ICONSIAM's THAICONIC Songkran 2025: A Grand Celebration of Water and Culture

ICONSIAM's THAICONIC Songkran 2025: A Grand Celebration of Water and Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 4, 2025

ICONSIAM, a globally renowned landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, is set to present the "THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2025." This grand festival, backed by an investment of over US$1.9 million (65 million baht), is themed "The Legendary Festival of Waters – A Stream of Thai Charms." The event aims to position Thailand as a major tourism hub while preserving its cultural heritage.

From April 10–16, 2025, River Park at ICONSIAM will transform into a vibrant hub of festivities, featuring immersive cultural experiences, traditional Thai ceremonies, and thrilling water activities. The celebration is expected to draw over 1.4 million visitors, offering both locals and tourists a chance to participate in a UNESCO-recognized festival.

A Global Spotlight on Thai Heritage

Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., emphasized Songkran’s significance as a global festival that strengthens Thailand’s cultural and economic landscape. By hosting this grand event, ICONSIAM reaffirms its commitment to showcasing Thailand’s traditions on an international platform.

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The festival is being organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Department of Cultural Promotion, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and various private sector partners. The official opening ceremony will take place on April 10 at 5:00 PM, featuring a dazzling Songkran parade led by renowned Thai celebrities, cultural performances, and live concerts.

5 Must-Experience Highlights of THAICONIC SONGKRAN 2025

 Must Play – The Splash

  • A 9-meter-high water tower with mesmerizing water effects.

  • A safe water play zone for kids.

  • A 'Dry & Dash' zone for freshening up before exploring ICONSIAM.

 Must Discover – The Traditions

  • A grand sand pagoda sculpture crafted by master Thai artist Chanathip Chuenbumroong.

  • The sacred water-pouring ritual featuring a revered Buddha statue from the Blue Temple, Chiang Rai.

  • Respect for elders through a water-blessing ceremony with Thai National Artists.

  • Enchanting Nora dance performances, a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage.

 Must Joy – The Celebration

  • A spectacular Songkran parade featuring Thai stars such as Bow Maylada, Win Metawin, Engfa Waraha, and Chompoo Araya.

  • Over 300 free mini concerts with performances by Jeff Satur, 4EVE, ATLAS, PROXIE, and more.

 Must Taste – The Flavors of Thailand

  • Indulge in Khantoke-style Northern dishes, Trang-style grilled pork, and mango sticky rice.

  • Cooling summer treats from 150+ renowned restaurants at ICONSIAM.

 Must Buy – Seek the Thai Treasures

  • Exclusive Songkran fashion from 'NAKROB MOONMANAS x ICONCRAFT'.

  • Handcrafted Thai souvenirs from over 1,000 vendors at ICONSIAM, SOOKSIAM, and Siam Takashimaya.

A Celebration to Remember

From thrilling water fights to traditional ceremonies, THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2025 offers a perfect blend of culture and entertainment. The event is free to attend and promises an unforgettable experience for all.

Mark your calendars and join the festivities from April 10–16 at River Park, ICONSIAM.

Stay updated on www.iconsiam.com or follow ICONSIAM on Facebook.


Morocco Outclasses Haiti as FIFA World Cup 2026 Hospitality Sales Hit New Milestone

Morocco Outclasses Haiti as FIFA World Cup 2026 Hospitality Sales Hit New Milestone

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 26, 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued to deliver exciting action on the pitch, while record-breaking hospitality sales highlighted the tournament's growing commercial success off the field.

In Group C, Morocco registered an impressive 4-2 victory over Haiti in a high-scoring encounter. The win strengthens Morocco's position in the group as the competition moves deeper into the group stage.

In another Group C fixture, Brazil put on a dominant display against Scotland, taking a commanding three-goal lead and underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites.

Group A also witnessed crucial results. South Africa secured a hard-fought victory over South Korea, winning the match by a single goal. Meanwhile, Mexico delivered a strong performance against Czechia, finding the net three times to earn an important result in the group.

Away from the football action, the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to generate unprecedented interest from fans seeking premium experiences. On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, announced that sales for the FIFA World Cup Official Hospitality Program remain exceptionally strong.

According to the company, hospitality sales revenue for the 2026 tournament surpassed the total hospitality sales achieved during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as early as June 2025, a full year before the tournament began.

The momentum has continued into 2026. As of March 31, 2026, hospitality sales revenue for the FIFA World Cup 2026 had more than doubled the revenue generated by any previous FIFA World Cup hospitality programme. The tournament has also exceeded the number of hospitality packages sold during the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, which remains the most attended World Cup from a hospitality perspective.

The figures reflect the growing demand for premium sports travel experiences, with fans increasingly seeking exclusive access, enhanced matchday experiences and curated hospitality offerings alongside world-class football.

