TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Saturday, 5th September 2026
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TTG Asia | 25hours Hotel makes Thailand debut
TTG Asia | Plaza Premium Group brings two new premium lounges to Suvarnabhumi Airport
TTG Asia | Singapore revs up for 2026’s F1 night race with new headliners and partners

Plaza Premium Group brings two new premium lounges to Suvarnabhumi Airport

By TTG Asia
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PPL Lounge

Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has entered Thailand with the opening of two airport lounges at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, offering travellers a choice between its Plaza Premium Lounge and Plaza Premium First concepts.

Both lounges are located airside on the third floor of Concourse G, near Gate G1, and welcome international departing and transit passengers regardless of airline or class of travel.

Plaza Premium Lounge (pictured) and Plaza Premium First welcome international departing and transit passengers regardless of airline or class of travel

Plaza Premium First covers 212m² and can accommodate up to 51 guests, while the 578m² Plaza Premium Lounge has capacity for 98 guests.

Plaza Premium First is the more personalised offering, with concierge assistance, bespoke dining, signature cocktails and premium international spirits. Its spaces are designed for rest, private meetings, and work.

Plaza Premium Lounge, meanwhile, focuses on local Thai elements, with regional dishes, live cooking stations and seating areas designed for solo travellers, families, and business passengers.

“Bangkok represents a critical hub in South-east Asia –defined by warmth, flavour, and an unmistakable sense of place,” said Song Hoi See, founder and CEO of PPG.

“By introducing our dual-lounge concept in Bangkok, we empower travellers to choose the experience that best suits their journey while enjoying authentic Thai hospitality until the moment they depart.”

25hours Hotel makes Thailand debut

By TTG Asia
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Ennismore will bring its 25hours Hotels brand to Thailand with the signing of a 345-room hotel in Bangkok’s Siam Square.

25hours Hotel Bangkok is scheduled to open in 1Q2029 as part of Central Central, a new mixed-use development by Central Pattana slated to open in phases from 2027. The project will combine retail, workplaces, hospitality and public spaces.

25hours Hotel Bangkok is scheduled to open in 1Q2029

The location is near Chulalongkorn University and Siam Station, in an area known for its youth culture, creative activity and independent retail.

The property will reflect 25hours Hotels’ story-led approach to hospitality, with rooms drawing on Bangkok’s creative character and urban identity. Its design will take inspiration from Siam Square’s independent boutiques, pop-ups and creative studios, as well as the district’s Art Deco-influenced architectural heritage.

“Bangkok is a city of contrasts, creativity and constant motion – exactly the kind of place where 25hours thrives,” said Sylvain Pasdeloup, chief operations officer, Ennismore. “With this project, we’re creating more than a hotel; we’re shaping a living, breathing space where culture, community and creativity come together.”

Phoom Chirathivat, head of hotels and alternative investments at Central Pattana, said the partnership would bring the 25hours brand to an established part of Bangkok known for bringing generations together.

The hotel is part of Ennismore’s continued expansion across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

Singapore revs up for 2026’s F1 night race with new headliners and partners

By TTG Asia
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creefit

Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) returns to Singapore this October 2 to 11 as part of the Formula 1 (F1) Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2026 festivities. New headliners joining the 17th edition of GPSS include adidas Motorsport Popups at Funan and Raffles City Shopping Centre, and Orchard Paddock 2026 at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza.

The Orchard Paddock taking place from October 8 to 10 will turn the outdoor plaza of Ngee Ann City into a lively evening social and entertainment spot with late-night dining, live performances from local acts, and open-air movie screenings. Performers include Alyph, Singapore-born rapper, songwriter and producer; Singaporean singer-songwriter and producer Yaø, and other local live acts such as 53A, Reverie, and Dreamsound.

Orchard Paddock is among many public activations during the 17th edition of Grand Prix Season Singapore, taking place from October 2 to 11, 2026; photo by Invade Capital

At the Singapore River, CQ@Clarke Quay’s Ray-Ban presents: Beyond the Track event will showcase limited edition pieces from the Scuderia Ferrari Collection, as well as a surprise appearance by a Scuderia Ferrari HP Formula 1 driver. Visitors can also participate in race-themed challenges, including Race Simulators, Pit Stop Challenge, and Reflex Test, and stand a chance to win exclusive merchandise.

The Music Matters Live event, featuring international acts, will also take place by the river.

