draws fans from across the globe. Bringing the two together on a single bag becomes a way of retelling their stories anew, and the result is at once a keepsake, a collectible and a symbol of a major collaboration that reflects Thai pride.

Ms. Rvisra Chirathivat, Chief Marketing Officer, Central and Robinson Department Store, said, “Muay Thai is something Thailand holds dear, admired around the world as both an art form and a sport that has won hearts for generations. Central Department Store is committed to sharing the spirit of Muay Thai with the world.

Central Department Store and Rajadamnern Stadium may work in very different fields, yet each has a history of about eight decades, and each helps shape a visitor’s first impression of Thailand through experiences that capture the country’s character and charm. We share a vision of presenting Thailand to the world, drawn from the long story we have shared with Thai society and from our determination to be a destination travellers everywhere want to visit. The Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag marks another important step for Central Department Store and Rajadamnern Stadium. Together, we have taken Muay Thai, one of Thailand’s national sports, and turned it into something both practical for everyday life and a collectible that tells the story of this collaboration. It is a piece of Thailand that people can take home, and a fresh way to share the country’s character with the world.

With stores across Thailand’s major tourist cities, Central Department Store becomes another channel to bring the story of Muay Thai to customers from around the world. The choice of a fabric tote also reflects Central Department Store’s commitment to sustainability.”

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said, “TAT emphasizes that Thai tourism today is no longer just about headcounts, but about inspiring visitors and crafting experiences that make them want to return. This is achieved by leveraging cultural capital through innovation to create new forms of value. Thailand’s soft power remains at the heart of this, from Thai cuisine and Muay Thai to the products that reflect the identity of local communities, and the destinations and activities that are a Must Visit and a Must Try for travellers from around the world. The collaboration between Central Department Store and Rajadamnern Stadium is a fine example of bringing two treasured legacies together to create an experience that leaves a lasting impression and adds real value to Thai tourism. Today, every country competes for tourism, but what truly sets a destination apart is making visitors feel moved, feel at ease, and come away with something meaningful, in keeping with the spirit of Amazing Thailand, which sets out to deliver happiness through every sense, and with the ‘Healing is the New Luxury’ trend, which prizes memories and stories worth passing on over anything money alone can buy. TAT applauds Central Department Store and Rajadamnern Stadium for coming together to spark inspiration and bring Thailand’s appeal to travellers worldwide in a way that is both contemporary and unforgettable.”

Two Icons, Eight Decades of Stories
The magic of the Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag lies in a design that draws on the signatures of both worlds, retail and Muay Thai, and tells their stories on a single bag. Central Department Store revives the classic logo it used between 1947 and 1973, a nod to the store’s origins, its foundations and the journey that carried it to where it stands today, a return to the heritage and legacy passed down across nearly eight decades. Rajadamnern Stadium, in turn, brings the Yant Paed Tidt (Eight-Direction Yantra), an ancient sacred symbol believed to offer protection, courage and strength from every direction, qualities that echo the heart of Muay Thai: discipline, endurance, a resilient spirit and the will to overcome every obstacle. Revered by Thai boxers as a blessing of protection before they step into the ring, the Yantra has already captivated visitors from around the world through the Rajadamnern Immersive Muay Thai Experience, becoming one of the stadium’s most memorable signatures. Colour tells the story of both sides, too: Central Department Store’s red meets Rajadamnern Stadium’s blue, and the emblems of the two come together on a single bag to complete a design with a character all its own.

Mr. Sarun Ladawon, Chief Executive Officer of Global Sports Ventures Company and Board Director of Rajadamnern Stadium, said, “GSV is committed to developing Rajadamnern Stadium into more than a Muay Thai arena, into a place that creates economic, cultural and tourism value. This strategic collaboration is another important step in opening new opportunities and building on the long-term potential of Muay Thai.

