global travel news

Bangkok, Thailand, April 9, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / AirAsia MOVE proudly welcomes Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya as Country Representative for AirAsia MOVE in Thailand. Mr. Chattan previously served as Deputy Governor at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), where he played a pivotal role in shaping Thailand’s tourism strategies across key global markets.

Widely recognized as one of Thailand’s most respected tourism leaders, he brings deep policy-level experience, strategic market insight, and a strong international network that will further strengthen AirAsia MOVE’s leadership and partnerships in Thailand and the region.

Welcome aboard, Mr. Chattan

About AirAsia MOVE
AirAsia MOVE is the ultimate travel app for flights, hotels, and more, designed to take you everywhere you want to go. It envisions travel complemented by a community-led experience through features such as airasia chat, games, gifting, and a strong loyalty program that rewards users across its expansive ecosystem.

AirAsia MOVE’s ecosystem includes OTA services such as flight bookings from over 700 airlines, including the World’s Best Low-Cost Carrier AirAsia and 900,000 hotels world-wide plus ride-hailing, dining experiences, insurance, duty-free shopping and more, underpinned by integrated financial services by BigPay. It has been recognised by World Travel Awards as ‘Asia’s Leading Online Travel Agency 2023’ in its first nomination in the OTA category.

Both AirAsia MOVE and BigPay are part of MOVE Digital, the digital arm of Capital A Berhad.

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Bangkok, Thailand, April 07, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce that the PATA Annual Summit 2027 will be hosted by the Sanya Tourism Board (STB) in Sanya, China, from May 17–19, 2027.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “The Sanya Tourism Board has been an active and valued PATA member, and we have had the privilege of working closely together to successfully deliver a number of regional initiatives. Building on this strong track record, combined with world-class facilities and a diverse destination offering spanning culture, wellness, community-based tourism, and year-round sunshine, Sanya is exceptionally well-positioned to host the PATA Annual Summit. We look forward to collaborating closely with Sanya to bring the 2027 Summit to life.”

“Hosting the PATA Annual Summit 2027 in Sanya is a great honour and a significant opportunity to showcase our city’s unique tropical coastal charm to the global travel community,” said a spokesperson from the Sanya Tourism Board. “As a premier destination offering pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and world-class facilities, we are committed to promoting sustainable tourism development. We look forward to welcoming delegates from around the world to experience Sanya’s warm hospitality and to fostering meaningful collaborations that will drive the future of travel in the Asia Pacific region.”

Located in the southern part of China’s Hainan Province, Sanya is a tropical coastal destination covering approximately 1,921 square kilometres and offering diverse attractions. The city is recognised as a major modern tourism destination, known for its tropical climate and luxury resorts with world-class amenities. Sanya’s natural landscapes range from the white-sand beaches of Haitang and Yalong bays to the Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park and the Wuzhizhou Island. Moreover, Sanya boasts a culturally rich and charming urban scene, where visitors can experience its delightful gastronomy and rich cultural heritage.

In recent years, STB has observed growing travel demand from visitors from Central Asia, alongside continued efforts to expand air connectivity and strengthen partnerships. In November 2025 alone, Sanya recorded over 2.24 million overnight domestic and international visitors, underscoring its strong potential to contribute to the sustained growth of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry.

Brief Overview of PAS 2027

The PATA Annual Summit 2027 is structured as a three-day programme, centred around a one-and-a-half-day conference addressing key issues impacting the Asia Pacific travel and tourism ecosystem. The main programme comprises the Association’s Executive Board and Board meetings, a PATA Chapter meeting, a PATA Youth Symposium, and technical tours.

Further details on the PATA Annual Summit 2027—including event theme, session topics, and speakers—will soon be announced.

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Surat Thani, Thailand, April 07, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Anurak Lodge, a 19-key nature-based ecolodge located on the edge of Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand, has published its 2025 Impact Report.

The report outlines Anurak’s progress towards principles guided regenerative tourism by the ‘4Cs’ of conservation, community, culture and commerce, a framework developed by sustainable tourism advocacy body The Long Run.

The impact statement demonstrates how the lodge is embedding sustainability in all aspects of its operations. A key milestone in 2025 was the completion of a full year of consistent measurement of electricity, water and waste. The ecolodge also maintained its Travelife Gold Certification, reflecting adherence to internationally recognised sustainability standards.

