Nurturing Arts Talent
Hong Kong–Macau Synergy Expands International Exchange Networks

HONG KONG, April 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MGM reaffirmed its long‑standing partnership with Art Basel Hong Kong this week, leading delegations of Macau cultural leaders, arts professionals, and university faculty and students to the fair for exclusive guided tours and dialogue sessions. The initiative aligns with the direction of China’s “15^th Five‑Year Plan”, which calls for high‑quality cultural‑tourism development and advances the goal of helping Chinese culture go global. It also underscores the role of Hong Kong and Macau as key platforms for international cultural exchange.

As a pioneer in cultural‑tourism innovation, MGM has championed local arts development and talent cultivation for many years. Since forming a long‑term partnership with Art Basel Hong Kong in 2017, the Company has continued to build a bridge between Macau’s arts community and the global stage, strengthening regional collaboration. This year, MGM once again served as a “super‑connector”, drawing together artistic voices and cultural resources from Hong Kong and around the world. Encountering world‑class artworks at close range allowed participants to widen their global horizons, spark fresh ideas for Macau’s arts development, and deepen the city’s connection to international cultural networks.

This year, MGM also partnered with BOE, a global leader in display technology, to present an immersive showcase at its dedicated booth. The installation uses an “M‑shaped” four‑fold high‑definition, small‑pixel‑pitch LED display that combines intelligent energy efficiency with exceptional image clarity. Together with cutting‑edge naked‑eye 3D technology, it vividly brings to life a range of Macau’s cultural‑tourism projects and highlights the diverse appeal of the city’s integrated “culture + tourism + technology” development for the international arts community.

Cultivating a Fertile Environment for Macau’s Arts Talent

Yesterday (March 26), MGM led a delegation of over 20 Macau cultural leaders, artists, and industry representatives to the VIP preview, where they engaged in in-depth exchanges with representatives from participating galleries. Today (March 27), MGM further welcomed 30 young local artists, arts students and faculty members to visit the fair and join the “Conversations” talks program, a signature highlight of Art Basel. They heard insights from renowned collectors and cultural leaders such as Saeb Eigner and Uli Sigg, exploring themes ranging from art collecting and cultural diplomacy to cross-regional exchange. The sessions deepened participants’ understanding of Asian art development and the global arts ecosystem, while offering a close-up sense of the international art market’s pulse.

MGM China Holdings Limited Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Kenneth Xiaofeng Feng said: “MGM remains committed to leveraging Macau’s unique role as a vital gateway for cultural exchange between East and West. Through our global network, we continue to create platforms that connect Macau’s arts community with the world, helping industry professionals gain deeper insights into global art market trends and the practical dynamics of the art economy. We will continue strengthening our collaborations with the international cultural and arts sector, supporting Macau’s moderate diversified economic development, and showcasing the city’s immense potential in cultural‑tourism integration.”

Zhu Jiao, who is currently pursuing a Doctor of Fine Arts at the University of Macau and participated in the exchange, said: “Having transitioned from MGM’s National Arts Fund training program to attending Art Basel today, I can truly see how MGM continuously empowers young art professionals and students in Macau by building bridges to the global stage. These platforms allow us to immerse ourselves in the global art ecosystem and understand market dynamics firsthand. Such rare opportunities and valuable experiences are of great significance in broadening our creative horizons and helping us reflect on our future career development.”

Cutting Edge Technology Animates Macau’s Diverse Cultural Tourism Projects

MGM unveiled an innovative “M-shaped” four-fold high-definition, small-pixel-pitch LED display at the fair, using cutting-edge technology to break away from the limitations of traditional flat screens. The installation creates a sense of visual extension and a hyper-real, immersive virtual space, vividly re-creating precious artefacts from the “Silk Roads Beyond Borders” exhibition at the POLY MGM MUSEUM—including emblematic works such as the Blue-and-White Moon Flask with Strap Handles and the Dragon-Patterned Throne Carpet—alongside leading modern and contemporary artworks.

