TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 8th April 2026
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Page 109

TAAI returns to Abu Dhabi for 68th convention after nine years

By Rohit Kaul
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The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has confirmed Abu Dhabi as the host destination for its 68th Convention-cum-Exhibition, scheduled for September 17 to 19 at the Grand Hyatt, Abu Dhabi. The event is expected to attract over 350 delegates.

The association last hosted its convention in the emirate in 2016.

The 68th TAAI Convention in Abu Dhabi aims to strengthen ties and promote Indian visitor arrivals with immersive cultural experiences

“Much has changed in Abu Dhabi since our last convention there. A number of new products and experiences like teamLab have been introduced and we want our members to be updated on these developments. We are confident that hosting our convention in Abu Dhabi will further boost Indian visitor arrivals to the destination,” said Sunil Kumar, president, TAAI, while addressing a press conference in New Delhi on August 11 to announce the convention.

Held under the theme Business with Goodness, the convention will highlight tourism’s role as a promoter of peace and include knowledge sessions on industry insights and emerging trends. The delegates will also be offered the opportunity to discover Abu Dhabi through various tours. Some of the products and experiences covered will include BAPS Temple, Qasr-Al-Watan Palace, teamLab, The Louvre, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace among others.

“This convention will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange while offering our members an immersive introduction to Abu Dhabi’s diverse cultural, leisure and business attractions. Our exhibition, the India Travel Trade Expo will create business opportunities and provide strong visibility for exhibitors, enabling them to network and forge new partnerships,” added Kumar.

The convention aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to welcome 39.3 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.

Sun Siyam Resorts powers youth apprenticeship

By Karen Yue
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Sun Siyam Resorts, which operates a number of properties in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, has joined hands with the Ministry of Higher Education, Maldives to offer hospitality apprenticeship for young Maldivians.

The new programme is conducted through the World Bank-funded SAILS Project (Sustainable and Integrated Labour Services), which sets out to enhance skills development and youth employability in the Maldives.

Sun Siyam Resorts launches hospitality apprenticeship programme to boost skills and employment for young Maldivians

The first intake kicked off in July with 13 apprentices. Over the next six months, these apprentices will gain structured, on-the-job experience across key departments of Siyam World Maldives resort, from diving, finance, engineering, culinary, IT and more.

The programme includes mentorship by senior team members, skill-focused workshops, and real-world exposure aligned with national certification standards and Sun Siyam Resorts’ own service philosophy.

Apprentices who successfully complete the programme will be offered employment at any property under Sun Siyam Resorts.

Abdulla Thamheed, vice president of operations, Sun Siyam Resorts, said the project is a “long-term investment in the future of Maldivian tourism”.

The new hospitality apprenticeship reflects the same values that drive the group’s broader commitment to people and purpose, and joins other initiatives carried out under the Sun Siyam Cares framework that focuses on sustainability, environmental protection, and ethical tourism.

Sun Siyam Resorts spokesperson Claudia Klingbeil told TTG Asia that a second enrolment will follow in January 2026 – and this time it will be conducted across all properties.

Mama Shelter set to open first Asian hotel in Singapore

By TTG Asia
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Mama Shelter will open its first hotel in Asia this September with Mama Shelter Singapore on Killiney Road in the Somerset district. The 115-room property is part of Ennismore, a global lifestyle hospitality group under Accor.

Founded in Paris, the brand has grown to 20 locations worldwide, including London, Lisbon, Dubai and Nice.

Mama Shelter opens its first Asian property in Singapore in September 2025, featuring its first bunk room for families or friends, pictured

Mama Shelter Singapore is designed as a space for living, dining, socialising and entertainment. The hotel combines open-plan public areas with an active programme of live music, events and community engagement. The design, created by Dion & Arles, reflects Singapore’s multicultural identity through local motifs, Peranakan influences and a rooftop garden setting.

The rooftop includes a pool and tropical greenery, with nearly half the rooms featuring private terraces, a first for the brand. A large ceiling mural by Parisian street artist Beniloys spans the restaurant, rooftop and lift lobbies, illustrating Singapore’s maritime and cultural heritage.

