Global Travel News

McLean, Virginia, United States, March 23, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Hilton announced its new Hilton AI Planner, a generative AI–powered digital concierge that helps travelers explore the company’s global portfolio of hotels and plan memorable stays with Hilton. The introduction of the Hilton AI Planner, now in beta testing at its website, addresses the growing use of AI tools for travel planning and underscores Hilton’s long-standing commitment to innovation and investment in technologies that enhance the guest experience.

The Hilton AI Planner uses conversational intelligence to help travelers navigate every stage of the shopping journey – whether identifying the right destination, comparing properties or exploring amenities. With real‑time responses and curated recommendations, the tool delivers a streamlined experience that goes beyond traditional search filters. The tool will initially launch to a small pool of website traffic and eventually expand to more users as the Hilton AI Planner evolves.

Launching in beta to bring guests smarter, more intuitive travel planning – laying the groundwork for even more personalized experiences ahead

– Hilton announced the Hilton AI Planner, a new generative AI-powered digital concierge available at hilton.com.
– The Hilton AI Planner uses conversational intelligence to deliver real-time responses to help travelers plan memorable stays with Hilton.
– The innovative tool redefines the modern guest experience and makes travel with Hilton more intuitive and frictionless.

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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, March 23, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Fusion Hotel Group, a leading wellness-inspired hospitality brand and management company based in Ho Chi Minh City, has been acquired by Mr. Suchad Chiaranussati, Founder and Chairman of SC Capital Partners, as well as the owner of Hotel Management Japan (HMJ), one of Japan’s largest hotel operators, and Indonesian hotel operator Topotels Hotels & Resorts (Topotels).

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Fusion as it embarks on the next phase of growth, drawing upon HMJ and Topotels, and benefiting from SC Capital Partners’ deep sector expertise and established investment management platform.

Founded in 2008, Fusion Hotel Group is a leading wellness-focused hospitality platform with 18 operating properties and approximately 3,000 keys across Vietnam and Thailand, with a secured pipeline of over 2,000 keys. Renowned for its innovative wellness and lifestyle concepts, Fusion provides end-to-end hospitality capabilities, including concept development, brand creation and hotel operations. In addition to hotel management, Fusion has also developed and operated branded residences, a rapidly growing segment in Asia Pacific.

Together, Fusion, HMJ and Topotels will comprise approximately 16,000 keys across four key growth markets, supported by a team of over 100 hospitality professionals, providing a strong pan-Asian offering.

“Investment in Fusion reflects our long-term strategy to expand our hospitality footprint across Asia,” said Suchad Chiaranussati, Chairman and Founder of SC Capital Partners, Owner of HMJ and Topotels Hotels & Resorts. “Fusion offers a meaningful presence in Vietnam—one of the region’s fastest-growing and high-barrier-to-entry hospitality markets.  It reinforces our conviction that strong operating platforms are increasingly essential to successful real estate investing.  We’re excited to integrate Fusion with our leading teams in Japan and other markets as we build a top-tier pan-Asian hotel management business.”

“Joining Mr. Chiaranussati’s hospitality ecosystem opens up tremendous opportunities for Fusion,” said Christopher Hur, CEO of Fusion Hotel Group.  “This partnership allows us to accelerate our growth across Asia, leverage shared focus areas of technology and marketing and distribution, and invest further in brand development and talent—strengthening our mission to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences.”

Hospitality Platforms Led by Mr. Suchad Chiaranussati

SC Capital Partners brings more than 20 years of hospitality investment and asset management experience across Asia Pacific and is the sponsor of Japan Hotel REIT Advisors (JHRA), which manages the largest listed hotel REIT in Japan by hotel value. Through JHRA, the platform oversees 78 hotels comprising more than 22,000 rooms nationwide. Complementing this investment footprint, HMJ is one of Japan’s largest hotel operators, with 26 hotels and over 8,000 keys across 11 prefectures. HMJ operates its own flagship brand, Oriental Hotels & Resorts, and provides white-label management services for leading global hotel companies such as Hilton, Marriott and IHG. The broader platform is further supported by Topotels Hotels & Resorts, an Indonesia-based hotel management company with a growing portfolio across Indonesia.

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Veligandu South Male Atoll, Maldives, March 22, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / An adult-only sanctuary set amid crystalline lagoon waters, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort unveils an inspired celebration of culinary artistry with its fourth Michelin Star Guest Chef Series, featuring an exceptional all-female lineup. Set within the tranquil beauty of the Maldives, acclaimed chefs from around the world bring their distinctive perspectives and Michelin-starred mastery to the island for a series of exclusive dining experiences.

