Global Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, May 26, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Thai Airways International Public Company Limited celebrates the 33rd anniversary of its Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) frequent flyer programme by enhancing the member experience through the launch of new privileges, special activities, and exclusive experiences throughout 2026. These initiatives are designed to meet the evolving travel needs and lifestyle preferences of today’s members.

The press conference was attended by Mr. Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Airways International, together with Mr. Kittiphong Sansomboon, Chief Commercial Officer, at the Authors’ Lounge, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok.

One of this year’s key highlights is the launch of the “Rise to GOLD” campaign, which provides Royal Orchid Plus Silver status members with greater opportunities to attain Gold Member status. Members can enjoy premium travel privileges, including lounge access, additional baggage allowance, and benefits across the Star Alliance network. The campaign is designed to serve various member groups, including frequent travellers, former Gold members, and members who are close to reaching Gold status.

The event also featured a special panel discussion joined by Thai Airways executives, who shared insights on the concept, direction, and future development of Royal Orchid Plus. Special guest Mr. Phanuphat “Bas” Sukalyarak from the Go Went Go channel also shared his perspective as a traveller and Royal Orchid Plus member, highlighting travel experiences and the lifestyle of today’s new-generation travellers.

In addition, Thai Airways has prepared a wide range of benefits and special activities for Royal Orchid Plus members throughout the year. These include a co-promotion with Mastercard offering additional Bonus Miles to participating members, privileges from financial partners, activities at the “Rak Khun Tao Fah” event, and a fuel surcharge discount of up to 30% when redeeming Economy Class award tickets on Thai Airways international routes.

Royal Orchid Plus is also expanding the member experience beyond a traditional frequent flyer programme into an ecosystem that connects travel, lifestyle, and meaningful experiences. This will be achieved through special activities and collaborations, such as the GDH Concert, where members can earn Bonus Miles and enjoy exclusive privileges, as well as additional activities celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Royal Orchid Plus to be held later this year.

Furthermore, Thai Airways is enhancing travel-related privileges through Royal Orchid Holidays (ROH), allowing members to redeem their accumulated miles for a wider range of travel packages and services.

Mr. Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Airways International, said: “On the occasion of Thai Airways’ 66th anniversary, the 33rd anniversary of Royal Orchid Plus, and the 55th anniversary of Royal Orchid Holidays, we have prepared a wide range of special activities and privileges to thank Royal Orchid Plus members for their continued trust and support of Thai Airways. We are committed to developing Royal Orchid Plus to better serve changing travel and lifestyle needs. The Rise to GOLD campaign and the various activities taking place this year reflect Thai Airways’ commitment to delivering enhanced experiences and greater value to all members.”

Royal Orchid Plus members can follow further details on activities and benefits via thaiairways.com or through Thai Airways’ official communication channels and Royal Orchid Plus.

Thai Airways remains committed to developing Royal Orchid Plus into a platform that connects mileage accumulation, travel, lifestyle, and new experiences, creating greater value and memorable impressions for members on every journey.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, May 26, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) honoured its long-standing member organisations celebrating over 50, 60, and 70 years of membership during the PATA Executive Board & Board Member and PATA Awards Presentation Dinner held on May 11, as part of the PATA Annual Summit 2026 in Pohang, Korea (ROK).

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Pacific Asia Travel Association, we are honoured to recognise our long-standing members whose continued support, trust, and collective voice have been instrumental in the growth, strength, and relevance of the Association. Their commitment continues to shape a more responsible and sustainable future for tourism across the Asia Pacific region.”

Organisations Recognised for 70 Years of Membership

1. Guam Visitors Bureau (since 1951), represented by Régine Lee, President & CEO.
2. Hawaii Tourism Authority (since 1951), represented by Jadie Goo, Acting Chief Brand Officer and Jennifer Chun, Director of Tourism Research.
3. Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd. (since 1956), represented by Hiroshi Tanimura, Executive Director of International Affairs Department, JATA, and Secretary General, PATA Japan Chapter, on behalf of Katsuo Aso, Senior Manager, Global Business Department, Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd.
4. Philippine Department of Tourism (since 1951), represented by Dr. Erwin Balane, Tourism Attaché.

Other organisations with over 70 years of membership that were unable to attend included Destination NSW, Marianas Visitors Authority, Tahiti Tourisme, and Tourism Fiji.

