Asia Travel Pulse
Langkawi and Port Klang to Host AROYA Cruise: Malaysia’s New Halal, Alcohol-Free Cruise Experience Launches in 2026
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
IslamiCruise International Sdn Bhd (ICI) and 26 of its appointed agents have introduced a new cruise experience, AROYA Cruise, a first of its kind halal, alcohol-free and gaming-free holiday at sea. Spearheaded by the government to attract both domestic and foreign tourists, the service will debut with transits from Port Klang to Langkawi on January 30, 2026. Scheduled over a three-day, two-night program, the proposed experience proves to be a refreshing travel choice that fits well with Malaysia’s plan to elevate tourism in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
The AROYA Cruise is targeted to meet the increasing need of the halal tourism market in Malaysia and in the region. The ceremony was officiated by Deputy Tourism Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan and marked an important milestone for the cruise industry, as well as Malaysia’s tourism product. This represents a new era for Malaysia’s tourism industry to have a wider range of offerings for all travellers be it halal, family friendly, culture focused and so on.
A Unique Offering for Halal Tourists
It will be an interesting addition to Malaysia´s tourism industry, especially if you are looking for a halal-friendly vacation. The cruise line provides an unusual alcohol and gambling free atmosphere with on-board restrictions that adhere to Islamic tradition. The hotel is to offer certified halal dining options, prayer rooms and various types of entertainment and leisure amenities tailored for Muslim travellers.
Onboard services will create a calm and secure atmosphere featuring prayer areas, an extensive range of halal meals, and family and individual activities. The cruise is meant to offer a holiday that appeals to relaxation but with a “halal” touch considering Islamic laws. Showcasing a cruise offering that is sensitive to the religious as well as the leisure requirements.
Supporting Malaysia’s Vision for Tourism in 2026
The AROYA Cruise is an integral part of Malaysia’s overall tourism strategy, especially rout its effort to support the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign. The platform is expected to help to position Malaysia as the leading destination for international tourists, highlighting diversity and inclusivity as well as the concept of halal tourism. Bringing a one-of-its-kind cruise experience to the marketplace, IslamiCruise International is also in line with Malaysia’s efforts to target the world’s expanding Muslim market.
We can expect a sharp surge in the number of international guest arrivals for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, with the AROYA Cruise leading the way as an attractive showcase. It corresponds harmoniously with the trend of halal tourism, providing a tailor made experience that makes tourists feel at ease and respected throughout the journey. The cooperation with the appointed agents will also enhance the scope of the cruise as these agencies will promote the AROYA Cruise to potential visitors globally.
Cruise Details: What to Expect
The three-day and two-night AROYA Cruise will sail from Port Klang, Malaysia’s most important commercial port to Langkawi, one of the nation’s best vacation spots. Pulau Langkawi is famous for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches and natural beauty – an ideal place to relax and unwind. It’s the perfect place rest and relax as well as listen to the whisper stillness of the island.
Onboard offerings will also include luxury accommodations, halal-certified dining options and entertainment that does not conflict with Islamic values. The cruise seeks to deliver a mix of rest, culture and family joy in a respectful way with dignity.”
The launch was celebrated with a lucky draw designated for all participants of accompanying media, imparting a fun flair to the announcement. AROYA Cruise is priced from RM597 onwards and is affordable for families as well as individuals who want to enjoy something different when it comes to cruising. The travel package is formulated to provide guests with extreme value for both a culturally profound and enriching journey.
A Growing Market for Halal Tourism
The halal travel market is a fast growing segment, as more and more Muslim visitors are looking for holiday experiences that cater to their faith and beliefs. With its multi-ethnic composition and strong halal ethos, Malaysia has become a popular halal tourist destination due to its wealth of cultural experiences and its commitment to ensuring that halal services are readily available for Muslim travelers.