PlayStation’s Gran Turismo World Series (GWTS) Round 3 and Porsche with Raceborn Fest will debut this GPSS at Marina Bay Sands and Guoco Midtown respectively. The Raceborn Fest at Guoco Midtown will display iconic classic racing cars including the new 911 Challenge race car for the first time in South-east Asia. Visitors can also try professional racing simulators and discover more about the upcoming Porsche Experience Centre Singapore, which is set to open next year in Changi.

Returning partners Zouk will organise high-energy club experiences, while Trifecta will stage its marquee entertainment and music event, Backyard Sessions Vol. 6 in the lead-up to the race weekend.

Lego will display a VCARB F1 LEGO Big Build Race Car and Singapore’s largest Lego race-themed mosaic at shopping mall Suntec City, where visitors can participate in hands-on challenges to win exclusive rewards.

Industry transformation takes centre stage at Singapore Hotel Association’s third Hospitality Exchange

By TTG Asia
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Hilton International Asia Pacific received the Workforce Transformation Award at the Singapore Hotel Association’s Hospitality Exchange 2026 this week

Fresh ideas and practical strategies for hospitality businesses dominated the programme at this week’s Hospitality Exchange (HX), an annual conference hosted by the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) for more than 300 hotel owners, operators, technology partners and government agency stakeholders.

Resonating with HX 2026’s theme, Hospitality the Next Bound, Kenneth Li, president of SHA, emphasised that the world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and so are guest expectations.

Hilton International Asia Pacific received the Workforce Transformation Award at the Singapore Hotel Association’s Hospitality Exchange 2026 this week

In his welcome address, Li said: “Guests today are more connected and informed than ever, and that tells us plainly that doing more of the same is no longer good enough. We need to adapt to the changing tourism landscape and stay nimble to remain competitive. Hence, the SHA Hospitality Exchange is positioned to help hotels do just that by sparking ideas and conversations that outlast the day and to change the status quo.”

Guest of honour, Gan Siow Huang, minister of state, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted in her opening address that Singapore welcomed 9.8 million international visitors in the first half of 2026 and generated S$8.6 billion (US$6.8 million) in tourism receipts in the first quarter, but cautioned that moderating global growth, geopolitical tensions, and increasingly discerning travellers are intensifying competition among destinations.

As the sector works towards the Tourism 2040 vision, she called for hotels to keep creating exceptional visitor experiences, highlighting examples such as Swissôtel The Stamford’s new Disney-themed dining concept at Skai restaurant and Changi Airport Group’s Off-Airport Check-In service for Singapore Airlines travellers staying at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore and Marina Bay Sands.

Gan also highlighted initiatives that would help Singapore hotels to go further in delighting their guests.

From November 1, 2026, hotels will gain access to a new hotel-specific Digital Concierge category under Enterprise Singapore’s EDGE for Productivity scheme (previously Productivity Solutions Grant), alongside Singapore Tourism Board’s upcoming service quality masterclasses with quality assurance institutions. To this end, the Singapore Tourism Board and SHA will also roll out a series of service excellence training programmes for the industry.

Besides insightful presentations and panels, HX 2026 also presented the Workforce Transformation Award to Hilton International Asia Pacific. The award, jointly conferred by the Workforce Development Agency and SHA, recognises hotels that have shown outstanding commitment to job transformation and human capital development through job redesign, reskilling, and career health initiatives.

Singapore’s Frasers House crafts opportunities to connect guests with regional artisans

By Karen Yue
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Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore has launched a cultural initiative that highlights artisans and craftsmen with a strong sense of culture, place and purpose, with curated showcases, retail experiences and hands-on workshops all in the line-up.

Known as The Maker’s Serambi, the recurring bi-monthly programme is birthed from The Luxury Collection by Marriott’s belief that every hotel should serve as a gateway to its destination, offering guests a richer understanding of the place they are visiting through experiences deeply rooted in local culture.

Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore’s Klaus Christandl (second from left) with the artisans showcased in the first edition of The Maker’s Serambi series

Every edition of The Maker’s Serambi will be conducted over three days, from the last Friday of the scheduled month through Sunday, from 12.00 to 18.00.

The inaugural edition was hosted on August 27 to 30, featuring Sonia Pasupathy of Pasupathy Jewellery, who is known for her handcrafted silver pieces; textile artist Wang Xiao Ting from A Bright Place, who works with natural dyes derived from plant-based pigments; and Sifr Aromatics, which presented its collection of perfume oils and candles alongside intimate workshops at its booth.