Organisations Recognised for 60 Years of Membership

1. Global Tour, Ltd. (since 1962), represented by Henry Oh, Chairman.
2. Hong Kong Tourism Board (since 1957), represented by Yoon-Ho Kim, Director – Korea.
3. Japan Association of Travel Agents (since 1963), represented by Hiroshi Tanimura, Executive Director of International Affairs Department at JATA, Secretary General of PATA Japan Chapter.
4. Korea Tourism Organization (since 1963), represented by Kyungsoo Yang, Executive Vice President.
5. Macao Government Tourism Office (since 1958), represented by Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director.
6. Nepal Tourism Board (since 1965), represented by Rohini Prasad Khanal, Officiating Director.
7. Smith’s Motor Boat Service, Inc. (since 1965), represented by Jennifer Chun, Director of Tourism Research, Hawaii Tourism Authority, on behalf of Kamika Smith, General Manager, Smith’s Motor Boat Service, Inc.
8. Taiwan Tourism Administration (since 1958), represented by Yi-Chen Huang, Chief Secretary.
9. Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (since 1957), represented by Natapol Vanichkul, Head of Sales, Northern.
10. Tourism Authority of Thailand (since 1959), represented by Watcharaphan Bunnag, Chief of International Relations.
11. Tourism Malaysia (since 1959), represented by Kamilia Hani Abdul Halim, Director, Tourism Malaysia Seoul.
12. World Express Group (since 1961), represented by Tunku Iskandar, Partner, on behalf of Tan Chee Chye, Chairman.
13. Yeti Travels Pvt. Ltd. (since 1966), represented by Suja Shakya, Senior Manager – Sales & Marketing.

Other organisations with over 60 years of membership that were unable to attend included DTH Destination (Thailand) Limited, Hecny Transportation Ltd., Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Okinawa Tourist Service, Inc., Orient Express Private Ltd., Soaltee Hotel Limited, and Tobu Top Tours Co., Ltd.

Organisations Recognised for 50 Years of Membership

1. All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. (since 1973), represented by Yasuyuki Suzuki, Senior Director, Tourism and Regional Revitalization.
2. Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (since 1967), represented by Yeonhee Cho, Director of Sales – GSO Korea, and Simon Lloyd, Dean, Hospitality Management and Business Administration, Dusit Thani College.
3. PACTO DMC INDONESIA (since 1972), represented by Raty Ning, President Director.
4. Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (since 1967), represented by Lesley Timothy, Executive Officer.
5. Tourism Solomons (since 1970), represented by Dagnal Dereveke, Acting Chief Executive Officer.

Other organisations with over 50 years of membership that were unable to attend included India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (ITDC), Messe Berlin / ITB Berlin, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Government of Pakistan, and PanTravel.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, May 26, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Mezzaluna by lebua invites discerning guests to an extraordinary one-night-only collaboration with Tokoyama Shuzo, the historic sake house behind Jōzan sake, for an exclusive six-course sake pairing experience on Thursday, 2 July 2026.

For this special evening, Shimpei Tokoyama-san, 9th Generation Master Brewer and CEO of Tokoyama Shuzo, will travel from Fukui, Japan, to Bangkok to personally present a curated selection of Jōzan sake alongside the refined cuisine of Chef Ryuki Kawasaki at Mezzaluna by lebua.

More than a pairing dinner, the evening is a celebration of craftsmanship, terroir, and the quiet dialogue between cuisine and sake — both shaped by land, season, precision, and time.

Founded in 1804 in the heart of Fukui City, Tokoyama Shuzo has spent more than 220 years refining its signature expression of tanrei-jūjun — sake that is elegant, clean, and refined, yet layered with quiet depth and character. Crafted entirely from locally grown Fukui rice in close partnership with regional farmers, Jōzan sake reflects a philosophy rooted in seasonality, precision, and respect for origin. At Mezzaluna by lebua, two-MICHELIN-starred Chef Ryuki Kawasaki shares that same philosophy through his refined interpretation of contemporary French cuisine guided by Japanese sensibility.

