Feel the rush at Kandima Maldives’ Fast Track with the launch of pro GoKarting and speed challenges
Kandima Maldives will launch a two-month programme titled Summer Kamp from July 7 to September 7, 2025, featuring a series of workshops and activities focused on music, motorsport, art and creative learning.
The event will be held at the resort and aims to attract families and travellers looking for immersive, experience-based travel. The curated line-up will include talent from India and abroad, reflecting the rising trend of travel that combines leisure with personal enrichment.
Feel the rush at Kandima Maldives’ Fast Track with the launch of pro GoKarting and speed challenges
Summer Kamp 2025 will offer a range of activities tailored to different age groups. This includes DJ workshops, karting events, and art sessions led by visiting creatives.
From August 30 to 31, Mumbai-based artists Kunj Mehta and Rushil Sheth of Paintheads will host a series of hands-on art workshops at the resort’s KULA Art Studio and Breeze Pool Bar. Participants will create layered, mixed-media works using techniques such as masking and collage, drawing inspiration from the Maldivian environment.
From August 15 to 17, Garvi Kotak, founder of Craft India Collaborative, will conduct clay sculpting workshops focused on everyday inspiration and tactile engagement.
Motorsport activities will take place from August 1 to 4, led by Formula 2 champion Théo Pourchaire at the resort’s e-go karting track, Fast Track. Guests will be able to take part in karting sessions, meet-and-greets, and a Time Trials Challenge. Pourchaire will also host a Q&A and an art session, where participants can design miniature karts or helmets, with one design selected for a prize.
On July 24 and 25, BBC Radio 1 DJ Jaguar will lead DJ workshops and a Q&A session on electronic music and mixing techniques. Music sessions will also be hosted at the Breeze Bar and Fast Track area.
A new entertainment facility called PlaySpace is expected to open soon, offering VR experiences, arcade games, bowling and other attractions suitable for families and older children.
The Summer Kamp programme is open to all guests staying at the resort between July 7 and September 7. Stays start from US$260 per night in a Sky Studio with breakfast, when booked directly with the resort.
ALL Accor, Accor’s booking platform and loyalty programme, has partnered with Plusgrade to introduce an enhanced exchange solution for members, which allows the conversion of points from other participating loyalty programmes into reward points for ALL Accor.
The move is in response to loyalty members’ demand for more flexibility, simplicity, and choice in how points are used.
ALL Accor members can now convert rewards earned from institutions such as Bilt, Capital One and Citi loyalty programmes into ALL Accor points
With Plusgrade’s exchange technology, ALL Accor members can convert rewards earned from institutions such as Bilt, Capital One and Citi loyalty programmes into ALL Accor points.
“Giving loyalty members more ways to use their rewards makes their programs even more valuable,” said Ken Harris, founder and CEO of Plusgrade**.**
Mehdi Hemici, chief loyalty & ecommerce officer, Accor, added that the partnership was a “key milestone for ALL Accor”, as it “answers our members’ desire for more than discounts by delivering unforgettable experiences”.
Thai real estate group, Asset World Corp (AWC), has commenced construction of The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, The Riverside in a heritage area of the Thai capital.
Set to open in 2028, the 168-key hotel will rise in The Lhong 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination and aims to inspire all travellers with a blend of world-class luxury hospitality, curated culinary experiences, cultural discovery, and innovative wellness experiences.
Asset World Corp begins construction of The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, The Riverside
Wallapa Traisorat, chief executive officer and president of Asset World Corp, said in a release that the project marked “a significant milestone” of its partnership with Marriott International.
“The initiative aims to offer a transformative integrated wellness experience that redefines urban wellness retreats, positioning Bangkok as a world-class resort destination in the heart of the city and support sustainable tourism. This landmark development not only preserves the Thai-Chinese heritage of The Lhong 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination and the sacred Mazu Shrine, but also aligns with Thailand’s vision to strengthen its tourism sector by creating destinations that attract quality international visitors,” Wallapa detailed.
