The prestigious ASEAN Food & Travel Awards 2025 once again celebrated its excellence across the region’s vibrant hospitality and culinary industries, by recognising outstanding brands that set new benchmarks in quality, innovation and exceptional customer experience. Among this year’s distinguished honourees is Positano Risto Publika, proudly receiving the ASEAN Best Halal Italian Restaurant Award 2026. The award was officially received by Director & Co-Founder, Kamilah Ahmad, on behalf of the Positano Risto team. Her presence at the ceremony symbolised the modesty, passion, dedication and entrepreneurial vision that have driven the brand’s success since its inception. This remarkable achievement reinforces Positano Risto Publika’s position as a trailblazer in the halal Italian…

The government is working on a series of targeted interventions to help cushion the impact of global uncertainties on Malaysia’s tourism sector, with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) taking the lead in coordinating efforts. Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said discussions are currently underway with the Ministry of Finance to identify feasible approaches that can be rolled out in the near term. He explained that the initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure the tourism industry remains stable and adaptable amid ongoing external pressures. “We are carefully reviewing all relevant factors before finalising any measures. Industry players are urged to…

The National Geographic Society announced today that the National Geographic Museum of Exploration will open at its global headquarters on June 26. The opening marks a major revitalisation of the nearly 130-year-old campus in Washington, D.C., featuring over 100,000 square feet of new public space dedicated to inspiring the explorer in every visitor. The Society’s audacious vision has become a reality with a total project budget of more than $300 million, made possible through dedicated fundraising and generous donor contributions. The reimagined museum utilises cutting-edge, immersive technology and will serve as a centre for global discovery for families, travellers and the curious at heart. “The Museum of Exploration is where our…

Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed its recommendations of Asia’s remarkable diving destinations, where coral reefs, rare marine species, and dramatic underwater landscapes attract divers from around the world. As adventure travel continues to gain popularity, more travellers are adding scuba diving and snorkelling to their itineraries to experience Asia’s rich marine biodiversity firsthand. From remote reefs to unique underwater formations, Asia offers diverse diving experiences for both beginners and seasoned divers. Many of these sites sit within the Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions on the planet. Agoda has curated a list of standout diving destinations across Asia that offer memorable underwater encounters. Sipadan Island, Malaysia Sipadan…

After nearly a decade, Lufthansa German Airlines will resume direct services to KL International Airport (KLIA), reconnecting Kuala Lumpur with Frankfurt. Beginning end-October this year, the airline will operate five weekly flights using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering 287 seats across premium and economy cabins. The announcement was made at the ITB Berlin 2026, the world’s leading tourism trade fair. The new service strengthens direct links between Malaysia and Europe while reinforcing KLIA’s role as a preferred regional hub. KLIA currently serves 71 airlines connecting passengers to 143 destinations worldwide, and Lufthansa’s addition further expands travel options for both leisure and business travellers. The service also increases the Star Alliance…