global travel news

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Hanoi, Vietnam, May 19, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is elevating its culinary calendar this month with two exclusive dining events at its signature contemporary French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu, featuring Michelin-starred guest chefs.

On May 29 and 30, the return of Le Beaulieu’s celebrated ‘Rendez-vous’ series will welcome Chef Hiroyuki Matsumoto of the one-Michelin-star Restaurant Prunier in Tokyo. He will join forces with Le Beaulieu’s Chef de Cuisine Charles Degrendele to present a refined four-hands dinner that fuses French culinary heritage with Japanese precision and artistry, using the finest seasonal ingredients.

This exclusive dinner celebrates two icons: Le Beaulieu (established in 1901) and Prunier (established in 1934). Both institutions share not only a storied heritage but also a chef-driven passion for adding a sophisticated, modern touch to French fine dining.

The dinners will be served from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and priced at VND 4,900,000++ per person or VND 7,400,000++ with wine pairing.

Chef Matsumoto honed his craft at legendary establishments in France, including the three-Michelin-starred La Côte d’Or. Known for his mastery of authentic French gastronomy, he brings a contemporary lightness to his dishes that delight the senses.

On Sunday, May 31, guests are invited to a special Provençal edition of Le Beaulieu’s extravagant Sunday Brunch with Chef Louis Gachet of the one-Michelin-starred Le Feuilée in Provence. The lavish spread will showcase exquisite Provençal-inspired creations alongside French classics, premium seafood, artisanal cold cuts, French cheeses and more, accompanied by live jazz.

The special brunch will be served from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and priced at VND 3,500,000++ per person, or VND 4,500,000++ with free-flow wine, or VND 5,500,000++ with free-flow wine and Champagne. Children under 6 dine free, and children aged 6-11 are half-price.

Seating is limited and reservations are highly recommended. All Accor+ Explorer members enjoy special dining benefits.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Since opening its doors in 1901, the enduring Grande Dame of the Vietnamese capital has witnessed – and shaped – over a century of history. To commemorate this remarkable milestone, the hotel will host a series of exclusive events throughout the year to honor its extraordinary heritage while embracing a vibrant future as one of Southeast Asia’s most legendary luxury destinations.

For more information or to make a booking for any of the exclusive meals, please call 0243 826 6919

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI
A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, the Hotel Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travelers such as playwrights, ambassadors, royalty, and heads of state. Blending colonial heritage with neo-classical luxury and a dash of modernity, the hotel is the first Sofitel Legend in the world and the recipient of numerous international awards for its fine service, this legendary landmark has contributed to the richness of local heritage.

The hotel includes 358 rooms that are divided into two wings – the historical Heritage Wing and the neo-classical Opera Wing. There are three legendary suites that are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham).

With six exquisite restaurants and bars, Metropole Hanoi offers a diverse array of culinary experiences: Le Club Bar treats guests to its signature Metropole brasserie, iconic high tea and jazz evenings; Le Beaulieu presents contemporary French fine dining at its finest; Spice Garden offers elevated Vietnamese cuisine; meanwhile, angelina – Hanoi’s bespoke cocktail bar – lounge – restaurant delivers a world-class beverage experience alongside imaginative comfort food; La Terrasse brings Parisian-inspired al fresco dining to the sidewalks of Hanoi; and the Bamboo Bar invites guests to unwind in a serene Indochine setting by the pool.

At this legendary hotel, guests can indulge in luxurious facilities featuring lush gardens, a tranquil heated outdoor pool, a well-equipped fitness centre, and full-service meeting rooms. Rejuvenating treatments await at the enchanting Le Spa du Metropole, while curated treasures can be found at the hotel’s luxury gift shop, La Boutique, and its gourmet deli and patisserie, L’Epicerie.

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND
A pioneer of French luxury hospitality since 1964, Sofitel today embodies heartfelt and committed luxury, with a French zest. Alongside its 120 elegant and unique properties, the brand inaugurated in 2009 a collection of emblematic hotels under the Sofitel Legend banner: unrivalled luxury addresses with a legendary heritage and highly personalised service. Each stay is timeless, offering sumptuous surroundings, renowned restaurants and modern comforts for an inspiring luxury experience. Noble, rare and soulful, Sofitel Legend hotels captivate with their architectural beauty, breathtaking views and mesmerizing ambience.

Sofitel Legend now comprises 6 hotels, each more magnificent than the last, set within beautiful and culturally-rich destinations around the world: Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an.

Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,500 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

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Bangkok, Thailand, May 19, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) officially launches the enhanced version of its PATAmPOWER platform. Developed to improve user experience, strengthen functionality, and expand data coverage, the upgraded platform was unveiled on May 13 during the PATA Annual Summit 2026 (PAS 2026) in Korea (ROK).

PATAmPOWER is the Association’s tourism data platform, consolidating visitor arrivals, aviation, expenditure, and forecast data into a single dashboard. It enables timely insights and supports data-driven decision-making across the Asia Pacific tourism sector.

