AGP Executive Report

Air Connectivity & Tourism: AirAsia launched direct Kota Bharu–Jakarta flights, with four weekly services starting 16 June, boosting East Coast Malaysia links for Singapore and Indonesian travellers. Regional Travel Demand: Amadeus data shows international air travel to Vietnam rose 11.1% in March 2026, with Philippines, Hong Kong and Singapore among the fastest-growing source markets. Singapore Travel Policy: Singapore’s Cabinet cleared single-window registration for tourist stays, with homestays in focus, aiming to cut red tape for operators. Airline & Airport Updates: dnata Catering & Retail Singapore expanded its Air China Group partnership by adding Air Macau catering at Changi, serving about 54,000 meals annually. Cruise Deals: StarDream Cruises is waiving or cutting fuel surcharges for sailings departing on/after 26 June from Singapore and Malaysia. Travel Safety & Justice: An Indian man was sentenced to six months’ jail in Singapore for molesting and harassing a Singapore Airlines flight attendant on a Bangkok–Singapore flight. MICE & Hotels: The Slate Phuket is pitching North Phuket for more regional MICE buyouts, while I Prefer Hotel Rewards named 2026 Members’ Choice Awards winners for independent hotels. Family Travel Tips: A new piece shares practical ways parents can stay connected with kids during work trips.

BTS Concert Boom: Hotel bookings in Singapore are surging ahead of sold-out BTS shows in December, with some platforms reporting demand up to 18x and room rates nearly 10x higher than other December dates. Cross-Border Commuting: Johor Bahru’s 400-metre sheltered walkway is under way to link RTS Link, CIQ, JB Sentral and City Square, aiming to make Causeway-area transfers easier in the heat. Singapore Travel & Culture: Madame Tussauds Singapore’s next big moment is Kathryn Bernardo’s wax statue reveal in July, with the Hong Kong unveiling set to draw fans across the region. Airline Moves: Asiana Airlines will exit Star Alliance on 16 Dec 2026, with frequent-flyer benefits continuing until then. Regional Connectivity: Air India will launch direct Guwahati–Dubai and Guwahati–Abu Dhabi from 4 Aug, boosting Northeast India’s links to the Gulf and beyond. Wellness Tourism: Therme Singapore breaks ground on a major Marina South wellness destination opening in 2030. Tech for Shoppers: Shopee and OpenAI expand “Shopee ChatGPT” in Singapore and other markets, turning shopping search into conversational recommendations.

Cruise Expansion: Windstar has opened bookings for its 2028/29 Asia season on the Star Seeker, with strong demand and an itinerary that includes Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore—plus city-centre docks and overnight stays for a more immersive feel. Cruise Industry Watch: The contemporary cruise segment keeps chasing bigger ships, with Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class delivery and other ultra-large launches underscoring how scale is reshaping capacity and onboard offerings. Aviation Connectivity (UAE): Air India will start direct flights from Guwahati to Dubai and Abu Dhabi from Aug 4, boosting Assam’s links to the UAE and adding to its growing international network. Travel Retail Sustainability: L’Oréal Travel Retail rolls out a 360-degree “World Refill Month” across 14 airport hubs, including Singapore Changi, featuring refill pop-ups and savings on refills. Singapore Airport Services: DNATA Catering & Retail Singapore expands its Air China Group partnership by adding Air Macau inflight catering at Changi, supporting about 54,000 meals annually for the airline’s Singapore operations. Wellness Tourism (Singapore): Therme Singapore breaks ground on a major Marina South wellness destination slated to open in 2030, positioning the city-state for more urban wellness travel.