The next round will be held on October 30 to November 1, 2026. It will feature ceramicist Stephanie Zheng of Yun the Potter and leather artisan Maverick Made – both curated by Eastside, who will work closely with them to develop bespoke pieces exclusively for The Maker’s Serambi.

Klaus Christandl, general manager of Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore, shared that plans are underway for a hands-on session that will give guests the opportunity to learn a craft directly from one of the participating artisans.

“Our aim is to give visitors the opportunity to engage directly with the makers and gain a deeper appreciation of their craft,” he added.

He also told TTG Asia that his team is “open to partnering with both emerging and established artisans in the region, focusing on makers who have a distinctive story to tell through their craft, materials and creative practice”.

“Our selection process is shaped by the communities around us. We work with cultural partners such as Eastside, who bring a strong understanding of the region’s creative landscape and introduce makers they believe are a natural fit for the series. At the same time, we look closer to home, drawing inspiration from our neighbours in Kampong Gelam, such as Sifr Aromatics. This allows The Maker’s Serambi to bring together different expressions of craftsmanship while remaining closely connected to the neighbourhood and wider creative community,” he explained.

The events are designed to be accessible to all visitors to Frasers House. While in-house guests may have earlier access through the concierge upon check-in, the programme is open to both staying guests and members of the public.

Besides enriching the guest experience and bringing Frasers House’s positioning as A Living House of Craftsmanship to life, Christandl believes that The Maker’s Serambi series will differentiate the hotel beyond the traditional hotel stay.

“Ultimately, we believe that when a hotel becomes a place people want to discover, return to and engage with, whether or not they are staying with us, that creates long-term value for the business and the destination,” he said.

The luxury hotel offers other cultural interactions besides The Maker’s Serambi. A Curated Sensory Journey is an ongoing walking tour that is created by the hotel’s concierge team. The journey invites guests to experience Kampong Gelam through its sights, sounds, scents, tastes and textures – from the colourful streets of Haji Lane and the architectural character of Parkview Square to the sounds surrounding Sultan Mosque and textiles that reflect the district’s historic trading heritage.

Another programme is Epicurean Moments, where familiar Singapore flavours are reimagined in playful and unexpected ways. Guests can enjoy cookies inspired by ondeh ondeh and chicken rice, accompanied by Teh Kita, the hotel’s distinctive interpretation of teh tarik, a local milk tea.

“Together, these experiences offer guests different ways to encounter Singapore through its neighbourhoods, craftsmanship, flavours and traditions, while creating a stronger sense of place throughout their stay,” stated Christandl.

Provincial merger lifts tourism fortunes for Ho Tram commune

By Marissa Carruthers
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Vietnam’s 2025 provincial merger that saw Ho Tram commune absorbed into Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) municipality, coupled with heavy investment in infrastructure, have led to a strong uptick in interest in the coastal area that sits about two hours from HCMC city.

Timothy Tan, vice-president of sales and marketing at The Grand Ho Tram, said the July 1, 2025 merger, which saw Vietnam reduce its provinces and major cities from 63 to 34, has proved to be a “big advantage” for the coastal destination.

The Grand Ho Tram complex is gearing up for a next-phase opening, and is expected to benefit from improved infrastructure around Ho Tram as well as the new airport

“It now gives HCMC a coastal playground, which it never had before. We see it as a great example of how you can boost tourism numbers. Now, HCMC is growing from mainly city tourism to include corporate and leisure travel in coastal areas,” he told TTG Asia during ITE HCMC 2026.

He added that the shake-up to boundaries has given additional opportunities to raise awareness about the destination, with improved access between Ho Tram and HCMC shaving about 30 minutes off transport time to 2.5 hours.

In addition, the new Long Thanh International Airport, which is expected to start operations in December, is conveniently situated between HCMC and Ho Tram, with the 42-kilometre Ho Tram-Long Thanh Airport Expressway, which broke ground on July 1, expected to further cut travel time to about one hour.

“This puts the area in a very advantageous position. You can go to HCMC for the city experience, shopping and nightlife and then easily add on an extra two or three nights at the beach,” Tan said.

The Grand Ho Tram is gearing up for its latest phase two opening – the 575-key Ixora Grand Ho Tram by Fusion in Q4’26. It will join InterContinental Grand Ho Tram, Holiday Inn Resort Ho Tram Beach and Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion.

Tan said while phase one is focused on offering more of a resort experience, the second phase is a mixed development, also comprising condominiums and residential villas. He added that it is already drawing strong interest from long-haul markets, as well as Russia and Australia.