The arrival of AROYA Cruise is going to boost Malaysia’s image as halal tourism base. With the vision to give Muslim vacationers the best cruising experience ever, IslamiCruise International is playing its role in ensuring that Malaysia remains at the forefront of halal tourism.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Halal Tourism in Malaysia
Malaysia wants to become a global leader in halal tourism when AROYA Cruise launches in 2026. The partnership between IslamiCruise International and appointed agents is in support of the country’s long-term tourism objectives. In the face of the industry’s constant transformation, the AROYA Cruise aims to drive the industry forward in the quest to mould the future of tourism in Malaysia with an offering that resonates with an increasing global population of tourists.
(Source: Malaysia Ministry of Tourism Website)
Asia Travel Pulse
Indonesia Joins Philippines In Celebrating Unmatched Excellence As Aseanta Launches Its Thirty-Ninth Annual Tourism Awards To Honor Outstanding Achievements And Innovations Across Southeast Asia’s Travel Industry In
Published on
August 10, 2025 |
Indonesia and the Philippines are at the forefront of celebrating tourism excellence as the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) launches its thirty-ninth annual Tourism Awards in 2025. These prestigious awards recognize outstanding achievements and innovations across Southeast Asia’s vibrant travel industry, highlighting efforts in sustainability, community engagement, and digital transformation. As part of this milestone, ASEAN nations are invited to participate in a collaborative celebration that not only honors remarkable tourism initiatives but also strengthens regional cooperation and promotes the growth of ASEAN’s tourism sector through innovation and shared values.
The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) has recently unveiled two major initiatives designed to expand and enhance tourism opportunities across the diverse and rapidly growing Southeast Asian region. As reported by Antara news agency, these efforts underscore a strong commitment by ASEAN member countries to strengthen their collective tourism sector through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
One of the key programs launched is the ASEANTA Tourism Awards, a prestigious recognition platform that has been running for an impressive 39 editions. Over the years, the awards have established themselves as a hallmark for celebrating excellence across the region’s tourism industry. The scope of the awards spans a wide range of categories, honoring achievements from community-based tourism projects that empower local populations, to large-scale marketing campaigns and innovative sustainable tourism models that set new standards in the sector.
The ASEANTA Tourism Awards have played an essential role in spotlighting exemplary efforts that contribute significantly to the growth and positive transformation of ASEAN’s tourism landscape. By recognizing initiatives that blend cultural preservation with modern tourism development, the awards encourage continuous improvement and inspire others within the industry to adopt best practices. This emphasis on excellence is crucial in a region as diverse as Southeast Asia, where countries vary widely in terms of culture, infrastructure, and tourism maturity.
Registration for the ASEANTA Tourism Awards is currently open, inviting tourism operators, community organizations, government bodies, and private sector stakeholders from all ASEAN countries to submit their entries. The deadline for applications is set for October 31, 2025. Winners will be formally announced at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, which will be hosted in the Philippines, bringing together tourism leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from across the region. This event is recognized as one of the most important annual gatherings dedicated to advancing ASEAN’s tourism agenda and fostering regional cooperation.
In addition to the awards, ASEANTA introduced a second groundbreaking initiative at the recent forum — the launch of the Discover ASEAN microsite. This new digital platform, created in collaboration with AirAsia Move, is designed to serve as a centralized travel booking hub tailored specifically for Southeast Asia. By leveraging digital technology, the microsite aims to simplify the travel planning process, offering users seamless access to a wide range of travel services including flights, accommodations, and tour packages throughout ASEAN countries.
The Discover ASEAN microsite represents a significant step towards embracing digital transformation within the region’s tourism industry. Southeast Asia, known for its vibrant cultures and natural beauty, is increasingly attracting tech-savvy travelers seeking convenient, comprehensive travel solutions. The platform is expected to boost intra-regional tourism by making it easier for tourists to explore multiple ASEAN destinations, thus promoting economic growth and cultural exchange among member countries.
What sets these two initiatives apart is their alignment with the broader vision of sustainable and inclusive tourism development. Both the ASEANTA Tourism Awards and the Discover ASEAN microsite reflect a shared commitment among ASEAN nations to promote tourism practices that not only generate economic benefits but also preserve cultural heritage and protect the environment. Sustainability is fast becoming a central theme in tourism strategies worldwide, and ASEAN is proactively integrating these principles to ensure long-term resilience and competitiveness in the global market.