From the sun-soaked coasts of Italy to the vibrant streets of Bombay and the refined ateliers of Paris, each residency offers guests the opportunity to savour refined flavours, creative expression and the evolving voice of women in global gastronomy, thoughtfully curated in Anantara Style.

Kick-starting the series back in January was Chef Caterina Ceraudo, whose Calabrian-rooted cuisine reflects the landscapes and traditions of Southern Italy through a contemporary lens. Known for her thoughtful approach to ingredients and refined techniques, her dishes honoured the connection between land, heritage and modern Italian creativity.

Chef Gabriela Chamorro brought the vibrant spirit of Dubai’s cosmopolitan dining scene to the island last February. Her residency showcased bold flavours and contemporary flair, with standout dishes such as a Buñuelo with tuna tartare, guava jam and black garlic aioli, balancing sweetness, richness and bright coastal notes in a single elegant creation.

Looking ahead, the series continues with an inspiring lineup of female chefs from around the world, each bringing their own perspective and culinary artistry to the island.

Among them is Chef Kelly Rangama, a Michelin-starred chef and winner of Top Chef France, known for weaving her Creole heritage into refined French cuisine. Her signature Rougail Saucisse elevates the beloved Réunion Island classic of smoky sausage, tomato and aromatic spices with contemporary finesse.

Also joining the series is Michelin-starred Chef Emily Roux, of the legendary Roux family. Known for her elegant and inventive French-inspired cuisine, Chef Emily has earned the recognition through her restaurant Caractère in London and her place within one of Britain’s most iconic culinary dynasties. Her Seared John Dory with beurre blanc and seasonal vegetables showcases her refined technique and mastery of balanced, expressive flavours.

From the land of the rising sun, Chef Nao Motohashi of Restaurant JULIA brings the precision and quiet elegance of Japanese cuisine to the series. Known for her refined approach to seasonal ingredients and meticulous technique, Chef Nao creates dishes that balance purity, harmony and visual artistry. Her cooking reflects the philosophy of Japanese gastronomy, where flavour, texture and presentation come together in thoughtful simplicity, offering guests a dining experience that is both delicate and deeply expressive.

Expanding the chef list from its usual Michelin-starred lineup, visiting chefs for the rest of the year include Chef Iris Jordan Martin of Restaurant Ansils in Aragon, Spain, winner of the 2025 Michelin Guide Young Chef Award, Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger of Riverine Rabbit in Birmingham, UK and Chef Niyati Rao of Ekaa in Bombay, India.

“We’re excited to have an all-female lineup this year. The culinary scene is a male-dominated industry, but there are many female chefs out there whom we believe deserves the same recognition and our team of chefs would benefit tremendously from this experience,” said Culinary Director, Chef Francis Purification.

He added, “Each residency features collaborative dinners with our chefs, cooking classes and a long table dinner, hosted by a member of our family, allowing guests to engage not only with delicious food but with the stories and inspirations behind it.”

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London, United Kingdom, March 20, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Following the successful Asian launch of TOP25destinations, the world’s first AI-powered travel guide ecosystem, Travelindex Group is proud to announce its official global expansion.

Led by the industry visionary Founder and CEO Bernard Metzger, the rollout of the TOP25 Restaurants and TOP25 Hotels series aims to redefine hospitality marketing through advanced technology and strategic partnerships.

To spearhead this international growth, Travelindex Group has appointed Mafalda Borea as Chief Content Officer. Borea will oversee the editorial vision and content strategy as the platform scales its data-driven recommendations to new territories.

“This is the right moment to take our AI-powered ecosystem global,” said Bernard Metzger. “Our mission is to support the hospitality industry with a sophisticated marketing tool that connects discerning travelers with the highest standards of excellence. After our proven success in Asia, we are ready to empower businesses and travelers worldwide.”

Borea joins the leadership team while continuing her influential roles with UN Women UK and IF Experience. With a professional trajectory spanning from CNN to founding a sustainable tourism platform, she brings a unique perspective to the intersection of luxury travel, culture, and social impact.

“I am thrilled to take on this challenge,” said Mafalda Borea. “I am particularly excited to highlight the women leading the hospitality industry that have the power to inspire future generations. It is a dynamic industry I’ve missed, and I am eager to return by using AI to deliver meaningful, high-standard travel journeys.”

The expansion marks a significant milestone for Travelindex Group, leveraging its proprietary AI technology to provide transparent, high-quality ratings that benefit both the industry and the global traveler.