As the tournament progresses, both the on-field competition and the business of sports hospitality continue to demonstrate the global appeal of the FIFA World Cup, making the 2026 edition one of the most commercially successful tournaments in the event's history.


FIFA 2026: Portugal Register Big Win Over Uzbekistan

FIFA 2026: Portugal Register Big Win Over Uzbekistan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 25, 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued to deliver action on the field, with Portugal producing one of the most dominant performances of the tournament so far by defeating Uzbekistan 5-0 in their Group K clash.

Portugal's attacking display proved too strong for Uzbekistan as they secured a convincing five-goal victory and strengthened their position in the group standings.

In Group L, England and Ghana played out a goalless draw in a tightly contested encounter. Despite several opportunities at both ends, neither side was able to find the breakthrough, resulting in both teams sharing the points.

Another Group L fixture saw Croatia edge past Panama with a 1-0 victory. Croatia's disciplined performance and decisive goal helped them collect all three points and maintain momentum in the competition.

In Group K, Colombia secured a narrow 1-0 win over DR Congo. The South American side delivered a composed performance to claim an important victory and improve their chances of progressing further in the tournament.

Beyond the football action, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is also expected to provide a significant boost to the hospitality sector in the United States. According to a recent report by CoStar and Tourism Economics, lodging demand generated by the tournament is projected to increase U.S. hotel Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) by 1.7% year-on-year during June and July 2026.

The impact is expected to be even stronger in host cities, where RevPAR is forecast to grow by 12.7% during the World Cup months. For the full year, host markets are projected to record a 3.8% increase in RevPAR, highlighting the economic benefits associated with one of the world's largest sporting events.

While industry experts describe the overall growth as modest, the report notes that the tournament will make a meaningful contribution to hotel industry performance in 2026. Increased visitor arrivals, longer stays and higher occupancy levels are expected to support hotels across key host destinations throughout the competition.

As the tournament progresses, both football fans and hospitality businesses continue to benefit from the excitement and global attention surrounding FIFA World Cup 2026.


Emirates Offers Kenyan Travellers More Value on Summer Trips to Dubai

Emirates Offers Kenyan Travellers More Value on Summer Trips to Dubai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 24, 2026

Emirates is encouraging Kenyan travellers to make the most of their summer holidays with a range of exclusive benefits for passengers travelling to or through Dubai.

The airline's latest summer campaign offers added value through complimentary hotel stays, citywide discounts and customised travel itineraries, making Dubai an even more attractive destination for both short stopovers and extended vacations.

Known for its year-round appeal, Dubai offers visitors a diverse mix of attractions, from world-famous landmarks and theme parks to museums, art galleries, shopping destinations and family-friendly experiences. Travellers can explore iconic attractions such as the Burj Khalifa or enjoy indoor activities designed to beat the summer heat.

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates said, "Whether visitors are seeking relaxation, adventure, entertainment or a combination of all three, Dubai is the ideal start to any summer vacation. We're inviting passengers to enjoy even more of the city with a complimentary hotel stay to take advantage of the exceptional range of shopping, entertainment, dining and family-friendly experiences that define the Dubai summer experience, when stopping over as part of your journey or visiting Dubai as your final destination."

As part of the offer, Emirates passengers can enjoy a complimentary stay at the five-star JW Marriott Marquis, located in the heart of Dubai. Guests can experience the hotel's award-winning dining venues, wellness facilities, fitness centre, BodyBase studio and outdoor pool overlooking the city's skyline.

Travellers who purchase Emirates return tickets in First Class or Business Class between 22 June and 12 July will receive a complimentary two-night stay, while those travelling in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class can enjoy a one-night complimentary stay. The offer applies to return journeys to or through Dubai with a stopover exceeding 24 hours and is valid for travel between 25 June and 30 September.

To help visitors maximise their time in the city, Emirates is also promoting its Dubai Experience platform, which offers personalised 24-hour and 48-hour itineraries tailored to different travel preferences and interests.

The airline's popular My Emirates Pass has also returned for Summer 2026. Available with every Emirates boarding pass, the programme provides access to more than 600 offers across Dubai, including discounts at restaurants, spas, retail outlets and entertainment venues.

Visitors can also enjoy Dubai Summer Surprises 2026, which will run from 2 July to 30 August. The annual citywide festival will feature live entertainment, cultural programmes, wellness activities, shopping promotions and exclusive seasonal experiences.

Emirates currently operates two daily flights between Nairobi and Dubai, offering connections to more than 138 destinations worldwide, including London, Paris, Mumbai, Bangkok and New York.

The airline has also highlighted its flexible booking policy. Customers booking tickets after 2 April 2026 are eligible for one complimentary date change across all cabin classes, while the Hold My Fare option allows travellers to secure fares while finalising their travel plans.

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