The report shows that Anurak Lodge advanced its “Rainforest Rising” initiative, restoring land for oil palm cultivation at the lodge. For previously used food and pollination purposes, birds and insects prefer indigenous plant species such as black plum, Burmese grape tree, and. In 2025, 30 native cowa mangosteen trees were planted by guests staying at Anurak Lodge as part of Rainforest Rising.

Over the last 16 months, the lodge expanded its on-site gardens with 18 herb and vegetable varieties for garden-to-table guest dining. The vegetables and herbs are nourished by compost from a newly purchased HASS Food Waste Composter. The machine processes 10 kg of kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost within 24 hours.

Community impact remains central to operations. Some 82% of staff are hired locally. The lodge invests in and development, covering topics ongoing training from regenerative tourism to environmental management. In addition, Anurak Lodge supported five community initiatives in 2025, contributing to education, conservation and local cultural activities in surrounding villages.

George Newling-Ward, Lodge Manager, said: “We are encouraged by the progress made in 2025, particularly in building strong foundations through measurement, staff engagement and aligning with standards set by Travelife.”

There is more to be done. “Challenges with soil health remain, especially, water retention and reducing waste, such as plastics. We are measuring inputs and outcomes our regenerative which helps us advance tourism goals,” said Newling-Ward.

Regenerative tourism aims to enhance or improve a place through tourism, not just mitigate negative2026 and beyond, impacts.

In Anurak Lodge plans to focus on improving soil moisture through drip irrigation and composting, expanding forest restoration efforts, and deepening both guest and community engagement.

Guest activities at Anurak Lodge include guided forest hikes, bamboo rafting, cycling, and relaxing at the ecolodge, which offers spectacular’s Hornbill restaurant mountain views.

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London, United Kingdom, April 3, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The UK restaurant and hospitality sector is no stranger to headwinds. From fluctuating supply costs to the lingering effects of a volatile economic climate, the industry has faced an era of unprecedented pressure. Yet, even as margins tighten, some groups are finding that the most resilient way forward is through meaningful connection—to their heritage, their community, and to global causes that resonate with their guests.

This April, COYA Mayfair is demonstrating how a luxury brand can balance commercial reality with social impact. Through their annual Mama Quilla celebration—inspired by the Andean moon goddess and protector of women—they are leveraging their platform to support UN Women UK. It is an example of how “giving back” doesn’t have to be a separate, costly endeavor, but can be seamlessly integrated into the very craft of hospitality.

Small Gestures, Large Impact
What makes the Mama Quilla initiative particularly relevant for today’s trade is its accessibility. COYA isn’t asking the industry to reinvent the wheel; they are showing how small, collective actions at the table can lead to significant results.

Throughout the month, COYA is proving that purpose-led initiatives can actually enhance the guest experience:

Strategic Product Alignment: £1 from every bottle of water sold at their Mayfair and City locations is donated directly to UN Women UK.

Story-Driven Craft: The exclusive ‘Huaca de la Luna’ cocktail (£1 of which is donated) celebrates a women-led distillery, La Diablada Pisco, founded and run by two sisters.
Value-Added Programming: On Saturday 25th April, COYA Mayfair will host an immersive evening of entertainment featuring an all-women lineup of performers and DJs, creating a high-energy “party with purpose.”

A Blueprint for the Trade
By choosing to support an organisation that ensures women and girls have access to safety, choice, and a voice, COYA is aligning itself with a mission that has universal resonance.

The Industry Call to Action
The Mama Quilla initiative serves as a reminder that we are stronger when we collaborate. Supporting a cause like UN Women UK doesn’t require a massive overhead—it requires a creative approach to what the industry already does best: providing food, drink, and community.

As we look toward the rest of 2026, we are calling on more restaurants, hotel groups, and wider travel & tourism industry to join UN Women UK initiatives. Whether through fundraising or systemic collaborations, the hospitality sector has the power to fund the movement for a safer, more equitable world.

COYA has set the table. Now, it’s time for the rest of the industry to take a seat, and take action.

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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 02, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Red Sea Global (RSG), the real estate developer and pioneer of regenerative tourism, has secured EarthCheck’s internationally recognized Sustainable Destinations certification for The Red Sea, making it the first destination in Saudi Arabia to achieve the accolade.

The certification is awarded to destinations that demonstrate leadership in sustainable tourism. It evaluates the environmental, social, and economic performance of an entire destination, not just individual hotels and attractions. This means that every element of The Red Sea, from design to operations, community impact, and conservation practices, have been assessed by independent third-party auditors.