For the evening, Chef Ryuki presents a six-course tasting menu thoughtfully paired with distinct expressions from the Jōzan collection. Highlights include awabi with Koshihikari rice, Kujo negi, and black truffle, paired with Shimpei Tokoyama’s exclusive omakase selection, alongside amadai with shiro hamaguri, green pea, pecoros, and marinière sauce, complemented by Jōzan Etsuzanjakusui Junmai Daiginjo. Each pairing is designed to reveal the elegant structure, refined umami, and layered character of Jōzan sake while reflecting the harmony between Fukui’s ingredients and craftsmanship. Together, the experience becomes more than food and sake pairing — it is an exploration of terroir, where the same soil, climate, and spirit are expressed through both cuisine and sake.

Chef Ryuki Kawasaki at Mezzaluna by lebua

Set high above Bangkok’s skyline on the 65th floor of State Tower, Mezzaluna by lebua is one of the city’s most celebrated fine dining destinations, awarded two MICHELIN stars for its refined contemporary French cuisine shaped by Japanese precision and seasonality. Under the direction of Chef Ryuki Kawasaki, Mezzaluna by lebua has become renowned for its elegant and deeply thoughtful culinary style, where technical mastery is balanced with restraint, purity, and emotional depth. Through carefully selected seasonal ingredients and meticulous attention to detail, Chef Ryuki creates a dining experience that is both refined and deeply personal, reflecting his contemporary interpretation of French cuisine guided by Japanese sensibility, elevated by breathtaking panoramic views overlooking Bangkok’s skyline and the Chao Phraya River.

Tokoyama Shuzo and Jōzan Sake: Over Two Centuries of Fukui Craftsmanship

Founded in 1804 in Fukui Prefecture, Tokoyama Shuzo is one of the region’s oldest sake breweries, renowned for producing refined, food-friendly sake rooted in the distinct character of Fukui. The brewery combines traditional craftsmanship with precise modern brewing techniques, using locally grown Fukui rice, pure regional water, and careful low-temperature fermentation to create sake with clarity, balance, and depth. Its flagship label, Jōzan sake, is celebrated for its crisp, dry profile, elegant umami, and polished structure — a style designed to complement cuisine with precision rather than overpower it. Through close partnerships with local rice farmers and a philosophy deeply connected to terroir, seasonality, and regional identity, Tokoyama Shuzo continues to express the quiet sophistication of Fukui craftsmanship in every bottle.

Dinner Menu

Amaebi, Somen, Oscietra Caviar, Tomato Consommé
Jozan, Karakuchi, Tobi | Junmai Ginjo

Awabi, Koshihikari, Kujo Negi, Black Truffle
Shimpei Tokoyama’s Selection | Omakase

Foie Gras Chawanmushi, Zuwai Crab, Zucchini
Jozan, Houjun Karakuchi, Kiwami | Junmai Daiginjo

Amadai, Shiro Hamaguri, Green Pea, Pecoros, Mariniere Sauce
Jozan, Etsuzanjakusui | Junmai Daiginjo

Niigata Murakami Wagyu Beef, Smoked Eel, Green Asparagus, Wasabi
Jozan, Miyamanishiki 2024

Miyazaki Mango, Yomogi, Timut pepper
Jozan, Karakuchi, Cho | Junmai

Event Details

– Venue: Mezzaluna by lebua
– Date: Thursday, 2nd July 2026
– Time: 18:00 – 21:30
– Experience: 6-course chef’s tasting menu with Jōzan sake pairing
– Price: THB 12,000++ per person

Guests are encouraged to reserve early for this exclusive one-night-only experience.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, May 26, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Lord Jim’s at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok welcomes back its Buffet Dinner by popular request, returning a seafood-focused evening experience to the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Framed by the restaurant’s nautical interiors and riverfront setting, the dinner buffet offers a distinct counterpart to the daily international buffet lunch, designed for long dinners shaped by premium seafood including French oysters, lobster, crab claws, tiger prawns, river prawns, mussels, clams, scallops, and sea grapes, alongside live cooking stations. Reflecting a renewed appetite for slower, more destination-led dining experiences in Bangkok, the return also marks a renewed focus on seafood dining in the evening at Lord Jim’s, where the atmosphere of the river is an integral part of the experience after dark.