Highlights from MGM’s resident production Macau 2049, which blends intangible cultural heritage with modern technology—including scenes such as “Khoomei: Ethereal”—are also brought to life on the screen. The booth further features looping promotional videos from the Macao SAR Government offering visitors an immersive glimpse into Macau’s vibrant, innovative, and increasingly diversified cultural-tourism landscape.

2026 MGM Discoveries Art Prize Winner Announced

The winner of the 2026 MGM Discoveries Art Prize was also revealed today (March 27). After a rigorous selection process, the international jury awarded the prize to the artist of Galerie Allen in France, whose work stood out for its originality and forward-looking artistic vision.

Angelle Siyang-Le, Director of Art Basel Hong Kong, commented: “At Art Basel Hong Kong, we are committed to connecting artistic voices from Asia with the world and opening up meaningful exchanges across cultures. The MGM Discoveries Art Prize reflects a shared belief between Art Basel and MGM in supporting the next generation of artists and the galleries that stand behind them, while recognizing the originality and energy of emerging practices. We are especially pleased that the prize creates a meaningful opportunity for the winning artist and their gallery to engage with Macau through this rich cultural exchange.”

Established jointly by MGM and Art Basel Hong Kong in 2025, the prize aims to identify and support promising emerging artists. The jury comprises five distinguished international arts and culture experts. The winning artist and their representing gallery receive a cash award and an invitation to visit Macau, where the artist will explore the city’s unique East meets West cultural landscape, engage in creative exchange with local young artists, and potentially present their work in Macau.

About MGM

MGM is an abbreviation for MGM China Holdings Limited (HKEx: 2282) and is a leading developer, owner and operator of gaming and lodging resorts in Greater China. We are the holding company of MGM Grand Paradise, SA which holds one of the six gaming concessions to run casino games in Macau. MGM Grand Paradise, SA owns and operates MGM MACAU, the award-winning premium integrated resort located on the Macau Peninsula and MGM COTAI, a contemporary luxury integrated resort in Cotai. 

MGM MACAU is a Forbes Five-Star luxury integrated resort inspired by the arts with every element of the resort infused with creativity and style. MGM MACAU has approximately 600 guest rooms and suites and boasts a number of distinguishing features, including the architecturally stunning European-inspired Grande Praça, housed under a soaring glass ceiling. The POLY MGM MUSEUM spanning almost 2,000 square meters, is constructed in accordance with Chinese national standards for the exhibition of Grade-One cultural relics. MGM MACAU’s world class facilities also include conference and event facilities, spa, and seven signature restaurants and bars to fulfill any gastronomic craving. Our property is conveniently located on the Macau Peninsula and is directly connected to the luxury retail shopping complex, One Central.

Designed as the “jewelry box” of Cotai, MGM COTAI offers approximately 1,400 hotel rooms and suites, meeting space, high end spa, retail offerings, food and beverage outlets as well as the first international Mansion at MGM for the ultimate luxury experience.  MGM has joined hands with renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou to set up the “Macau 2049” residency in MGM Theater. The Spectacle at MGM COTAI becomes the record holder of the largest free-span gridshell glazed roof (self-supporting) on January 19, 2019, making it the first architectural and structural GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Macau, China. MGM COTAI is being developed to drive greater product diversification and bring more advanced and innovative forms of entertainment to Macau as it grows as a global tourist destination. MGM COTAI is the only mega complex and hotel in Macau to gain three-star certification in both Green Building Design and Operation Label, as well as the first hotel in the Greater Bay Area and second in Greater China to receive the certifications.

MGM China is majority owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) one of the world’s leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Park MGM. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company’s website at .

About Art Basel

Founded in 1970 by gallerists from Basel, Art Basel today stages the world’s premier art shows for Modern and contemporary art, sited in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, Paris, and Qatar. Defined by its host city and region, each show is unique, which is reflected in its participating galleries, artworks presented, and the content of parallel programming produced in collaboration with local institutions for each edition. Art Basel’s engagement has expanded through new digital platforms including Zero 10 and the Art Basel App, and initiatives such as the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report and Survey of Global Collecting, Art Basel Awards, and Art Basel Shop. For further information, please visit artbasel.com.