Moreover, these efforts highlight the importance of public-private partnerships in driving regional tourism forward. The collaboration between ASEANTA and AirAsia exemplifies how government bodies, industry associations, and private enterprises can work hand-in-hand to create innovative solutions that respond to evolving traveler expectations and market trends. Such partnerships are vital for harnessing resources, knowledge, and technology to enhance tourism infrastructure, marketing, and service quality across the region.
The launch of the ASEANTA Tourism Awards and the Discover ASEAN microsite also comes at a critical time as the world gradually recovers from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism industries worldwide have faced unprecedented challenges, and ASEAN countries are no exception. These initiatives demonstrate a forward-looking approach to rebuilding the tourism sector with resilience, adaptability, and a renewed focus on quality and sustainability.
By recognizing outstanding tourism projects and facilitating easier access to travel services, ASEANTA is helping to rebuild traveler confidence and stimulate demand in the region. The awards motivate tourism stakeholders to innovate and improve, while the digital platform caters to the growing preference for online travel booking, personalized experiences, and multi-destination itineraries. Together, they create a dynamic ecosystem that supports tourism growth while addressing new market realities.
In conclusion, ASEANTA’s dual initiatives represent a powerful commitment to reshaping Southeast Asia’s tourism industry for a brighter future. The 39th ASEANTA Tourism Awards continue to honor and inspire excellence across the sector, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and shared learning. Meanwhile, the Discover ASEAN microsite offers a modern, digital gateway that encourages travelers to discover the region’s rich cultural and natural treasures with ease and confidence.
Indonesia and the Philippines lead the way as ASEANTA launches its thirty-ninth Tourism Awards in 2025, celebrating excellence and innovation across Southeast Asia’s travel industry. This initiative highlights the region’s commitment to sustainable and collaborative tourism growth.
These initiatives collectively embody a vision of ASEAN tourism that is innovative, inclusive, and sustainable — one that balances economic progress with social and environmental responsibility. As registration for the awards remains open until the end of October 2025 and the digital platform gains momentum, stakeholders and travelers alike can look forward to an exciting new chapter in Southeast Asian tourism. The ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, where the awards winners will be announced, will serve as a pivotal moment to celebrate these achievements and set the course for continued collaboration and growth in the years ahead.
Asia Travel Pulse
Accor Celebrates Partnership Success with ALL Thanks To You Events Across Asia Pacific, Boosting Regional Travel Connections: Here Is All You Need To Know
Published on
August 10, 2025 |
Accor is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, and, through the official ALL Thanks to You program, has shown appreciation for its business associates for the 2023 year with appreciation events in several major cities. This year, ALL Thanks to You has reached its largest scope yet, expanding to 17 cities in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. This marks the largest mobilization of Accor’s national sales team in the region. During the appreciation week, Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland served as the host cities, enabling Accor to actively strengthen relationships with clients throughout the world and reinforcing the company’s commitment to the travel and tourism industry.
Celebrating Global Partnerships in Iconic Cities
The ALL Thanks To You celebration took place across major cities in the Asia Pacific region, including Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and other key locations in Thailand and Singapore. These events not only celebrated the strong relationships Accor has cultivated with its business partners but also showcased the diverse range of travel and hospitality offerings available across the Pacific. More than 75 hotels, spanning 18 of Accor’s brands, participated in the event, emphasizing the Group’s regional strength and commitment to providing memorable travel experiences.
Accor’s national sales team partnered with key travel industry players, from travel management companies and online agencies to airlines and event planners, bringing together a broad spectrum of global travel clients. Personalized sales calls and immersive events allowed Accor to showcase its extensive portfolio of hotels and resorts while reaffirming its commitment to creating exceptional travel experiences.
Immersive Brand Experiences for Travel Enthusiasts
Each ALL Thanks To You event featured unique experiences that captured the essence of Accor’s leading hotel brands. These activations allowed attendees to connect with Accor’s offerings in a fun and engaging way:
Pullman invited guests to relax with a Mindful Moment, featuring a creative city-themed colouring wall, bringing the brand’s artistic identity to life.