The ground-floor restaurant and bar serve a brasserie-style menu overseen by executive chef Eugene Tan, with drinks developed alongside bartender Hazel Long. The Sunday brunch offers a selection of cold cuts, salads, pastas, roasts and desserts. The rooftop bar and restaurant provide Mediterranean-inspired dishes and live entertainment by the pool.

Rooms are designed with comfort and practicality in mind, featuring five-star bedding, soundproofing, large screens with films on demand, and bathroom products from Australian brand Ink & Water. The hotel also includes a retail shop with branded merchandise.

Located between Orchard Road and New Bahru, the hotel is a short walk from Somerset MRT and close to retail, dining and cultural venues.

Cédric Gobilliard, COO of Mama Shelter, shared: “Locals and travellers here want more than a room; they want character, connection, and soul. That’s exactly what Mama brings: a new kind of hospitality that’s human, playful, and open to everyone.”

Serge Trigano, co-founder of Mama Shelter, added: “When we opened the first Mama in Paris, we never imagined she would travel so far – but here we are in Singapore. A city full of life, creativity and character. I feel a real sense of pride seeing Mama’s spirit take root in Asia for the first time. This is not just another opening for us. It is a new chapter in the Mama story.”

To mark the opening, rooms are available at a starting price for bookings made before the deadline. The offer applies to stays within a set period, subject to availability. Special booking codes and membership discounts are also available.

Club Med restructures Asia-Pacific operations

By TTG Asia
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Club Med has consolidated three existing business units into two integrated entities – East & South Asia and Pacific (ESAP) and China – with effect from May 1 this year.

The business transformation reinforces the brand’s commitment to deepening regional focus, unlocking new growth potential, and enhancing operational agility in high-priority markets.

Rachael Harding leads Club Med’s consolidated East & South Asia and Pacific operations

The new structure is aligned with the distinct business environment in ESAP and China, yet allows the company to preserve its collaborative “One APAC” mechanism.

Rachael Harding takes on the role of CEO of the newly integrated ESAP business unit, encompassing both commercial and resort operations management. She reports to Gregory Lanter, deputy CEO of Club Med.

The ESAP business unit also sees several key appointments: Cindy Beleau as vice president of revenue management APAC; Sandrine Rossi as vice president, operations and product; Anastasiya Kulish as vice president of Japan resort operations; Michelle Davies as general manager Pacific and ESAP new markets; Olivier Monceau who adds on meetings & events segment to his leadership of Singapore and Malaysia; Jerome Ferrie chief financial officer; and Arezki Haddad as chief HR officer.

Henri Giscard d’Estaing, president of Club Med, said in a press statement that the move “opens a new chapter for Club Med in Asia-Pacific”.

“With empowered leadership and a shared ‘glocal’ vision, Club Med now has even more agility to seize opportunities in key markets and reinforce our position as the worldwide leader in premium, all-inclusive travel,” said d’Estaing.

Harding said the “business transformation empowers us to scale with greater purpose and precision across the region”. She noted ESAP’s strong 2024 performance and significant growth potential for Club Med.

Meanwhile, in China, which is Club Med’s second-largest market with over 260,000 guests welcomed in 2024, the strategic realignment will see Andrew Xu carrying on as CEO of Club Med China. He will also serve as deputy CEO of Club Med, overseeing global finance.

Princess Cruises increases Japan presence with dual ship deployment in 2027

By TTG Asia
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Princess Cruises will base two Japanese-built sister ships, Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess, in the Tokyo region for its 2027 Japan season. This marks the first time the company will deploy two ships in Japan in one season.

The 2027 programme includes 78 departures across 50 itineraries, with voyages lasting from seven to 28 days, representing Princess Cruises’ largest Japan deployment to date.

Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess offer extended stays and visits to Japan’s key cultural destinations throughout the 2027 season

The season runs from March to December 2027 and opens for sale on August 20, 2025. Prior to the Japan season, both ships will be homeported in Singapore from December 2026 for sailings around South-east Asia.