About Travelindex Group
Travelindex Group is a leader in travel technology and media, specializing in AI-driven discovery and rating systems, in Partnership with UN Tourism, PATA and the Travel and Tourism Foundation.

Its TOP25 series provides curated, high-authority guides to the world’s best dining and hospitality experiences.

For media inquiries or interviews, please contact:
Media Relations
TOP25 Destinations Global
Email: media@top25destinations.com

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Madrid, Spain, March 20, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism moves billions of people every year, supports hundreds of millions of jobs and drives trade across the global economy. Yet the data used to measure its true impact has often struggled to keep pace with the rapid growth and transformation of the sector.

Closing this gap requires globally agreed standards. At the 57th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission – the world’s highest authority on official statistics – UN Tourism advanced efforts to strengthen how tourism is measured within the global economic system, helping governments and businesses rely on clearer, internationally comparable data.

Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Shaikha Al Nuwais said: “Tourism is one of the world’s most dynamic economic sectors, and it deserves data systems that reflect its true scale and impact. Strengthening global tourism statistics and linking them with business sustainability reporting helps ensure that decisions across the sector are grounded in reliable, comparable evidence.”

Strengthening Tourism in Global Trade Statistics

One important outcome was the endorsement of the Manual on Statistics of International Trade in Services 2026, to which UN Tourism contributed. The updated framework strengthens how tourism is measured as a globally traded service, enabling countries to better capture tourism’s role within global trade flows and economic policy.

The Commission also acknowledged the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST), recognized by the United Nations General Assembly as the first statistical model to measure tourism’s economic, social and environmental impacts together, beyond traditional GDP indicators.

Linking Business Sustainability Data with Official Statistics

On 4 March, UN Tourism convened the high-level side event “Bridging Macro and Micro Data in Sustainability: The Case of Tourism and the ESG Framework for Tourism Businesses.”

The discussion explored how sustainability reporting by tourism businesses can align with internationally agreed statistical frameworks. By linking company-level ESG data with national statistics, the approach can improve consistency across the tourism economy, support small and medium-sized enterprises and reduce fragmented reporting requirements.

The event was hosted at the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in collaboration with the UN Committee of Experts on Business and Trade Statistics, with support from Statistics Netherlands and sponsorship by easyJet holidays and Booking[dot]com.

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Madrid, Spain, March 20, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that the escalating conflict in Iran is already impacting the Travel & Tourism sector across the Middle East by at least US$600 million per day in international visitor spending, as disruptions to air travel, traveller confidence and regional connectivity affect demand.

The Middle East plays a vital role in global travel with the region accounting for 5% of global international arrivals and 14% of global international transit traffic. Any disruption affects demand worldwide, which impacts airports and flights, hotels, car hire companies and cruise lines.

The major regional aviation hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain, which together normally process around 526,000 passengers per day, have experienced closures and operational disruption as the conflict escalates, significantly affecting regional and global connectivity.

WTTC’s analysis is based on its 2026 pre-conflict forecast for the Middle East, which projected US$207 billion in international visitor spending across the region this year. Any disruption to travel flows therefore quickly translates into substantial economic impact across the tourism ecosystem.

Despite the current challenges, WTTC emphasises that Travel & Tourism is one of the world’s most resilient economic sectors.

WTTC research of previous crises shows that tourism demand following security-related incidents, with the right response, can recover in as little as two months when governments and industry act quickly to restore traveller confidence.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, said:

“Travel & Tourism is the most resilient of sectors. The impact of international visitor spending across the Middle East is significant and averages around US$600 million per day, but history shows that the sector can recover quickly, especially when governments support travellers through hotel support or repatriation. Our analysis of previous crises demonstrates that security-related incidents often see the fastest tourism recovery times, in some cases as quickly as two months, when governments and industry work together to restore traveller confidence. WTTC commends governments who have worked tirelessly in recent days to support recovery efforts.”

“Clear communication, strong coordination between the public and private sectors, and measures that reinforce safety and stability are critical to rebuilding trust with travellers and supporting the sector’s recovery.”

WTTC, which represents the private sector, is continuing to monitor developments on behalf of its members and remains in close contact with governments and industry leaders to support the safety of travellers and the resilience of the global Travel & Tourism sector.

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Madrid, Spain, March 20, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to welcome Pernod Ricard as its newest industry partner, further strengthening the Council’s network of leading organisations supporting the strategic development of the global travel & tourism sector.

