What’s New, What’s Next — Your Travel Updates is Here

5 months ago

The travel landscape is always growing — and this edition keeps you right where you need to be. Inside, you’ll find the latest destination updates, newly opened properties, multi-day itineraries worth building into your offering, and platform updates to support how you design travels. Everything in one place, so you’re always a step ahead.

Stay across what’s new, what’s changed, and what’s essential to know before your clients touch down. Confident travel starts with being in the know.

For those planning Philippine adventures, there’s a new gateway worth knowing about. Starting 29 March 2026, local carriers Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Sunlight Air will complete their turboprop transition to Clark International Airport (CRK), opening up a growing hub with smoother connections to key leisure destinations like Coron, El Nido, and Siargao.

Located just 1.5 to 2.5 hours from Manila, Clark is quickly establishing itself as a strong alternative entry point, with improving ground connectivity via point-to-point bus services—making it an easy addition to any Philippine itinerary worth recommending.

Indonesia has taken a landmark step for ethical tourism, officially banning elephant riding across all conservation and tourist facilities nationwide. Effective from early 2026, venues that fail to comply risk losing their operating permits — with Mason Elephant Park in Bali already making the transition following official warnings.

Agents seeking wildlife experiences in Indonesia can now be directed towards observation-based encounters that prioritise animal welfare — a growing expectation among today’s conscious travellers. This shift signals a broader move across the region towards responsible, humane tourism, and is worth factoring into how you position and recommend Indonesian wildlife experiences going forward.

Louis Vuitton has transformed Baan Trok Tua Ngork, a century-old heritage building in the heart of Chinatown, into an immersive pop-up ‘hotel’ — and it’s the only Southeast Asian stop for this exclusive experience.

Open from 11 February to 15 March 2026, the four-floor exhibition celebrates the 130th anniversary of the iconic Monogram pattern, taking visitors through the evolution of the Maison’s most coveted travel pieces. It’s not an overnight stay — but it is the kind of limited-edition cultural moment that gives luxury-minded clients a genuine reason to book Bangkok now.

Please note that appointments are required and spots are limited. Reach out to us and we’ll help you secure your clients’ bookings before it sells out.

The best stays do more than provide a place to rest. Our latest curated experience stays are designed to be the destination — handpicked for clients who want every part of the journey to mean something.

Phuket’s quieter side just welcomed a standout new property. Kamaliss MontAzure Phuket – MGallery Collection sits within the established MontAzure community in Kamala, on eight acres where forested hills roll down toward the Andaman Sea — just 300 metres from the beach. What sets Kamaliss apart is the balance it strikes. Guests have access to a natural lagoon, waterfall, and infinity pools alongside a full wellness offering — think spa treatments, yoga, and fitness classes — all within a setting that feels far removed from the island’s busier stretches. Dining at the on-site SAVA restaurant weaves together Thai and French influences, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and ocean views to match. For families, a kids’ club and nature trails add depth to the stay. For those after a quieter Phuket experience with easy access to Kamala Beach and Surin Beach, this is a strong recommendation. Opening Q1 2026 — one to watch and worth getting in front of your clients early.

Capella Kyoto opens its doors on 23 March 2026, occupying the grounds of a century-old elementary school in Miyagawa-chō — the city’s historic geiko and maiko district, steps from Kenninji Temple and the celebrated Kaburenjo Theatre. Designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, the 89-room property is built around a central bamboo courtyard and feels every bit like Kyoto itself — layered, unhurried, and deeply considered. Six exclusive suites come with private onsens, while the Auriga Spa draws on Japanese bathing traditions with private hinoki soaking rooms. Dining spans a French brasserie, a Japanese restaurant built from reclaimed school timber, and an intimate omakase experience in collaboration with three-Michelin-starred chef Kyle Connaughton. What truly sets Capella Kyoto apart is its Curates programme — rare access to living traditions including a private ochaya experience with geiko and maiko, and visits to a 150-year-old geta atelier. Two opening packages, Gion Whisper and Capella Sojourn, are now open for reservations. A property worth prioritising for clients with Japan on their radar.

Our Vio Travel Specialists have curated these itineraries to inspire your next client journey — each one carefully curated to deliver unforgettable escapes and exceptional travel experiences.

Begin in Begin in Sydney at the Vibe Hotel, taking in the city’s most iconic sights on a panoramic half-day tour before an official guided walk through the Sydney Opera House. Head north to Cairns and check in at Pacific Hotel for a full day on the Outer Great Barrier Reef with Reef Magic’s pontoon cruise. Fly south to Melbourne for a stay at Holiday Inn Express Little Collins, with a full Discovery Day Tour to uncover the city at its best. 

Cross to New Zealand and settle into Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central for the highlights of the South Island — a scenic small group tour of Queenstown, a gourmet BBQ dinner aboard a vintage steamship at Walter Peak, and a stunning one-way journey through Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo to Christchurch. Pause at Lake Tekapo for a night at Galaxy Boutique Hotel before continuing to Christchurch, where a city sightseeing tour brings the Garden City to life from the Carnmore Hotel.

