Category Archives: Business

GRI scales up sustainability know-how for Argentinian SMEs

New GRI-SECO regional program to equip companies with tools and expertise in decision-useful sustainability reporting

Buenos Aires, Apr 22 –GRIis expanding its presence in Latin America with the launch of a new program in Argentina to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access the strategic benefits of sustainability reporting.

Supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the ‘Enhancing Sustainability Reporting for SMEs’initiative builds on GRI’s successful approaches already implemented in Colombia and Peru, as well as previous engagement with Argentinian companies.

The program recognizes that, while SMEs form the backbone of Argentina’s economy, measuring and communicating sustainability impacts isa significant challenge for many businesses. The program will address this gap through practical tools and technical training in sustainability reporting using internationally recognised standards.

For larger Argentinian companies, GRI reporting is already well established. A 2025 study by SMS Buenos Aires found that 96% of companies listed on the National Securities Commission (CNV) that report on sustainability use the GRI Standards, yet none of the listed SMEs discloses with global frameworks.

Andrea Pradilla, Director of GRI Latin America, said:

“Argentina’s SMEs have a critical role in advancing sustainable development in the country, as well as wider relevance in the value chain throughout Latin America and beyond. This expanded new program is about empowering organisations to harness sustainability reporting to build trust and credibility,with practical insights that shape both sustainable outcomes and business success. We are grateful to SECO for their continued collaboration in the region.”

On behalf of SECO, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Argentina, Andrea Semadeni, said:

“The collaboration’s expansion comes at exactly the right time for Argentina. As we move through the ratification process of the Free Trade Agreement between EFTA and Mercosur, a shared understanding of sustainability reporting between Swiss and Argentine companies will help make business transactions even more seamless. This alignment will enable both sides to fully benefit from the agreement while responding to the growing expectations of investors, customers and the public for transparency across value chains and borders.”

The Argentina programwill be managedby Lara Lovero, who hasextensive sustainability consultancy experience and a background in industrial engineering.

LaraLovero, GRI LatAm Senior Programs Coordinator,added:

“Argentina has enormous potential to lead in regional sustainability. My goal is for SMEs to see sustainability reporting not as an administrative burden but as a strategic management tool that opens doors to financing and international markets.”

Brits are booking staycations for better sleep, not just hot tubs, new data reveals

Searches for ‘best UK staycation’ are up by +55% in the past three months¹. When it comes to booking, it turns out holidaymakers aren’t chasing luxury add-ons like hot tubs and saunas first, they’re looking for something far simpler: a good night’s sleep.[MM1] 

New survey data from Tapi Carpets & Floors has revealed that comfort is the key factor driving holiday home bookings, with over 1 in 3 (37%) saying a comfortable bed and quality bedding is the most important feature when choosing a holiday cottage. The findings suggest that while spa-style amenities remain desirable, travellers are increasingly prioritising stays where relaxation starts from the basics that create the ultimate reset.

Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors, has teamed up with experienced holiday property hosts Abi Hookway and Harry Tomkinson to share their tips for creating comfort-first interiors that help guests switch off and keep bookings high.

Comfortable beds are the new luxury

While spa-style getaways continue to rise in popularity, Tapi’s data shows that the biggest driver of bookings is still comfort, with sleep quality emerging as the ultimate dealbreaker.

Alongside the 37% who rank comfortable beds as their top priority, 1 in 6 (17%) say good natural light influences their decision, which helps to reset our body clocks, rising to 21% among Gen Z and Millennials. These results reflect a growing shift towards ‘restorative’ holidays, where guests want spaces that feel thoughtfully designed for comfort and a reset.

Property expert Abi Hookway explains: “One of the biggest things that drives bookings is staging and presentation. It’s often overlooked, but how your property looks and feels in photos and in person directly impacts how often people book. The right staging and setup, such as plumped pillows and layered blankets, can turn an ordinary space into a high-performing holiday let.”