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BEIJING, April 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chinese baijiu maker Fenjiu Group has pledged to continue to serve as a bridge for communication, a bond for cooperation, and a witness to friendship among Global South countries, said Wu Yuefei, vice chairman and general manager of the group.

Addressing the 2026 Global South Financiers Forum, Wu said that as a brand rooted in the first echelon of China’s liquor industry, Fenjiu is not only a loyal inheritor of the spirit of Shanxi merchants but also an active explorer of modern enterprise governance in the new era.

From green agriculture to digital transformation, from channel access to scenario co-creation, the liquor industry cannot develop without the innovative application of financial tools, said Wu, when introducing the practice of Fenjiu’s revitalization.

Fenjiu will continue to work with all partners to explore innovative practices in green finance and jointly write the story of “turning green into gold” in the Global South, he added.

Fenjiu’s 1,500-year history has provided it with confidence to withstand economic cycles, said Wu. Fenjiu advocates “patient capital”, supporting the construction of industrial foundation capabilities, brand cultivation, and technological innovation with a long-term perspective, so as to remain steady and make progress amid cyclical fluctuations.

Moreover, Fenjiu has deeply advanced its business strategy of “co-creating the future with consumers”, said Wu. Through digital and intelligent transformation and cultural innovation, it is creating a new scenario to realize mutual benefit, win-win results and common prosperity with consumers.

In the future, Fenjiu will work hand in hand with global partners to jointly discuss, build, share and achieve win-win results, said Wu. It will delve deeply into areas such as green finance, industrial collaboration, and value co-creation, transforming the consensus on green development into cooperation achievements and the vision of industrial collaboration into practical actions.

The 2026 Global South Financiers Forum was held in Beijing on March 25-26 under the theme “Illuminating Global South”, bringing together heads of financial institutions, experts and industry leaders from home and abroad to exchange views on the achievements and future prospects of green finance cooperation.

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BEIJING, April 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When the advent of the 2026 Global South Financiers Forum brought chances to explore deeper cooperation recently, Wu Yuefei, vice chairman and general manager of Chinese baijiu maker Fenjiu Group, highlighted enduring craftsmanship, openness and joint endeavors for a shared future.

On March 24, the Chinese baijiu maker presented a Qinghua Fenjiu Night event featuring blue-and-white porcelain-themed product displays to heads of financial institutions, scholars and industry representatives from home and abroad.

While talking about brand storytelling via liquor as the shared interest, Wu attributed the long-lasting popularity of Fenjiu at home to its adherence to time-honored craftsmanship-backed quality.

As Wu noted, Fenjiu Group firmly believes that for both industrial and financial businesses, product quality-based long-term development is the only way forward to navigate challenges of the times.

As the chief partner of the forum, Fenjiu Group, whose baijiu brewing history witnessed the vicissitudes of China’s baijiu industry, is a quintessential producer that values as always production technique refinement and premium quality.

In Wu’s eyes, light-flavor Chinese baijiu stands not only for a style, but also for a mindset where through building an open, transparent and inclusive development environment can global partners thrive amid extensive cooperation.

Nowadays, Fenjiu Group is opening its arms to press ahead with the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese liquor culture, striving for a wider global market share of Chinese baijiu.

By late March, Fenjiu products had been exported to 60-plus countries and regions around the world via its marketing networks covering five continents and key duty-free ports worldwide.

As a traditional Chinese dancing performance rekindled memories of ancient Silk Road trade of Chinese baijiu during the Qinghua Fenjiu Night, Wu welcomed participants of the 2026 Global South Financiers Forum to seek more win-win and long-term cooperation.

At the Beijing-located National Financial Information Center where the forum was hosted on March 25-26, a Fenjiu cocktail exhibition hall was widely lauded by the Chinese and foreign attendees of the forum.

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BEIJING, April 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Along China’s eastern seaboard, the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in Zhejiang Province is barely ever quiet. Ships come and go around the clock, and inland, factory floors maintain a similar rhythm.

This combination helps explain Ningbo’s prominent role in China’s industrial landscape. It is not just a major port, but also one of the country’s most important manufacturing hubs.