Since 1976, Lord Jim’s has been a destination for seafood dining in Bangkok, and the return of the Buffet Dinner also revisits several dishes closely associated with the restaurant’s history, reimagined for today’s diners under the direction of Executive Chef Dominique Bugnand. Highlights include the Seafood Tower featuring chilled lobster, French oysters, tiger prawns, crab claws, scallops, mussels, clams, river prawns, and sea grapes served with traditional condiments. Lord Jim’s signatures returning to the buffet include Lobster Thermidor, the classic French dish first created in Paris, Oyster Rockefeller, originally created at Antoine’s Restaurant in New Orleans in 1899, and the Sea Bass Baked in Salt Crust with white wine sauce, a dish long associated with the restaurant that draws inspiration from both Mediterranean salt-baking traditions and Thailand’s own Pla Pao.

The buffet also features seafood on ice alongside a dedicated grilled seafood station where guests may personally select their preferred seafood to be grilled to order. Freshly baked breads and house-made dips are served directly to the table on arrival, while a curated à la carte menu available throughout the evening allows guests greater flexibility and brings a more personalised element to the buffet.

“We have always seen Lord Jim’s as a restaurant closely connected to the river, and the return of the Buffet Dinner allows guests to experience the space in a different way during the evening,” says Anthony Tyler, Area Vice President, Operations and General Manager at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. “The response from our guests made it clear there was a desire for a seafood-focused dinner experience that felt relaxed, generous, and distinctly tied to the character of the restaurant.”

As evening settles along the Chao Phraya River, the changing light and passing boats become part of the restaurant’s rhythm, shaping an atmosphere designed for long dinners and conversation beside the water. Together, the experience reflects a slower pace of dining by the river after dark.

The Buffet Dinner at Lord Jim’s is available from Friday to Tuesday from 1 June 2026, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, priced at THB 3,800++ per person.

Source

Dili, Timor-Leste, May 25, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Timor-Leste has officially broken ground on the new International Convention Centre, a landmark development expected to strengthen the country’s tourism and events sector ahead of its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029. The foundation stone was laid on 20 May 2026, during national independence celebrations, by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, President José Ramos-Horta, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles.

Located on the shoreline of Dili’s old port precinct, the development will feature a main convention facility with conference rooms, auditoriums, and exhibition halls. It will also include leisure and visitor attractions such as a pedestrian promenade along the pier, an aquarium, a Ferris wheel, and an entertainment and retail precinct.

The convention centre will play an important role in Timor-Leste’s preparations to host major regional and international gatherings, including events linked to its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029, such as the Heads of State Summit.

“Alongside our ASEAN commitments, this new convention facility will provide a major boost to Timor-Leste’s growing tourism sector by giving us the capacity to host large regional and international meetings and events,” said Antonio da Silva, Director General of Tourism. “It will also strengthen our ability to attract the high-value meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) market across Southeast Asia.”

The project follows three other major infrastructure investments expected to be completed by 2029, which will further support Timor-Leste’s tourism growth and broader economy: the USD 300 million upgrade of Dili’s international airport, the conversion of Tibar Bay Port into a cruise ship terminal, and the Dili Waterfront Rehabilitation Project.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, May 25, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Santiaga is pleased to present CHINALOA: a culinary collaboration rooted in shared family histories, migration, and memory, this Jun 6, 2026.

A play on the words Chinese and Sinaloa, CHINALOA offers a cultural exchange that has existed for generations in family kitchens, seafood dishes, broths, sauces, and everyday meals where Chinese and Mexican influences coexist naturally. This unique collaboration brings that experience to the table through dishes that reinterpret those memories with care, technique, and personal meaning.

Megan León and Chef Mau of Santiaga, both come from families shaped by Chinese migration to Sinaloa in northern Mexico, where their Chinese ancestors settled, built lives, and formed their families. Over generations, those histories have shaped the food cooked at home, a cuisine born from everyday life, adaptation, and shared traditions around the table.

For Megan, a Bangkok-based writer focused on food, travel, and culinary heritage across Southeast Asia, these intersections between culture and cuisine have long informed her work. Raised within a Chinese-Sinaloan family background, she explores how migration, identity, and memory continue to live through food and the stories surrounding it.

That same perspective is deeply personal to Chef Mauricio. Originally from Mexico City, his career has taken him through kitchens in Mexico, Spain, France, and Thailand, always with a strong focus on preserving Mexican culinary traditions and ingredient-driven cooking. CHINALOA also connects to his own roots, as part of his family has Chinese ancestry that migrated to Sinaloa generations ago, with many of those traditions still alive today. Through Santiaga, Chef Mau brings those memories into a contemporary yet authentic context.