Johanna adds, “Guests are becoming more selective, and comfort is the thing that stays with them most. A hot tub might catch their attention, but if the bed isn’t comfortable or the home doesn’t feel warm and relaxing, it impacts reviews and repeat bookings. The most successful holiday homes are the ones that feel restorative, not just stylish.”

Cosy is in demand

The research suggests many holidaymakers are drawn to cottages that feel snug and characterful but achieving that look can be tricky. Almost 1 in 3 (31%) admit they struggle to create a cosy space without it becoming cluttered, while 1 in 5 (21%) want guidance on how to balance modern and traditional furnishings.

For property owners, this presents an opportunity: small, strategic design upgrades can help create the ‘cosy cottage’ feel guests are searching for, without major renovations.

Johanna says, “Cosy doesn’t have to mean cluttered. The easiest way to create warmth is through texture, flooring, soft furnishings and layered materials. Swapping worn carpets, adding a thick rug, or choosing a warmer-toned floor can instantly shift the atmosphere of a room and make it feel more inviting.

The key is balance, mixing modern finishes with traditional details (like timber, panelling or period features) keeps the space feeling characterful without looking dated. To stop the room feeling overcrowded, focus on smart storage solutions and choose a few well-placed statement pieces rather than lots of smaller accessories, so the space stays calm, and cosy.”

Traditional features boost bookings

Beyond comfort, travellers are also drawn to spaces that feel authentic. The new data from Tapi shows that 1 in 7 say traditional cottage features, such as log burners, wood fires and exposed beams, make them more likely to book a holiday home.

“We’re seeing a continued shift toward more privacy and meaningful stays. Travel is becoming less about ticking off destinations and more about how a place makes you feel while you’re there,” says Harry.

This highlights the appeal of heritage-inspired interiors and rustic charm, especially during colder months and shoulder seasons when guests want warmth and atmosphere.

Johanna explains, “Traditional features create an emotional response. Even if guests don’t have a log burner at home, they associate it with relaxation. For hosts, leaning into those traditional elements through natural materials, warm-toned flooring and soft textures is one of the easiest ways to make a property feel more premium.”

Flooring is the comfort upgrade that guests notice first

For holiday homeowners looking to improve comfort without costly renovations, the findings highlight flooring as one of the most effective upgrades to transform how a space feels and how it performs in listing photos.

Soft flooring options can instantly create warmth and reduce noise, particularly in bedrooms and lounge spaces, while hardwearing flooring in kitchens and entrances supports practicality for high footfall stays. Johanna says, “Flooring plays a powerful role in the first impression of a holiday home. Soft carpets in bedrooms instantly feel warm and relaxing underfoot, while natural wood tones in living areas bring character.”

From Brunch to Boardroom: Summer Co-ords Take Centre Stage on Nykaa Fashion

April, 2026: Summer fashion is undergoing a subtle yet significant transformation, with versatility emerging as the defining theme of the season. At the center of this shift are co-ord sets—modern wardrobe essentials that seamlessly blend ease, functionality, and refined style.

As lifestyles become more dynamic, the demand for clothing that transitions effortlessly across occasions has grown. Co-ord sets answer this need with thoughtfully designed silhouettes that move fluidly between casual and structured settings, eliminating the need for multiple outfit changes.

A Softer Approach to Structure
This season moves away from rigid tailoring toward softer, more fluid forms. Relaxed silhouettes with intentional structure allow garments to maintain a polished appearance while offering comfort and ease of movement. Designs such as striped tanks paired with straight-leg trousers or plaid shirts styled with mini skirts reflect this balance of clean lines and lightweight construction.

The Power of Co-ordination
Matching sets simplify styling while maintaining a strong visual identity. Whether worn together for a cohesive look or styled separately for versatility, co-ords offer flexibility without compromising on elegance. Blazer-and-shorts combinations and cotton blend short sets exemplify how effortless dressing can still feel put-together and sophisticated.

