Explora Journeys has introduced Endless Worlds, its first World Journey aboard Explora I. Running from January 6 to May 14, 2029, the 128‑day east‑to‑west voyage will span four continents, 29 countries and territories, and 63 destinations.
The journey begins in Dubai and concludes in Barcelona, tracing routes across the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Highlights include ports in India, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, South-east Asia, Bali and Komodo, followed by Australia and New Zealand – marking the brand’s debut in both countries.
Explora I’s Endless Worlds itinerary includes Komodo, home to iconic dragons and island landscapes
In Oceania, calls include Sydney, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Melbourne, Tasmania and New Zealand’s fjords. The Pacific segment features Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island. Crossing into the Americas, ExploraI will transit the Panama Canal before visiting Chile and Peru. The Atlantic leg includes Bermuda and the Azores before arrival in the Mediterranean.
On board, guests will have access to ocean‑front suites, wellness programmes, enrichment activities and globally influenced dining, with destination experiences led by local experts.
Salter Brothers Hospitality (SBH) has appointed Chris Curran as chief operating officer. In this role, Curran will oversee operational strategy and performance across the company’s hotel, restaurant and bar portfolio, working closely with senior leadership and operational teams.
Curran joins SBH from NRMA Parks and Resorts, where he held senior responsibilities in hospitality operations. His career spans more than two decades in the sector, including leadership positions with IHG and Pro‑Invest Group.
At SBH, Curran will focus on strengthening operational systems and supporting the company’s next phase of growth.
Le Méridien Putrajaya has named Sonal Malik as its new general manager.
Malik joins from Aloft South Jakarta, where she served as general manager.
Her recent leadership focused on guest experience, operational performance and team empowerment. Her career spans hospitality and real estate across international markets.
The shift away from mass tourism activities towards the low-profile yet meaningful and potentially high-yield “micro-experiences” embedded in daily life took centre stage at the PATA Destination Marketing Forum (PDMF) 2025, hosted in Chiang Rai earlier this month, with industry experts urging destinations to monetise daily life without eroding local identity.
Leading a dedicated workshop on the subject, Hannah Pearson, director of Pear Anderson, defined these experiences as small-scale activities rooted in the everyday rhythm of a destination.
Hannah Pearson of Pear Anderson encouraged delegates to share small daily moments as visitor experiences at PDMF 2025; photo by PATA
Unlike standard tours, she noted that true hyperlocal products are shaped or led by the community and prioritise activities that are “high authenticity, low footprint”.
Pearson challenged delegates to identify mundane aspects of their daily lives, such as a visit to a local forest or a morning market, and reimagine them as visitor products.
However, the session moved beyond simple product development to critically assess the friction between tourism and local living. Participants were tasked with evaluating potential trade-offs, such as environmental degradation or the displacement of residents, to ensure the benefits of attracting travellers outweigh the costs.
“We (also have to factor in) the trade-offs if we have this new experience – what the impact could be on the community, on the environment, and on the local economy,” Pearson said.
For Somsak Boonkam, CEO of Local Alike, the solution lies in uncovering the “delicate truth behind all the visible layers” rather than creating a performance.
He warned delegates against “staged authenticity”, noting that modern travellers are not looking to observe life from behind the glass but to participate in it.
To achieve this without turning communities into commodities, Somsak advocates for a reversal of traditional hospitality roles. The model shifts the traveller from “king” to “student”, while the local moves from “service provider” to “teacher” or “host”.
Implementation requires a strict methodology to protect the community’s soul.
Somsak outlined a process of “co-discovery” where operators ask locals what they are proud of, rather than simply asking what they can sell. This involves co-designing programmes that fit existing daily routines and setting strict capacity limits to ensure depth of connection over volume. By limiting numbers and charging a premium for access to genuine heritage, such as learning an ancient pattern from a master artisan, tourism funds the preservation of the very culture it celebrates.
Somsak noted that this approach attracts international travellers who are willing to pay more for what is real, allowing operators to “sell the truth, not the fantasy”.
Pearson concluded the session by reminding delegates that impactful tourism does not always require massive investment or new infrastructure.
“Small is powerful. It is not necessarily something that we have to build. We already have those within our community, within our environment. It is about harnessing them,” said Pearson.
Air France launches Phuket-Paris non‑stop service
Air France has begun operating three weekly non‑stop flights between Phuket and Paris. Services depart Phuket every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, with return flights from Paris on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
The route is operated by a Boeing 777‑200 aircraft configured with 328 seats, including 28 in Business, 32 in Premium Economy and 268 in Economy.
Hong Kong Airlines and WestJet
Hong Kong Airlines resumes codeshare with WestJet
Hong Kong Airlines has relaunched its codeshare partnership with WestJet, expanding connectivity between Hong Kong and Canada.