Designed as an intimate and personal experience, CHINALOA brings together storytelling, technique, and ingredient-driven cooking. The CHINALOA special menu will reflect this dialogue through special dishes such as a Michelada Oyster, Chilorio Xialongbao, Gobernador Spring Roll, Mazatlán Tostada, Zarandeado Fish; flavors that move between northern Mexico and Chinese culinary traditions with familiarity.

Hosted at Santiaga in Bangkok, CHINALOA reflects the restaurant’s approach to contemporary Mexican cuisine: honoring tradition while remaining open to personal narratives and cultural dialogue.

The dining experience will take place at Santiaga, Bangkok, one night only on June 6th.
Two rounds available at: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Price per set menu: 2,700 THB++ per person.

Santiaga is a vibrant Mexican restaurant that brings the authentic flavors and spirit of Mexico to Bangkok. With a focus on bold Mexican flavors, our menu features a diverse selection of traditional and contemporary dishes, crafted with fresh, high-quality using both local and imported Mexican ingredients. From succulent grilled meats, traditional style barbacoa to vibrant vegetarian and vegan options, our dishes are bursting with flavor and spice. To accommodate your preferred dining style, Santiaga offers two distinct dining experiences: the Omakase Bar and the Dining Room.

Source

Paris, France, May 25, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Global hospitality brand Accor has created the 2026 Digital Pause Index to move beyond standard tourism stats to measure the Analog Quality of 50 European cities; ranking them on criteria including museums and bookshops per 100k people, green space density, May temperatures, and median cost of a two-night stay in a four-star boutique hotel during the May season. Frantic checklists of must-see places are being replaced by something slower – it’s no longer all about getting that perfect shot, it’s more about finding that perfect place to just be. The definition of luxury has shifted to now be all about the quiet power of the off-switch.

Key findings showed:

• The two-hour rule: Destinations under two hours from London (e.g. Ghent or Bordeaux) offer the best sensory reset for short breaks.
• Smaller is better: Smaller cities are outperforming major capitals in terms of sensory balance, proving that silence is easier to find in Ljubljana than London.
• The Autopilot effect: Cities like Amsterdam and Strasbourg use cycling infrastructure to force a digital pause and make travellers live more in the moment.

The Top 5 Cities to Unplug in 2026:

1. Zurich, Switzerland: the precision of silence (Score: 94/100): Zurich tops the list thanks to its combination of accessibility, nature proximity, and high-quality urban infrastructure – Zurich’s ‘blue space’ culture can be experienced with a float down the Limmat River.
2. Ljubljana, Slovenia:  Europe’s green lung
   A city that banned cars is now a ‘green lung’ where the local soundtrack has flipped from engine hum to birdsong – visitors can relax in Tivoli Park and join locals in listening out for local birds.
3. Vienna, Austria: The art of the perpetual afternoon

Half of the city is covered in parks, but the coffee shop is where the magic happens – order a Kleiner Brauner at Café Central and grab a newspaper to unplug.

1. Edinburgh, Scotland: The stone-carved library

With 60 libraries per 100k people, there are multiple opportunities to unplug with a book in Edinburgh where the old stone streets and historic buildings act as an atmospheric silencer. Climb Salisbury Crags at dusk to find a quiet spot to enjoy the views in solitude.

1. Ghent, Belgium: A low-noise haven

In the car-free Medieval city the Tactile Hobby Index is through the roof; think weaving workshops in old textile factories and candle-lit jazz bars where the lighting is designed for intimacy, not photography.

Source

London, UK, May 24, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Iberostar Hotels & Resorts and Redexis have launched the first green hydrogen fuel cell in a hotel, marking a new milestone for energy innovation in the hospitality sector.

The inauguration of the installation at Iberostar Waves Bahía de Palma in Mallorca, Spain, marks a significant step toward transforming hotel operations and reducing environmental impact. The system enables the hotel to generate thermal and electrical energy with low emissions using renewable hydrogen produced from solar photovoltaic energy at the Lloseta plant in Mallorca, which has been developed by Acciona Energía and Enagás Renovable.

Thanks to this technology, the hotel will use at least 8 tonnes of green hydrogen per year to cover more than 70% of its thermal energy demand and over 20% of its electricity consumption. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels, lowers emissions, and optimises the property’s energy efficiency. In addition, since 2024, the hotel has operated on 100% renewable electricity, a milestone now achieved across all Iberostar hotels in Spain.