For eight decades, Rajadamnern Stadium has stood firm as a stadium that guards the spirit of Muay Thai. Bringing the meaning of the Yant Paed Tidt, a symbol Thai boxers hold in deep reverence, onto this bag carries the values and beliefs that live with the ring out to a far wider audience through contemporary design. We have a vision to elevate Muay Thai on the global stage, and we believe Central Department Store’s customer network, especially the travellers who pass through its stores in Thailand’s key tourist cities, will help carry the story and spirit of Muay Thai to the world in new ways.”

Central Department Store and Rajadamnern Stadium are giving everyone the chance to own the Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag (priced at 990 Baht) from 1 July to 31 October 2026 (or while stocks last), through a range of convenient channels nationwide:

International travellers can receive the bag free with a qualifying purchase between 1 July and 31 October 2026 (or while stocks last):

• Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag Red version, with a purchase of 15,000 Baht or more at nine participating Central stores: CENTRAL @ centralwOrld, Central Bangrak, Central Rama 9, Central Phuket, Central Patong, CentralFestival Samui, CentralFestival Chiangmai, Central Udonthani and Central Pattaya Beach.
• Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag White version, with a purchase of 20,000 Baht or more at Central Chidlom.
• Thai customers and the general public can purchase the Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag red version for 990 Baht from 25 July 2026 at 23 participating Central stores: Central Chidlom, CENTRAL @ centralwOrld, Central Ladprao, Central Pinklao, Central Bangna, Central EastVille, Central Silom Complex, Central Rama 2, Central Rama 3, Central Chaengwattana, Central Ramindra, CentralPlaza WestGate, Central Future Park Rangsit, CENTRAL @ Megabangna, Central Nakhon Pathom, Central Fashion Island, CentralFestival Samui, Central Phuket, CentralFestival Hadyai, CentralFestival Pattaya Beach, CentralFestival Chiangmai, Central Khonkaen and Central Udonthani.
• Rajadamnern Stadium fans can own both the red and white versions at the Rajadamnern Stadium Official Store for 990 Baht from 1 July 2026.

The Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag is born of a landmark collaboration that captures Thai character in a contemporary, one-of-a-kind design. It is available at participating Central stores and Rajadamnern Stadium from 1 July to 31 October 2026 (or while stocks last).

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Bangkok, Thailand, July 07, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce that Guangzhou Chimelong Group Co., Ltd (Chimelong Group), a leading cultural tourism conglomerate providing both leisure and MICE offerings, has become the Association’s newest Preferred Partner.

“As one of Asia’s most innovative tourism enterprises, Chimelong Group has demonstrated how world-class attractions and experiences can inspire travel, create economic opportunities, and contribute to destination development,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “We are delighted to welcome them as a Preferred Partner and look forward to working closely together to strengthen responsible tourism practices within the hospitality sector.”

A representative from Chimelong Group said, “Chimelong has always remained dedicated to tourism, committed to building a world-class brand and pursuing international development. Driven by culture, technology, innovation and talent, we are confident that Chinese creativity will continue to bring new inspiration and valuable experiences to the global tourism industry.”

Under the agreement, the partnership aims to support the sustainable growth and competitiveness of the Asia Pacific visitor economy. Through mutual advocacy, industry engagement, tourism research, and the exchange of data and intelligence, the organisations are set to jointly drive initiatives that advance responsible tourism practices within the region.

The agreement also aims to reflect shared objectives between PATA and Chimelong Group, including:
– Enhancing the value and perceived value of the Asia Pacific visitor economy
– Strengthening engagement between governments and national tourism organisations
– Promoting the benefits of reliable, unique, and comprehensive tourism intelligence

By bringing together PATA’s industry expertise and expansive global network with Chimelong Group’s innovative approach to cultural tourism and hospitality, the partnership creates opportunities for future cooperation that supports the long-term growth and success of the visitor economy across Asia Pacific.

