IHG signs Crowne Plaza resort project in Gurgaon Sohna

March 24, 2026

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Harisons Hotels & Resorts for a new Crowne Plaza resort in Gurgaon Sohna, near Palwal in India’s National Capital Region. The property is scheduled to open in 1Q2029.

The resort will be located about 70 minutes from Delhi International Airport and is intended to serve demand from weddings and social events, as well as weekend leisure travel and corporate offsite gatherings.

Crowne Plaza Resort Gurgaon Sohna is planned as a 150-room property targeting weddings, leisure travel and corporate events in the NCR region

Once completed, the hotel will offer 150 rooms. Facilities will include four dining venues, comprising a lobby lounge, an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant and a bar. The property will also feature meeting and event spaces, a health club, spa, swimming pool and indoor and outdoor leisure areas.

IHG said the development reflects continued growth of its premium segment in India, particularly in areas with strong demand for events and corporate travel. The Crowne Plaza brand operates more than 400 properties globally across city, airport and resort locations.

The project adds to IHG’s existing portfolio in India, where the company currently operates 51 hotels across six brands, including Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, voco, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express. A further 89 hotels are in the pipeline and are expected to open over the next three to five years.

“Sohna represents a compelling growth opportunity, situated within a high-potential corridor defined by sustained wedding and social celebrations demand, alongside expanding corporate activity, making it an ideal fit for our Crowne Plaza brand,” said Sudeep Jain, managing director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts.

“Backed by IHG’s global systems, brand recognition and operational expertise, we are confident the resort will attract both domestic and international travellers while delivering long-term value to the region’s hospitality landscape,” added Rajesh Gupta and Raman Gupta, directors of Harisons Hotels & Resorts.

5 Questions with Laura Houldsworth

By TTG

March 23, 2026

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Club Med opens reservations for Borneo resort in Sabah

By TTG India

March 20, 2026

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Club Med will begin taking reservations on March 24 for Club Med Borneo, its first resort in East Malaysia. The property is scheduled to welcome guests from November 16, 2026.

Located in Kuala Penyu, Sabah, around 90 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the beachfront resort spans 17 hectares. It is also accessible by road from Brunei International Airport, approximately four hours away.

Club Med Borneo will offer a beachfront resort with 400 rooms and family facilities when it opens in November

Club Med Borneo will feature 400 rooms, including 39 Exclusive Collection Suites. A dedicated Mutiara Exclusive Collection area will include a private lounge, pool and bar. Facilities include an infinity pool, family splash park, kids club, three dining venues, meeting rooms and a main theatre for performances.

The resort is designed as a BREEAM-certified beach property in Asia-Pacific, incorporating architectural elements influenced by Borneo’s cultural heritage.

To mark the launch, guests booking stays between November 16, 2026 and January 3, 2027 will receive a complimentary upgrade to Deluxe rooms, subject to availability.

For more information, visit Club Med.

Arabian Travel Market 2026 moves to August dates

By TTG India

March 19, 2026

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The 2026 edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has been rescheduled and will now take place from August 17 to 20, 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The event was originally planned for May 4 to 7, 2026. Organiser RX said the change was made to prioritise the safety and well-being of participants and to provide greater flexibility for the global travel industry to attend.

Arabian Travel Market 2026 will now take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from August 17 to 20

ATM is now in its 33rd edition and serves as a platform for destinations, travel suppliers, hospitality companies, airlines, technology providers and industry professionals to connect and conduct business.

The event is held annually in Dubai and brings together participants from across the travel and tourism sector.

RX said it will continue working with exhibitors, partners and stakeholders to manage the transition to the new dates.

“Arabian Travel Market has long served as a vital platform for bringing the global travel and tourism community together in Dubai, enabling destinations, suppliers and industry leaders to connect, collaborate and shape the future of the sector,” said Danielle Curtis, exhibition director for the Middle East at ATM.

“The decision to reschedule ATM 2026 to August reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone can participate at this important industry gathering. We look forward to welcoming the international travel community back to Dubai later this year.”

New hotels: Taj Paro Resort & Spa, Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection and more

By TTG India

March 19, 2026

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Taj Paro Resort & Spa, Bhutan
Taj Paro Resort & Spa is located in Paro Valley, with views of the Tiger’s Nest monastery. The 45-room resort is built using local stone and reclaimed wood, reflecting Bhutanese architecture. Rooms are designed with natural materials and views of the surrounding mountains.

Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant and a bar, along with a spa, indoor heated swimming pool and fitness centre. Guests can take part in cultural activities such as workshops and guided visits to nearby sites.

The resort is close to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) and other religious landmarks in the valley. Paro International Airport is around 10 km away.

Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection, Vietnam
Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection has opened on the southern bank of the Huong River in central Vietnam, next to Truong Tien Bridge. The hotel sits within Hue’s UNESCO-listed heritage area and is located in the city centre.