This initiative is part of Iberostar’s Wave of Change movement, which promotes positive change through a responsible tourism model. It also reinforces Iberostar’s commitment to decarbonisation, with the company aiming to achieve operational emissions neutrality by 2030, 20 years ahead of the industry’s global target.

The implementation of this technology validates an energy model that can accelerate the reduction of the sector’s carbon footprint while opening new pathways towards more sustainable energy management.

Álvaro Sánchez, Sustainability, Integration and Impact Director at Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, said: “This achievement in Mallorca demonstrates that climate ambition can be translated into practical solutions. The activation of this green hydrogen fuel cell marks a milestone in our commitment to transforming tourism through science and innovation. We want to accelerate our decarbonisation roadmap and invest in solutions that reduce our impact. At Iberostar, we are working to neutralise our emissions through a combination of measures, including energy efficiency, the adoption of new technologies, and the exploration of low-carbon fuels that can deliver real impact. There is no single solution for decarbonisation, which is why innovation and diversified approaches are essential.”

Miguel Mayrata, Director of Redexis Renovables, added:
“The launch of this hydrogen fuel cell, a pioneering development in the sector, represents a decisive step towards a more sustainable energy model. At Redexis Renovables, we are working to accelerate decarbonisation through renewable gases and the development of the infrastructure needed to progressively replace fossil fuels with biomethane, green hydrogen, and renewable synthetic fuels. This initiative strengthens our leadership in innovation and sustainability and demonstrates that tourism can become a key driver of the energy transition.”

Mallorca: a pioneering project in a strategic destination
Iberostar and Redexis are delivering a high-value initiative that places Mallorca at the forefront of the global hotel energy transition. Mallorca is one of Iberostar’s strategic markets, and this innovation highlights the company’s commitment to transforming destinations through a responsible tourism model that supports long-term competitiveness and sustainability.

The initiative is part of the European Green Hysland project, coordinated by Enagás Renovable, which includes both the Lloseta production plant and the construction by Redexis of Spain’s first hydrogen pipeline, where the first injection of green hydrogen into the grid has already taken place. Supported with €10 million from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, the ecosystem brings together more than 30 organisations working to create a complete renewable hydrogen value chain in Mallorca.

A new step in Iberostar’s climate roadmap
This initiative is part of Iberostar’s Wave of Change movement, which promotes positive change through a responsible tourism model. Through this approach, Iberostar aims to generate measurable impact across its operations and in the destinations where it operates, integrating sustainability into business management and working in partnership with science, innovation, and strategic collaborators.

Within its Climate Action strategy, Iberostar is advancing a decarbonisation roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, 20 years ahead of the industry’s global target. This includes an 85% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 50% reduction in Scope 3 emissions, using 2019 as the baseline year.

In this context, projects such as the green hydrogen fuel cell at Iberostar Waves Bahía de Palma enable the company to continue exploring innovative solutions to reduce the impact of its operations and transition towards a more efficient energy model.

Iberostar’s Climate Action strategy is supported by several complementary areas of work, including renewable electricity sourcing, the progressive electrification of assets, continuous improvements in energy efficiency, and the integration of new technologies into hotel operations.

Source

Yangon, Myanmar, May 20, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism leaders, destination experts, community tourism practitioners, educators, hospitality professionals, and regional partners from across the Greater Mekong Subregion will meet in Yangon from 16–18 June 2026 for the Mekong Tourism Forum 2026 under the theme “Tourism for People, Travel with Purpose.”

Organized by the Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture of Myanmar and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, the annual forum will focus on how tourism can create more meaningful benefits for local communities, preserve living culture, strengthen regional connections, and respond to the evolving expectations of today’s travelers. Taking place at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Yangon, this year’s program will feature keynote presentations, industry insight sessions, panel discussions, gastronomy experiences, networking opportunities, and technical visits across Yangon.