Brad Edman, market vice president, Marriott International – Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar, added: “At Marriott International, we believe luxury hospitality lies in honouring heritage while embracing innovation. Our partnership with AWC on The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, The Riverside is a shining example of this philosophy.
“The property is perfectly situated at the historic The Lhong 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination, which is set to become Thailand’s premier destination for wellness and culture. This project stands as a beacon of sustainable tourism – where cultural conservation, community engagement, and international standards of excellence come together to create a unique experience for discerning travelers from around the world.”
The Lhong 1919 Riverside Heritage Destination was formerly a steamship port and trade hub that played a vital role in Bangkok’s maritime trade history. The site stands as one of the last remaining examples of Chinese craftsmanship in South-east Asia and has been designated a national heritage site. Today, it remains a spiritual sanctuary – home to the revered Mazu Shrine, where generations of devotees continue to gather in faith and reverence.
Dresden’s hospitality for Muslim travellers is detailed in the guide book
The German National Tourist Board has published its first Germany Halal Travel Guide, available in English for now and with an Arabic version to follow soon. Content highlights Munich, Dusseldorf, Dresden, and Berlin – cities that are uniquely attractive and boasting infrastructure that is Muslim-friendly.
The guide, which is available for download on the NTO’s website, also provides information on the 16 German federal states, practical travel tips and itineraries, halal restaurants and mosque listings, hotel suggestions, and more.
Dresden’s hospitality for Muslim travellers is detailed in the guide book
Sharing the news with attendees of the Halal in Travel Global Summit 2025, Yamina Sofo, director, GCC at the German National Tourist Board, said the publication would function as the “gateway to discover Germany as a respectful, enriching, and welcoming destination for Muslim travellers”.
Sofo said her country recognises the value of the global Muslim travel market, and regards it as “one of the most dynamic and influential segments today”.
“Germany is listening, learning and actively responding. With more than five million Muslims living in Germany and increasing numbers visiting each year, we are committed to ensuring that Muslim travellers feel welcomed, respected and fully accommodated across the tourism industry. Our focus is on inclusive service, authentic engagement, and building an atmosphere where travellers can be comfortable expressing and practicing their faith,” she added.
She promised Muslim travellers a trip around Germany that will give them “peace of mind, knowing your comfort and dignity are prioritised”.
The Germany Halal Travel Guide is produced with the help of Crescentrating, which has been instrumental in the production of similar travel guides with other NTOs, including that of New York City in the US, Málaga in Spain, the Philippines, and Macau.
“These guidebooks are useful from two angles. One, they provide handy travel information to Muslim travellers. Two, which is the more important benefit, they give Muslim travellers the perception of a warm welcome by the destination,” Crescentrating’s founder, Fazal Bahardeen, told TTG Asia.
The 29th edition of the South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE), which was held from February 19 to 21 this year at New Delhi’s Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, has recorded its strongest-ever participation and performance across all key metrics – establishing new standards for scale, satisfaction, and strategic business impact.
With over 2,000 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and 28 Indian states and union territories, as well as a record attendance of more than 40,000 trade visitors, SATTE 2025 has declared itself to be the largest and most influential travel industry congregation in the region.
SATTE 2025 turns in a strong performance report
The event also hosted over 800 buyers and 250 international buyers, allowing it to facilitate high-value B2B networking and drive tangible outcomes across the travel, tourism, and hospitality ecosystem.
SATTE 2025’s performance was was independently validated by Explori, a global exhibition benchmarking firm. Key performance indicators included a Customer Satisfaction Score of 9.22/10; Exhibitor Net Promoter Score of 72.2 and the Visitor Net Promoter Score of 79.3 – significantly above international benchmarks.
Notably, 88.5 per cent of exhibitors confirmed they will return for SATTE 2026, compared to the global benchmark of 27 per cent, while 86 per cent of visitors said they are extremely likely to recommend the event.
In terms of business impact, 84 per cent of visitors and 78 per cent of exhibitors rated SATTE as “very important” to their business – far exceeding global exhibition averages.