Fabric-First Dressing
Breathable, lightweight fabrics are at the core of summer co-ords, ensuring comfort while retaining structure. From relaxed tube top and shorts sets to structured denim co-ords, fabric choices play a key role in enhancing both wearability and design appeal.

Effortless Yet Intentional
Ease in dressing this season is carefully curated. Balanced proportions, subtle detailing, and thoughtful construction define co-ord sets that feel both relaxed and refined. Crop tops paired with mini skirts and playful summer sets highlight how simplicity can still make a strong style statement.

Versatility as the New Luxury
Adaptability is fast becoming the hallmark of modern fashion. Co-ords transition seamlessly from day to evening, offering a practical yet stylish solution for evolving lifestyles. Pleated skirt sets and classic monochrome combinations exemplify this shift toward functional luxury.

Leading this trend, Nykaa Fashion presents a curated summer edit that brings together contemporary co-ord sets designed for everyday wear. With a focus on comfort, style, and adaptability, the collection reflects a broader movement toward intuitive dressing—where fashion aligns effortlessly with the rhythm of modern life.

Wi-Fly Update Virgin Atlantic Accelerates Starlink Rollout for Take-Off

Apr 21: Virgin Atlantic has announced an accelerated rollout of Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, as the airline gears up to introduce free, high-speed WiFi across its entire fleet, helping customers bring their world onboard from take-off to landing.

Virgin Atlantic will begin introducing Starlink connectivity onboard its Airbus A350 fleet from May, with all A350s to be connected by early summer. The first customer flight is slated for early May on the VS153 from London Heathrow to New York, JFK. The programme will then extend across the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330neo fleets as installation progresses, with connectivity expected to reach full fleet coverage anticipated in 2027.

First announced in July 2025, Virgin Atlantic became the first UK airline to commit to free, fleet-wide Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity. By leveraging the world’s most advanced satellite constellation in low Earth orbit, Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency internet access around the world, including the most isolated areas. This makes for a reliable, fast, and secure user experience.Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky will be offered entirely free of charge for Flying Club members, creating a digitally connected cabin, across its modern fleet.

The new service aims to create a ‘home away from home’ Wi-Fi experience in the sky, allowing customers to connect seamlessly, from the moment they board the aircraft, enjoying the same quality in the air as they do on the ground. During the flight, Starlink will enable customers to enjoy elevated entertainment, including downloading and streaming their favourite TV shows, gaming with friends on the ground, browsing internet shopping, catching up on work, watching live sports games, connecting with friends and family and even making brief audio calls, while keeping the cabin comfortable and relaxed for everyone. Customers will be able to utilise multiple devices simultaneously including smartphones, laptops and tablets, keeping messages moving, plans in play and everything, and everyone, that matters close.

Juha Jaervinen, Chief Customer Officer, Virgin Atlantic, commented;

“We were the first UK airline to announce free, fleet-wide Starlink Wi-Fi, and from May, we’re starting to deliver it for our customers. As the rollout gathers pace, we plan to deliver 100% Starlink connectivity across our fleet in 2027, as part of our focus on creating a brilliantly connected experience.

“Together with Starlink, we’re setting a new standard for connectivity in the skies, with fast, free, high-speed WiFi available from the moment customers step onboard. It’s all part of creating a truly connected, ‘home away from home’ experience, giving customers the freedom to use their time onboard exactly as they choose, whether that’s staying close to work, to plans, or to the people who matter most.”

Wow Momo turns a product claim into proof with EndOfDebate campaign for ‘World’s Crispiest Fries’

 New Delhi, Apr 21(BNP): Wow! Momo is turning a product claim into a content-led cultural conversation with the launch of its “World’s Crispiest Fries”, anchored in an influencer-driven validation campaign built around #EndOfDebate.

At the centre of the launch is a simple but powerful insight: consumers love fries, but are consistently disappointed by how quickly they turn soggy. Instead of addressing this through traditional advertising, the brand has chosen to demonstrate its claim through real-world validation.