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Koh Samui, Thailand, July 07, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui is delighted to welcome Chef Day from Saffron at Banyan Tree Krabi for a special two-evening culinary takeover at RHOY RHOY! on 14–15 August 2026.

Recognised as Banyan Tree’s award-winning signature Thai restaurant, Saffron is renowned for elevating traditional Thai cuisine through refined techniques, premium ingredients, and contemporary presentation. For two exclusive evenings, Chef Day will bring Saffron’s distinctive culinary philosophy to Koh Samui, presenting an exceptional dining experience that celebrates authentic Thai flavours with an innovative twist.

Guests can savour specially curated set menus showcasing the richness and diversity of Thai cuisine, thoughtfully crafted to highlight seasonal ingredients and regional influences. The experience will be further enhanced by live music performances, creating an elegant and memorable atmosphere throughout the evening.

The dining experience will be available from 18:00 hrs onwards at RHOY RHOY! Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui.

Set Menu Pricing
3-Course Set Menu – THB 1,450 net per person

Optional Monsoon Valley Wine Pairing
Enhance your dining experience with Monsoon Valley wine pairing for an additional THB 1,000 net per person.

An à la carte menu will also be available throughout the evening.

This limited-time collaboration offers a rare opportunity to experience the celebrated flavours of Saffron in the tranquil setting of RHOY RHOY!, Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui, where authentic hospitality, wellbeing, and exceptional dining come together by the sea.

About RHOY RHOY!
RHOY RHOY! is Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui’s signature Thai restaurant. Inspired by a Southern Thai expression used to describe food that is exceptionally delicious, the restaurant celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Thailand through authentic flavours, fresh local ingredients, and warm island hospitality. Set within a tranquil open-air courtyard, RHOY RHOY! offers a memorable dining experience rooted in local culture and tradition.

About Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui
Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui is a beachfront resort nestled within a private bay on Koh Samui’s north-eastern coastline. Surrounded by 28 acres of natural landscape, the resort offers a distinctive wellbeing-focused experience, combining authentic hospitality, sustainability, and meaningful connections with nature.

Reservation Contact Details
Email: Reservations-Tongsaibay@garrya.com
Phone: +66 77 913-750
Address: 84 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320, Thailand

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Thiruvananthapuram, India, July 06, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Chief Minister Shri V D Satheesan will inaugurate the 13th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), the country’s largest tourism and hospitality sector business event, on September 24 in Kochi, Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri P.C. Vishnunadh announced at a press conference here today.

The upcoming edition of KTM assumes added significance since it is the first major tourism sector event after the new government came to power in the state.

The grand inaugural ceremony will take place at the Grand Hyatt Convention Centre in Bolgatty, while the B2B meets and other proceedings of the event will be hosted at the Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres at Willingdon Island, Kochi. The business meets of the mart will be held from September 25 to 27.

The minister said that the government is preparing a framework to implement the proposal announced in the recent state budget to grant industry status to Kerala’s tourism sector.

He said KTM can serve as a major platform to reposition and strengthen Kerala’s tourism brand in an increasingly competitive global market. “Kerala tourism competes with other countries, not with other Indian states,” he noted.

The minister also stressed the need to rebrand Kerala’s Ayurveda and wellness tourism offerings to ramp up their relevance and appeal.

Shri Vishnunadh noted that inbound tourist arrivals to Kerala have continued to grow despite the conflict in the Middle East. He highlighted a rise in visitors from Arab countries, many of whom are drawn to Kerala’s monsoon tourism experiences.

The Minister added that the Tourism Department is focused on showcasing Kerala’s core strengths, including its rich cultural heritage, performing arts and cuisine. “These are areas where Kerala enjoys a unique advantage and faces little direct competition,” he said.

All-time record in buyer registrations

With nearly three months still left for the event, KTM has already secured an all-time record of 2,360 buyer registrations. This includes 610 international buyers and 1,750 domestic buyers. Media interest for the event has also scaled up, with 117 media registrations received so far, comprising 60 international and 57 domestic media houses.