The two ships, each with a capacity of 2,670 guests, were built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipyard in Nagasaki. The season covers 45 cruise destinations across six countries, operating from the Tokyo region.

Itineraries include cherry blossom voyages timed to follow the bloom from south to north across Japan’s four main islands, festival cruises featuring summer events such as the Aomori Nebuta and Tokushima Awa Odori festivals with late-night stays, circle and grand Japan voyages circumnavigating the country with stops including Osaka and Hiroshima, Okinawa and Taiwan itineraries exploring subtropical and cultural destinations, and Japan explorer cruises visiting cities such as Shimizu, Kobe and Kagoshima.

Seven festivals are featured with late-night port stays: Aomori Nebuta Festival (August 2 and 7), Hakodate Minato Festival (August 3), Akita Kanto Festival (August 6), Yamagata Hanagasa Festival (August 7), Kochi Yosakoi Dance Festival (August 12), Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival (August 13), and Kumano Fireworks Festival (August 17).

The season offers 12 late-night port stays in locations including Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakodate, Sakata, and Halong Bay, allowing extended time ashore.

Guests can visit 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Mount Fuji (from Shimizu), Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial (from Hiroshima), Ancient Kyoto Monuments (from Kobe or Osaka), and Jomon Prehistoric Sites (from Aomori or Hakodate).

Scenic sailings include views of Mount Fuji from Shimizu Bay, the Kanmon Straits and Japan Inland Sea, and Sakurajima Volcano from Kagoshima Bay.

The itineraries provide access to cities ranging from Tokyo’s Ginza district to Kyoto’s Zen gardens, Shimizu’s fish markets, and Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park.

Onboard, guests will find regional cuisine including noodles and freshly prepared sushi, Japanese beverages such as whisky, sake and shochu, traditional storytelling called rakugo, evening karaoke, and performances of folkloric dance.

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary to hold yoga, sound and meditation retreat this October

By TTG Asia
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Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, located in the Neyphu Valley above Paro, is Bhutan’s only five-star all-inclusive wellness retreat, with an emphasis on well-being through its treatments and environment.

From October 19 to 24, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary will host the Bhutan Yoga, Sound & Meditation Retreat in partnership with Kalm Wellbeing in the UK. The retreat will offer sessions in Kundalini yoga, meditation, breath work, vocal empowerment, sound healing, and traditional Bhutanese healing practices. Led by UK teacher and author Kathryn McCusker, the event aims to support self-discovery and balance.

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary provides a tranquil environment for wellness, featuring daily treatments and traditional medicine consultations

The sanctuary offers personalised consultations with traditional Bhutanese medicine doctors, daily treatments, and therapies such as deep tissue massages, herbal compresses, and hot stone baths. Guests can choose activities at their own pace, including meditation, guided hikes, or quiet reflection with mountain views.

Meals are included, prepared daily with organic, locally sourced ingredients and tailored to guests’ dietary needs.

For more information, visit Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary.

Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali welcomes new director of sustainability

By TTG Asia
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Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali has appointed Armand Thieblemont as director of sustainability. He also takes on the role of regional director of sustainability, supporting the brand’s strategy and operations across Asia-Pacific while based in Bali.

Thieblemont began his hospitality career in Indonesia and joined Six Senses Zighy Bay in 2022 as sustainability director. He has contributed to key initiatives, including the opening of Six Senses Kyoto and the reopening of Six Senses Shaharut.

In his new role, he will lead environmental stewardship, sustainability innovations, and community outreach at Six Senses Uluwatu, with the aim of integrating luxury hospitality and sustainability.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts expands Asia-Pacific team with senior appointments

By TTG Asia
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Preferred Hotels & Resorts has made several senior appointments in Asia-Pacific, including Laurence Onfroy as vice president, business development, Asia Pacific; Eddie Wong as area managing director, Greater China & Australia; and Midori Kataoka as area managing director, Japan.

Based in Singapore, Onfroy will drive portfolio growth, strategic partnerships, and development of the sustainable brand Beyond Green.