The property has 161 guestrooms across two towers, with facilities include an all-day dining restaurant serving Vietnamese and international dishes, and a lobby lounge that operates as a bar in the evening. Wellness facilities include a spa with treatment rooms, a fitness centre and steam room.

The hotel offers meeting and event spaces for up to 370 guests. Nearby attractions include Hue’s historic monuments and riverfront sites. The nearest airport is Phu Bai International Airport, around 15 km away.

1 Hotel Tokyo, Japan
1 Hotel Tokyo in Akasaka occupies floors 38 to 43 of the Akasaka Trust Tower. The 211-room property includes 24 suites and three penthouses, with views of the Imperial Palace gardens and Tokyo Tower. Rooms use natural materials, local craftsmanship and plant elements.

Facilities include three dining venues, a café and a bar focused on Japanese gin. There is over 460m² of event space, including meeting rooms and private dining areas. Wellness facilities include a spa, fitness centre, indoor pool and an outdoor deck.

The hotel is part of Tokyo World Gate Akasaka, a mixed-use development with offices and retail. It is within reach of Ginza, Roppongi and Shibuya, and close to parks and embassies. Tokyo’s main airports, Haneda and Narita, are accessible by road and rail.

Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort, Vietnam
Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort marks a new retreat in Quang Hanh Valley in Cam Pha, Quang Ninh Province. Built around natural hot mineral springs, it is about 30 minutes from Halong and around two and a half hours by road from Hanoi.

The resort has 178 villas and 38 rooms, all with private onsens and access to saunas. Villas range from two to four bedrooms, with sizes from 110 to 550 m². Two larger villas include five bedrooms, private dining areas and additional facilities.

Facilities include a Japanese restaurant, a bar and an all-day dining venue. Wellness features include access to Yoko Onsen with multiple baths, a spa, indoor pool, fitness centre and children’s club. The resort also has meeting rooms and private dining spaces.

Nearby attractions include Long Tien Pagoda, Bao Hai Linh Thong Pagoda and Sung Sot Cave.

Thaddaeus Weiss returns to lead Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

By TTG India

March 19, 2026

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Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok has appointed Thaddaeus Weiss as general manager, overseeing both the hotel and The Residences at Sindhorn Kempinski.

Weiss returns to the property after previously serving as hotel manager from 2021 to 2024 and being part of the pre-opening team. He most recently held the role of hotel manager at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, where he oversaw multiple divisions and operations.

Flight disruption deepens as Middle East conflict escalates

By Karen Yue

March 18, 2026

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Airlines around the world have announced further adjustments to their flight schedule as the US-Israel-Iran war escalates.

Cathay Pacific said on March 18 that it would cancel its Dubai and Riyadh passenger flights up to and including April 30. Affected travellers are offered the flexibility to rebook, reroute or cancel their tickets.

Cathay Pacific is among several airlines that have extended suspension of flights to and from the Middle East

Scoot announced on March 17 more affected flights between Singapore and Jeddah – these would be suspended until March 28. Its full-service sister, Singapore Airlines, has also extended cancellations of its Singapore-Dubai flights to March 28.

Japan Airlines has suspended its Tokyo-Doha flights until March 31 and Doha-Tokyo flights until April 1.

Lufthansa Group has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Dubai until March 28. These flights were previously cancelled through March 15. At the same time, all airlines of the group will suspend flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Amman and Erbi until March 28; to and from Beirut until March 28; to and from Tel Aviv until April 9; to and from Riyadh until April 5; and to and from Tehran until April 30.

Latest updates from Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways show that they will continue to operate a limited flight schedule so as to ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew.

Etihad said “services will operate only once all safety criteria are met”.

The Middle East conflict is costing the travel and tourism industry. The World Travel & Tourism Council said earlier this week that international visitor spend is estimated to be falling by at least US$600 million per day while disruptions to air travel, traveller confidence and regional connectivity are affecting tourism demand across the region.

Private jet arrivals rise in Maldives as overall tourist numbers decline

By Feizal Samath

March 18, 2026

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While the Maldives – like most Asian destinations – has seen a sharp drop in tourist arrivals owing to the conflict in the Middle East, a key transit hub for travellers from Europe, the number of private jets bringing high-end visitors has increased significantly.

A total of 128 private jets landed in the Maldives between February 18 and March 14, a 166 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, when 70 aircraft arrived, according to official data.

Private jet traffic to the Maldives has increased as high-end travellers bypass disrupted Middle East transit routes

The figures indicate a shift in travel patterns among high-end travellers seeking direct access to the island destination.

Visit Maldives chairperson Abdullah Ghiyas acknowledged the rise in private jet arrivals but said this segment accounts for less than one per cent of this year’s target of 2.5 million arrivals.

“However, in terms of spending patterns, the revenue is high from this segment of traveller,” he said.