The mart will feature 366 sellers (exhibitors) along with 25 delegates across various sponsorship and government stalls.

The three-day event will encompass business meets, policy-making conventions, and focussed seminars led by national and international industry experts. The post-event tours are scheduled to take place from September 28 to October 3, organized across twelve distinct geographic tracks. A dedicated pre-mart tour program will also be conducted specifically for invited foreign and domestic journalists.

A defining feature of this edition is its complete transition into a fully digital ecosystem. All core procedures at the mart, right from user registrations to business-to-business (B2B) meetings, will be entirely digitized using brand-new software and a dedicated mobile application.

As part of introducing innovative tourism products, the Wedding and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Conclave, recently organized by KTM in partnership with the State Tourism Department, achieved massive success. The conclave concluded with major announcements, including the upcoming formation of the Kerala Convention Promotion Bureau and a dedicated sector-specific policy.

Tourism Secretary Shri K. Biju noted that KTM has the potential to expand into a global trade fair with participation from all nations. He added that such a transition will unlock massive global avenues for tour operators and tourism business enterprises based in India.

Tourism Director Smt M. Anjana said the event offers a prime opportunity for all active stakeholders in the industry to closely study the latest emerging trends in the tourism market.

The press conference was attended by Tourism Additional Director Smt Sreedhanya Suresh, KTM President Shri Jose Pradeep, Secretary Shri S. Swaminathan, former presidents Shri Baby Mathew, Shri Abraham George and Shri E.M. Najeeb, Treasurer Shri Jibran Asif, and Joint Secretary Shri Jobin Joseph.

The executive office-bearers added that active, aggressive campaigns are currently underway under the leadership of KTM to attract more foreign buyers from untapped global markets to Kerala, while simultaneously identifying fresh buyers from traditional markets to participate in the upcoming mart.

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München, Germany, July 03, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Dean, the Irish-born lifestyle hotel brand known for delivering character-driven, culture-forward properties in compelling cities, opens The Dean Munich in July 2026. Located in the vibrant Westend neighbourhood, the 281-room hotel marks the brand’s largest property to date and its second opening in Germany, following The Dean Berlin in February 2026.

The 281-guestroom property follows the building’s layered story where guests can expect an elevated amenity offering, enhanced by bespoke DS & Durga fragrances inspired by Ireland’s natural landscape. Guestrooms are intentionally paired back, featuring a soothing palette of gentle greens. Subtle Jugendstil curves and refined detailing bring warmth and tactility, while discreet touches of 1980s influence echo the livelier spirit found in the public spaces. Guests can expect considered interventions like contrasting trims, lighting, and subtle reflective surfaces within the public spaces. The Lobby has cream lacquer walls, soft upholstery and a signature symbolic eye motif nodding to post-modern mysticism. Within the rooms, smart tech, tactile detailing and considered comfort feature in all room categories, which range from Standard Rooms through to the top of the range ‘The Dean Suite’ and ‘The Penthouse Suite’ fit for a spacious stay.

Internationally recognised designer Tatjana von Stein has shaped the heart of the property in her design of the hotel’s social and gathering spaces, combining inspiration from Bavaria’s Art Nouveau heritage (Jugendstil) and the hedonistic creative energy of the 1980s, into an interior language that bridges eras. For von Stein, who grew up in Munich, the project carries personal resonance: “This is a city rooted in history but always drawn to reinvention,” says von Stein. “I wanted to capture that tension-somewhere between elegance and exuberance-and let it guide every surface, object and gesture. The design also brings to life a side of Munich only locals truly know: its rich musical and cultural spirit, quietly woven into the character of the city.”