Here, traditional industries still make up about 55 percent of its industrial base, roughly in line with the national structure. Its industrial reach is strikingly wide, spanning 36 of China’s 41 major industrial categories. More than 90 percent of its manufacturers are privately owned, though large state-backed firms also remain part of the picture.

All these features make Ningbo a revealing microcosm of China’s manufacturing sector in transition.

“Transition” is certainly the right word. In recent years, the city has steadily upgraded its manufacturing base, using digital tools, industrial internet platforms and AI to make production smarter, more efficient and more precise.

The pace has quickened this year. In the first two months of 2026, the value-added industrial output of enterprises above designated size in Ningbo rose 9.3 percent year on year, 4 percentage points faster than the full-year rate for 2025. Of the city’s 36 major industries, 27 expanded. Output in carmaking, computers and communications equipment, as well as general equipment manufacturing, all posted strong growth during this period.

Yet the more revealing story lies not in the headline numbers, but in the changes unfolding on the factory floor.

At an interactive display area run by Ningbo Puzhi Future Robotics Co., Ltd., humanoid robots sway to music while wheeled machines stack goods on supermarket shelves. Streams of data from touch sensors, robotic-arm movements and video feeds are then fed back into model training.

For Zhou Xingyou, chairman of the embodied intelligence business and vice president of Joyson Holding Co., Ltd., a globally oriented smart-manufacturing company with operations ranging from automotive systems to embodied intelligence robotics, Ningbo’s edge lies in its abundance of real-world industrial scenarios.

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Thai Gen Z travel trends for 2026 indicate a shift toward frequent, short trips focused on relaxation and affordability, according to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report.

Data from Agoda shows that younger travellers in Thailand are increasingly treating travel as a high-frequency activity, prioritising short “recharge” trips instead of traditional long vacations. Travel is positioned as a way to manage daily stress, with an emphasis on simplicity and cost-conscious decision-making.

These trips are typically designed to fit into both schedules and budgets, with travellers choosing between domestic destinations and lesser-known locations. The focus remains on achieving a balance between convenience, relaxation and affordability.

Frequent travel and shorter stays reshape demand

The report highlights that 62% of Thai Gen Z plan to take between one and three trips in 2026, reflecting a shift toward more frequent travel patterns. At the same time, 65% prefer shorter stays of just 1-3 days, reinforcing the growing role of micro-trips.

This trend indicates that travel is becoming integrated into everyday life, allowing travellers to plan short breaks around work, studies and personal commitments. The social dimension is also evolving, with 44% of respondents preferring to travel with a spouse or partner.

Budget and relaxation drive travel decisions

For Thai Gen Z, relaxation remains the primary motivation, with 77% stating that their main reason for travel is to rest rather than follow structured itineraries or sightseeing plans.

Financial considerations continue to play a central role, with 72% identifying budget as the key factor in destination choice. To manage costs, 34% are willing to visit lesser-known destinations, while 57% consider price the most important factor when selecting accommodation, including hotels and rentals.

Akaporn Rodkong, Country Director, Thailand and Indochina at Agoda, said: “Η Gen Z στην Ταϊλάνδη οδηγεί μια σημαντική μετατόπιση προς πιο στοχευμένα και συχνά ταξίδια. Για αυτή τη γενιά, ένα ταξίδι αποτελεί βασικό τρόπο αποφόρτισης και απομάκρυνσης από το καθημερινό άγχος, με βασική προϋπόθεση τη σωστή τιμή. Στην Agoda, υποστηρίζουμε αυτές τις νέες ταξιδιωτικές ανάγκες μέσω της ευρείας γκάμας καταλυμάτων, πτήσεων και δραστηριοτήτων που προσαρμόζονται σε κάθε προϋπολογισμό και σε διαφορετικούς τύπους προορισμών.”

With more than 6 million holiday properties, over 130,000 flight routes and more than 300,000 activities, Agoda enables travellers to plan and combine different elements of their journeys within a single platform, supporting a wide range of travel preferences and trip formats.

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Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 concluded in Singapore with strong growth indicators, reinforcing the region’s position as a key market for the global MICE industry.

