From “keep travelling” to “travel solves problems”, winners at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026 share their messages for an industry built on people, experience and connection.

Meliá Serenity Cam Ranh Beach Resort opened its doors on 1st October 2026, introducing a new all-inclusive resort experience to Bai Dai Beach, a 10-kilometre stretch of coastline on Vietnam’s south-central coast between Cam Ranh and Nha Trang.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is accelerating growth opportunities across its brand portfolio with new financing solutions, more efficient new-build prototypes and conversion-focused brands that give owners more ways to bring hotels to market. Hyatt has significant room to expand across more than 300 U.S. submarkets, representing meaningful market opportunity for owners. Hyatt also has substantial opportunity to deepen its brand presence in markets that already have a Hyatt hotel, with an average of four Hyatt hotels per market versus 14 among its largest competitors. Together, this represents meaningful white space for Hyatt and prospective owners to pursue disciplined, intentional growth.

As part of its strategic efforts to diversify tourism source markets and expand its international reach, the Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media is conducting a promotional roadshow across Central Asia from 12 to 16 October, with dedicated events in Tashkent on 13 October and Almaty on 15 October. The roadshow aims to strengthen direct engagement with key travel and tourism partners, showcase Ajman’s diverse destination offering, and explore new opportunities for cooperation and strategic partnerships across two promising markets. The initiative also supports the Department’s wider efforts to broaden its international partner network and strengthen Ajman’s visibility among new visitor segments.

Southwest Airlines Co. has launched a first-of-its-kind U.S. airline plugin in ChatGPT, marking the first step in a phased AI-powered booking approach with OpenAI and Amazon Web Services (AWS) that allows travelers to discover and shop for Southwest flights in ChatGPT.

Signia Hilton Indianapolis today unveiled its signature culinary and beverage experiences ahead of the hotel’s highly anticipated opening this December. Designed as dynamic destinations in their own right, the property’s restaurants, bars and gathering spaces will introduce distinctive new venues where travelers and locals can connect with the creativity, culture and energy of Indianapolis.

Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur unveils its signature wellness philosophy ahead of its highly anticipated debut on 30 October 2026. Introducing Waldorf Astoria Spa, one of Malaysia’s most comprehensive luxury wellness destinations, the integrated wellness sanctuary spans more than 2,275 square metres across two floors, bringing together restorative spa rituals, personalised wellbeing programmes, advanced recovery technologies and AI-powered fitness experiences to support every stage of the wellness journey.