Drawing from two pivotal moments in Munich’s cultural history, the design concept creates Jugendstil influences expressed through natural motifs, curved lines, tactile warmth and crafted detailing, and 1980s Munich nightlife references in glossy surfaces, lacquered finishes and subtly theatrical lighting. Throughout the hotel, custom furniture and lighting designed by Tatjana von Stein Studio sits alongside vintage pieces and lighting sourced from Cologne-based Studio Kuhlmann and a bespoke sound system by Friendly Pressure. The result is a hotel that is visually layered, emotionally resonant, and culturally alive.

To anchor the hotel in its location, The Dean Munich launches with a site-specific art programme titled ‘The City Beneath the City‘, curated by Christian Ganzenberg, author, curator and Director of Munich’s international art festival, Various Others. The programme reflects the hotel’s location and community. Inspired by Italo Calvino’s ‘Invisible Cities’, the collection focuses on Munich-based contemporary artists and explores the unexpected layers of a traditional art city through the lens of contemporary voices from today’s art scene. It invites guests to encounter art not only on walls, but as part of their journey through the building, from the lobby to the rooms. As part of this vision, Ganzenberg invited artists such as Ju Young Kim, whose sculptural work blends Art Nouveau elements with everyday infrastructure, and Veronika Hilger, whose paintings exist in the realm between memory and the surreal, alongside a commission by Jieun Park in the public spaces. Interactive works by Sebastian Quast surprise in their materiality in the hallways, while photographers from Der Greif Studio inhabit the guest rooms, as well as commissions by artists such as Ossian Fraser, who used material from the hotel site in the works’ creation. An intricate narrative that uncovers the imagined and remembered layers of Munich – ‘The City Beneath The City‘.

Launching exclusively at The Dean Munich, Ibasho marks the debut of the hotel’s signature restaurant, a modern Japanese dining experience shaped by seasonality, precision and playful presentation. Guests can expect a menu concepted by consultant Chef Alex Craciun, working closely alongside Ibasho’s kitchen team to bring the concept to life, drawing on Craciun’s experience across Michelin-starred kitchens in Japan as well as his partnership establishing Sosharu in London and most recently his own restaurant, Aces Food Craft.

Highlights include Craciun’s signature pressed sushi, from yellowtail with avocado and truffle to wagyu with oscietra caviar, alongside a striking sashimi composition of premium cuts. A dedicated robata section showcases expertly grilled steaks and seafood, complemented by a curated caviar offering for indulgent pairing. With a cocktail and sake selection to match, guests should begin the experience with the Seijaku Martini – a crisp blend of sake, Haku vodka and saline with pickled ginger and cucumber – designed to awaken the palate.

The Dean Munich also houses Power, The Dean’s signature fitness and wellness concept which features an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and treatment room. A premium, design-led space, Power goes beyond the traditional gym to deliver guided, music-driven group training alongside best-in-class recovery. Class formats will include high-energy MetCon sessions, as well as Restore and Flow classes focused on mobility, longevity and balance, all delivered in an immersive environment. The facilities will house industry-leading equipment, dedicated recovery zones and a thermal suite with contrast therapy.

The Dean Munich’s central location places it at the heart of the city’s cultural rhythm, moments from Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt and Munich’s historic streetscapes. From leafy river walks along the Isar to the hum of cafés, galleries and late-night bars, the neighbourhood brings the spirit of the original to a new setting, one where The Dean aims to create uncommon experiences that celebrate the city’s creativity, craftsmanship and modern energy.

Rooms at The Dean Munich will begin from €225 per night.

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Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa, July 3, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Family-owned lodge returns after a flood and intensive ten-month rebuild, with its next generation and long-serving team at the heart of the story. Jaci’s Private Lodge officially reopened on 1 July 2026 in South Africa’s malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, 16 months after severe flooding in late February 2025 forced the family-owned property to close. Once the insurance and planning processes were complete, the Van Heteren family embarked on an intensive 10-month building programme, creating a lodge designed for the decades ahead.