Novotel presented a Make Every Moment Count photo backdrop, offering visitors a taste of resort-style relaxation, while capturing vacation-inspired memories.
Mövenpick delivered a Sweet Moment with an indulgent chocolate station, creating a sensory experience synonymous with the brand’s luxurious hospitality.
ibis brought a Playful Moment to life with vibrant DJ sets, saxophonists, and entertainers, capturing the energetic and youthful spirit of the ibis brand.
These events were designed not only to thank Accor’s partners but also to celebrate the shared mission of driving tourism forward. The ALL Thanks To You initiative served as a platform to update partners on Accor’s new hotel developments, brand innovations, and its ongoing efforts towards achieving sustainability goals, including reaching net zero by 2050.
A Strong Commitment to Sustainable Travel and Tourism
Adrian Williams, Accor Pacific’s Chief Operating Officer, reflected on the importance of these celebrations in strengthening the company’s partnerships within the travel and tourism industry. “This initiative is our way of showing appreciation for the trust and collaboration of our clients,” said Williams. “The ALL Thanks To You events provide us with an opportunity to pause and acknowledge the growth and momentum we are building across the region, especially in the travel sector.”
Accor’s diverse portfolio of over 20 international brands, ranging from luxury options like Sofitel and MGallery to budget-friendly properties such as ibis and ibis Styles, offers something for every type of traveler. The ALL Thanks To You initiative provided an ideal opportunity to showcase the brand’s evolving commitment to sustainable travel, providing guests with exceptional service while reducing environmental impact.
Driving Growth in Asia Pacific’s Tourism Sector
Accor’s presence and operations in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and French Polynesia significantly influence the local tourism industry. By strengthening relationships with business partners, Accor is positioning themselves within the international travel industry. These partnership appreciation events reinforced Accor’s leadership role in shaping travel’s future in the Asia Pacific region.
Accor has maintained its focus on strategic collaborations, sustainability, and impactful travel and hospitality experiences. These priorities persistently define its business operations. The initiative ALL Thanks To You appreciates added value beyond business success and recognizes the partnership/hallmark in the Asia Pacific tourism collaboration.
Photo Credit: Accor
Asia Travel Pulse
Discover Thailand’s Best Kept Secrets: How Bangkok and Beyond Are Leading the Way for 2025
Published on
August 10, 2025 |
Bangkok has once again reaffirmed its position as a premier global tourist hub, garnering the title of Asia’s most visited city for 2025 according to Agoda, a prominent international travel platform. This accolade highlights the metropolis’s lively energy, deep cultural heritage, and expanding allure for international visitors. Notably, the capital’s success is mirrored by other Thai destinations—including Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai—which ranked among the region’s most favoured cities for return travel, thereby underscoring the country’s wide-ranging and lasting appeal to diverse tourist segments.
Building on this success, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports have introduced the “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2025,” a nationwide campaign running from July 1 to August 15. Designed to stimulate foreign expenditure, the initiative features discounts and special offers across shopping, accommodation, dining, and entertainment sectors. The campaign is strategically aligned with Thailand’s overarching tourism objectives, further enhancing its status as a premier destination for global travellers.
Bangkok’s sustained appeal to tourists arises from a synergistic blend of cultural, culinary, and logistical advantages each bolstering the others. The ostentatious Grand Palace, the serenity of Wat Arun, and the reverent Temple of the Emerald Buddha remain indispensable for visitors attuned to the city’s rich and intricate heritage. Meandering the Chao Phraya River or bargaining at a floating market transports participants to the waterborne lifestyle that has sustained Bangkok for centuries, bridging contemporary and enduring modes of commerce and culture.
Culinary encounters amplify the destination’s draw. Street vendors across the city serve vivid, audacious flavors—whether the sour-spicy vibrancy of Som Tum or the deeply savory allure of Tom Yum Goong—at prices that defy inflation. Complementing these experiences, districts such as Siam Square, Chinatown, and the sprawling Chatuchak Market merge the contemporary and the antique, allowing seekers of both high-end brands and local crafts to indulge without geographical or economic constraints.