Head north to Rotorua for a stay at Sudima Lake Rotorua, with an authentic Mitai Maori cultural experience and dinner, followed by a visit to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set with buffet lunch. Wind down the New Zealand leg in Auckland at Sudima Auckland City with a Discover Auckland City Tour, before finishing in paradise — the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa for a well-earned island escape.

Start in Singapore’s Katong district at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong by IHG, where Peranakan shophouses and local flavours make for a rich introduction to the region before the island-hopping begins. From Labuan Bajo, transfer to Sudamala Resort, Seraya, Flores — a remote private island escape at the edge of Komodo National Park, where the days are spent between Pink Beach, dragon treks, and some of Indonesia’s most spectacular dive sites.

Land in Ubud and check into Beehouse Dijiwa Ubud, where circular bamboo villas open onto terraced rice fields and the rhythm of life slows right down. It’s the kind of place that earns its own itinerary. Move on to the Gili Islands and base yourself at Lumi Hotel Gili Trawangan — a boutique retreat on the island’s quieter western shore, where sunsets over Bali’s volcanic skyline are simply part of the view.

End the journey in Sanur at Maison Aurelia Sanur, Bali by Preference — a boutique address that trades buzz for beauty, and makes for the perfect unhurried close to an extraordinary trip.

You can book all of these Experience Stays and Travel Inspirations as standalone services or customize them to your preferences through our B2B Booking Platform.

We’re excited to share that Vio Travel will be at ITB Berlin 2026!

If you’re attending, we’d love to connect with you in Berlin to discuss your travel needs and explore how we can create breathtaking itineraries for your clients together.

Event Details:
📅 March 3-5, 2026
📍 Berlin Exhibition Grounds (Messe Berlin)
🏢 Hall 26C / Booth 320

You can book a meeting by selecting a team member above. We look forward to connecting with you!

Our Japan team recently walked Kyoto and Osaka firsthand — experiencing and refining every detail of our curated offering alongside our partners. Fushimi Inari’s thousand torii gates at the hour they were meant to be walked. The quiet ritual of a traditional tea ceremony in Gion. Osaka’s Dotonbori alive with flavour and energy. The bamboo groves of Arashiyama in the early morning stillness. A sake tasting in Fushimi — where brewing traditions stretch back centuries. This wasn’t just a visit. It was preparation — so that when your clients arrive, every moment is already exactly as it should be.

A new update to the Availability Results screen on the Accommodation Listing makes comparing and booking accommodation options faster and more intuitive. The layout is now cleaner and better organised, with key information surfaced exactly where you need it.

  • Clearer meal plan display: The most affordable room-only option is shown upfront, while meal-inclusive options such as breakfast are highlighted in green for easy identification.
  • Full meal plan visibility: All meal plan types offered by the hotel are now displayed in full.
  • Free cancellation highlight: Listings that include free cancellation are clearly marked in green.
  • More visible accommodation facilities: The most important hotel facilities are now displayed more prominently.
  • Improved map visibility: The Show on Map option is clearer and more noticeable for quick location checks.

Note that full meal plan visibility and more visible accommodation facilities are only available when Extended Option is selected.

Less time comparing. More time booking.

Still searching for your next adventure? We went straight to our Vio Travel Experts to get insider tips on the best destinations, stays, and hidden gems. From must-visit spots to off-the-beaten-path experiences, here’s what they had to say!

What keeps you excited about travel?

Discovering things at a destination excites me about traveling. It’s not just the attractions of a certain place, but also the knowledge that comes with the experience and the joy of sharing those discoveries with clients.

What region do you think is the next big hit for 2026? 

For the Philippines, the next big hit for me would be the lesser-known islands such as Camiguin, Dinagat, and Romblon. These destinations have so much to offer and still feel wonderfully untouched.

What’s a property or experience that changed the way you think about travel?

It’s when your travels let you really dive into the local culture and way of life. Like in Loboc, when you join the Village Tour and see how the Boholanos live, how they work, how they earn a living, and how their traditions and daily routines shape their community. It’s like stepping back into the old Filipino ways.

Where did you go recently that you can’t stop talking about?

Most likely the Underground River in Puerto Princesa. It’s amazing to see how nature works, and it serves as a powerful reminder of how richly it rewards us when we take care of it.

When a client says “take me somewhere no one’s heard of,” where does your mind go?

I immediately think of the Philippines’ hidden islands, like Camiguin, Dinagat, or Romblon, off the usual tourist track, where the culture, beaches, and local life remain truly authentic.

What’s one game-changer about how you plan trips?

I plan trips starting with how I want the traveller to feel, not just the logistics. The pace, the transitions, the little moments to breathe. They matter just as much as the hotels or sights. That’s where having the right support really helps. Tools and partners like Vio Travel take care of the tricky details, so planners can focus on creating experiences that truly resonate.

And that’s it! Remember, you can book all of these experiences with us and integrate them into your clients’ itineraries, ensuring you offer them the best experience possible, within minutes!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team via info@vio.travel

For booking-related inquiries, message us at booking@vio.travel.

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