Ahead of the main forum, a practical pre-forum workshop on evidence-based destination marketing and tourism insights will focus on practical approaches to tourism intelligence, destination marketing, and cross-border collaboration. MTF highlights both international experts and changemakers from within the Mekong region itself — spotlighting practitioners, community leaders, social enterprises, researchers, tourism innovators, and local champions whose work directly shapes tourism across Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

The forum will open with a keynote address by Masaru Takayama titled “Tourism for People: From Principles to Lasting Impact,” exploring tourism through the framework of Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce. Speakers across the program will include representatives and experts from organizations such as AirAsia MOVE, Planeterra, Asian Ecotourism Network, Clickable Impact, ASEAN Tourism Association, and Local Alike. Sessions will address topics including community-based tourism, cultural preservation, inclusion, hospitality workforce development, and regional cooperation.

Beyond the conference sessions, delegates will experience Yangon through cultural activities and technical visits reflecting the city’s heritage, spirituality, architecture, hospitality, and artisan traditions. The forum will also feature a regional gastronomy exhibition celebrating culinary traditions and food culture from across the Greater Mekong Subregion.

“Tourism is one of the few sectors where local communities can directly benefit from human connection, cultural exchange, and shared experiences. MTF 2026 is built around the belief that tourism should serve people and places first,” said Dee Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office. Complimentary registration for Mekong Tourism Forum 2026 is now open.

About the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)
Established in 2006, the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) is a tourism collaboration framework of the six Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) governments: Cambodia, China (Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. The member countries work together to implement initiatives that strengthen tourism’s contribution to inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability in the region. MTCO’s work programme is guided by the GMS Tourism Working Group (TWG), composed of senior representatives of the National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) of the six member countries.

Source

Danang, Vietnam, May 19, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Vietnam Golf Coast clubs are bringing the heat to Central Vietnam this summer, with a host of seasonal promotions, stay-and-play offers, and off-course attractions giving golfers added reasons to tee it up in one of Asia’s most compelling golf destinations.

At Montgomerie Links, summer means bright skies, firm fairways, and cooling coastal breezes sweeping in from the East Sea. The course’s rolling terrain, casuarina pines, and proximity to Danang’s beaches give it a classic seaside character, while a new stay offer adds further incentive for golfers planning a longer escape.

Guests can currently take advantage of a “Stay 1 night, get 1 complimentary night” promotion, with additional food and beverage credit enhancing the overall golf getaway experience.

“Summer is a particularly rewarding time to experience Montgomerie Links,” said Club Manager Le Vo Hoang Van. “The sunshine, sea breezes, and relaxed coastal atmosphere combine to create the kind of golf holiday that feels distinctly Central Vietnamese.”

The timing also coincides with one of Danang’s biggest annual draws. The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2026 runs from May 30 to July 11 under the theme “Da Nang – United Horizons.” The six-week event will bring 10 teams from nine countries to the Han River, with displays staged across five qualifying nights and a grand finale, alongside street performances, music, dancing, and riverfront festivities across the city.

In the highlands west of Danang, Ba Na Hills Golf Club is carrying strong momentum into summer following its 10th anniversary celebrations. A special tournament on May 9 brought golfers, partners, and supporters together to mark a decade of growth for one of Vietnam’s most distinctive golf venues with its spectacular Luke Donald-designed layout.

Set among pine forests and mountain air, Ba Na Hills Golf Club offers a cooler counterpoint to the coast. Its summer promotions lean into that advantage, with Twi-night Tee Off allowing golfers to start in the afternoon and play into the evening under lights. Prices start from VND 2,250,000 (USD90), with tee times available on selected weekdays.

The club is also offering a same-day second-round promotion from VND1,290,000 (USD52), designed for golfers who want to extend their play while avoiding the hottest parts of the day. Young Talent Moments encourages junior participation on weekdays, while Sunday Swing combines an afternoon round with a food and beverage coupon for use in the clubhouse.

For players seeking an added refreshment boost, Ba Na Hills has also introduced a Cooling Kit, priced at VND179,000 (USD7), featuring frozen mineral water, a chilled towel, and ice cream.

“Summer golf is about timing, comfort, and atmosphere,” said Andrew McGregor, General Manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “With mountain conditions, night golf, and offers for families and returning players, we are giving golfers more ways to enjoy the season.”

Beyond the fairways, Central Vietnam continues to strengthen its appeal as a complete golf destination. Danang’s beaches, expanding dining scene, Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed ancient town, and major seasonal events such as DIFF all give golfers reasons to extend their stay.

“With coastal play, mountain golf, strong-value promotions, and a packed summer events calendar, Vietnam Golf Coast is positioning the season as one of the most rewarding times of year to visit,” added Le Vo Hoang Van.

Source