Daniel Cheong

East Africa Tourism Faces Disruption as El Niño Rains Forecast

Heavy rainfall predicted from November 2026 to April 2027 could damage transport infrastructure, affecting access to wildlife parks and heritage sites across the region.

Thailand Proposes THB450 Tourist Fee for Visitor Insurance

The levy, backed by the private sector, aims to fund visitor insurance and tourism infrastructure, with collection potentially starting for air arrivals in early 2027.

Europe Refines Visa Rules to Boost Tourism Competitiveness

The European Commission's 2026 strategy aims for more predictable entry, digital applications, and longer-validity visas to attract more international visitors and spending.

Thailand Boosts Tourist Safety with Multilingual Assistance

The Tourist Police Bureau now offers 24-hour support via its 1155 hotline, providing services in eight languages, alongside a dedicated mobile application for visitors.

Singapore Airlines Secures Next-Generation Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Singapore Airlines has committed to procuring up to 4,800 tonnes of advanced sustainable aviation fuel from Aether Fuels' new Project Beacon facility in Singapore, with deliveries set to begin in 2028.

IATA Survey: Travellers Adopt Biometrics and AI, Face Visa Hurdles

The 2026 Global Passenger Survey by IATA reveals nearly half of travellers use AI for planning, with high satisfaction in biometrics, yet 43% are discouraged by complex entry rules.

IATA Survey: Visa Complexity Deters 43 Percent of Travellers, Digital Demand Rises

A global survey by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reveals that nearly half of all travellers, including 49% in Asia-Pacific, are put off by complex entry requirements, a significant increase from 2025 figures.

AI Assistants Set to Disrupt Travel Re-Shopping

Thompson Hotel Debuts in Rome This November

The Thompson Rome, a new luxury property from Thompson Hotels, will welcome its first guests in the Italian capital during November 2026, marking the brand's initial entry into the city.

Pan Am Revival Seeks US FAA Approval for Scheduled Services

Pan American Global Holdings began the rigorous Part 121 certification process with the US regulator in October 2025, aiming to operate Airbus A220s or A320s from Miami.

Thailand Considers Visa Waivers for Colombia, Mexico, Uzbekistan

A proposal for 15-day visa exemptions, aimed at addressing processing delays and a 30% drop in Latin American arrivals, will be presented to Thailand's visa policy committee on 9 November.

United Airlines Details 2026 Global Baggage Policy Changes

The carrier's 2026 rules outline varying allowances and fees for carry-on and checked luggage, with specific provisions for basic economy passengers and international routes, including Asia.

Etihad Airways Launches Abu Dhabi to Calgary Direct Flights

The new ultra-long-haul route connects the Middle East to Canada, primarily serving South Asian travellers seeking connections to India via Abu Dhabi.

EasyJet to Adopt Starlink Wi-Fi Across Entire Fleet

Installations of the high-speed satellite internet service will commence in early 2027, with the full rollout across the airline's Airbus A320 family completed by early 2028.

Ponant, Silversea Expand Philippine Cruise Itineraries to New Islands

Luxury cruise operators Ponant and Silversea are introducing more sailings to the Philippines, featuring longer durations and calls at previously less-visited islands across 2027 and 2028.

Marriott and LG Debut Cloud TV Platform for Guest Rooms

Marriott International and LG Electronics have launched a new cloud-based entertainment and technology platform, currently piloting in 40 North American hotels with global expansion plans.

Southwest Alters Extra Seat Refund for Plus-Size Passengers

The US carrier's updated Customer of Size policy links additional seat refunds to flight occupancy, creating financial uncertainty for some travellers booking extra space.

Kazakhstan Secures Easier Egypt Entry for Tourists

Following talks on October 22, Kazakhstan's citizens will no longer face additional entry requirements for tourism in Egypt, a move expected to boost travel between the two nations.

Hilton Unveils Digital Points Redemption for Hotel Charges

The new 'Pay with Points' feature allows Silver, Gold, and Diamond tier Hilton Honours members to settle eligible on-property expenses through the mobile app, starting with 150 US hotels.

Amerilodge Group Opens 105-Room Holiday Inn Express Kalamazoo

The new Michigan property, opened on 23 October, features extensive meeting facilities and is projected to create more than 25 local jobs.

Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa Details Updated for 2026

Portugal's D8 Digital Nomad Visa requires non-EU applicants to earn €3,680 monthly and hold €11,040 in savings for 2026. The pathway to residency can take 4 to 7 months.

United, Air Canada Boost North American Routes for 2027

United Airlines and Air Canada will introduce six new transborder connections and increase capacity on several existing services across the United States and Canada next year, following a renewed partnership agreement.

Contour Airlines Takes Over DuBois Regional Airport Routes

Effective February 1, 2027, Contour Airlines will introduce new connections from DuBois, Pennsylvania, to Atlanta and Chicago O'Hare, replacing existing services at the regional airport.

Chongqing Eases Port Visa Rules, Names Canadian Musician Ambassador

The Chinese municipality has streamlined entry for foreign nationals requiring urgent travel, while also appointing Canadian artist Jon Steingard to promote its cultural offerings.

Vietnam Airlines to Launch Hanoi-Ahmedabad Route on 3 November

The new direct service will operate four times weekly using Airbus A321 aircraft, marking Vietnam Airlines' seventh connection between Vietnam and India.

Vietnam Airlines Adds Daily Da Nang–Singapore Flights

The new service, commencing on 17 November, will increase Vietnam Airlines' total weekly round-trip flights between Vietnam and Singapore to 42.

Portugal: €3,680 Monthly Income for 2026 Digital Nomad Visa

Non-EU/EEA remote workers applying for Portugal's D8 Visa in 2026 must demonstrate a monthly income of €3,680, with additional requirements for family members.

Delta One Overhaul Features New A350 Suites and Service Upgrades

Delta Air Lines is rolling out its most significant premium cabin redesign in nearly three decades, focusing on dining, hospitality, and new A350-1000 suites, though rival United Airlines offers larger in-flight screens.

Malaysians Rethink France Travel Amid Unrest

Malaysian travellers are weighing itinerary changes and potential costs, with one individual facing up to 1,200 ringgit (US$293) to alter a planned visit to Paris next week.

Hill Hall Hotel Debuts in West Virginia: 40-Room Boutique Revitalises 1923 School

The new 40-room Hill Hall Hotel in Fayetteville, West Virginia, opened in September 2026, transforming a 1923 school campus into a boutique property that blends history with modern guest facilities.