“The EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations program is recognized worldwide for its rigorous, science-backed process. Achieving this certification demonstrates our commitment to setting new global benchmarks and confirms that our approach is delivering real, measurable impact for people and the planet,” said Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at Red Sea Global.

Within its report EarthCheck called out several areas where RSG is exceeding global best-practice benchmarks. This includes energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, driven by RSG’s decision to power the destination by renewable energy 24 hours a day. It also called out the destination’s water savings rate, supported by minimal irrigation for landscaping, and low levels of waste to landfill, which EarthCheck found to be almost 75% better than its best practice level.

The audit also highlighted initiatives where RSG is operating beyond best practice for the good of local communities. This included its upskilling and education programs, such as the English for Tourism Program, which provides local people with the skills they need for career opportunities in the tourism sector. It also mentioned RSG’s Jewar app, which provides a two-way communication platform for sharing job opportunities, events, and programs, as well as a channel for residents to provide feedback and share their perspectives.

Stewart Moore, CEO and Founder of EarthCheck, said: “RSG is recognized as a pioneer in regenerative tourism. Through our audit of The Red Sea destination, we have seen this commitment clearly in action. We were also encouraged by the breadth of initiatives that go well beyond compliance — including the rescue and protection of marine turtles in the Red Sea, and strong, practical support for economic opportunities in local communities. Alongside this, becoming the world’s largest destination powered by renewable energy is a remarkable achievement. Together, these efforts make The Red Sea a standout example within EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations program.”

The Red Sea will now receive an annual audit. If it can demonstrate continual improvement for the next 10 years, it will be designated as a Platinum Certified destination – an accolade that has only ever been achieved by two destinations globally.

RSG welcomed its first guests to The Red Sea in 2023 and now operates 10 resorts, as well as Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which receives regular flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Milan, Dubai, and Doha. This year, Shura Island, the heart of The Red Sea, is opening its first resorts, as well as Shura Links, an 18-hole championship golf course.

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Bangkok, Thailand, April 01, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / lebua Bangkok, the world-renowned vertical destination, marked a historic milestone for Thailand as the setting for the first-ever wingsuit jump in Bangkok, in collaboration with Red Bull and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The extraordinary feat was performed by renowned wingsuit pilot Miles Daisher, bringing global attention to Bangkok’s skyline while reinforcing the city’s emergence as a destination for world-class experiences.

Leaping from a plane high above the city, Daisher soared across Bangkok’s skyline at speeds of up to 260 km/h, passing lebua Bangkok—home to its iconic golden dome and acclaimed Sky Bar and Sirocco—before landing with pinpoint accuracy on a cruise along the Chao Phraya River.

Selected among Bangkok’s most prominent high-rise landmarks, lebua Bangkok was chosen as a key location for this project—underscoring its status as one of the city’s most recognizable and distinguished destinations.

The historic achievement was made possible through a collaboration between Red Bull, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and lebua Bangkok, reflecting a shared vision to push boundaries and present Thailand in a bold, contemporary light.

“As the world’s first vertical destination, we have always believed that extraordinary experiences deserve an extraordinary stage,” said Narawadee Bualert, President & CEO of lebua Bangkok. “This collaboration is proof that lebua is not just part of Bangkok’s skyline; it is where the world’s most iconic moments choose to land.”

For Daisher, the experience was equally memorable. “To actually fly past lebua Bangkok was a dream come true,” he said. “This historic feat was a collaborative triumph, and the support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, local authorities, and my Red Bull family was everything.”

This landmark collaboration not only showcases the possibilities of extreme sports in an urban environment, but also reinforces lebua Bangkok’s position as a destination where globally significant moments unfold—complemented by its award-winning dining and world-class bars high above the city.

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AlUla, Saudi Arabia, April 01, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Marking a monumental step in its sustainable development and tourism ambitions, AlUla has produced more than 1 million native seedlings that will be integrated into the fabric of the Saudi destination.

This undertaking, achieved through the AlUla Native Plant Nursery and Seedbank, underscores the Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU) commitment to restoring the destination’s natural environment while shaping how visitors experience it.

To date, more than 140,000 native plants have been deployed across projects outside AlUla’s nature reserves, including tourism developments, cultural sites and visitor infrastructure. The initiative encompasses the landscaping of heritage sites such as Hegra, Dadan and AlUla Old Town, the design of public spaces and outdoor experiences, and across AlUla’s portfolio of five-star boutique luxury resorts, where environmental design helps elevate the guest experience.