At the launch of the renewed PATAmPOWER, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “This upgraded version of the PATAmPOWER platform has been redesigned with our users in mind. The platform is now easier to navigate, which naturally leads to more instantaneous access to the insights needed for decision makers. As a trusted tool for our members over the years, we look forward to continuing to support them with an improved experience through this refined edition of PATAmPOWER.”

The revamped platform features a modernised interface and dashboard design, alongside improved filtering, visualisation, and export capabilities. These enhancements enable more intuitive navigation and more efficient data analysis.

Designed to support a broad range of stakeholders – including governments, destination management organisations (DMOs), national tourism organisations (NTOs), the aviation and hospitality sectors, as well as researchers and analysts – the platform offers comprehensive datasets. These include monthly international visitor arrivals (IVAs) to destinations across Asia Pacific, annual visitor profile data, average visitor expenditure, monthly scheduled inbound flight frequency and seat capacity over a 12-month horizon, forecasts by origin market, and more.

PATA collaborates with official government tourism authorities and OAG, which serve as the Association’s official data providers.

Accessing the New PATAmPOWER
As a member benefit, PATA members are granted either full or varying levels of access to the platform based on their membership tier. The platform itself is accessible via the PATA InfoHub account.

Selected datasets are also available to the public upon request.

Partnership Opportunities
Organisations interested in becoming data provider partners are invited to contact the PATA Project Management team via email for further discussion.

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Bangkok, Thailand, May 18, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced the ratification of newly elected Board members during the PATA Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, May 12, during the PATA Annual Summit 2026 in Gyeongju, Korea (ROK).

The newly elected Board members will serve alongside the Association’s ongoing Board members, further strengthening PATA’s collective expertise and representation across the travel and tourism industry, including the public and private sectors, academia, chapters, and youth representatives from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond.

The announcement follows the unveiling of PATA’s new Chair and Executive Board line-up earlier during the Summit.

“PATA’s strength lies in the diversity, experience, and commitment of its members,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “We are pleased to welcome these newly elected Board members and look forward to working together as we continue to advance a more responsible, inclusive, and resilient tourism industry.”

Newly Elected PATA Board Members

• Bangkok University, represented by Ms Duangthida Nunthapirat, Dean, International Programs
• Crescentrating Pte Ltd., represented by Mr Fazal Bahardeen, CEO
• Global Success Learning Academy Sdn Bhd, represented by Mr Jonathan Low, Managing Director
• Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, represented by Mr Jason Wang, Chief Operating Officer
• Graduate School of Tourism Management, National Institute of Development Administration, represented by Dr Paithoon Monpanthong, GSTM Program Director
• Hotelbeds Pte. Ltd., represented by Mr Justin Ong, Regional Manager, APAC
• Intrepid Travel, represented by Mr Mike Stewart, Regional General Manager SEA
• Jetwing Hotels Ltd., represented by Mr Dmitri Cooray, Managing Director
• PATA Face of the Future 2025, Ms Yeji Cho, Assistant Manager, Korea Tourism Organization
• PATA Hong Kong School of Hotel & Tourism Management (SHTM) Student Chapter, represented by Mr Thomas Wan, Chairman
• PATA Nepal Chapter, represented by Mr Khem Lakai, Chairman
• Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), represented by Dr Supawan Teerarat, President
• Tourism Malaysia, represented by Datuk Musa Yusof, Deputy Director General (Promotion)
• TripAdvisor, represented by Mr Fabrizio Orlando, Global Industry Relations Director
• Wakayama University, represented by Dr Kumi Kato, Professor

Ongoing PATA Board Members

The newly elected members will join the following ongoing Board members:

• Booking[dot]com B.V., represented by Mr Yang Li, Head of Public Affairs, APAC
• Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, represented by Mr Dileep Mudadeniya, Senior Vice President Global Alliances & Partnerships
• Dusit Thani College, represented by Mr Simon Lloyd, Dean – Hospitality Management and Business Administration
• Guilin Tang Dynasty Tours Co., Ltd, represented by Mr Michael Zhou, President
• Hong Kong Tourism Board, represented by Mr Anthony Lau, Executive Director
• Korea Tourism Organization, represented by Mr Sunghyeuck Park, President
• Macau International Airport Company Ltd., represented by Mr Eric Fong, Marketing Director
• Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation, represented by Mr Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director
• Pacific Leisure (Thailand) Limited, represented by Ms Watana Limnararat, Managing Director
• PATA Hawaii Chapter, represented by Ms Jennifer Chun, Chairperson
• Sanya Tourism Board, represented by Mr Hao Zhang, Vice Director
• Saudi Tourism Authority, represented by Mr Alhasan Aldabbagh, President – APAC Market
• Soaltee Hotel Limited, represented by Mr Dinesh Bista, Executive Chairman
• Taiwan Tourism Administration, represented by Ms Yu-Hsiu Chen, Director-General
• Tourism Authority of Thailand, represented by Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor
• Venture Travel (Temple Tigers) Nepal, represented by Mr Brajesh Mishra, Director

The Board plays a key role in guiding the Association’s strategic direction and supporting its mission to share knowledge, enable networking, and protect tourism economy assets through innovation, collaboration, and adaptability.

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