At the core of the campaign was an immersive, large-scale tasting experience that brought together the credibility of influencers, food writers and everyday consumers across four of India’s biggest metros—Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. Nearly 1,500 macro and micro participants took part in a first-of-its-kind timed challenge, where Wow! Momo’s fries were pitted against leading QSR competitors and tested after 30, 45 and 60 minutes.

As the challenge unfolded, Wow! Momo’s fries consistently stood out for their ability to remain golden, crisp and fresh long after serving. While competing fries lost their texture over time, Wow! Momo delivered the same crunch at every interval, creating a moment of surprise and delight for participants.

The result went beyond a product demonstration. It became a compelling proof point and a scalable brand story. By transforming a functional benefit into a live, city-wide experience backed by real voices and authentic reactions, the campaign generated credibility, conversation and shareability at scale, strengthening Wow! Momo’s positioning in the category.

Rather than relying on high-decibel messaging, Wow! Momo has leaned into a content-first approach, using these validation moments as the foundation for digital storytelling. The campaign is playing out across social media through creator-led content, meme culture, digital film and real-time consumer reactions, supported by strong in-store visibility and on-ground amplification.

By shifting the focus from promise to proof, the brand is aiming to build both trust and talkability in a highly competitive QSR category, where differentiation is often difficult to sustain. In a category dominated by visual advertising and price-led promotions, the campaign attempts to redefine differentiation through demonstrable product performance.

Commenting on the approach, Murlikrishnan, Co-founder and CMO, Wow! Momo Foods Pvt. Ltd., said,

“From day one, our belief has been simple, truly great products don’t need exaggerated claims, they need a stage. With this campaign, we wanted to move beyond saying we have the crispiest fries and instead invite consumers to experience and validate that promise themselves. When the product truth is undeniable, the most powerful marketing is authenticity in action.”

With over 850 stores across 90+ cities, Wow! Momo continues to scale as one of India’s fastest growing QSR brands. With this launch, the company reinforces its focus on combining product innovation with culturally relevant, content-led marketing approaches.

By turning a product claim into a participative narrative, Wow! Momo is positioning “World’s Crispiest Fries” not just as a menu addition, but as a brand moment designed to spark conversation at scale.

Summit Hotels & Resorts appoints Deepak Bothra as Corporate General Manager

Apr 21: Strengthening its operational leadership as it expands across the Eastern Himalayan region, Summit Hotels & Resorts has appointed Deepak Bothra as Corporate General Manager. With close to three decades of experience in hospitality, Deepak Bothra brings deep expertise across hotel operations, pre-opening projects, quality control, and revenue management. Over the years, he has worked with leading international and regional brands, holding senior leadership roles and contributing to the successful launch and turnaround of multiple properties.

In his new role, Deepak Bothra will oversee operational strategy, service standards, and performance optimisation across Summit’s growing portfolio. His focus will be on strengthening quality benchmarks, streamlining systems, and ensuring consistency across properties as the brand continues to scale its presence in Sikkim, Darjeeling, and the wider Northeast.

Commenting on the appointment, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, “Deepak brings a rare combination of operational depth and quality-driven thinking. As we continue to expand our network across the Northeast, strengthening internal systems and service standards becomes critical. His experience in building and refining hotel operations will play a key role in driving consistency and long-term performance across our portfolio.”

Royal Realtors Focuses on Structured and Concrete-Driven Development to Enhance Construction Quality

Mumbai, April 21(BNP): Royal Realtors Group has announced an enhanced focus on structured planning and concrete-driven construction practices aimed at improving durability, efficiency, and long-term value across its projects.

As the real estate sector continues to evolve, the company is prioritizing system-driven execution, robust structural design, and modern construction methodologies to ensure consistent quality and faster project delivery timelines.

Commenting on the development, Deven Shah, Managing Director, Royal Realtors Group, said,

“Today, quality is not just about design it’s about how well a structure is planned and executed. At Royal Realtors, we are focusing on more structured development processes and stronger construction practices to ensure durability, safety, and timely delivery across our projects.”

