COMO Hotels and Resorts has appointed One Rep Global as its official India representative for COMO Point Yamu, Phuket, along with COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha in Bhutan. The move further strengthens One Rep Global’s growing presence in India’s luxury hospitality space while highlighting the increasing importance of Indian travellers in global tourism.

The partnership comes at a time when Indian luxury travellers are becoming more experience-driven, globally aware and influential in shaping travel trends. According to industry figures, Thailand welcomed over two million outbound travellers from India in 2025, while Bhutan continues to see strong demand from Indian visitors seeking wellness experiences, cultural exploration and meaningful travel.

Located above the limestone landscapes of Phang Nga Bay, COMO Point Yamu has built a reputation for its panoramic views, wellness offerings, culinary experiences and personalised luxury stays. The property has become a preferred destination for holidays, celebrations and private retreats in Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, COMO Uma Bhutan, including COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha, offers travellers immersive experiences rooted in Bhutan’s culture, landscapes and spiritual heritage. Built around COMO’s understated luxury philosophy, the properties focus on meaningful and authentic travel experiences.

Commenting on the partnership, Andy Kunz, Managing Director of COMO Point Yamu, said: "We are very excited to strengthen COMO Point Yamu’s presence in the Indian luxury market through our partnership with One Rep Global."

"India continues to emerge as one of the most dynamic and sophisticated outbound travel markets, and we see a strong alignment between the Indian luxury traveller and the COMO philosophy of meaningful experiences, wellness, exceptional cuisine, and understated luxury."

"Together with One Rep Global, we also look forward to expanding COMO Point Yamu’s presence within the luxury celebrations and events space."

Sonam Wangchuk, General Manager of COMO Uma Bhutan, said: "Bhutan remains one of the world's most transformative luxury destinations. Through our partnership with One Rep Global, we look forward to connecting more discerning Indian travellers with the deeply authentic experiences that define COMO Uma Bhutan."

Hemant Mediratta, Founder and CEO of One Rep Global, added: "COMO is a brand that transcends traditional luxury hospitality. These are experiences built around intention, privacy and emotional connection."

"Our role is to meaningfully position these properties before the right Indian traveller, individuals seeking journeys that are immersive, purposeful and deeply personal. That audience is growing rapidly in India, and we understand exactly how to engage them."

As part of the collaboration, One Rep Global will work closely with India’s luxury travel designer community and provide dedicated support through property presentations, booking assistance and personalised recommendations. The company also plans to roll out trade engagement initiatives, including virtual showcases and familiarisation opportunities in the coming weeks.

The oneworld Alliance is further expanding its footprint at London Heathrow Airport as Alaska Airlines prepares to launch its new nonstop service between Seattle and London on Friday, 22 May 2026. The new route will increase the alliance's presence at Heathrow to 14 member airlines, strengthening the airport's position as oneworld's most connected global hub.

During the summer schedule, oneworld carriers are expected to operate nearly 2,800 weekly departures from Heathrow, linking passengers directly to more than 160 destinations across over 60 countries. The airport continues to play a major role in the alliance's global network, offering extensive international connectivity and travel options.

Passengers travelling through Heathrow also have access to premium facilities, including 13 First and Business Class lounges across Terminals 3, 4 and 5. These lounges are operated by British Airways, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and Qatar Airways, adding to the overall travel experience for premium flyers.

London continues to be a key stop for global travellers. According to oneworld data, 71 percent of Round the World bookings made this year through oneworld.com include London in their travel plans. The alliance also revealed that nearly 29 million customers travelled from, to or through Heathrow last year, with almost 30 percent connecting between oneworld member airlines.

Ole Orvér, CEO of oneworld, said: "With service from the most oneworld carriers and nearly 400 daily departures, London Heathrow is a cornerstone of our global network, where our members work together to deliver smooth connectivity for millions of customers every year."

"It is also one of the world's leading business travel markets, with more than 160,000 premium seats offered weekly by our airlines, and we are delighted to welcome Alaska Airlines as it launches its inaugural Seattle service from Heathrow, further expanding travel choices for oneworld customers."

Speaking on the expansion, Brett Catlin, Vice President of Loyalty, Partnerships and International at Alaska Airlines, said: "As we launch service to London, we're proud to further strengthen the value of our oneworld membership for guests."

"As one of the world's most important international gateways, London opens up even more seamless options for our guests to connect onward across Europe and beyond through the oneworld alliance."

Ross Baker, Heathrow's Chief Customer Officer, added: "At Heathrow, we are proud to be the UK's gateway to the world and the most served global hub for the oneworld alliance."

"The arrival of Alaska Airlines' new Seattle service brings even more option for travellers, whether they're visiting friends and family or travelling for business."

At Heathrow, oneworld member airlines operate across different terminals. Terminal 3 hosts Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines. Terminal 4 includes Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc, while Terminal 5 serves British Airways and Iberia.

Apart from Heathrow, the alliance's next biggest hubs with 11 member airlines include Dallas/Fort Worth, Doha, Tokyo-Narita and New York's John F. Kennedy airports.

Sydney has once again transformed into a bright and colourful celebration as Vivid Sydney officially begins its 16th edition. The city's harbour and CBD have come alive with immersive displays and experiences, marking the start of one of Australia's most anticipated annual events.

Running from Friday 22 May to Saturday 13 June, Vivid Sydney 2026 will host more than 200 events across 23 nights, offering visitors and residents a chance to explore the city in a completely different way. This year introduces a fresh approach, as artists and creators were given complete creative freedom without a central festival theme guiding their work.

The result is a wider mix of experiences spread across Light, Minds, Music, and Food programs. Organisers say the move is designed to encourage more creativity and deliver unique experiences throughout the festival.

This year's lineup includes over 80% free events during both daytime and evening hours. Visitors can also enjoy a shorter 6.5-kilometre Vivid Light Walk featuring 43 installations, projections, and large public artworks. Another major attraction returning this year is the much-awaited drone show, which will take place over Cockle Bay across 22 performances.

Food lovers can head to the relocated Vivid Fire Kitchen, now set in Barangaroo Reserve and featuring a strong lineup of culinary talent. Meanwhile, Vivid Minds, formerly known as Ideas, returns with conversations and performances featuring renowned creative voices from around the world.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO said, "This year marks the start of an exciting evolution of Vivid Sydney. We've expanded the program across all pillars and have opened up the brief for artists and removed the creative limitations of needing to centre around one key theme.

"Visitors can expect a more immersive and interactive experience that will encourage them to explore new locations, unexpected installations, and spend more time enjoying the festival, both after dark and during the day.

"We've gone back to the core of what Vivid Sydney is all about which is tapping into creativity, and through this, there's this incredible platform to showcase leading Australian talent as well as a chance to bring legendary international talent to the Sydney landscape too."

Several major brands have joined the festival this year. Kia and Samsung Electronics Australia return as major partners for their fifth year. Kia will showcase "Kia Refraction" at Bligh & Barney Reserve, while Samsung presents the interactive "Sky Portal Studio" at First Fleet Park.

New major partner IREN will support the "Star-Bound: Vivid Sydney Drone Show." Official partners for 2026 include Lilly Australia, which will present a Vivid Minds panel titled A New Horizon of Health, and Uber, which will provide dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones. Uber Eats will also support the Food for Thought Stage at Vivid Fire Kitchen.

Foodbank NSW & ACT joins as the festival's charity partner and will feature an interactive installation called "Foodbank Truck Packer" at Tumbalong Park.

With a mix of art, culture, food, technology and entertainment, Vivid Sydney 2026 promises another memorable edition that turns the city into a vibrant canvas of creativity.