The official reopening follows a two-week soft launch with family, friends and travel trade partners, giving the returning team time to find its rhythm and the lodge time to settle into its new skin.

“We had planned to spend 2025 refurbishing a lodge that had grown with us over the previous 25 years. The flood was devastating, but the silver lining was the opportunity to build for the next 25 years, rather than simply refurbish the last 25.”  Jan van Heteren, Co-owner

The result is brighter, bolder and more considered, while remaining unmistakably Jaci’s: colourful, warm, deeply personal and bringing in the wilderness. The rebuild has introduced reimagined accommodation and guest spaces, but the family says the character of the lodge, and the connection between guests, team and place, was the one thing that could not change.

“Seeing guests arrive again has been incredibly rewarding. After the closure, rebuilding and reimagining, welcoming people back feels like the final step in bringing Jaci’s home again. It is a celebration not only of the new lodge, but of the people, spirit and colourful hospitality that have always been at its heart.”  Dane van Heteren, Sales & Marketing Manager

A FAMILY STORY, CARRIED FORWARD

The reopening also marks a generational shift. Jaci and Jan remain actively involved, while their sons Tristan and Dane are taking leading roles in shaping and running the lodge’s next chapter.

That story is captured in the evolved Jaci’s logo, which now features two wild dogs rather than one. Jaci jokes that the larger dog represents the parents: still present, still involved and occasionally ready to nip at the youngsters’ heels, while the next generation moves to the front of the pack.

THE JACI’S PACK RETURNS

A large number of the pre-closure team, affectionately known as the Jaci’s Pack, have returned. For the family, seeing familiar faces back at the lodge has been one of the most meaningful parts of reopening, carrying the warmth, personality and accumulated knowledge of the original Jaci’s into its renewed spaces.

Through the Jaci’s Staff Trust, team members own 27.2% of the business. Staff who have worked at Jaci’s for more than five years can become shareholders and receive annual dividends through the Trust. With the majority of the team drawn from communities surrounding the reserve, the model creates long-term financial participation and ensures that the lodge’s success is shared with the people whose loyalty, skill and care have shaped its story.

“Coming back to Jaci’s feels like coming home. The lodge may be new, but the heart of Jaci’s is still the same: the people, the smiles and the way we make guests feel like family.”  Mocca, Lodge Manager

REBUILT WITH PURPOSE

The rebuild was guided by a simple principle: restore wherever possible and replace only when necessary. Existing decking was removed, sanded and repurposed within the new build, while furniture was cleaned, repaired and reconditioned, in some cases more than once, so that it could continue its story in the renewed lodge. The approach reduced waste while preserving layers of Jaci’s history.

The lodge’s wider environmental practices include solar power to meet its energy needs, water being treated and repurposed, and a zero-waste vision that prioritises the recycling and reuse of glass, paper, tin and organic waste. On-site vegetable gardens supplement ingredients sourced from local markets and greengrocers, while recruitment is prioritised from communities surrounding the reserve wherever possible.

A NEW LODGE WITH A FAMILIAR SOUL

Accommodation at the renewed Jaci’s Private Lodge includes six Safari Suites for 2 guests, four Safari Suite Expeditions for 2 adults and 2 children, the three-bedroom Kubu and Nare Villas for up to 6 guests each, and the five-bedroom Jaci’s Madikwe House for up to 10 guests.

Familiar rituals remain woven through the experience, from Jaci’s Cheeky Chilli at the table to Jan’s personally curated wine cellar and dining on the main lodge deck, on the elevated Thutlwa Deck and in the boma overlooking the Marico River. The soft launch also coincided with the return of the five Ashia cheetah brothers to the open plains near the lodge, a fitting reminder that the new chapter remains rooted in Madikwe’s wildlife and landscape.

To celebrate the reopening, Jaci’s Private Lodge is offering a limited Pay 3, Stay 4 launch special, with the fourth night complimentary for stays from 1 July – 31 August 2026.

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