Aviation & Travel Deals: AirAsia X cut fares about 5% since Jun 15 and is adding back capacity as jet fuel prices ease, though it warned rising airport charges could be the next headache for low-cost travel. Middle East Disruption Watch: Oil markets swung after US-Iran talks in Switzerland, with Iran again closing the Strait of Hormuz and shipping volumes dropping—an ongoing risk factor for flight costs and schedules across the region. Singapore Connections Abroad: Singapore’s travel ecosystem keeps expanding—Sarawak plans a Pontianak trade-and-tourism office modelled on Singapore, while Singapore Airlines marked 60 years in the Philippines with airport celebrations for customers. New Routes & Connectivity: Air India will launch direct Guwahati–Dubai and Guwahati–Abu Dhabi from Aug 4, boosting Assam’s international links; Timor-Leste’s Aero Dili launched its first Dili–Darwin direct service, and Virgin Australia restarted Canberra–Bali direct flights. Tourism Growth Signals: Vietnam’s tourism boom continues with double-digit growth, while Fiji is pushing harder on MICE to smooth demand beyond peak seasons. Tech for Travellers: Wego partnered with Saudi’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to streamline digital Umrah bookings, including flight, hotels, ground services and visa requests in one flow.

Sabah–India Air Links: India’s High Commission in Malaysia backed talks for direct flights to Sabah, calling connectivity a “game changer” for tourism and business. Tourism Investment Push: WTTC unveiled “Seven Principles for Attracting Tourism Investment,” urging governments to offer stable rules, one-stop approvals, aligned stakeholders, and competitive incentives. Aviation Milestone: KLM marked 90 years of flights between Sweden and the Netherlands, highlighting direct Stockholm–Amsterdam links and expanded Nordic capacity. Travel Safety & Disruption: Australia downgraded its Gulf travel warning as airlines resume normal schedules after Iran-related disruption, with advice for travellers weighing refunds vs holding backup plans. Long-Haul Watch: Qantas confirmed plans for the world’s longest nonstop commercial flight, Sydney–London, targeting October 2027 under Project Sunrise. Local Life & Tourism Perception: A tourist’s online take on Singapore’s “chill” work culture sparked debate, with locals pushing back on the idea that people only work a few hours. Father’s Day Dining: A Father’s Day food guide spotlights a multi-cuisine “World Kitchens” concept for an easy family meal plan. Singapore GST Refunds: An X user praised Singapore’s GST refund process as “seamless and hassle-free,” including passport scanning and quick digital claims. Heritage Travel: A WWII “Death Railway” depot resurfaced in Thailand after reservoir maintenance, offering a rare chance for researchers to study Nithe Station before the rainy season refills the water.

Ultra-Long-Haul Flights: Qantas is moving closer to its “Project Sunrise” dream with a nonstop Sydney–London service planned for October 2027, with tickets expected to go on sale in February 2027—an around 19–21 hour ride designed to make the world’s toughest long-haul journey feel more manageable. Travel Ease (Singapore): A traveller on X praised Singapore’s GST refund system as “seamless and hassle-free,” saying it’s quick to use at the counter and works smoothly with digital payments like Google Pay. Family Travel Safety: A Singapore family is seeking eyewitnesses after their son was allegedly struck by a buggy at Incheon Airport, reporting injuries including concussion and an eye socket fracture, while Korean Air says it is investigating. Heritage Pricing Debate: A fresh look at Cambodia’s Angkor Pass argues the current pricing approach doesn’t match the scale of the site—highlighting how value and crowding shape visitor experience. Regional Tourism Events: Sarawak’s WATCEFS 2026 opened in Miri with chefs, exhibitors and delegates from across Asia, including Singapore, spotlighting Sarawak’s food and tourism links. Wellness Travel: Qantas is also testing ways to beat jet lag on its longest nonstop flights, including an in-cabin wellness zone concept. Travel Planning (Brunei): A practical guide to visiting Brunei Darussalam rounds up what to know before you go.