Held from 14–15 April 2026 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, the third edition of the event recorded 1,913 meetings and travel professionals, including more than 600 buyers from over 80 countries, a 10% increase from 2025.

Organised by Northstar Travel Group and co-located with the inaugural Global Travel Marketplace Luxury Asia Pacific and the second edition of Business Travel Show Asia Pacific, the event brought together a wide range of stakeholders across the meetings and business travel sectors.

Industry momentum and regional participation

Jason Young, CEO of Northstar Travel Group, said: “The Meetings Show Asia Pacific has become a powerful barometer for where the global MICE industry is heading. The level of business activity, engagement and innovation seen here reflects the strength of Asia Pacific and its growing influence in shaping what comes next for our industry.”

Irene Chua, Vice President and Group Publisher, Asia at Northstar Travel Group, added: “The strong growth and quality of engagement at this year’s show highlight Asia Pacific’s continued importance to the global MICE industry, with TMS APAC serving as the leading MICE trade show for industry professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and drive meaningful business outcomes.”

In her opening remarks, Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive of the Industry Development Group at the Singapore Tourism Board, noted: “The MICE industry continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, finding innovative ways to bring people together to collaborate. Singapore remains committed to providing a stable and reliable platform for global organisations to partner and build for the future.”

Buyer programme and exhibitor participation

The curated Buyer Programme facilitated business connections and engagement opportunities, contributing to measurable outcomes for participants. New exhibitors included organisations such as Korea Tourism Organization, Hilton, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Budapest Convention Bureau – HUNGEXPO, Destination Vancouver, Spain Tourism Board, Aichi Sky Expo, AYANA Resort Bali, Banyan Group and Bintan Resorts.

These participants joined returning exhibitors including Japan National Tourism Organization, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, JTB Meetings & Events, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts, Singapore Tourism Board, Business Events Sarawak, IPIM Macao, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Jeju Tourism Organization, Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau, ProColombia and Visit Monaco.

Business outcomes and industry feedback

Mandy Pham, Director of Sales at New World Hotels & Resorts Vietnam, said: “Since participating in the inaugural show, we have generated many potential leads, with a good number already converted into business.”

Yasuhiro Umeda of the Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau noted: “Discussions progressed rapidly from initial engagement to fully developed event concepts, highlighting how effectively TMS APAC connects needs with solutions within a short time frame.”

Insook Lee, Executive Director at the Korea MICE Bureau, stated: “It is our first time attending TMS APAC. A total of 21 organisations form our pavilion to promote Korea to global buyers. We found the event very meaningful as a platform to showcase Asia as a hub for MICE events and meetings.”

Cynthia Sitompul, Assistant Director of MICE and Wedding at AYANA Resort Bali, said: “TMS APAC has been very productive. The show’s size strikes the right balance for buyers and sellers to come together.”

Richard Soo, Managing Director of MEP Meeting & Exhibition Planners Malaysia, added: “At TMS APAC, I have been able to build the right connections and partnerships. The region is the place to be for the business event industry.”

The next edition of Meetings Show Asia Pacific is scheduled for 21–22 April 2027 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore.

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Princess Cruises Voyager Class expansion includes the order of three new cruise ships, marking a major investment in next-generation vessels designed to enhance the brand’s global offering.

Announced on 16 April 2026 in Singapore, Princess Cruises, part of Carnival Corporation & plc, has signed agreements with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of the new vessels, with delivery scheduled for late 2035, 2038 and 2039.

The ships will be built on a new platform, combining established onboard experiences with redesigned outer decks, staterooms and Piazza areas. The design builds on the existing Sphere Class platform while integrating updated guest-facing and marine technologies.

Capacity and technical specifications

Each vessel will have a capacity of approximately 4,700 guests and a gross tonnage of 183,000, making them the largest ships in the Princess Cruises fleet by passenger capacity.

The ships will operate using dual-fuel propulsion, primarily powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), supporting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional marine fuels. Construction will take place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

Strategic positioning and guest experience

Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises, said: “The Voyager class will delight both our loyal guests and attract the next generation of Princess guests. We have been leveraging extensive customer and agent research to strike the right balance between evolving our proven winners and introducing new concepts and partnerships grounded in what matters to our current and future guests.”