The company is aligning its construction strategy with efficient planning, optimized material utilization, and streamlined on-site execution. This approach is expected to reduce delays, improve productivity, and enhance overall project performance.

With a continued emphasis on governance, quality control, and disciplined execution, Royal Realtors aims to deliver developments that not only meet present-day expectations but also stand the test of time.

New Study Warns Law Firms Face an Existential Crisis in Talent Development as AI Replaces the Apprenticeship Model

Apr 21: The traditional foundations of legal training are being dismantled by automation, leaving the industry’s elite firms facing a radical ‘capabilities gap’ in their future talent pipeline. This is according to a new study from leadership consultancy firm The Positive Group, which highlights how the rapid adoption of GenAI is transforming the centuries-old apprenticeship model that underpins how trainee lawyers develop legal judgement, expertise and the skills needed to become a partner.

 The report, titled The AI Leadership Challenge in Law, was produced in collaboration with researchers from Harvard Business School, RSGI, and Hubel Labs. It draws on insights from 16 of the industry’s most influential decision-makers -including Managing Partners, Chief AI Officers, and heads of professional standards from firms including Orrick, Herbert Smith Freehills, Baker McKenzie, Bird & Bird, A&O Shearman, White & Case, and Gilbert + Tobin.

 The end of ‘learning by doing’

For generations, junior lawyers built their “legal muscle” through repetition: document review, due diligence, and exhaustive research. The report argues that this “volume work” was not merely a revenue driver, but a psychological necessity for building the cognitive foundations of professional reasoning and judgement.

 However, the study warns that as AI takes over these foundational tasks, the ‘repetition loop’ is breaking. Junior lawyers are being catapulted into higher-level advisory work much earlier in their careers—often before they have developed the instinctive ‘gut feel’ for risk that only comes from years of interrogating primary sources.

 Anna Sutherland, Executive Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, a contributor to the research, highlights the scale of the challenge: “Traditionally, juniors learned by repetition through drafting, due diligence, and volume work. AI is changing that, so the challenge is to ensure they still build solid foundations while acquiring new skills.”

 A Scrutiny Gap is emerging:

The report identifies a burgeoning risk within the firm hierarchy: a decline in critical scrutiny. One participant noted that with AI-generated drafts, there is now “less requirement to go and interrogate sources”, creating a dangerous psychological bias where outputs are accepted at face value.

 “We are heading toward a potential crisis of potential skills deficit in critical thinking and appraisal,” says Will Marien, Director at The Positive Group. “If a junior lawyer hasn’t spent years digging through the ‘why’ behind a contract clause because a machine produced it in seconds, they lose the ability to spot the nuance where the real risk lives. The apprenticeship model wasn’t just about learning the law; it was about learning how to think under pressure. By removing the repetitive, routine work, we are inadvertently removing the training ground for work that involves judgement, appraisal and interrogation of sources.”

 Marien continues: “Law firm leaders must recognise that AI doesn’t just change the workflow; it changes the cognitive development of their most valuable asset: their people. We are seeing the end of the stable strategy; firms must now move to a model of ‘Adaptive Apprenticeship’ where critical thinking is taught as a primary skill, not an accidental byproduct of volume work.”

 From information generators to curators of meaning

The research suggests that the role of the junior lawyer is being redefined in real-time. Rather than acting purely as generators of information, they are increasingly becoming “curators of meaning” and “challengers of logic”. This shift is not only changing the skills required, but is reshaping where expertise sits within firms.

 Junior lawyers are often more fluent in emerging AI tools and are playing a growing role in driving innovation from the ground up. As Christian Bartsch, CEO of Bird & Bird, notes: “Some of our best ideas don’t come from senior leaders, but from next-gen talent. We’ve built innovation channels to capture these ideas so they aren’t lost in our wider organisation. As part of our journey, we’ve become braver about calling time on what doesn’t work.” In this environment, curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to interrogate AI outputs are becoming core capabilities at every level of the firm.