Sabah Tourism & Culture: Sabah National Tabletop Con 2.0 opened in Kota Kinabalu, doubling in size and drawing creators and vendors from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, with a “My Trip in Sabah” board game competition spotlighting local landmarks. Sarawak Culinary Tourism: WATCEFS 2026 kicked off in Miri, bringing chefs, exhibitors and trade delegates from 13 nations for competitions, masterclasses and networking built around Sarawak’s food heritage. Singapore Travel Culture: A Singapore MP urged IMDA to allow the Chinese film “Dear You” to be shown in Teochew for general release, arguing demand is strong and dialect audiences deserve access. Air Travel Spotlight: Emirates flight EK315 from Singapore to Dubai went viral after a 5-year-old “cabin crew” role-play onboard, with the crew welcoming her like a real team member. Medical Tourism: TTW announced its Top 50 Medical Tourism Destinations for 2026, ranking countries leading in healthcare quality, affordability and recovery experiences. Travel Safety/Planning: A Bombay High Court ruling quashed a rape FIR against a tour manager, warning against malicious misuse of criminal complaints—an important reminder for travellers and operators about legal risks.

Ultra-Long-Haul Buzz: Qantas is set to launch a record-breaking Sydney–London nonstop in Oct 2027, using a bespoke Airbus A350 with extra fuel, new seat options and an onboard plan to cut jet lag. Aviation Changes: Singapore Airlines has removed the Airbus A380 from 11 major international routes, shifting capacity to other widebodies and Scoot on select services. Leave Planning: MOM released Singapore’s 2027 public holiday calendar, with 11 holidays and five long weekends—handy for travellers planning quick getaways. Local Culture & Film: WP MP Kenneth Tiong urged IMDA to screen Chinese hit “Dear You” in Teochew for general release, after VivoCity tickets sold out fast. Cruise Disruption: Carnival Cruise Line cancelled a 16-day Singapore-to-Sydney repositioning cruise due to dry dock schedule changes. Muslim Travel Demand: Singapore topped the non-OIC list for Muslim travellers in a global index, with AI-assisted planning now shaping how visitors choose destinations. Scam Warning: Police arrested three Malaysian men in Singapore over alleged scam-mule activity, seizing cards linked to about $200,000 in losses.

Aviation & Routes: Qantas confirmed Project Sunrise will launch the world’s longest nonstop commercial flight with Sydney–London in Oct 2027, using a specially configured A350-1000ULR for up to 22 hours. Air Connectivity (Ghana): Emirates adds four weekly Dubai–Accra flights from 12 July 2026, bringing Ghana service to 11 times weekly and boosting connections via Dubai to cities including Singapore. Local Tourism Development: Therme Singapore broke ground for a S$1billion wellness destination at Marina South, targeting a 2030 opening with pools, waterslides and treatment rooms. Travel Retail & Hotels (India): IHG says it wants to deepen its Adani Airport partnership and expand airport-linked hotel development across India. Cruise Watch: Carnival cancelled a 16-day Singapore–Sydney sailing after changes to Carnival Splendor’s dry dock schedule. Singapore Relevance: Singapore’s 2027 public holidays are set for five long weekends, while Singapore Cruise Centre shifts operations to a new HarbourFront terminal this July. Security & Travel Tech: A WhatsApp-based service in Istanbul lets taxi riders report issues and lost items quickly.

Emirates Ghana Boost: Emirates will add four weekly Dubai–Accra flights from July 12, taking its Ghana schedule to 11 weekly services and improving connections via Dubai to cities including Singapore, Sydney and New York. Wellness Tourism Push: Therme Singapore broke ground at Marina South for a S$1 billion, 720,000 sq ft thermal wellness destination opening in 2030, with water slides, mineral pools and recovery-focused zones. Holiday Planning: Singapore’s 2027 public holiday calendar is out, with 11 holidays and five long weekends—plus tips on bridging days for longer breaks. Food & Attractions: Pierre Hermé Paris at Resorts World Sentosa was named the World’s Best Pastry Shop 2026, while the revamped Singapore Air Force Museum reopens with immersive fighter-jet simulation. Travel Culture & Media: Chinese film “Dear You” expands its release to Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia, and Dragon Boat Festival movie lineups hit screens across China. Tech for Travellers: Singapore fintech Aleta partners with Visa to let SMEs issue co-branded Visa debit cards, with travel-related perks built into the app experience.