Pallavi Mehra, senior group director, Informa Markets in India, said: “SATTE 2025 reaffirms its position as the undisputed leader in India’s travel trade landscape. It is not just an exhibition – it’s a powerful movement that continues to fuel the growth of travel and tourism across India and beyond. The industry’s overwhelming response, despite a venue transition, is a true testament to SATTE’s value as a future-ready platform delivering real business impact.”
SATTE 2025 also reaffirmed its elevated role within the industry, beyond a commercial showcase to a policy-aligned, future-focused platform influencing the global tourism agenda. The event continues to benefit from the steadfast support of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, along with national and international travel and trade associations.
Complementing this alignment, SATTE 2025 curated a focused knowledge agenda addressing the industry’s most urgent priorities. From business events and AI-driven travel innovations to destination management and the impact of viral digital storytelling, the event delivered timely, trendsetting content designed to empower travel professionals.
SATTE will return in 2026 from February 25 to 27 at the same venue along with new initiatives focused on cross-border tourism, digital transformation, and investment-led growth across the travel and hospitality value chain.
The latest Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), an annual study on the value and evolution of the Muslim travel market, has underscored continued growth in both travel volume and spend potential of the segment.
Unveiled at the fifth Halal in Travel Global Summit 2025 on June 12, which was conducted in-person in Singapore and online, the study stated that international Muslim arrivals reached 176 million in 2024 – up 25 per cent from 2023 and 10 per cent over 2019 levels – and are projected to grow to 245 million by 2030.
A growing global Muslim population, projected to reach 2.54 billion by 2035, will make the demographic a crucial tourism source market for many destinations
By 2030, total travel spending by this segment is expected to reach US$230 billion, highlighting the growing influence and economic potential of Muslim travellers.
It stated that with a growing global Muslim population, projected to reach 2.54 billion by 2035, this demographic segment will be come a crucial tourism source market for many destinations.
The GMTI 2025 study noted a significant evolution of the modern Muslim traveller’s profile and purpose, where there is a clear shift towards more independent and conscious journeys, evidenced by the rise of solo and female travellers seeking empowerment, safety, and autonomy.
At the same time, travel motivations are diversifying beyond leisure to include purpose-led experiences such as regenerative tourism that restores local ecosystems, digital detox retreats that align with faith values of mindfulness, and sports tourism adapted for family and faith needs. This signals a demand for more personalised, inclusive, and meaningful travel experiences that cater to a broader range of abilities and interests, prompting destinations to offer more than just standard holiday packages.
The study also pointed to a need for faith-related awareness to be integrated into the industry’s use of robots and/or humanoids in streamlining operations, the use of smart apps to engage Muslim tourists, greater attention to accessible tourism and blending inclusive design with faith-specific needs, and stronger consideration for female Muslim travellers.
In sharing key findings of GMTI 2025, Fazal Bahardeen, founder of Crescentrating, highlighted the need to better understand and cater to active senior travellers, especially as “global birth rates are plummeting and lifespans are extending”.
“That has a huge impact on tourism; accessible tourism is going to be a lot more important,” he said, adding that the GMTI had, therefore, introduced accessible travel asset metrics and a basic framework on building accessible travel destinations last year.
This year, the study has taken a step further with increased focus on understanding active seniors, who will be “one of your most important segments going forward, because of the (population) and their spending power”, he said.
GMTI 2025 noted that senior travel is valued at 15 per cent of the global travel market, with value projected to reach US$2.63 trillion by 2030. This segment aged 60 years and up also allocates more than 50 per cent of their discretionary spending on leisure and travel.
With the flexibility of travel during off-seasons and the tendency to embark on longer, more relaxed journeys, this segment offers high-value opportunities for travel industry stakeholders aiming to tap into a resilient and expanding market.
While the outlook for Muslim travel is rosy, Fazal tempered expectations with warnings of “disruptive forces” – unpredictable geopolitical and economic conditions that would impact visitor flows; AI’s threat to job security and basic income, which could impact people’s ability to spend on travel; and growing anti-Muslim rhetoric, where even the slightest perception of lacking welcome would erode travel confidence.
Meanwhile, as with every GMTI, the study also ranks top performing destinations in the Muslim travel market.