This programme aligns with AlUla’s ambitious strategy to rehabilitate 65,000 hectares of degraded land by 2030. The ecological restoration effort is the foundation of ongoing rewilding and conservation efforts involving species such as the critically endangered Arabian Leopard, the Arabian Oryx and Red-necked ostriches, supporting AlUla’s emergence as a leading destination for nature and wildlife tourism.

For thousands of years, native plants have played a crucial role in shaping life, trade and identity in the region. Archaeological evidence shows how past civilisations relied on plants for food, medicine, construction and daily life, reflecting an enduring connection between people and landscapes.

AlUla, at the heart of the ancient Incense Road, was also renowned for trading exotic and aromatic plant products. Traversing vast geographical distances, trade borne of the region’s natural bounty enabled the ancient cities of Hegra – Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site – and Dadan to flourish. Today, thanks to the AlUla Native Plant Nursery and Seedbank’s initiative, visitors can travel various locations within the destination for a window into AlUla’s ecological past.

During his visit to AlUla in February 2026, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales participated in the destination’s landscape-scale restoration programme, planting an acacia tree inside Sharaan National Park, joining over half a million other native saplings planted in AlUla’s flagship protected area to date.

Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said:

“Tourism development in AlUla is guided by a simple principle: what we build must be true to place. The integration of native flora and fauna across our hotels, heritage sites and visitor experiences ensures that our destination authentically embraces its natural environment and cultural history.

“This is a purpose-led endeavour to restore and preserve local identity for generations. By embedding native biodiversity into the design of the destination, we are creating more meaningful and authentic encounters for visitors while strengthening the long-term sustainability of AlUla as a global tourism destination.”

Naif Al Malik, Vice President of Wildlife and Natural Heritage at RCU, added:

“The Native Plant Nursery and Seedbank is a critical piece of enabling infrastructure for ecological restoration across AlUla. By cultivating and deploying native species adapted to our environment, we are restoring habitats, strengthening ecosystem resilience and supporting biodiversity at scale. These efforts are grounded in science and long-term stewardship, ensuring that environmental restoration supports not only conservation outcomes, but also the sustainable development of local communities and economy.”

RCU’s integrated approach aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, demonstrating how environmental stewardship and tourism development can be delivered in parallel. By connecting conservation, culture and visitor experience, AlUla continues to position itself as a leading model of responsible destination development on the global stage.

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Madrid/Nairobi, March 31, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / “Recipe of Change” is the groundbreaking initiative launched today by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Tourism to tackle a major global sustainability challenge: food waste.

The initiative’s value is immediate and tangible, brought to life through its adoption by major global players in the tourism sector. Combined, these businesses serve over 600 million guests annually and generate more than USD 56.5 billion in annual revenue, mobilizing the sector at scale to prevent food waste, influence consumer behavior, and accelerate the transition to more sustainable food systems.

On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Waste, a Global Roundtable was convened, aimed at accelerating food waste reduction across the tourism sector. As well as recognizing the environmental challenges, the event also emphasized that food waste reduction can contribute to lower costs for the sector, build resilience against supply shocks, and contribute to broader food security.

Through Recipe of Change, stakeholders will measure food waste in their operations, and implement operational and behavioral solutions in support of Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 to halve food waste by 2030.

Remarking on the significance of this initiative, Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism said: “2.3 billion people experience food insecurity every single day. With a third of the world´s population failing to receive this basic human right and food wastage contributing up to 10% of global greenhouse gases, we must take decisive action. Recipe of Change seeks to do just that – with the tourism sector directly supporting solutions that drive sustainable consumption.”

The need to drive direct ground-level impact was reiterated by Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the Industry and Economy Division at UNEP, who said: “Tourism businesses are in a unique position to redesign menus, encourage lasting behavioral change and deliver measurable reductions in food waste. We are calling on more businesses across the tourism sector to become active partners of Recipe of Change and help accelerate progress towards halving global food waste.”

Leading Businesses Commit to Action

The initiative has seen major players in the tourism sector join UNEP and UN Tourism to create ground level impact, including: Accor, Constance Hotels & Resorts, Club Med, easyJet holidays, Grupo Posadas, Hilton, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Minor Hotels, Meliá Hotels International, Radisson Hotel Group, Six Senses, TUI Group, Lightblue Consulting and Winnow.