ASEAN–Russia Diplomacy: Russia and ASEAN leaders adopted the Kazan Declaration, expanding their strategic partnership on trade, energy, agriculture, digitalisation, science and tech, plus tourism and humanitarian ties; Philippines PM Ferdinand Marcos invited Vladimir Putin to attend the East Asia Summit in Manila this November. Singapore Tourism & Halal Travel: Singapore topped the Global Muslim Travel Index among non-OIC destinations (11th globally), with Mastercard and CrescentRating pointing to halal food, safety, multiculturalism and “smart” visitor infrastructure, while noting AI is increasingly shaping how travellers plan. Cruise & Ferry Changes in Singapore: Singapore Cruise Centre is upgrading—ferry and cruise services move to the new HarbourFront Terminal from July 7 (Batam Fast Ferry first) with full relocation by July 15, adding more berths, shops and improved immigration facilities. Air Travel Watch: Scoot will fly Spider-Man: Brand New Day themed aircraft from Singapore to Tokyo (Haneda) and Chiang Mai, then onward across parts of Asia-Pacific until Sept 13, 2026. Long-Haul Aviation Buzz: Qantas confirmed its 22-hour nonstop Sydney–London “Project Sunrise” for October 2027, using the A350-1000ULR. Local Finance for Travellers: Singapore’s COE market saw Category A rise above Category B again, as EVs blur the usual car-size pricing logic.

Ultra-Long-Haul Watch: Qantas confirmed Project Sunrise will fly the world’s longest commercial route, London–Sydney, non-stop for up to 22 hours starting October 2027, with tickets expected to go on sale from February. Singapore Travel Planning: MOM released 2027 public holiday dates, giving Singaporeans five long weekends (New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Good Friday, Hari Raya Haji, and National Day). Regional Airline Growth: Sun PhuQuoc Airways is expanding from its Phu Quoc leisure base with new international routes including Singapore–Phu Quoc from July, plus plans for Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, and longer-haul ambitions from 2027. Travel Trade in Asia: Travel Meet Asia 2026 opens in Jakarta on 23–24 June with a 20% bigger exhibition space and 500 qualified buyers. On-the-ground Tourism Rules: Tokyo’s Shibuya has started on-the-spot litter fines from June 1, with multilingual patrollers issuing immediate penalties. Cruise Disruption: Carnival cancelled a Singapore-to-Sydney cruise for 1 Sep 2027 due to a dry dock schedule change, offering refunds or protected rebooking. New Insurance for Disrupted Trips: Emirates launched “Comprehensive Travel Cover” with conflict-related medical cover and airline-managed hotel support during disruptions.

Airline Network Expansion: Singapore Airlines will add new European links later this year, including flights to Manchester, Milan, Munich and London Gatwick, plus a new Madrid service via Barcelona from Oct 26, 2026. Ultra-Long-Haul Travel: Qantas confirmed “Project Sunrise” will launch the world’s longest non-stop commercial flight with Sydney–London from Oct 2027 (up to 22 hours), with tickets expected to go on sale in February; the airline also plans a Sydney–New York service later in 2027. Travel Insurance for Conflict Zones: Emirates is rolling out travel insurance with medical cover for war-related incidents and support for extended stays and disruptions, aimed at boosting confidence for travel through Dubai. Middle East Travel Advisory Update: Australia eased advisories for Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE from “Do Not Travel” to “Reconsider your need to travel,” citing an interim US-Iran agreement—good news for travellers and Gulf aviation hubs. Cruise Planning: Oceania Cruises opened bookings for its 2028 and 2029 voyage collection, featuring 230+ itineraries and 60+ overnight port stays. Safety & Travel Risk: A final report into the Titan submersible points to repeated testing and engineering failures that left the hull’s safety margin unclear.