Among Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destinations, Malaysia retains the top spot, followed by Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and the UAE sharing the second spot. Indonesia takes fifth position.
Among non-OIC destinations, Singapore is top, followed by the UK, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Thailand (fifth) and the Philippines (eighth) are steadily emerging as rising Muslim-friendly destinations in South-east Asia, where investments in infrastructure and experiences for Muslim travellers are being made, stated Umair Hameed, vice president of consumer products & solutions for Southeast Asia at Mastercard.
GMTI 2025 marks the 11th year of collaboration between Mastercard and CrescentRating, and the 10th year of jointly publishing the annual study.
The latest edition of the Long-Haul Travel Barometer (LHTB 2/2025), published by the European Travel Commission (ETC) and Eurail BV, reveals a decline in longhaul travel sentiment to Europe for the summer 2025 season. While global tourism continues to show resilience, growing cost concerns, geopolitical instability, and weakening consumer confidence are influencing decisions across key markets.
The latest survey finds that 57% of respondents across major longhaul source markets plan to travel overseas between May and August 2025, a 1% decline compared to the same period last year.
Fewer travellers from key longhaul markets plan to visit Europe this summer, as rising costs and global uncertainties affect travel intentions; Eiffel Tower and the Seine river in Paris, pictured
The intention to visit Europe specifically has dropped from 41% in 2024 to 39% in 2025, with sentiment softening most notably in the US (-7%), Brazil (-6%), Canada (-5%), and Japan (-5%).
However, China remains a standout. Driven by economic recovery and a shift in consumer values, 72% of Chinese respondents say they plan to visit Europe this summer – a remarkable 10% year-on-year increase.
Affordability concerns weaken travel intention
The perception of high costs remains the most cited barrier to travel to Europe, mentioned by almost half of respondents not planning a trip to the region. This marks a significant 7% increase from last summer, reflecting growing price sensitivity amid inflation and exchange rate shifts.
Among the US and Brazilian respondents – where economic uncertainties and cost sensitivities are more acute – over half cite travel costs as the primary deterrent. Limited vacation time and a preference for domestic holidays also remain key factors, especially in Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
On a more reassuring note, concerns about the Russo-Ukrainian War have significantly declined – only 4% of respondents cited it as a barrier to European travel this summer.
Mixed sentiment across regions
Travel sentiment towards Europe is diverging across key longhaul markets. In the US, 33% of respondents plan to visit Europe this summer, a 7% decline from 2024. Rising costs and political concerns, including unease over how the US is perceived abroad, have dampened enthusiasm.
Brazilian interest has also declined (-6%) compared to last year, though 45% of respondents still intend to travel to Europe – with younger and higher-income travellers remaining the most enthusiastic. In Canada, sentiment is rebounding from earlier this year but remains below summer 2024 levels. Currently, 37% of Canadian respondents are planning a European trip, down 5% from last year.
Japanese respondents show the lowest interest in visiting Europe among all surveyed markets, with only 13% planning a trip – down 5% year-on-year. This reflects the ongoing impact of a weak yen and subdued consumer confidence.
In South Korea, overall longhaul travel sentiment remains stable. Only 30% of respondents are considering Europe, with preferences centred on France, Spain, and Italy. Alongside China, Australia stands out as the only other market registering a clear increase in travel intent, with 40% of respondents planning to visit Europe – a 3% rise from last summer.
Earlier departures and shifting budgets
More travellers are choosing to travel earlier in the summer season this year. While July and August remain peak months for 46% of respondents, interest in May and June has grown from 24% in 2024 to 34% in 2025.
Spending patterns are also shifting. The share of respondents planning to spend over 200 euros (US$228.62) per day has dropped by 11%, while those expecting to spend 100 to 200 euros per day has risen to 40%.
Across all markets, dining remains the top budget priority (65%), followed by tourist activities and shopping. Transport budgets (41%) are also significant, likely reflecting the high number of multi-destination trips being planned – a trend that continues to define the appeal of European travel.