 However, the report warns that this transition must be managed carefully. Rather than relying solely on traditional repetition-based learning, leaders are being encouraged to take a more active role in shaping how junior lawyers engage with AI through clear narratives, role-modelling, and creating environments where questioning and critical thinking are actively encouraged.

 By fostering trust and openness around both the potential and limitations of AI, firms can ensure that junior lawyers build the confidence and nuance needed to apply these tools effectively. In this way, the transition becomes less about managing risk, and more about intentionally developing the next generation of lawyers to combine technological fluency with strong professional judgement.

 The Leadership Mandate: devising adaptive apprenticeships

For the law firm C-suite, the findings reinforce the need for a radical departure from traditional talent management. The report concludes that AI maturity is not about how many licences a firm buys, but how it re-engineers the path to expertise.

Marien concluded: “The task for leading law firms is no longer to protect the old ways of working, but to find new pathways for developing “depth” in an automated environment. This means placing an unprecedented premium on “soft” cognitive skills—curiosity, the ability to challenge automated reasoning, and ethical interpretation—that were previously assumed to develop over time.

 “In a world where the commodity – the legal output – is increasingly free, the ‘Psychology of AI Maturity’ proves that the only remaining value is the human at the keyboard. If firms fail to fix the apprenticeship model now, they aren’t just losing their juniors; they are losing their future partnership.

Airbnb Data Shows How Indian Travellers Are Turning to Asia This Summer

Apr 21: This summer, Indian travellers are choosing Asia. Powered by a generation raised on Korean dramas, Japanese aesthetics and Asian street food culture, destinations across Asia feel both familiar and exciting and travel interest is reflecting that. Travellers are exploring destinations that offer a compelling mix of cultural discovery, strong connectivity and convenient travel times, making Asia an appealing choice for summer getaways.

According to Airbnb search data, Gen Z led this charge, accounting for over 40% of Airbnb’s summer searches this year and growing faster than any other generation at approximately 60% year-on-year. This generation tends to travel more frequently and is increasingly planning trips around experiences, from concerts and festivals to cultural events and culinary exploration.

Airbnb data reveals growing interest in destinations across Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia. Osaka (over 85% growth in searches), Tokyo (over 90%) and Busan (over 95%) recorded some of the strongest increases in search interest among Indian travellers. This aligns with broader travel trends pointing to rising interest driven by pop culture fandom, culinary appeal and ease of travel. Kuala Lumpur (over 50%) and Bangkok (over 35%) continued to see steady demand, reflecting their strong connectivity and familiarity among Indian travellers.1

Travel also remains a shared experience, with nearly 60% of searches driven by group and family travel, followed by over 30% from duo travellers, highlighting the importance of spending time together while exploring new destinations.1

This interest in exploration is also shaping domestic travel trends. Within India, travellers are increasingly looking beyond established hotspots and exploring destinations that offer nature, heritage and cultural richness. Thiruvananthapuram (over 90% growth in searches), Puri (over 30%), Jaipur (over 70%) and Meghalaya (over 70%) have all seen strong growth in interest.1

“What we are seeing this summer is travel driven by curiosity and culture,” said Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Country Head, Airbnb India and Southeast Asia. “Asia offers something rare: the familiarity of a culture Indian travellers love, and a chance to discover a new destination. That, paired with greater connectivity and the option to plan a meaningful yet short trip during a long weekend, makes Asia even more appealing to Indian travellers. It’s interesting to see that Indian travellers are slowly moving beyond the templatized and obvious, both internationally and within India, and proactively seeking destinations that feel more personal, not just popular.”

As travel habits continue to shift, Asia is where Indian travellers are heading this summer, offering a sense of ease through its accessibility, affordability and range of experiences.