Wellness Tourism: Singapore is leaning into “wellness by design”, with 300km+ of greenways and a new Therme Group thermal attraction planned for Marina South Coast. Cultural Calendar: Singapore Chinese Orchestra turns 30 with a six-month run of tribute concerts, 30% ticket discounts, and limited-edition merchandise. Family Fun: Singapore’s first children’s festival at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre adds workshops, kueh-making, and a NeZha puppet-and-martial-arts show. Air Travel Deals & Options: Emirates rolls out “Comprehensive Travel Cover” with conflict-related medical cover and disruption rebooking; Air India pilots a “Basic Fare” on select domestic routes that removes complimentary meals. Cruise & Aviation Growth: Sun PhuQuoc Airways launches its Singapore–Phu Quoc route and targets new Asia links plus wide-body expansion; Singapore Cruise Centre shifts operations to a new HarbourFront terminal opening in July. Heritage & Sightseeing: A WWII “Death Railway” station resurfaces in Thailand after decades underwater, offering fresh research opportunities. Regional Business Travel Signals: iFAST Global Bank launches a 1% cashback campaign for Worldwide Scan & Pay QR payments for travellers.

Philippines Travel Demand: Outbound travel by Filipinos rose 14.55% in the first four months of 2026, reaching 2.74 million trips, with Hong Kong the top destination and Singapore still ranking fourth at 230,114 travellers. Singapore-Linked Mobility: Johor commuters get a new rail option as KTM Shuttle Selatan links JB Sentral with Kulai and Pasir Gudang, cutting the JB Sentral commute to about 30 minutes and supporting the JS-SEZ push. Cruise & Attractions: MSC Cruises gave a first look at MSC World Asia, debuting December 2026, featuring a redesigned “The Harbour” and the longest dry slide planned for a cruise ship. Tourism & Cities: Iloilo City showcased disaster preparedness and urban upgrades at Singapore’s World Cities Summit, highlighting resilience planning as a draw for visitors and investors. Airline Pricing: Air India pilots a “basic fare” on select domestic routes that removes complimentary meals, while keeping baggage and beverage perks. Regional Business & Tourism: Singapore investors were invited to Andhra Pradesh’s Amaravati vision at the World Cities Summit, pitching a people-centric smart city with tourism and knowledge zones. Health & Travel Safety: WHO issued updated isolation guidance for Andes hantavirus after cases spanning 23 nations, focusing on how to safely stop transmission. Geopolitics Affecting Travel: A US-Iran framework points to a $300 billion private investment fund and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could ease travel and shipping risk perceptions.

Regional Diplomacy & Tourism: Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will meet Russia’s Vladimir Putin for the first time in Kazan on June 17-18, with talks expected to cover energy and food security plus people-to-people ties including tourism and cultural cooperation. Singapore Travel Logistics: Singapore Cruise Centre is moving all ferry and cruise operations to its new HarbourFront terminal in two phases—Batam Fast Ferry from July 7, and the rest from July 15—with routes and schedules unchanged. Attractions in Singapore: Madame Tussauds Singapore is set to launch a new 4D Jumanji cinematic adventure, “Jumanji: Safari Tours 4D Expedition,” from July, bringing an immersive jungle mission experience. Food & Convenience for Travellers: foodpanda and Sheng Siong are partnering for on-demand grocery delivery from June 22, with 43 outlets and islandwide delivery within an hour. MICE & Nightlife: Zouk Singapore is revamping its venues with a S$6m upgrade and pushing into MICE, aiming for MICE to make up 15%–20% of revenue in two years. Heritage Travel: Thailand’s Death Railway site—Nithe Station—has resurfaced after reservoir maintenance, giving researchers a limited window to survey WWII remnants.