Headquartered in Paris, Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits and champagne industry, with affiliates present in more than 60 countries. The Group is home to a portfolio of more than 200 premium brands, including: Absolut vodka, Ballantine’s and Chivas Regal scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liquor, and Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes.

Through its global network of 28 Brand Homes across 18 countries, welcoming over one million visitors each year, Pernod Ricard plays a growing role in shaping the future of experiential and destination-led travel. These immersive spaces bring the Group’s convivial spirit to life — offering experiences rooted in local heritage and shaped by storytelling, craftsmanship, mixology, culinary innovation, art, and culture. By elevating Spirits Tourism, Pernod Ricard contributes to diversifying tourism offerings and deepening connections between travellers and local communities.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Pernod Ricard joins WTTC at a time when experiential travel continues to redefine how destinations engage with visitors. Their Brand Homes demonstrate how global brands can create meaningful, culturally rich experiences that contribute to local economies and celebrate heritage.

Their commitment to responsible growth and sustainable brand building aligns closely with WTTC’s mission to support a resilient, innovative, and experience-driven Travel & Tourism sector.”

Laura Sileo, Pernod Ricard’s Global Brand Homes Director , said: “Joining the World Travel & Tourism Council is a significant step forward for Pernod Ricard. Our Brand Homes are increasingly strengthening their role as cultural destinations, as we pioneer new reasons to explore. We are proud to join this leading organisation and help shape a more innovative, sustainable and experience-driven future for global travel.”

By joining as an industry partner, Pernod Ricard will contribute to WTTC’s evidence-based programmes, policy initiatives, and strategic dialogues, supporting efforts to enhance long-term resilience and ensure the sector continues to deliver economic and social value for travellers, businesses, and communities worldwide.

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Stockholm, Sweden, March 19, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Candela’s largest funding round to date, with the World Bank’s IFC arm joining existing investors, will finance a second manufacturing facility to scale production of its groundbreaking hydrofoiling P-12 ferries and meet growing global demand.

The round brings Candela’s total capital raised to €129 million since its inception, making it the best-funded electric vessel manufacturer globally. It was backed by all existing shareholders—EQT Ventures, SEB Private Equity, KanDela AB, and Ocean Zero LLC—alongside new investor the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private-sector arm of the World Bank Group, which contributed €8 million.

The raise defies a broader downturn in climate-tech investment and follows the recent, successful real-world deployment of the P-12 in public transport across Stockholm, Gothenburg, Oslo, and Trondheim, where the vessel demonstrated strong technical performance, significantly reduced operating costs, and dramatically shorter travel times compared to traditional diesel ferries.

A new category of vessel
Named one of TIME magazine’s most important inventions of 2025, the P-12 is the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry in scheduled commuter service. At its core is Candela’s proprietary computer-controlled hydrofoil system and C-POD motors, which lift the vessel above the water and cut energy consumption by up to 80 percent versus conventional ships—while producing zero wake.

“From a physics perspective, ships have been essentially the same for hundreds of years,” says Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO. “We’re redefining waterborne transport by effectively creating a new category of vessel. This allows cities and municipalities to finally take full advantage of waterways—while escaping the fossil-fuel cost trap that has long prevented them from being used efficiently.”

The Candela P-12 has proven successful in Stockholm’s public transport, significantly reducing travel times and operating costs.

Global expansion underway
With serial production now up and running and first customer deliveries starting in this month, more than 65 vessels are currently on order. From 2026, deployments are slated for Mumbai—where a fleet of ten P-12s will cut travel times from Navi Mumbai Airport to the city centre from around two hours to 35 minutes—as well as the Maldives, Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, Thailand, and additional markets.

Candela is applying scalable, platform-based serial production to advanced carbon-fiber vessels, breaking from the maritime industry’s traditional reliance on one-off construction. The second factory—to be located in Poland—will make zero-emission transport more accessible to emerging markets around the world.

“By moving away from small-series production—which inevitably drives high costs—we’ve built a platform that serves multiple markets,” says Hasselskog. “This allows us to deliver technologically advanced carbon-fiber vessels with industry-leading operating costs at a competitive price point, freeing operators from the cost trap of fossil-fuel ships.

“In a market where climate tech funding is down around 50 percent since 2021, raising our largest round ever sends a clear signal: the transition is moving beyond subsidies and green premiums. Our vessels win on cost and performance, and that’s why investors are backing Candela. I’m truly grateful for that trust.”