He added: “From exceptional dining and inviting pool environments to elevated entertainment and beautifully reimagined spaces throughout the ship, we are leaving no area untouched as we thoughtfully evolve the Princess experience.”

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated: “We are delighted to announce this new agreement with Princess Cruises, which confirms the strength of a long-standing and forward-looking partnership. These new orders secure a robust workload for our shipyards through 2039 and further support the profitable development of our cruise business.”

The new orders represent the 19th, 20th and 21st LNG-powered vessels for Carnival Corporation, forming part of a broader fleet enhancement strategy aimed at supporting demand growth in the cruise sector.

In addition to the three Voyager Class ships, the group has seven other vessels on order, scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2033, further expanding its global cruise portfolio.

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Zhejiang ITB China 2026 partnership positions the province as the Official Partner Province for inbound travel, strengthening its international visibility and engagement with the global travel trade.

ITB China announced that Zhejiang Province will serve as the Official Partner Province for the 2026 edition, presenting its tourism offerings and updated destination positioning to international buyers, partners and decision-makers.

The province is known for its cultural heritage, including landmarks such as West Lake, Liangzhu and the Grand Canal, as well as Jiangnan water towns, coastal landscapes and mountain scenery. At the same time, cities such as Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou and Yiwu have developed into centres of digital innovation and commerce, expanding Zhejiang’s tourism profile beyond traditional sightseeing.

Technology developments are improving accessibility for international visitors, including smart ports, multilingual digital services, cross-border payment solutions and integrated transport systems. These enhancements contribute to a more seamless travel experience within the province.

The partnership aims to strengthen Zhejiang’s international profile and expand inbound tourism cooperation through ITB China’s network of global buyers and industry stakeholders. It also supports the positioning of Zhejiang as a key inbound destination, combining cultural depth with contemporary travel experiences.

For ITB China, Zhejiang’s participation enhances the exhibition’s inbound segment, offering a broader representation of China’s destination landscape, from heritage and iconic attractions to modern lifestyle and innovation-driven experiences.

Chen Rufu, Deputy Director-General of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, said: “ITB China brings together key buyers, industry partners and market resources from around the world. Our cooperation with ITB China marks an important step for Zhejiang in deepening engagement and expanding international collaboration. Through this platform, we aim to further raise Zhejiang’s visibility in the global tourism market and advance practical cooperation in inbound tourism development, marketing and partnerships.”

David Axiotis, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (China), said: “As international interest in China inbound travel continues to grow, trade fair platforms play an increasingly important role in connecting markets and generating business opportunities. Zhejiang’s role as Official Partner Province of ITB China 2026 will strengthen the show’s inbound segment and support better understanding of emerging opportunities in China’s inbound travel market.”

Global demand for inbound travel to China is increasing, with travellers showing growing interest in integrated destination experiences that combine cultural heritage, lifestyle and contemporary offerings. Zhejiang is positioned to respond to this demand across segments, including urban leisure, MICE, coastal tourism, rural tourism, gastronomy and cultural experiences.

The province is also leveraging its digital capabilities through the “Hi Travel” platform, which integrates AI-powered itinerary planning, real-time translation, payment services, customs-related functions and tax refund support, improving the travel experience for international visitors.

During ITB China 2026, Zhejiang will engage with international buyers through pavilion presentations, themed promotions, business meetings and networking events, complemented by cultural performances and interactive experiences.

The programme includes the themed event “Zhejiang Night”, followed by a four-day familiarisation trip for international buyers, covering the eastern and southern areas of the province to support product development and cooperation.

The partnership reflects ITB China’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its inbound travel segment and present a more comprehensive and contemporary image of Chinese destinations to the international travel industry.