ETC president Miguel Sanz commented: “At a time of declining consumer confidence globally, it is more important than ever to strengthen Europe’s position as a top destination. This means improving the competitiveness and accessibility of European experiences while continuing to showcase lesser-known destinations and off-season travel. With the right strategic focus, Europe can continue to deliver meaningful, high-quality tourism for visitors and residents alike.”
The inaugural ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATEX) 2025 will take place at The Magellan Sutera Resort, Kota Kinabalu, from June 19 to 21, marking a significant milestone in regional tourism collaboration and recovery efforts.
The event is organised by leading South-east Asia’s tourism bodies, including the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA), and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA). It is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, Sabah Tourism Board, Sabah Convention Bureau, and strategic partners AirAsia Group and Jetama Water.
International buyers and sellers will convene in Kota Kinabalu for the first ASEAN Travel Exchange
ATEX 2025 is expected to attract 354 delegates, comprising 229 semi-hosted buyers and 125 sellers. Buyers will attend from 17 countries, including China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, South Korea, Iran, Myanmar and Vietnam. They primarily represent tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, and tourism product owners.
Sellers represent seven ASEAN member states – Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam – and cover sectors such as accommodation, transport, attractions, and destination management services.
FATA president Tan Kok Liang said: “This is a timely event that not only aligns with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 but also positions Sabah as a central player in ASEAN’s multi-destination travel ecosystem. ATEX supports ASEAN connectivity goals by facilitating increased visitor flows and regional cooperation. It also reinforces Sabah’s growing reputation as a premier business events destination, helping to enhance its international visibility and economic prospects.”
The official opening on June 19 will feature speeches by Sabah’s chief minister, Hajiji Noor, and the state’s minister of tourism, culture and environment, Christina Liew. The programme will include product presentations from Sabah Parks, Sabah Wildlife, Sabah Convention Bureau, Sabah Tourism Board, and AirAsia. The day will conclude with a welcome dinner at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru.
June 20 will be dedicated to B2B speed-dating sessions between buyers and sellers. On June 21, hosted buyers will take part in curated post-show tours designed to showcase Sabah’s cultural, natural, and island attractions.
Tan added: “The post-tours are designed to give buyers immersive experiences and a deeper understanding of Sabah’s tourism offerings. It’s not just about selling a destination, it’s about experiencing it.”
Looking ahead, Tan confirmed that there are plans for ATEX to become a recurring ASEAN tourism trade event, rotating among member countries. The continuation and future host of the event will depend on the outcomes of this first edition, with factors such as stakeholder feedback, participation, and regional interest playing a role in decisions going forward.
Tourist numbers to Bhutan are improving post-lockdown, with 145,065 arrivals recorded in 2024, up 41 per cent over 2023. Performance as of May 2025 has also been encouraging, with the Department of Tourism noting 73,892 year-to-date tourist arrivals.
According to Damcho Rinzin, director for Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, the year-to-date figures indicate continued momentum and increased interest in Bhutan as a preferred travel destination, particularly during the first half of the year.
Bhutan’s tourism grows as repeat visitors increase and new experiences promote year-round travel; photo by Marcus Westberg
More importantly, Rinzin said travel and tourism industry players have observed a growing number of repeat visitors to the country.
“At present, the Department of Tourism does not have formal data on the percentage of repeat visitors. However, anecdotal evidence and feedback from tour operators suggest that repeat visitation, while not yet dominant, is an emerging and valuable segment. This group typically includes longhaul travellers and visitors with a strong interest in wellness, spirituality, or in-depth cultural experiences,” he told TTG Asia.
Rinzin added that repeat visitorship is “strategically important to Bhutan”, as returning travellers tended to “stay longer, travel to tourist deficient areas, spend more, and engage more meaningfully with local communities, contributing to Bhutan’s overall tourism goals of sustainability and cultural preservation”.
Repeat visitorship to Bhutan will thrive as the country actively positions itself as a year-round destination. Efforts are focused on creating events like the Rhododendron Festival, the Black-Necked Crane Farewell Festival, and the Phallus Festival throughout the year to highlight the country’s cultural and natural heritage.
In sharing Bhutan’s tourism performance with TTG Asia, Rinzin said Asian markets are significant to the country. In the first five months of 2025, India remained the leading source country, followed by Thailand, Singapore, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and China.