Efficient mobility networks further reassure visitors. The elevated BTS and the subterranean MRT weave through the urban landscape, while metered taxis and river ferries furnish supplementary arteries. At the outset and conclusion of the journey, Suvarnabhumi Airport serves as not only Thailand’s primary gateway but a crossroads for Southeast Asia, simplifying multi-stop itineraries for the increasingly sophisticated and time-sensitive traveler. Together, these elements recur as touchstones for both return visitors and first-time explorers, ensuring that Bangkok’s place on the global tourist map remains secure.
Tourism Safety and Global Appeal
Bangkok was assigned a Level 1 designation (“Exercise Normal Precautions”) in the 2025 Travel Advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State, affirming the city’s alignment with the highest safety standard for outbound U.S. travelers. The rating signifies the Thai government’s sustained commitment to safeguarding the well-being of international guests while promoting a stable and secure environment for tourism-related activities.
Comprehensive safety protocols and continual enhancements to the tourism infrastructure reinforce Thailand’s attractiveness for visitors seeking both leisure and adventure. The country’s spectrum of experiences—from the secluded beaches of Phuket to the culturally rich centre of Chiang Mai—contributes to its enduring appeal and secures its position as a leading global destination.
The “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2025” Campaign
To build on the upward momentum in tourist arrivals, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports inaugurated the “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2025.” Held annually from July 1 to August 15, the initiative offers substantial savings across an extensive range of goods and services nationwide, specifically aimed at enticing international travelers to immerse themselves in the breadth of Thailand’s retail, culinary, and leisure experiences.
The current promotional campaign offers price reductions on shopping, hotel stays, attraction entry, and dining, aiming to entice travelers to sample the finest of Thailand. Discounts are available for luxury boutiques in Bangkok’s premier malls, reduced rates for suites in Phuket’s flagship hotels, and special packages featuring exclusive shows and dining in the Pattaya entertainment precinct.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has invited small and medium enterprises nationwide to join the initiative, thereby rebranding the country as both a value-driven and experience-rich destination in the eyes of international visitors.
Regional Expansion and the Long-Term Tourism Agenda
As Thailand replenishes its travel portfolio, the next stage of growth emphasizes cities beyond the capital. Phuket’s coastal playground remains a marquee attraction, while Pattaya hawks its after-dark economy. Farther north, Chiang Mai combines sacred temples, forest retreats, and holistic health programs.
Meanwhile, rising traveler numbers to secondary destinations such as Hat Yai signal a matured market eager for in-depth discovery. These travelers deliberately seek neighborhoods removed from travel brochures, insisting on spontaneous street-food encounters and dialogue with local artisans. By directing traffic to these lower-profile sites, the strategy, in synergy with the Bio-Circular-Green economy, aspires to balance visitor intake and environmental integrity while dispersing revenue to grass-roots livelihoods.
Tourism’s Upsurge and Economic Transformation
The wave of international arrivals and tailored initiatives such as the “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2025 are poised to propel Thailand’s economy to new heights. By 2025, forecasted tourism expenditure could reach several billion dollars, reinforcing the nation’s stature as a must-visit Asian hub. The industry doubtless boosts the national GDP, marshaling employment opportunities and invigorating local supply chains, whether in lodging, handicrafts, or street-food microenterprises.
A concurrent expansion of transportation, terminal, and lodging capacity positions Thailand to rival the shifting preferences of a global traveller. Dedicated funding for ecological, heritage, and wellness itineraries further crafts a multi-dimensional, responsible image, broadening the sector’s resilience and appeal.
Conclusion : Final Assessment
Bangkok, the continent’s most frequented capital, remains the engine of Thailand’s tourism expansion and affirmation of its rising global profile. The “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2025,” together with the Tourism Authority’s deliberate marketing, are certain to sustain upward visitor momentum, translating to sustained economic dividends and fortifying the perception of Thailand as a welcoming, cost-effective, and richly layered destination.
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