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Mykonos is a smart starting point for a short Greek island trip. It has an airport, strong links with other Cycladic islands, and a location that helps travelers move fast without losing full days to long surface transfers. Mykonos is close to islands such as Tinos, Syros, Paros, Naxos, and Delos, which makes it one of the easiest bases for a short two-island plan. For travelers who want to keep their Mykonos island-hopping journey smooth, they can opt for a private helicopter to turn a busy schedule into a clean and simple getaway.

A short island break works best when each stop gives something different. Mykonos already covers beach clubs, dining, shopping, and easy access to the sea. The second island should add another side of the Cyclades, such as caldera views, village life, volcanic scenery, or a quieter local mood. Good route pairing is not only about distance. It is also about balance and pace.

Why Mykonos Suits a Fast Air-Led Getaway

Mykonos stands near the center of many popular Cycladic routes. That helps travelers shape a short stay around comfort and speed instead of around the limits of ferry timetables. The island also has regular air access, which makes arrival and departure easier for visitors coming from Athens or from abroad during the main season. Mykonos is also part of a wider network of nearby islands that are often combined in one trip.

Another reason Mykonos works well is that it already feels complete on its own. A traveler can spend one or two nights there and still enjoy beaches, old town walks, sea views, and dining by the water. That means the second island does not have to repeat the same mood. It can do another job. It can slow the trip down, add a romantic setting, or bring in a stronger sense of local culture.

A private helicopter route also helps protect the feel of the trip. Instead of building the day around ferry queues, port traffic, and fixed boarding times, the traveler can focus on meals, rest, beach time, and sunset plans. That is often the real value of a short escape. It is not only about speed in the air. It is about making each island day feel fuller and less broken up by logistics from start to finish.

Best Pairings for a Short Greek Break

The strongest pairings from Mykonos are the ones that offer contrast without making the route feel scattered. In most cases, two islands are enough for a trip of three to five nights. That keeps hotel changes low and protects time for the parts of the holiday that matter most.

Mykonos and Santorini

This is the classic high-impact pairing. Mykonos brings social energy and beach life, while Santorini adds cliff views, sunset settings, and a more dramatic visual scene. Santorini is one of the most famous islands in the Cyclades, and it has strong links with other islands in the group. That makes the pairing practical as well as appealing.

This route suits first-time Greece visitors, couples on a short escape, and travelers who want two very distinct island moods in one trip. It also works well when the stay is brief, because both islands are easy to recognize, easy to plan around, and rich in settings that feel special from the first day.

Mykonos and Paros

Paros is often the best match for travelers who want a softer second stop. It’s known as a strong island-hopping hub with links to Mykonos and other Cycladic islands, and that fits its role well. It feels polished and stylish, but it usually moves at a calmer pace than Mykonos.

When a Softer Second Stop Makes More Sense

Some travelers enjoy the social side of Mykonos, yet they do not want the full trip to stay at that speed. Paros answers that well. It keeps the white village look and beach setting that many visitors want from the Cyclades. Still, it adds a more relaxed rhythm for friends, couples, or mixed groups, which can create a better overall balance than pairing Mykonos with another high-intensity stop.

Other Strong Routes Worth Considering

Travelers who want help matching island style with air transfer options can compare routes through operators like Hoper. The best result usually comes from asking a simple question first. Should the second island feel scenic, calm, cultural, or deeply classic? Once that answer is clear, the route becomes easier to shape.

Mykonos and Milos

Milos is a strong choice for travelers who care most about scenery. And it’s one of the most photogenic islands in the Aegean with its striking volcanic landscapes. That gives the trip a different tone after the polished beach scene of Mykonos.

This pairing suits couples, photographers, and travelers who want the second half of the holiday to feel quieter and more private. Mykonos handles the lively start. Milos then shifts the focus to coves, sea color, rock formations, and a slower daily rhythm. It is a smart pairing when the goal is contrast without giving up the Cycladic feel.

Mykonos and Syros or Tinos

Not every great pairing has to center on the most famous names. Syros and Tinos both give the traveler a more local and grounded side of the Cyclades. Syros works well for travelers who want town life, civic history, and a less resort-led setting. Tinos is a good destination for those who want villages, food, craft, and a more peaceful pace. Either choice can make the trip feel wider in scope, especially for a return visitor who has already seen Santorini.