The interest of these tourism leaders reflects the continued commitment of the private sector to sustainability. It builds on successes such as the “Green Ramadan” campaign led by Hilton in partnership with Winnow, which saw participating hotels reduce food waste by over 60% in early pilots (2023), with further reductions of 20-30% in subsequent editions, as the initiative scaled from 3 hotels to 64 hotels in 2026.

To further accelerate the sector’s transformation, UN Tourism and UNEP encourage businesses across the tourism sector to join the movement and help cut food waste in half.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 31, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) today announces the release of the PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026-2028, which shows that inbound arrivals to the Asia Pacific region are projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels from 2026 onward, with the baseline reaching 761.2 million by 2028.

However, in light of evolving geopolitical developments and macroeconomic volatility, the outlook also considers a lower bound forecast scenario, where international visitor arrivals could reach 599.7 million by 2028, representing approximately an 88% recovery compared to 2019 levels.

“International tourism is entering a more complex phase where growth continues, but under increasing pressure,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “At PATA, we recognise both sides of the equation—the positive momentum driven by strong regional demand, and the downside risks arising from geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and climate-related disruptions.

“In this environment, growth is no longer linear or guaranteed. Destinations and organisations must be prepared for multiple scenarios, with the ability to adapt quickly, recalibrate strategies, and respond with agility. Decision-making must be grounded in real-time data and a clear understanding of risk.

“Ultimately, resilience and preparedness will define how well the industry navigates this next phase of uncertainty.”

“The results reflect not only the pace of recovery across destinations, but also the deeper structural changes transforming the tourism economy,” said Professor Haiyan Song, Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Professor in International Tourism, Research Center for Digital Transformation of Tourism, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (SHTM). “Understanding these dynamics is critical for destinations seeking to navigate uncertainty while pursuing more sustainable and competitive growth.”

The report was developed in partnership with the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre at SHTM PolyU, with additional contributions from PATA destination members and regional data partners. It offers inbound visitor forecasts for 39 Asia Pacific destinations, providing a detailed analysis that reflects the diversity of recovery and potential growth of each region and sub-region.

Drawing on current data and scenario-based modelling, the study outlines a period of structurally constrained and uneven growth shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, climate-related disruptions, evolving aviation and visa policies, and rapid digital and AI-driven transformation across the tourism economy.

In addition to the regional outlook, individual destination reports have also been published for all 39 covered destinations, each providing detailed market-specific projections and localised analysis.

Some highlights from the report:

• Ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts continue to pose downside risks to travel demand and cross-border mobility.
• Destinations are encouraged to diversify source markets and strengthen public–private collaboration to build greater resilience.
• China, the United States, and Türkiye are projected to remain the top three destinations through 2028.
• China, Hong Kong SAR, the United States, and Korea (ROK) continue to rank among the region’s leading source markets, despite ongoing air capacity and cost pressures.
• Japan and Hong Kong SAR show notable improvement in destination rankings in the post-pandemic period.
• Mongolia, Japan, Chile, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka are leading recovery performance, each exceeding 150 percent of their 2019 levels.
• By 2028, 27 of the 39 destinations covered in the forecast are expected to surpass their pre-pandemic arrival volumes.

The PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026–2028 is now available. Based on the level of membership, access may be granted either directly through the PATA Info Hub or via the PATA Publications using a discount code. Additionally, detailed data and projections related to the lower bound forecast are available upon request for eligible members.  Non-members can purchase the reports at PATA Publications.

In connection with this report, a complimentary webinar titled Asia Pacific Tourism Outlook 2026–2028: Growth Under Global Uncertainty was held on Thursday, February 26. The full recording can be accessed via the PATA calendar.

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Manila, Philippines, March 30, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / ASEAN will continue to navigate its future together, even as the Philippines shifts preparatory meetings for its 2026 Chairship to virtual formats — a timely and necessary move in response to evolving developments in the Middle East and their impact on regional priorities, particularly energy security.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a recalibration of the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN 2026, scaling down non-essential activities “in order to save on expenses and focus on the most important,” according to Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

As part of this directive, approximately 650 preparatory meetings will now be conducted online.

The upcoming Leaders’ Summit in May will tackle urgent priorities, including energy security, food security, and migrant workers’ concerns. It will proceed as an in-person meeting but on a “very bare bones” format.

To implement the directive, the ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC), chaired by Recto, issued a 27 March memorandum directing the host agencies to conduct virtually all preparatory meetings — from working groups to ministerial.

Even as formats evolve, ASEAN cooperation remains steady and purposeful, ensuring that the region continues to respond collectively and decisively to shared challenges.

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