Last year, the Maldives welcomed 2.2 million travellers. While most of the private jets were bringing in Middle Eastern nationals, there were also visitors from Asia and Europe.

To mitigate the impact on arrival numbers, Visit Maldives has called for a unified industry approach to launch joint marketing campaigns.

“These initiatives will specifically target markets such as India, China, Russia, and other Asian regions where travel disruptions have been comparatively less severe, ensuring that demand for the destination remains sustainable,” the state tourism authority said in a statement.

“We are looking at diversifying the market to increase numbers from India, China and Russia, which are unaffected by developments in the Middle East,” Ghiyas said.

Most European traffic travels via Middle East hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

The country manager for a European DMC said the company had lost 11 million euros owing to cancellations. “Of the 4,000 packs, we have seen 2,000 cancellations,” he said, adding that airlines were allowing full ticket refunds to travellers seeking to cancel bookings, while ticket prices have risen along with travel insurance.

Looking ahead, the industry official, who declined to be named, said that the perception of Dubai and other Middle East hubs as safe destinations has been shaken by the conflict, denting confidence in using these transit points.

“Even if the war ends tomorrow it will take several months to restore confidence in the Middle East,” he added.

Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance rolls out year-round travel campaign

By TTG Asia

March 18, 2026

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The Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance has launched a new global campaign titled Love Sri Lanka, Always, aimed at encouraging travel throughout the year and reducing seasonal fluctuations in visitor demand.

The campaign focuses on promoting the island as a year-round destination by highlighting experiences tied to specific seasons, including cultural events, wildlife activity and natural landscapes. It targets selected international markets, with India identified as a key source due to its proximity and air connectivity.

*The Minneriya elephant gathering is among the seasonal experiences highlighted in Sri Lanka’s new tourism campaign; photo by Willowtreehouse*

Sri Lanka offers a range of travel experiences across short distances, including wildlife, beaches, tea-growing regions and cultural sites. The campaign aims to encourage both short visits and longer itineraries by presenting different aspects of the country at different times of the year.

Key features include seasonal events such as the Minneriya elephant gathering, Vesak celebrations and the Kandy Esala Perahera. These experiences are used to promote travel outside traditional peak periods and to support tourism activity across different regions.

The campaign is delivered through digital channels, using video, photography and targeted marketing to reach travellers during trip planning stages. It also builds on the existing Love Sri Lanka platform, which provides travel information and trip planning resources.

The initiative comes as Sri Lanka continues to rebuild visitor demand. Tourism operators across the country remain active, with destinations open to international travellers.

Amadeus links UnionPay payments to airline booking channels

By TTG Asia

March 18, 2026

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Outpayce from Amadeus and UnionPay International have entered a partnership that will allow airlines to accept UnionPay cards directly through their payment systems.

The agreement enables airlines using Outpayce’s Xchange Payments Platform to process UnionPay transactions natively across both direct and indirect booking channels. Native acceptance is expected to begin in the first half of 2026, with rollout across markets continuing through the year.

The partnership will allow airlines using Amadeus systems to accept UnionPay cards directly across booking channels

UnionPay cards are issued in 85 countries and regions and can be used in 183 markets. The payment method is widely used by travellers in Asia-Pacific, making it relevant for airlines serving Chinese outbound markets.

According to ResearchAndMarkets, Chinese outbound travel is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.5 per cent, increasing from US$140 billion to US$386 billion by 2033.

Under the new arrangement, travellers booking through the Amadeus Travel Platform can be redirected to complete payments directly with the airline using UnionPay cards. This allows access to services such as loyalty benefits that may require direct payment with the airline.

For airlines, direct processing of payments is expected to improve cash flow and provide greater control over areas such as fraud management. It also allows airlines to offer consistent payment options across their own websites and third-party distribution channels.

The Amadeus Travel Platform connects travel providers, including airlines, hotels and rail operators, with more than 60,000 travel sellers.

“UnionPay has established a solid presence in the airline payment vertical. By deepening cooperation with Amadeus, UnionPay cards will be fully integrated into the underlying technology of airline distribution,” said Bomme Sheng, global director of UnionPay International.

“We are committed to enabling a smooth payment experience in every channel however the traveller chooses to pay,” added Damian Alonso, head of product and partnerships at Outpayce.

IHG signs Crowne Plaza resort project in Gurgaon Sohna

5 Questions with Laura Houldsworth

Club Med opens reservations for Borneo resort in Sabah

Arabian Travel Market 2026 moves to August dates

New hotels: Taj Paro Resort & Spa, Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection and more

Thaddaeus Weiss returns to lead Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

Flight disruption deepens as Middle East conflict escalates

Private jet arrivals rise in Maldives as overall tourist numbers decline

Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance rolls out year-round travel campaign

Amadeus links UnionPay payments to airline booking channels

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