News

MILLI Curates Artistic Airbnb Stays Showcasing Thailand’s Culture

Thailand’s vibrant culture comes to life through MILLI’s carefully curated Airbnb stays, offering travelers an immersive blend of tradition and creativity. Designed for those seeking authentic experiences, these stays go beyond typical accommodation, allowing guests to connect with the local culture in meaningful ways. Whether it’s staying in an artistically designed home or a property that showcases Thailand’s rich heritage, MILLI’s offerings provide a refreshing and personalized alternative to conventional travel experiences. This initiative captures the essence of Thai creativity and cultural heritage, making it the perfect choice for travelers in search of a more soulful journey. Thai rap sensation MILLI has captivated audiences not just through her music but through her ability to connect with the pulse of Thailand’s vibrant culture. Following the success of her exclusive Airbnb Weekender in Bangkok, MILLI is back to set the travel vibe once again, this time with a handpicked collection of accommodations that speak to her essence—bold, creative, and deeply connected to the heart of Thailand. Travel interest in Thailand has seen a significant rise, with a nearly 20% increase in visitors year-over-year. Thai Gen Z is at the forefront of this trend, driving a 25% growth in travel activity. As younger travelers seek experiences that feel authentic and personal, MILLI’s curated list of Airbnb stays offers just that—spaces that embody comfort, creativity, and a deep connection to local culture.

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Dubai Wins World’s Leading Sustainable City Award 2025

Dubai has been recognised as the World’s Leading Sustainable City for 2025, a prestigious honour bestowed at the renowned World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The award was revealed during a dazzling ceremony at Terra, Expo City Dubai, attended by a distinguished gathering of global leaders committed to advancing sustainable tourism. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of sustainable travel, celebrating the visionaries who are transforming the tourism landscape with eco-conscious innovations. Dubai’s recognition as the world leader in sustainable cities is a direct result of its unwavering commitment to promoting a greener and more sustainable future. The city has become a global model for sustainable urban development, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology, renewable energy, and green building practices into its infrastructure. A key highlight of Dubai’s sustainability efforts is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. As one of the largest single-site solar power projects globally, this ambitious initiative plays a pivotal role in reducing the city’s reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions, and supporting the transition to renewable energy. The park stands as a beacon of Dubai’s determination to be a global leader in clean energy solutions.

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SpiceJet Launches Direct Ahmedabad–Sharjah Flights, Boosting Regional Air Connectivity

India is strengthening its Gulf aviation links because SpiceJet is adding a direct Ahmedabad–Sharjah service from February five, giving western India a faster, more affordable bridge to one of the UAE’s most important emirates while meeting relentless demand from diaspora, business, and leisure travellers. The five-days-a-week schedule creates smoother travel for families visiting relatives, professionals moving between trade hubs, and tourists looking for quick access to the UAE without time-consuming connections. Ahmedabad’s rise as a powerhouse city for industry, exports, and entrepreneurship makes this route commercially smart, while Sharjah’s reputation as a cultural capital with heritage districts, museums, historic mosques, and easy access to multiple emirates adds a strong tourism pull. By choosing a route that blends year-round traffic with clear passenger need, SpiceJet is not just adding another international flight—it is tightening a high-value corridor that supports economic ties, boosts regional connectivity, and keeps direct international travel within reach for more Indian flyers. Low-cost carrier SpiceJet is preparing to add fresh momentum to India–Middle East air travel with the launch of direct flights between Ahmedabad and Sharjah from February five. The new service strengthens the airline’s international network and marks Sharjah as its second destination in the United Arab Emirates after Dubai, underlining SpiceJet’s continued focus on high-demand regional routes. The Ahmedabad–Sharjah flights will operate five days a week, skipping Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This schedule is designed to give travellers flexibility while catering to consistent demand from business passengers, tourists, and families who regularly travel between western India and the UAE. Direct connectivity on this route is expected to significantly reduce travel time compared to indirect options, making the journey more convenient and cost-effective. Ahmedabad’s inclusion in SpiceJet’s expanding international map reflects the city’s growing importance. As one of India’s fastest-developing urban centres, Ahmedabad has emerged as a major hub for trade, manufacturing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and education. The city also has strong cultural and commercial ties with the Gulf region, supported by a sizeable Gujarati diaspora living and working across the UAE. For many families, Sharjah and neighbouring emirates are not just destinations but second homes, making direct flights a practical necessity rather than a luxury.

