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Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 28th January 2026
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Page 117

Malaysian outbound players prepare for Timor-Leste’s entry into ASEAN

By S Puvaneswary
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Timor-Leste is set to join ASEAN as its newest member, a development expected to bring new opportunities for the region’s tourism sector.

The New Straits Times recently reported that Malaysia’s minister of foreign affairs, Mohamad Hasan, said ASEAN will begin domestic legal procedures to finalise Timor-Leste’s accession by the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in October 2025.

Timor-Leste gears up for ASEAN membership, opening new paths for regional tourism; Timor-Leste’s capital city, Dili, pictured

He made the announcement on the sidelines of the recent Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Kuala Lumpur.

Adam Kamal, director of Suka Travel & Tours in Malaysia, remarked that ASEAN membership could be a turning point for Timor-Leste’s tourism sector.

He said: “With strategic planning, support from ASEAN mechanisms and infrastructure development, the country can position itself as the last undiscovered jewel of South-east Asia.

“Blessed with pristine dive sites, unspoilt natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage, Timor-Leste holds strong appeal for adventure seekers and well-travelled Malaysians in search of new destinations to holiday.”

Suka Travel & Tours is currently exploring Timor-Leste’s tourism potential and planning to develop travel packages for the Malaysian market.

Adam said air connectivity is not a barrier, with Batik Air and AirAsia operating direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Dili.

Apple Vacations Malaysia co-founder and group managing director, Koh Yock Heng, shared: “Our outbound customers are always looking for new and unique destinations to visit. We are currently researching Timor-Leste to understand its tourism offerings and assess what kind of travel packages we can develop.”

He added that Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership may open opportunities for cross-border collaboration in the regional tourism sector.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts unveils key trends in luxury travel

By TTG Asia
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Preferred Hotels & Resorts has released its first Luxury Travel Report, a consumer trends study conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll. The findings show that demand for travel remains steady, with luxury travellers planning an average of eight leisure trips in 2025, including three international journeys. More than half of respondents expect to spend more on travel than in 2024.

The report indicates that affluent travellers are placing importance not only on cost but also on meaning. These travellers are seeking curated experiences that feel personal and enduring, and are actively avoiding standardised options in favour of those rooted in authenticity and emotional engagement.

Luxury travel shifts focus from standardised comfort to personalised, meaningful journeys; Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, pictured

The study reveals a shift away from uniformity in hotel design, service, and experience, with nearly 70% of respondents stating that luxury hotels have become too standardised. This trend has contributed to what the report calls “destination disillusionment,” where many destinations and hotel stays feel interchangeable. Almost 75% of respondents said they would not pay for luxury accommodation that feels generic.

Travel for affluent consumers is increasingly focused on rare and meaningful experiences rather than material accumulation. Over four in five respondents said that access to insider knowledge leads to the most memorable travel moments – 64% prefer guidance from local residents over recommendations from AI or digital sources.

Curation has become a key measure of quality in travel. Over 90% of respondents said the best trips feel seamless but are carefully arranged, and 89% expressed a desire to see local character reflected in hotels. Trusted travel advisors were valued more than online research by 84% of respondents.

There is also growing interest in history-based travel. Over 90% of those surveyed said they seek experiences that immerse them in cultural and historical contexts, with many preferring heritage-rich accommodation. The demand for larger spaces is also increasing, as 71% are planning multi-generational trips in 2025.

Loyalty programmes are gaining new relevance as travellers look for consistency and tailored service. For 82% of respondents, loyalty programmes are important in ensuring hotel quality, and nearly two-thirds said a good previous stay was the main reason for repeat bookings. Loyalty today is based less on transactions and more on customisation, human interaction, and reliable service.

Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, said the report enhances understanding of traveller expectations and reinforces the group’s commitment to offering curated stays across its global portfolio. She added that Preferred Hotels & Resorts remains focused on enabling meaningful travel through its Believe in Travel approach.

The report was conducted by The Harris Poll from February to March 2025 among over 500 affluent US travellers. Respondents met criteria including an annual household income of more than US$250,000, at least US$1 million in total assets, and a minimum annual leisure travel spend of US$10,000.

The Luxury Travel Report 2025 can be viewed here.

Vietjet orders 20 Airbus A330-900s for future expansion plans

By TTG Asia
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Vietjet has ordered 20 Airbus A330-900 widebody aircraft to support its growth over the next ten years.

The deal was signed in Hanoi by Vietjet chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Airbus International president Wouter van Wersch, and witnessed by Vietnamese president Luong Cuong and French president Emmanuel Macron during Macron’s visit to Vietnam.

Vietjet boosts fleet with new widebody jets to grow routes across Asia-Pacific and Europe

The new planes will help Vietjet expand its international flights, adding more services across the Asia-Pacific region and starting longhaul routes to Europe.

This order doubles Vietjet’s firm A330neo aircraft to 40. The airline also has 96 A320neo single-aisle planes on order. Vietjet currently operates a fleet of 115 Airbus aircraft, including 108 A320 Family planes and seven A330-300s.

The A330-900 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and can fly 7,200 nautical miles (13,300km) without stopping. It features the Airspace cabin, which offers more space, bigger overhead bins, improved lighting, and the latest entertainment and connectivity.

By April 2025, the A330 Family had over 1,800 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide. The A330neo can use up to 50 per cent sustainable aviation fuel, with plans to reach 100 per cent by 2030.

Phuong Thao commented: “These modern Airbus aircraft, with the latest levels of efficiency and lower fuel consumption, have accompanied Vietjet’s growth and will continue to support Vietjet’s global flight network expansion.”