From left: Laurence Onfroy, Eddie Wong and Midori Kataoka

Wong, based in Hong Kong, will lead growth and development initiatives across Greater China and Australia, while in Japan, Kataoka will oversee a portfolio of 50 member properties.

Swire Hotels names new leaders for operations and key properties

By TTG Asia
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Swire Hotels has made three senior appointments: Mark Passmore as head of operations, Kristina Snaith-Lense as general manager of the upcoming House in Shenzhen, and Simon McHendry as general manager of The Upper House.

Passmore will oversee operations and design for all Swire Hotels properties in Asia, including The House Collective, EAST, and Headland Hotel. He has been with the group since 2015, leading key openings and most recently serving as director of operations for Chinese mainland.

From left: Mark Passmore, Kristina Snaith-Lense and Simon McHendry

Snaith-Lense will lead the Shenzhen House ahead of its 2027 launch, Swire Hotels’ first new opening in nine years, and will also oversee wellness projects across the group. She joined in 2011 and was most recently general manager of The Upper House.

McHendry will drive the continued growth of The Upper House and oversee Swire Hotels’ sales and revenue team. Since joining in 2016, he has held senior roles at East Beijing and The Temple House, and most recently served as head of development & projects.

Tourism Australia boosts Indonesian visitor numbers with sports and Muslim-friendly campaigns

By Mimi Hudoyo
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Tourism Australia is employing multiple strategies to boost visitor numbers from Indonesia. These include sports tourism promotions, a Muslim-friendly destination approach, and highlighting second-tier destinations in marketing programmes.

Agitya Nuraini, country manager for Indonesia at Tourism Australia, told TTG Asia during the recent Australia Marketplace South East Asia 2025 in Jakarta that sporting events such as marathons and cycling races have grown significantly since the pandemic.

Tourism Australia ramps up efforts in Indonesia with tailored campaigns to attract more visitors and diversify travel experiences

She noted some Indonesian travellers have even taken part in major international marathons held in Australia.

Marathons including the Sydney Marathon and Gold Coast Marathon remain key events in Australia’s sports calendar. As such, Tourism Australia has launched campaigns promoting marathons across the country, including those in Melbourne and Western Australia, along with major sporting events such as the Australian Open and the Formula 1 race.

Nuraini added that participants and spectators often bring their families, inspiring travel agents to create ‘sportcation’ packages of five to six nights that combine sports events with leisure activities.

She noted that Indonesian participants formed the second largest contingent among international runners in last year’s Sydney Marathon, coming just after the US.

Tourism Australia has also developed Muslim-friendly travel offerings by forming a consortium of travel agents – including AntaVaya Umroh, As-Salam by Dwidaya Tour, Cheria Holiday, and Ramah Umroh & Halal Tour – to promote combined destinations such as Sydney-Melbourne, Sydney-Gold Coast, and Melbourne-Tasmania.

“We have started to see growth in (the Indonesian) market, especially since there are many Indonesian restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne now,” Nuraini noted.

As 75 per cent of Indonesian travellers to Australia are repeat visitors, the NTO is focusing on promoting new destinations and attractions like Tasmania, Brisbane, and refreshing awareness of South Australia.

An earlier initiative in 2018 to promote Tasmania has yielded encouraging results, with FITs and family group demand up for Sydney-Tasmania and Melbourne-Tasmania trips. Indonesians were also attracted to unique experiences, such as the Seafood Seduction Cruise and self-drives between Hobart and Lancaster.

Brisbane, which will host the 2030 Summer Olympics, is also on the radar of Indonesian travel agents, who are looking to create travel packages.

To reach new source markets across Indonesia, Tourism Australia has expanded its Aussie Specialist Programme to cities such as Medan and Makassar. Partnerships with Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines will also help to generate more traveller traffic to Australia from these cities.

The NTO aims to welcome 269,000 Indonesians by the end of this financial year ending June 2025, and to raise arrivals by 10 per cent in the following year.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Frasers Hospitality expands Asia footprint
TTG Asia | BBTF 2026 to focus on gastronomy and destination readiness
TTG Asia | Thailand pivots to regional tourism hub