From new air routes and loyalty perks to hotel accolades and refreshed amenities, here are some of the latest developments for travelers.
Riyadh Air launches Manila–Riyadh service
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Riyadh Air has launched its first direct service between Manila and Riyadh, giving travelers a new connection between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.
The daily service, which began September 9, operates on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners between Ninoy Aquino International Airport and King Khalid International Airport. The airline initially operates four round-trip flights per week, with daily service scheduled to begin October 19.
The route serves Saudi Arabia's large Filipino community while also opening connections for travelers from Manila to destinations across Europe through Riyadh Air's network.
Saudi passport holders can also enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days, supporting the potential for increased leisure travel between the two countries.
The flights offer Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Passengers can book through the Riyadh Air app and website, as well as travel partners.
Vietjet adds Clark–Ho Chi Minh City route
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Vietjet will launch direct flights between Clark International Airport and Ho Chi Minh City on November 10, giving travelers from Central and Northern Luzon another gateway to Vietnam.
The route will operate three round trips weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight VJ1871 will leave Clark at 5:05 p.m. and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 6:35 p.m., while the return flight VJ1870 will depart at 12:30 p.m. and arrive in Clark at 4:05 p.m.
The airline is offering introductory Eco fares starting at $75 one-way, including taxes and fees, for travel through March 31, 2027, subject to blackout dates and other conditions.
From Ho Chi Minh City, passengers can connect to other Vietnamese destinations including Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Hue through Vietjet's domestic network.
AirAsia rewards adds Points Booking
AirAsia rewards has introduced Points Booking, allowing members to redeem points for eligible AirAsia flights with dedicated seat allocations available at least 30 days before departure.
To mark the launch, the loyalty program is offering 50% pointsback on eligible flight redemptions made through September 30.
Members can redeem flights across AirAsia's network with as little as 500 points and can use points to pay all or part of the fare, with the remaining balance payable by credit card where applicable.
Sample redemptions include Manila to Caticlan from 12,000 points and Manila to Kaohsiung from 20,000 points, including taxes and fees.
Points Booking is available through the AirAsia MOVE app.
Discovery Samal nominated for DestinAsian award
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Discovery Samal has been nominated for Best Resort in the Philippines at the DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards 2027.
The resort on Samal Island, Davao del Norte, is among the properties competing in the category, with voting open through October 20.
Discovery Samal offers accommodations, three pools, a kids' play area, an arcade, spa facilities and venues for weddings, corporate events and other gatherings. The resort also has a 1,000-capacity ballroom.
Travelers can vote through the DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards voting page by selecting Discovery Samal under the Best Resort in the Philippines category.
AirAsia MOVE gains IATA accreditation
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AirAsia MOVE has been accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in the Philippines, a development the travel booking platform said will strengthen its relationships with airlines and expand its ticketing capabilities.
According to MOVE Philippines country head Malou Japson, about 30 international airlines serving routes to and from the Philippines have granted the platform ticketing authority within the first few weeks of its accreditation.
MOVE currently offers flights from more than 700 airlines serving about 3,000 destinations, along with hotels, events, attractions and other travel services.
The platform also became a member of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association and Philippine Tour Operators Association earlier this year.
Sheraton Manila Bay refreshes its Sheraton Club
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Sheraton Manila Bay is highlighting its revamped Sheraton Club, a lounge designed for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members seeking a place to work, meet or relax during their stay.
The club, which operates from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., offers light fare, pastries and beverages throughout the day, with a more relaxed setting for meetings and downtime.
The lounge is available to eligible Marriott Bonvoy Elite members at Sheraton Manila Bay.
Wynn Palace makes World’s 50 Best Hotels extended list
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Wynn Palace has been named No. 96 on The World's 50 Best Hotels 2026 extended 51-100 list, becoming the first hotel in Macao to make the ranking.
The Cotai resort has 1,706 rooms, suites and villas, along with restaurants, a spa, luxury retail outlets and entertainment attractions including the Performance Lake, SkyCab and Illuminarium.
Its dining lineup includes Chef Tam's Seasons, currently the only Macao restaurant on the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list.
The World's 50 Best Hotels extended list recognizes 50 additional properties beyond the main 50, with selections made by an international academy of more than 800 travel and hospitality experts.