“We have created a new destination here at Ho Tram. A lot of projects are now eyeing up the area because they have seen what we have achieved, the improved infrastructure and the opening of the new airport,” he said.

Megaworld splits hotel unit into two divisions amid leadership changes, international expansion

By Rosa Ocampo
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Socrates Alvaro

Property giant Megaworld has restructured its hotel business into two distinct divisions under new leadership to support expansion and house more global franchises.

The group formed Megaworld Global Hotels and Resorts, comprising two operating arms. The first, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR), manages homegrown-branded hotels across Metro Manila, Boracay, Batangas, and Cebu.

Socrates Alvaro is managing director of the restructured Megaworld Hotels and Resorts

The second, Megaworld Global Hospitality (MGH), will handle international brands, including Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside, upcoming properties in Palawan, and Courtyard by Marriott, as well as Richmonde and Belmont Hotels in Iloilo.

Prior to the restructuring, the hospitality division operated under a single unit, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, led by managing director Cleofe Albiso since 2022. A company source confirmed that Albiso and group general manager Art Boncato Jr. have decided to step down.

Socrates Alvaro, previously cluster general manager, steps up as managing director of the newly structured MHR. Meanwhile, Anna Vergara, former general manager of Sheraton Manila Hotel, joins as managing director of MGH.

A company source confirmed that Albiso is approaching her final days with the group and completing endorsements with her successors as she moves on to her next chapter, adding that she made a significant impact during her tenure.

Albiso helped guide Megaworld to become the Philippines’ largest local hotel operator, pioneering MICE Alliances in Iloilo and Boracay, while contributing to the formation of Cebu’s MICE Alliance.

The leadership transition comes as hospitality stands as Megaworld’s fastest-growing recurring revenue segment. The unit logged an 11 per cent revenue increase in the first half of the year, driven by the recent opening of the 405-room Belmont Hotel Iloilo.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World adds seven properties to Wellbeing Collection

By TTG Asia
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Dharana at Shillim in Pune, India is among seven new additions expanding SLH’s wellness portfolio to 21 properties globally

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has expanded its Wellbeing Collection with seven properties, bringing the total portfolio to 21 independent hotels globally.

The additions include Dharana at Shillim in Pune, India, a 99-villa retreat set in the Sahyadri Mountains that integrates modern health diagnostics with Ayurveda, yoga, and earth-to-table dining.

Dharana at Shillim in Pune, India is among seven new additions expanding SLH’s wellness portfolio to 21 properties globally

Other newly added properties include Revivo Wellness Resort in Bali, Zabola Estate in Transylvania, Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort in Panama, Skýra Retreat in Finland, Hotel Saltus in South Tyrol, and The Retreat Costa Rica.

Launched in 2025, the collection focuses on properties that integrate physical, mental, and emotional health initiatives into guest stays through destination-specific therapies, regional cuisine, and nature immersion.

The new members join existing properties in the collection, such as Acro Suites in Crete, Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary in Bhutan, and Rio Perdido in Costa Rica.

Sono sets sights on Asia-Pacific leadership

By Mimi Hudoyo
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What does the acquisition of Cross Hotels & Resorts signify for Sono Hotels & Resorts’ global and regional portfolio?
The acquisition is a pivotal milestone in Sono Hotels & Resorts’ transformation into a premier Asia-Pacific hospitality brand. By integrating Cross Hotels’ strong regional footprint and operational expertise with Sono’s rich heritage in lifestyle and leisure, we are building a powerful platform for strategic expansion.

This acquisition also allows us to export our unique Sono Eco-system – a holistic lifestyle model that connects every step of the guest journey. It signifies our commitment to bringing a refined, multi-dimensional hospitality experience to diverse markets across the region while establishing a robust foundation for global growth.

What is your overarching business strategy for the Asia-Pacific region moving forward?
Our strategy is to establish ourselves as the fastest-growing lifestyle brand in the Asia-Pacific region by building an end-to-end eco-system that connects every stage of travel.

Instead of competing head-on in saturated markets, we focus on generating new market demand and creating a category of our own.

Central to this strategy is our partnership with Trinity Airways. We are preparing to launch an end-to-end ecosystem with an integrated loyalty programme across aviation, hotels, and retail to seamlessly connect the entire travel journey and accelerate our growth.

Which Asian countries are central to your expansion plans, and what makes these destinations particularly strategic for growth?
Our agile expansion leverages hubs connected by Trinity Airways, which connects major hubs across South Korea to key destinations in Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan, and beyond.