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Visakhapatnam to Host Grand Nine-Day Visakha Utsav in 2026 Showcasing Culture and Tourism

India’s Visakhapatnam is poised to become the epicenter of cultural celebration in 2026 as the city hosts the much-anticipated Visakha Utsav, a nine-day festival that promises to showcase the rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, and stunning natural beauty of North Andhra Pradesh. Set to begin on January 24, the festival will not only highlight the vibrant traditions and artistic performances of the region but also offer an immersive experience that bridges the local community with tourists. Spanning across Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, and Alluri Sitarama Raju districts, the event underscores the state’s renewed emphasis on promoting cultural tourism, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the region’s diverse landscapes, crafts, and heritage, while contributing to the revival of the tourism sector. The much-anticipated Visakha Utsav 2026 is set to begin on January 24 in Visakhapatnam, offering nine days of lively cultural celebrations that will extend across the districts of Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, and Alluri Sitarama Raju. This festival, a major highlight in the region’s tourism calendar, aims to showcase the cultural richness, historical significance, and natural beauty of North Andhra Pradesh, making it an immersive experience for both locals and visitors alike. The festival’s curtain-raiser took place at the VMRDA Children’s Arena in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday, where state ministers, including Kandula Durgesh, Vangalapudi Anitha, Gummadi Sandhya Rani, Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, and Kollu Ravindra, gathered to unveil the poster and discuss preparations. The ministers were joined by a number of other key figures, including Visakhapatnam MP Sribharat, TDP State President and MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao, and several district officials. The opening ceremony of the Visakha Utsav will be held in Visakhapatnam, while the grand finale is scheduled to take place in Anakapalle. This year’s event will reach beyond the city to involve surrounding districts, ensuring that a larger audience can participate and benefit from the festivities. This wider outreach is a clear indication of the festival’s growing importance as a regional cultural gathering, one that strives to offer a truly inclusive experience for attendees.

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Philippine Airlines Introduces A350-1000, Elevating Long-Haul Travel to North America

Philippine Airlines is revolutionizing long-haul travel with the launch of its first A350-1000, a cutting-edge aircraft that brings unparalleled speed, luxury, and efficiency to the skies. This groundbreaking addition marks a significant milestone in Philippine Airlines’ 85th anniversary celebrations and positions the airline as a leader in Southeast Asia’s aviation industry. Powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350-1000 promises faster, more sustainable flights, while offering passengers an unmatched experience in both business and economy classes. With its advanced features and extended range, this aircraft opens up new possibilities for long-distance travel, particularly to North America, and sets a new standard for international air travel. In a remarkable milestone for the aviation industry, Philippine Airlines (PAL) unveiled its latest technological marvel—the A350-1000—in a spectacular display at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City. The event, marking PAL’s 85th anniversary, was a testament to the airline’s commitment to innovation, luxury, and sustainability in air travel. This debut of the A350-1000, the most advanced aircraft in PAL’s fleet, signals a new era in international travel, especially for long-haul flights. The A350-1000 is a major leap forward in both aviation technology and luxury travel. Philippine Airlines now stands at the forefront of global aviation, becoming the first airline in Southeast Asia to operate this aircraft. With a capacity of 382 passengers and a crew of 18 cabin members, including four pilots, the A350-1000 is designed for both efficiency and comfort. The aircraft is powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 turbofan engines, the most powerful engine available for this type of aircraft. These engines enable the A350-1000 to reach speeds of up to 590 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest aircraft in the sky. Moreover, its ultra-long range opens up new possibilities for routes that were previously deemed too long or inaccessible, such as direct flights to North America, particularly the United States and Canada.

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Swiss-Belhotel International to Open MAUA Olea Ubud Resort in Bali

In a significant move for the regional tourism sector, a new management agreement has been finalized by Swiss-Belhotel International for the development of MAUA Olea Ubud. This strategic partnership was established with PT Graha Bangun Bali, marking a secondary venture under the eco-conscious MAUA brand within the Indonesian archipelago. The project is situated in the culturally rich region of Ubud, specifically within the lush environs of the Gianyar Regency. Through this collaboration, a commitment to high-end, environmentally responsible hospitality is being reinforced, ensuring that the natural beauty of Bali is preserved while luxury services are delivered to global travelers. The core philosophy of the MAUA brand is rooted in the heritage of New Zealand, where the name originates from the Maori culture. A sense of togetherness and environmental stewardship is emphasized by this branding, which is now being translated into the tropical context of Indonesia. At MAUA Olea Ubud, the integration of sustainability and luxury is prioritized. The resort is being designed to harmonize with the existing topography, ensuring that the ancient trees and natural water features of the site are maintained. By focusing on a reduced carbon footprint and the utilization of local materials, a blueprint for future hospitality developments is being provided. The structural design of the resort is being overseen with a focus on “barefoot luxury,” a concept where elegance is found in simplicity and a connection to nature. A total of 34 keys are being developed, comprising a mix of deluxe rooms and private villas. Each accommodation is being crafted to offer panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and rice paddies. Passive cooling techniques and natural lighting are being integrated into the architecture to minimize energy consumption. The interiors are being furnished with artisanal Balinese crafts, ensuring that the local economy is supported while a sophisticated aesthetic is maintained.

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