Why Delos Still Matters in a Short Itinerary

Some trips are too short for a full second island stay, and that is where Delos becomes useful. Delos is a close day trip from Mykonos and notes its major archaeological value. A traveler can stay based in Mykonos, keep luggage in one hotel, and still add a meaningful cultural outing.

That approach is often the best one for a two or three-night escape. It keeps the plan light, protects time, and still gives the holiday more depth than a single island stay.

How to Plan the Route

The first rule is to keep the structure simple. Two islands are usually enough. One hotel area on each island is better than moving around too much after landing. A short luxury break should feel easy from the start. If the route needs too many transfers, too many road segments, or too many hotel check-ins, it can lose the benefit of private air travel.

The second rule is to pair moods, not only map points. Mykonos brings energy and choice. The next stop should answer what the traveler wants next. Santorini adds drama. Paros adds ease. Milos adds scenery. Syros or Tinos adds local texture. Delos adds history without another hotel move. When the second stop has a clear role, the whole getaway feels better planned.

Weather also matters in the Aegean, especially during windy periods, so flexibility remains valuable even on a premium trip. Mykonos and the surrounding Cyclades depend on strong inter-island links by sea and air, which is why good routing matters so much on a short schedule.

Final Thoughts

The best private helicopter routes from Mykonos are the ones that match time, mood, and purpose. Mykonos with Santorini is the classic first trip choice. Mykonos with Paros is a smart option for a calmer split stay. Mykonos with Milos is ideal for scenery and privacy. Mykonos with Syros or Tinos gives the traveler a more local Cycladic feel. For the shortest breaks, Delos can add depth without adding another base. When Mykonos is treated as a launch point instead of the whole plan, a fast Greek getaway can feel rich, smooth, and well-paced.

Photo by Despina Galani on Unsplash

Το άρθρο Private helicopter routes for Mykonos island hopping: Best pairings for a fast Greek getaway εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο TravelDailyNews Asia & Pacific.

Agoda Taipei partnership with the Taipei City Government has been formalised through a strategic agreement aimed at strengthening the city’s positioning as a leading destination in Asia.

The agreement was announced during the 2026 Taiwan Gold Circle Awards and is documented through a Memorandum of Understanding between Agoda and the municipal authorities, focusing on promoting Taipei to a global tourism audience and increasing both international and domestic visitor numbers.

Under the partnership, Agoda will provide international travel trends and platform data insights to support tourism planning and strategy. The collaboration also includes digital upskilling initiatives, offering training and development programmes for the local hospitality sector to enhance online visibility and competitiveness.

The agreement further includes four co-branded promotional campaigns, improved information management on the Agoda platform for licensed properties, and additional initiatives designed to support destination marketing and distribution.

Lin Yi-Hua, Deputy Mayor of Taipei, said: “What Taipei wants to offer international travelers is not only rich travel experiences and exciting seasonal events, but also a safe and secure accommodation environment. Through this collaboration with Agoda, Taipei will expand its international visibility via a global digital platform and combine data insights with the city government’s tourism resources to actively promote the city’s safe, legal, and distinctive accommodations to the world, allowing the world to see Taipei’s urban charm.”

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, said: “Taipei has a distinctive urban charm with an iconic skyline, strong tourism infrastructure, and a diverse appeal that resonates with business and leisure travelers alike. Agoda is honored to partner with the Taipei City Government and we look forward to combining our global reach with market insights and digital capabilities to enhance Taipei’s tourism competitiveness and visibility.”

Taipei offers a mix of urban districts, such as Ximending, Zhongshan, and Xinyi, alongside landmarks including Taipei 101 and cultural areas such as Beitou Hot Spring, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Dadaocheng, and Wanhua.

In recent years, the Taipei City Government has advanced the “Taipei Nice Stay” initiative, promoting accommodation offerings across five themes: Culture, Scenery, Food, High-tech and Sustainability.

Through this collaboration, Agoda is expected to further strengthen cooperation with tourism stakeholders in Taiwan, supporting the development of the destination’s tourism brand and expanding its presence in international markets.

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