Phu Quoc set to become a major Asia Pacific aviation hub with scalable, fully automated passenger processing

GENEVA – 21 April 2026 — Phu Quoc International Airport is set to become a next-generation, fully self-service aviation hub ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2027 Forum. Sun Group, one of Vietnam’s largest private conglomerates, has partnered with SITA to lead this transformation. To support Vietnam’s rapidly growing air travel demand, the parties have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for broader collaboration across Sun Group’s future airport developments in Vietnam.

Phu Quoc International Airport is projected to handle 24 million passengers annually once the new Terminal 2 opens, with long-term capacity designed to scale to 50 million. The development comes at a pivotal moment and will place Phu Quoc in the global spotlight as a rising destination in the Asia Pacific region.

Under the Phu Quoc project, SITA will deploy an end-to-end suite of airport technologies across the new terminal, delivering a fully self-service passenger experience. Travelers will be able to check in, select seats, print boarding passes and bag tags, drop their luggage, and board their flights through automated touchpoints.

The new terminal will feature SITA Flex Hybrid, supporting 204 common-use workstations for passenger processing. To secure operational resilience, SITA Local Departure Control System (DCS) will be deployed as a backup.

Passengers will use 150 SITA Smart Path kiosks for check-in, seat selection, boarding pass printing, and tagging check-in bags, 100 SITA Smart Path Bag Drop (Scan & Go) units for selfservice baggage drop, and 38 dual-lane SITA Smart Path Gates for automated boarding. All systems are seamlessly coordinated through the SITA Smart Path Hub biometric technology.

Real-time baggage tracking and reconciliation will be delivered through SITA Bag Manager Lite, supporting four baggage workstations and 20 handheld terminals. Airport operations will be powered by SITA Airport Operational Database (AODB), while passenger information will be managed by SITA AirportVision Evolved, covering 397 displays. Overall airport operations will be overseen by SITA Airport Management, supporting ten operational workstations.

The project, which began development in March 2026, is scheduled to open in July 2027.

“We are pleased to partner with SITA on this strategic collaboration to support the transformation of our airport portfolio. As we continue to invest in world-class aviation infrastructure, SITA’s proven expertise and end-to-end technology capabilities will play a key role in helping us deliver smarter, more efficient, and seamless passenger experiences,” said Mr. Nguyen Chi Thanh, President, Sun Group. “This partnership reflects our shared vision of elevating Vietnam’s aviation sector, and we look forward to working closely with SITA to bring innovative, future-ready solutions to Phu Quoc and our upcoming airport developments.”

The partnership extends beyond a single terminal. Sun Group has designated SITA as a key strategic technology partner for its broader airport transformation initiative in Vietnam. The operating model established at Phu Quoc will serve as a template for future developments, including Phan Thiet Airport and planned projects in Con Dao and Rach Gia. Over the next five years, Sun Group aims to expand its airport footprint to at least five locations across Vietnam, with each targeting the 5-Star Skytrax standard.

“Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the region, and this partnership with Sun Group marks a key milestone in supporting that growth with future-ready infrastructure. By bringing together SITA’s end-to-end airport technologies, we are delivering smarter, more efficient, and scalable airport operations,” added Sumesh Patel, President, Asia Pacific at SITA. “As Phu Quoc evolves into a key aviation hub ahead of APEC 2027, we are proud to support Sun Group’s vision of delivering world-class passenger experiences while strengthening connectivity across Vietnam.”

Phu Quoc International Airport will be operated in partnership with Singapore’s Changi Airports International, bringing internationally recognized standards to what is fast becoming a major leisure destination. The airport upgrade forms part of a broader effort to integrate aviation with Sun Group’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem on the island, which includes luxury resorts, entertainment destinations, and Sun Phu Quoc Airways, launched in November 2025.

SITA and Sun Group have worked together since 2019, when SITA first delivered airport technology solutions at Van Don Airport. This new agreement deepens that relationship and reflects a shared commitment to advancing air travel infrastructure in Vietnam.