He said: “These markets play a crucial role in Bhutan’s tourism landscape, not only due to geographical proximity and strong travel connectivity but also because of shared cultural affinities and a growing interest in Bhutan’s unique offerings, particularly in nature-based experiences and spiritual tourism. The Asia market is expected to remain a core pillar of Bhutan’s tourism development strategy going forward.”
Rinzin attributes Bhutan’s enduring reputation of being an aspirational and inspirational destination for many travellers to various factors: its distinctive tourism policy, which focuses on high-value, low-volume regenerative travel; its development philosophy, which focuses on Gross National Happiness that is built on priorities in well-being, environmental conservation, and cultural integrity; and a tourism system that ensures personalised service, access to expert guides, and opportunity to engage in experiences that are not commodified.
While Bhutan offers several evergreen attractions, the country is actively working to “enhance tourism while maintaining its core principles”, stated Rinzin.
One significant initiative is the Bhutan Integrated Tourism Master plan 2025–2034, a long-term roadmap focusing on product diversification, better visitor management, skills development, and improved access to lesser-visited regions.
“The aim is to spread tourism benefits across districts and enhance resilience,” he said.
Other new initiatives include the launch of the Tourism Services Portal to streamline visitor services; the opening of the Wangdichholing Museum in Bumthang to preserve Bhutan’s royal history and showcase artefacts and traditional Bhutanese art; the opening of the Samdrup Jongkhar Border Gate to improve access to Bhutan’s eastern regions; and the creation of a cryptocurrency payment system for tourism through a partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank.
A new tourism mobile app is also being developed to provide real-time information and services to travellers, enhancing convenience and the overall travel experience.
Trip.com has formed two strategic partnerships to expand its Attractions & Tours business across South-east Asia. The company has signed agreements with Vietnam’s Sun World Holding and Singapore-based DreamUs International Holdings, operator of attractions including the recently updated SuperPark Singapore.
The partnerships are part of Trip.com Group’s efforts to broaden its product range and support partners in digital transformation and international market development.
From left: Trip.com Group’s Chase Liu and Sun World Holding’s Christine Tran
In Vietnam, Trip.com has partnered with Sun World Holding, a brand under Sun Group. The agreement was signed during the Trip.com Group Envision 2025 Global Conference in Shanghai. Under the partnership, Trip.com will distribute Sun World attraction tickets in both domestic and international markets, focusing on inbound travel from South Korea, China, Thailand and Singapore. Joint marketing efforts will also promote destinations including Phu Quoc, Danang and Sa Pa.
In Singapore, Trip.com has signed an exclusive ticket distribution agreement with DreamUs International Holdings, operator of SuperPark Singapore, Pororo Park Singapore and Tayo Station. Under the agreement, Trip.com will serve as the sole authorised third-party distributor for tickets to these attractions, centralising inventory management and expanding regional access. DreamUs will continue to sell tickets directly through its official website and on-site counters; all other online platforms and resellers must now source ticket inventory exclusively through Trip.com or its appointed partners.
These partnerships form part of Trip.com’s ongoing engagement with South-east Asia’s travel sector. The company continues to expand its platform capabilities through collaboration with regional operators, supporting both digital distribution and access to local experiences.
Trip.com’s Attractions & Tours business in South-east Asia reported strong growth last year, with gross merchandise value (GMV) more than doubling year-on-year. In Vietnam, GMV rose by over 250 per cent compared to the previous year, while the Singapore market grew by more than 80 per cent.
Chase Liu, general manager of attractions & tours, Trip.com Group, said: “This partnership strengthens Trip.com’s leadership in the attractions and experiences space. Together, we aim to promote Vietnam as a premier travel destination and deliver unforgettable experiences to our users worldwide.”
Christine Tran, deputy CEO of Sun World Holding, added: “With Trip.com’s influence, we hope not only to enhance service quality for our customers through technological solutions and optimised distribution systems to Sun World parks but also to strengthen the presence of Sun Hospitality & Entertainment’s ecosystem in key international markets, especially in Asia.”