Under the agreement, Hong Kong Airlines’s HX code is placed on multiple WestJet‑operated domestic flights within Canada. Passengers can connect via Vancouver to Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Kelowna, Prince George and Victoria.
The codeshare enables single‑ticket itineraries, with baggage transferred seamlessly via Vancouver to Canadian cities.
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines adds Palau and Saipan to its Pacific network
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will launch new twice‑weekly flights from Manila to Palau (Koror) and resume direct services to Saipan on March 29, 2026, further strengthening its Pacific network alongside existing routes to Guam and Honolulu.
The Manila-Palau service will be operated by a 199‑seat Airbus A321ceo in dual‑class configuration, providing connections from major Asian and Philippine cities via the airline’s Manila hub.
On the same date, PAL will restart twice‑weekly flights between Manila and Saipan. Saipan will become the carrier’s seventh US destination, joining Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Guam and Honolulu.
The expanded Pacific network reinforces Manila’s role as a gateway to the region, offering travellers from Asia and North America convenient access to Palau and the Northern Marianas.
Jetstar
Jetstar expands connectivity between Australia and the Philippines
Jetstar has introduced direct flights between Perth and Manila, operating three times weekly from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The inaugural service carried 169 passengers aboard a 232‑seat aircraft.
The airline commenced Cebu’s first direct connection to Brisbane on December 3, 2025. The seasonal service runs until May 16, 2026, with three weekly flights.
At IBM Think Riyadh 2025, IBM and Riyadh Air unveiled Riyadh Air as the world’s first airline built as an AI‑native enterprise. Designed without legacy systems, the airline’s operations are structured to transform guest and employee experiences and set a new benchmark for aviation innovation.
Riyadh Air is working with IBM Consulting, which coordinated 59 workstreams and more than 60 partners including Adobe, Apple, FLYR and Microsoft. Using IBM watsonx Orchestrate and IBM Consulting Advantage, the airline has implemented an end‑to‑end technology strategy from day one. With initial flights underway and commercial service expected in early 2026, the three‑year collaboration has reached a pivotal stage.
Riyadh Air and IBM are set to redefine aviation by embedding AI into every operation
The airline is embedding AI across employee and customer touchpoints, introducing a digital workplace powered by AI agents to simplify HR and self‑service workflows, mobile applications to support tailored service and proactive guest engagement, and AI‑enabled voice bots and agent assist tools to deliver contextual, personalised support. Operationally, IBM Consulting has implemented an enterprise performance management suite to unify financial, operational and commercial data. This foundation automates planning, forecasting and analysis, enabling real‑time insights, route optimisation and stronger business performance.
Together, Riyadh Air and IBM have built an AI‑native enterprise with the digital strategy, architecture and operating models to support the airline’s ambition of serving more than 100 destinations and millions of travellers by 2030.
Mohamad Ali, senior vice president, IBM Consulting, said: “By embedding AI into the very foundation of its operations, Riyadh Air is setting a new blueprint for what it means to build a modern, adaptive enterprise from the ground up.”
“We had a clear choice – be the last airline built on legacy technology or the first built on the platforms that will define the next decade of aviation,” stated Adam Boukadida, chief financial officer, Riyadh Air.
“With IBM, we’ve stripped out fifty years of legacy in a single stroke. Riyadh Air isn’t just built for today; it’s built for the future and creating a pathway for many airlines to follow in the years to come.”
Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences, Australia
Minor Hotels is expanding its Avani footprint in Australia with the launch of Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences in Brisbane. Positioned within the landmark Queen’s Wharf precinct, the property offers a premium short and long stay option for both corporate and leisure travellers.
The 225 one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom suites feature fully equipped kitchens and laundries. Communal spaces encourage connection, and amenities include a lap pool, sauna and steam room. Signature Avani touches including intuitive music, weekly wellness activations and The Pantry at Avani will be introduced in 2026.
The property is located moments from Brisbane’s riverfront, dining and entertainment hub.
voco Gosford
voco Gosford, Australia
voco Gosford has officially opened at the heart of The Archibald precinct on the NSW Central Coast. The 130‑room upscale lifestyle hotel introduces a fresh, contemporary experience to the region, featuring a rooftop pool with swim‑up bar, six dining and bar venues, and expansive meeting and event facilities including the Altitude Grand Ballroom and Astra Rooftop Bar on Level 28.
Located just an hour north of Sydney, the property is part of The Archibald mixed‑use precinct and sits alongside boutique accommodation, restaurants, bars and retail outlets, creating a new destination for the Central Coast.
Kobe Marriott Hotel
Kobe Marriott Hotel, Japan
Kobe Marriott Hotel has debuted in the city’s waterfront district, adding new accommodation to one of Japan’s key port destinations.