Currently, our Asia entity operates 17 hotels, with an additional 12 properties scheduled to open by 2029, bringing our total portfolio to 29 hotels and over 3,500 rooms. This represents a quarter of Sono International’s global operation of 15,000 rooms, highlighting the Asia-Pacific region as a primary growth engine.

Following the launch of Sono Moon Nagoya last June, we are targeting Tokyo, Kansai, Hokkaido, and Kyushu, while pushing into emerging lifestyle destinations across Indonesia and Thailand. Key upcoming developments in Indonesia include a luxury glamping retreat on Nusa Penida, a lifestyle hotel in Seminyak, and a 2027 debut in Jakarta, while expansion in Thailand includes Pattaya, Chonburi, and Bangkok.

Vietnam is our next immediate focus, debuting in Hanoi next year through local partnerships. We are also pursuing strategic entries into Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia via flexible deal structures, while keeping China and India as long-term targets once our regional foundation is fully set.

In your view, how do hotel development concepts evolve across the region to keep pace with changing traveller habits and preferences?
Modern travellers are seeking highly specialised, lifestyle-oriented, and emotionally fulfilling destinations. We see development concepts evolving to capture specific guest mindsets –such as the rise of wellness, bleisure, digital nomads, extended stay with edu-vacation and the booming medical tourism market in key hubs like Bangkok, as well as niche lifestyle positioning like our plant-based/vegan-concept hotel, Away Chiang Mai.

At Sono, we respond to these evolving habits by curating deeply specialised experiences within our properties. A key example is Sono Pet, which redefines pet hospitality. Rather than just being pet-friendly, Sono Pet offers dedicated entire facilities where owners and their companions stay, dine, receive grooming and training, enjoy curated dog parks, and access pet lifestyle retail. By continuously adapting our concepts to modern lifestyle trends, we ensure our properties remain relevant, destination-worthy, and deeply resonant with changing guest preferences.

How do you view the intensifying competition between regional hotel chains and established international brands in Asia?
Sono redefines hospitality by looking beyond traditional competition. We view true luxury not through high price tags or superficial opulence, but through cherished time spent with loved ones – positioning Sono as the ultimate destination for families to connect. By integrating aviation, travel, lodging, retail, wellness, pet lifestyle, and workation into a single intuitive ecosystem, we reflect the latest hospitality trends while prioritising long-term authenticity over rapid expansion. Every experience we create serves our core vision: bringing families closer through every journey.

Shinta Mani Wild hosts volunteer dental mission for remote Cambodian community

By TTG Asia
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A week-long field clinic in the Cardamom Mountains will deliver free dental care and nutrition support to hundreds of local children

Shinta Mani Wild will organise a seven-day volunteer dental clinic from September 8 to 14, 2026, delivering free treatment, oral health education, and a new multivitamin programme to children in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains.

Organised in partnership with Global Dental Relief (GDR) and the Shinta Mani Foundation (SMF), the mobile clinic will operate at Prey Praseth Primary School. A team of seven volunteer dentists and 10 clinical support staff will transform classrooms into treatment facilities, providing examinations, fluoride applications, and restorative care for 650 to 800 children.

A week-long field clinic in the Cardamom Mountains will deliver free dental care and nutrition support to hundreds of local children

The initiative marks the first expansion of the GDR and SMF partnership into the Cardamom Mountains region. Since 2014, the collaboration has conducted annual clinics in Siem Reap, delivering an estimated US$1 million in donated dental care annually across five field operations.

Logistical support, translation, transport, and volunteer accommodation will be managed by the Shinta Mani Wild team alongside local village leaders.

“Our partnership with Global Dental Relief has transformed the lives of thousands of Cambodian children over many years. Bringing this programme to communities surrounding Shinta Mani Wild reflects our commitment to ensuring that geography is never a barrier to healthcare. By working closely with schools, families and local leaders, we hope this clinic will become the beginning of an ongoing programme that improves children’s health for years to come,” said Chhunnin, executive director at the Shinta Mani Foundation.

“Together, we can not only relieve pain and prevent disease, but also educate children and families about lifelong oral health, creating benefits that extend well beyond the week of the clinic,” added Kimberly Troggio, director at Global Dental Relief.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGassociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Singapore revs up for 2026’s F1 night race with new headliners and partners
TTG Asia | Plaza Premium Group brings two new premium lounges to Suvarnabhumi Airport
TTG Asia | 25hours Hotel makes Thailand debut