Quote from IFC:
“This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to advancing innovative transportation solutions in emerging markets,” said Farid Fezoua, IFC Director for Equity, Funds and Venture Capital. “By supporting Candela’s expansion, we aim to accelerate the adoption and early deployment of breakthrough maritime technology in Emerging Markets, mobilize private capital, create high-value jobs, and enable more efficient water-based mobility.”

Quote from SEB Private Equity:
“We are thrilled to further support Candela on this next phase of growth, with strong progress in both technology deployment and commercial growth. The company has demonstrated global demand, with sales across the Nordics, the U.S., and key Asian markets. We have strong conviction in Candela and look forward to supporting the next phase of its global expansion and their commitment to a more sustainable future,” says Simone Hirschvogl, Investment Director at SEB Private Equity.

Quote from EQT Ventures:
“Rising fuel costs are fundamentally changing the economics of waterborne transport,” said Marnix van der Ploeg, Managing Director at EQT Ventures. “Candela’s hydrofoil technology dramatically lowers operating costs, making electric vessels commercially superior to traditional ferries. That’s why we backed the company early and are proud to continue supporting the team as they scale production globally.”

About Candela
Candela’s mission is to accelerate the transition to zero-emission waterborne transport. Candela is a Swedish technology company developing electric hydrofoiling vessels for passenger transport and leisure. Founded in 2014 by Gustav Hasselskog, the company builds boats that fly above the water on computer-controlled hydrofoils, reducing energy consumption by up to 80 percent compared to conventional ships, allowing for long range at high speed and significant cost reductions over other ships. Candela produces the C-8 leisure boat and the P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry, now operating in public transport. The company has around 240 employees, with manufacturing in Stockholm and offices in Bangkok.

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Dili, Timor-Leste, March 18, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Two upcoming world-class tourism events and additional flights to Malaysia and Australia, are expected to further enhance Timor-Leste’s reputation as one of the top countries in the world to visit in 2026.

2026 TASIFEST MUSIC AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL

Tasifest is one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year in Timor-Leste and will take place in Tasitolu, Dili on May 29-30, 2026. The 2025 edition was hugely successful, attracting more than 50,000 attendees and this year’s event once again promises an unforgettable experience, combining music, culture, sustainability, and innovation. Headliners for the 2026 edition of the festival include world-renowned Indonesian singer Iwan Fals, musical duo Calema from São Tomé and Príncipe, Angolan singer Rui Orlando, and winner of the first season of Australian Idol in 2003 Guy Sebastian. Several local musical artists and DJs will also perform and the Portuguese waste transformation artist Bordalo II will lead the sustainable art workshop component of the festival.

2026 EDITION OF THE DILI INTERNATIONAL MARATHON LAUNCHED

President José Ramos-Horta, patron of the Dili International Marathon, recently announced August 8, 2026, as the official date for this year’s race under the new theme “Love Our Forests and Wildlife.” The 2026 edition will feature a full marathon, half marathon, 10 km race for para-athletes, and a 5 km fun run for participants of all ages. Race routes will follow the scenic coastline of the capital city Dili, with all courses internationally certified and supported by professional electronic chip timing to ensure accurate results.

AERO DILI TO COMMENCE FLIGHTS TO KUALA LUMPUR AND DARWIN

Local carrier Aero Dili recently announced the addition of two new international routes to its network. On March 28, 2026, the airline will inaugurate a twice-weekly flights from Dili to Kuala Lumpur, followed by a twice-weekly service to Darwin, Australia commencing on May 24. These new routes will increase Aero Dili’s international flight network to six destinations, complementing its existing services to Bali, Singapore, Xiamen, and Fuzhou. Comprehensive flight information to Timor-Leste and entry requirements can be found in the trip planning section of the official tourism website.

“These two major events and the increased international inbound flights will certainly help strengthen our attractiveness and reputation as an emerging tourism destination in Southeast Asia,” commented Antonio da Silva, Director General of Tourism. “These developments, along with Timor-Leste recently being named by two major travel publications as one of the Top 20 Destinations to Visit in 2026, should see us welcoming a record number of visitors in 2026.”

ABOUT TIMOR-LESTE

ASEAN’s newest member and a rising tourism jewel of Southeast Asia, Timor-Leste offers travellers authentic and untouched adventures. With its unique blend of vibrant Timorese culture and Portuguese heritage, the country boasts pristine beaches, the world’s most diverse coral reefs, world-class diving, rugged mountains, and traditional villages. Connected with direct international flights from Australia, Bali, China, Malaysia, and Singapore, Timor-Leste invites visitors to experience rich traditions, breathtaking nature, and warm hospitality in a truly unspoiled setting.

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