In a significant step towards elevating Indian craftsmanship on a global platform, JSW Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the JSW Group, has announced its collaboration with the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship to support Indian artisans at Homo Faber 2026 in Venice.

The fourth edition of the internationally recognised Homo Faber Biennial will be held from 1 to 30 September 2026 at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini on San Giorgio Maggiore Island, bringing together master artisans from across the world to celebrate craftsmanship as a living and evolving creative practice. Curated under the theme “Homo Faber 2026: An Island of Light,” the biennial will showcase works that span diverse materials, techniques and cultural contexts. Through this partnership, JSW Foundation becomes a Homo Faber Guardian of Creativity and Craftsmanship, enabling Indian artisans to gain international visibility and engage with global peers beyond conventional narratives of heritage craft.

The collaboration was formally announced at the India Art Fair on 5 February 2026, in the presence of Tarini Jindal Handa and Sangita Jindal, reaffirming the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to promoting Indian and South Asian craft traditions on the world stage. Speaking on the association, Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, JSW Foundation, said, "We are proud that JSW Foundation will participate in Homo Faber in Venice in September 2026, creating an international stage where Indian master artisans engage with global audiences, not as representatives of folklore, but as peers in a shared creative language." Echoing this sentiment, Alberto Cavalli, Executive Director of the Michelangelo Foundation, said, "Our partnership with JSW Foundation is allowing us to give space, attention and relevance to a meaningful selection of gifted artisans from India whose work represents the authenticity, beauty and sophistication of contemporary Indian artisanship." With this collaboration, JSW Foundation further strengthens its mission to preserve traditional skills while repositioning Indian artisans as contemporary creators within a forward-looking global framework.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has concluded a high-level meeting in Madrid, bringing together global industry leaders, ministers, and senior policymakers to review investment challenges and emerging opportunities across the global Travel & Tourism sector.

The meeting was led by Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, and saw the participation of Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, along with senior government representatives and leaders from major global tourism businesses.

Key discussions focused on easing barriers to travel, using technology to enable smoother journeys, strengthening global connectivity, and advancing sustainable tourism that protects the environment while delivering real benefits to local communities. A major theme throughout the meeting was the role of public-private partnerships in driving investment, building resilient infrastructure, and supporting long-term sector growth.

Participants also highlighted the importance of legal certainty for investors, continued infrastructure development, and proactive government support to unlock private-sector capital and encourage sustained growth across the industry.

“Travel & Tourism continues to be one of the most powerful drivers of global economic growth. In 2025, more than 1.5 billion people travelled internationally, 80 million more than in 2024, making it the strongest year on record for global tourism,” said Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC. “The sector contributed approximately $11.7 trillion to the global economy, representing 10.3 % of global GDP and year-on-year growth of 6.7 %.”

Guevara also underlined the sector’s role as a major employment generator. “Travel & Tourism supports one in nine jobs globally. Over the next decade, the sector is expected to create 91 million new jobs, or one in three new jobs worldwide, making talent development and skills training an urgent priority.”

Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, stressed the need to protect natural and cultural heritage while ensuring tourism growth remains inclusive. “My vision is ambitious, but achievable. Real progress requires the reach of the private sector and close collaboration with governments and communities,” she said. “Investment will be the catalyst for balanced and equitable tourism development, particularly in emerging destinations, while supporting sustainability, entrepreneurship and women across the sector.”

Mara Lezama, Governor of the State of Quintana Roo, spoke about the importance of inclusive development. “Tourism success cannot exist alongside social inequality. Democratising tourism, promoting rural and community-based tourism, and ensuring transparent investment frameworks are essential for shared prosperity,” she said.

The meeting brought together senior leaders from the global private sector, including representatives from The Bicester Collection, Iberostar, Shun Tak Holdings, The Palace Company, Grupo Velas, Alpitour World, Grupo Puntacana, Grupo Posadas, Grupo Diestra, Coral Travel Group, and Minor Hotel Group, among others. Public-sector participation included ministers and vice ministers of tourism from across Latin America, as well as senior representatives from the Japan Tourism Agency and other national tourism authorities.

Concluding the meeting, Gloria Guevara announced that WTTC will host a series of regional forums aimed at deeper analysis of sector-specific challenges and opportunities. These forums will support industry growth, job creation, and strengthen Travel & Tourism’s contribution to the global economy through enhanced public-private collaboration.

The Lunar New Year ushers in a season of renewal, joy and togetherness across Asia. In 2026, the Year of the Horse—symbolising energy, freedom and forward momentum is being celebrated with thoughtfully curated experiences at luxury hotels and resorts, blending cultural traditions with contemporary hospitality.

Beachfront Feasts and Fire Shows in Thailand

On Koh Samui, Banyan Tree Samui hosts a festive beachfront celebration on February 17, featuring a Mongolian-Chinese feast, international barbecue, live music and a fire show under the full moon. The evening promises a vibrant blend of flavour, performance and seaside ambience.

Meanwhile, Banyan Tree Krabi offers a Chinese New Year BBQ Night on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, pairing live music and fire performances with sweeping views of the Andaman Sea, creating a relaxed yet celebratory atmosphere.

In Chiang Mai, Meliá Chiang Mai’s Mai Restaurant & Bar welcomes the festive week with a Thai-Chinese a la carte menu served alongside Chinese teas and panoramic city views, celebrating cross-cultural flavours from February 17–23.

Tet Traditions Come Alive in Vietnam

Across Vietnam, Tet celebrations take centre stage. The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne mark the season with ceremonial Cay Neu bamboo planting, dragon dances, family-style Tet menus, calligraphy sessions, and cultural workshops ranging from Chung cake making to traditional crafts.

On the Cam Ranh Peninsula, Alma Resort hosts a week-long programme of Tet festivities featuring cultural performances, wellness experiences, kids’ activities and festive dining, encouraging families to reconnect against the backdrop of Long Beach.

In Da Nang, TIA Wellness Resort embraces the reflective spirit of the New Year with workshops, lantern ceremonies, beach yoga, dragon dances and cultural sharing sessions, combining mindfulness with tradition.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, a heritage icon, presents a rich Tet programme featuring lion dances, puppet shows, traditional art exhibitions and hands-on workshops, celebrating Vietnam’s cultural legacy through immersive experiences.

Wellness-led celebrations continue across Fusion Resorts and Hotels, where Tet-themed dining, family activities and special stay packages blend festive cheer with rejuvenation across multiple destinations in Vietnam.

Family-Focused Festivities in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, The Hari Hong Kong introduces its “Better Together Family Package,” offering family-friendly accommodations, creative in-room activities for children, flexible check-in privileges and curated touches designed to bring families closer during the Lunar New Year.

Timeless Luxury in Cambodia and Vietnam

In Phnom Penh, Raffles Hotel Le Royal welcomes the Lunar New Year with a special stay package featuring exclusive privileges, dining credits and elegant Raffles-style hospitality.

Across Vietnam, Azerai Resorts celebrate Tet with understated elegance—offering yoga sessions, cultural workshops, festive dining, market excursions and family-friendly activities at Azerai Ke Ga Bay and Azerai La Residence, Hue.

As the Year of the Horse begins, these luxury destinations across Asia showcase how Lunar New Year celebrations continue to evolve—honouring heritage while creating meaningful, immersive experiences for modern travellers seeking culture, connection and renewal.