Asia

AS THE host country of ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, the Philippines looks forward to welcoming delegates, consisting of international buyers, sellers and media, to the Province of Cebu and demonstrating its readiness to facilitate meaningful regional tourism exchanges, while strengthening connections across the ASEAN community.

A key highlight of ATF 2026 will be the National Tourism Organization briefings, scheduled for January 28-29, 2026. These sessions will feature updates and presentations from ASEAN member states, including Timor-Leste, the region’s newest member. Delegates can expect comprehensive insights into new tourism developments, emerging destinations, and strategic initiatives shaping the future of travel across Southeast Asia.

ATF 2026 will also feature a comprehensive program of official functions, including an event hosted by Tourism Malaysia on 28 January 2026 at Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort; the ASEANTA Excellence Awards Night; the ATF 2026 Opening Ceremony hosted by the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines; a reception and dinner hosted by the Singapore Tourism Board to welcome delegates to ATF 2027; as well as the ASEAN Tourism Standard Awards and Closing Ceremony at the NUSTAR Convention Centre.

“As a key meeting point for the travel industry in Southeast Asia, TRAVEX plays an important role in strengthening partnerships and driving growth,” says TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “Hosting this event is a responsibility we value highly, and we are committed to creating a dynamic platform that highlights the depth, connectivity, and momentum of tourism across ASEAN.”

With its forward-looking theme, state-of-the-art venue, and robust programme of business, networking and recognition events, ATF TRAVEX 2026 is set to be a key milestone for ASEAN tourism, reinforcing About ATF 2026

The ATF is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination. ATF TRAVEX is the longest-running annual ASEAN leisure travel trade event, showcasing the largest contingent of ASEAN sellers. This annual event involves all the tourism industry sectors of the 11 ASEAN Member Nations: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

Each year, the ATF hosting Is rotated among the member countries. ATF 2026 marks the 45th anniversary of this event since its inauguration in Malaysia in 1981.

SINGAPORE — Cebu Pacific has been recognized as Asia’s Low-Cost Airline of the Year by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), a global authority in aviation research and analysis.

The award highlights CEB’s strong business performance and its continued drive to make air travel affordable and accessible for everyone. CAPA’s annual recognition honors the airline that demonstrates outstanding strategic leadership, innovation, and lasting industry impact, setting the standard for low-cost carriers across the region.

“We are deeply honored to receive this award from CAPA. It recognizes the passion and commitment of every Cebu Pacific employee who works hard each day to make flying safe, affordable, and accessible for our passengers,” said Mike Szucs, CEB Chief Executive Officer. “As we expand our reach, our purpose remains clear—to connect people and communities, and to help fuel tourism and economic growth across the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific.”

The CAPA Awards for Excellence are not driven by customer surveys or sponsorship. They are independently researched by an international panel of judges and analysts.

CEB stood out for its record-breaking passenger growth and strong financial performance. From January to September 2025, CEB has flown nearly 20 million passengers, a 13.9% increase from 17.5 million in 2024. Domestic passengers grew 12.7% to 14.9 million, while international passengers grew 17.7% to 5.1 million. The seat load factor averaged 84.8% for the period, while overall capacity in seats went up by 14% to 23.5 million.

The airline’s success stems from its low-cost model, which has transformed air travel in the Philippines by expanding connectivity, opening new routes, and keeping fares affordable for more travelers. To meet growing demand, CEB has also invested heavily in its fleet and network expansion, including a record-breaking order for up to 152 Airbus A321neo aircraft—the largest in Philippine aviation history. Cebu Pacific now flies to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, further expanding its network and leadership in the Asia-Pacific as it continues to make air travel more accessible to everyone.

Wanderlust | ATF 2026 gathers ASEAN tourism industry leaders in Cebu

Cebu Pacific Named Asia’s Low-Cost Airline of the Year by CAPA