The property sits between the Rokko mountain range and the Seto Inland Sea, close to Kobe Harborland, Kobe Port Tower and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Mount Maya is nearby, known for its night views of Kobe and Osaka Bay. Kobe Airport is eight kilometres away, accessible by taxi or the Port Liner.
The hotel’s 186 rooms feature floor‑to‑ceiling windows with views of the mountains or waterfront, premium bedding, workstations and walk‑in showers.
Dining options include an all‑day restaurant, a Chinese restaurant and a lobby lounge. Club Floor guests have access to the M Club on Level 17.
Marcus Square event spaces cover 1,470m², with capacity for up to 700 guests. Facilities include a fitness centre with cardio and strength equipment.
The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection
The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection, Australia
The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection launches along the shoreline of Botany Bay in Brighton Le Sands, offering 307 rooms and suites with private balconies and water views.
Facilities include outdoor and indoor pools, a fitness centre, and wellness amenities such as sauna and steam rooms. Guests can also experience the brand’s signature “M Moment,” connecting with local heritage and culture through curated experiences.
Dining options include Ammos Brighton, a Mediterranean restaurant led by chef Peter Conistis, alongside casual venues Coco’s on the Beach and Sands Bar.
The hotel provides 11 event spaces and two ballrooms, including the Brighton Ballroom with capacity for up to 600 guests and sweeping ocean views. Located minutes from Sydney Airport and steps from the sea, the property is positioned for both leisure and business, from beachfront weddings to corporate retreats.
Club Med is opening bookings for 2026 school holidays, giving families the chance to plan ahead with all‑inclusive escapes across Asia and beyond.
Each resort combines discovery, activities and family time, so children return home with new skills and stories while parents enjoy peace of mind. From seaside retreats to mountain adventures, Club Med holidays balance play with purpose, offering trusted childcare, engaging programmes and opportunities for growth at every age.
Children learn teamwork and independence through guided ski classes
A short ferry ride from Singapore, Club Med Bintan combines seaside relaxation with adventure. Teens can try sailing, archery and trapeze, while parents join yoga or spa sessions based on Indonesian practices.
In the Maldives, Club Med Kani offers ocean activities where families can snorkel reefs, join eco‑walks or take part in coral restoration. In Malaysia, Club Med Cherating invites children and teens to jungle treks, tree‑top challenges and eco‑walks that build teamwork and awareness of nature.
In Japan, Club Med Sahoro provides hiking, archery and horse‑riding, with families also enjoying onsen baths. Nearby, Club Med Kiroro Grand focuses on alpine activities, while Kiroro Peak offers calm for older guests, with skiing, snowboarding, mountain treks and tea ceremonies.
Emirates has introduced the Emirates Asia Pass, a new option for multi-city travel across South-east Asia under a single booking.
The pass allows itineraries covering Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore and Laos, with up to 10 flights included. Travellers can revisit cities or combine destinations without the need for separate tickets on different airlines.
New pass enables up to 10 flights across South-east Asia under one booking, with flexible connections
The pass is available to those booking an international Emirates flight arriving in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam or Laos, either directly through Emirates or through travel agents. Connections are supported by Bangkok Airways and Batik Air Malaysia, while Emirates also operates services between Thailand and Vietnam, and Thailand and Cambodia.
Travellers can purchase the Emirates Asia Pass with their Emirates international ticket via the airline’s official website and contact centre, retail and ticketing offices, or travel agencies. Flight changes after purchase can be made for a fee of US$15 per change.
Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve has unveiled Curiosity Cove, the country’s largest indoor nature-inspired playscape. Spanning 4,600m², the new attraction offers children aged three to 12 a multi-sensory experience across nature-themed zones, encouraging them to move like wildlife and see the world through their eyes.
Designed as an introduction to nature, Curiosity Cove complements the precinct’s recent additions, including Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild.
In Grasslands, explore the immersive digital Watering Hole, set amid tall grass where cheetahs and other animals lurk; photo by Mandai Wildlife Group
The playscape offers four interactive zones inspired by ecosystems – Wetlands, Forestlands, Grasslands and Drylands. More than 30 multi-sensory touchpoints encourage cognitive, social and motor development, from crawling through a ‘snake’s belly’ to climbing an orangutan tree-bed platform or triggering sounds and lights by shaking hanging vines. The indoor playscape ensures year-round wildlife adventures, regardless of weather.
Curiosity Cove is now open, with admission by two-hour timeslots between 10.00 and 18.30. Tickets are priced at S$48 (US$37) for one child aged three to 12, with complimentary entry for one accompanying adult. Extended playtime is available with top-up options.
At SBH, Curran will focus on strengthening operational systems and supporting the company’s next phase of growth.
Her recent leadership focused on guest experience, operational performance and team empowerment. Her career spans hospitality and real estate across international markets.