“We are proud that Vietjet has selected the A330neo as its widebody aircraft of choice to build on its success, and we look forward to continuing our partnership as Vietjet expands its reach,” added van Wersch.

Virtuoso to host 2026 symposium in Seoul, South Korea

By TTG Asia
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Virtuoso will be holding its 2026 symposium in Seoul, South Korea, on April 15-19 next year. The event is expected to bring together around 400 senior travel industry figures from over 35 countries for five days of networking, business development, and on-the-ground exploration.

The announcement was made during the 2025 Virtuoso Symposium, which took place on May 13-17 aboard Crystal Serenity. The chartered voyage sailed from Barcelona to Marseille, with stops in Portofino, Monaco, and other ports. Executive vice president David Kolner shared recent performance data, including a 14 per cent year-on-year rise in first-quarter sales and a 26 per cent increase in cruise bookings.

Virtuoso’s 2026 Symposium heads to Seoul, bringing global travel leaders to South Korea for five days of industry exchange and cultural insight

Held in a different country each year, Virtuoso’s symposium is positioned as a driver of tourism growth. Previous host destinations, such as Slovenia, have reported significant impacts. Following Virtuoso’s 2024 Chairman’s Event, Slovenia saw a 473 per cent increase in bookings for summer 2025.

South Korea is emerging as a key player in luxury travel. In Seoul, historic palaces sit beside modern skyscrapers, and Michelin-starred restaurants operate alongside street food stalls. Visitors can take part in private temple stays, wellness experiences, and traditional craft workshops. Supported by strong infrastructure and high service standards, South Korea offers a blend of exclusivity and cultural depth.

Virtuoso’s senior vice president, global events, Jennifer Campbell, said: “From the deeply rooted traditions of Seoul’s palaces to the innovation in its design, wellness and technology sectors, South Korea represents the future of luxury travel – one that blends meaning, beauty and human connection. The country’s unique appeal, cultural richness and diverse range of experiences make it essential for our members and partners to explore and understand all that South Korea has to offer.”

“By showcasing South Korea’s unique blend of timeless tradition and modern sophistication to the world’s most influential travel leaders, we aim to deepen global appreciation for the country’s exceptional offerings in culture, wellness, cuisine and innovation,” added Hee-jin Cho, executive director of the Korea Tourism Organisation’s Americas Centre.

New Radisson Blu Hotel elevates sporting event stays at Shanghai Stadium

By TTG Asia
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Radisson Hotel Group will open Radisson Blu Hotel, Shanghai Stadium, a new addition to its upper-upscale brand in the city. Located in Xujiahui Sports Park, a key hub for sports and cultural activities, the hotel is positioned to serve event attendees, sports fans, business travellers, and tourists alike.

The hotel occupies floors six to 12 of Shanghai Stadium and offers 208 rooms and suites ranging from 38m² to 200m². Guests can choose between stadium-facing rooms with direct views of live events or park-facing rooms overlooking the greenery of Xujiahui Sports Park.

Radisson Blu opens at Shanghai Stadium, offering views of live events and direct access to Xujiahui Sports Park

The property includes nearly 1,000m² of meeting and event space, including a 445m² ballroom and six flexible meeting rooms.

Dining options include 94 Kitchen, which offers international cuisine and local Shanghai flavours; Jiu·Li, which combines Huaiyang and Cantonese styles; and Jiu·Bar, a casual space with cocktails, wine, snacks, and a large LED screen. A Lobby Lounge and an Executive Lounge with a private meeting room are also available for guests.

Facilities include a fitness centre, multifunctional training areas, a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and a 25-metre transparent temperature-controlled swimming pool.

James Wang, vice president of Jin Jiang Radisson Hotels, said: “In cooperation with JUSS Sports, we are blending Radisson Blu’s signature hospitality with the city’s dynamic sports culture to curate an exceptional experience for global business travellers, event participants, and wellness-focused guests.”

Davide Pesenato, general manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Shanghai Stadium, added: “From thoughtfully designed spaces and premier facilities to outstanding services, the hotel is committed to bringing a personalised and local experience for guests to create unforgettable memories at events, business meetings or cultural activities.”

Jangsaengpo Hydrangea Festival brings colour and culture to Ulsan

By TTG Asia
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Ulsan’s Namgu, known for its eco-cultural sites and whale heritage, will host the Jangsaengpo Hydrangea Festival from June 7-29 at Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village in South Korea.

Themed Jangsaengpo, Drenched in Hydrangeas, the festival takes place over 102,705m² and focuses on the Osaek Hydrangea Garden, where more than 30,000 hydrangeas in 40 types cover the hillside.

Discover thousands of blooming hydrangeas and local heritage at South Korea’s Whale Culture District this June

The venue will have wish-granting lanterns and string lights for visitors to enjoy day and night. There will also be photo zones, a tasting event for hydrangea-flavoured wine, and a flea market.

The first 300,000 ticket holders will also receive a local voucher that can be used like cash at local businesses and festival stalls until July 13.

The opening ceremony is on June 7, with the first night of after-dark admission. On June 8, there will be jazz, classical, and live band performances. Every Saturday, street concerts and magic shows will take place at Whale Culture Square, ending with fireworks.

At night, a media façade show on oil tanks near Jangsaengpo Culture Warehouse highlights local art, history, and energy.

Free shuttle buses will run on weekends between Taehwagang Station and Jangsaengpo to help visitors using public transport.

Jangsaengpo is South Korea’s only Whale Culture District. Once a whaling port, it now has attractions like the Whale Museum, Jangsaengpo Culture Warehouse, Whale Watching Cruise, and Jangsaengpo Monorail.

For more information, visit Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village.

Indonesia and China sign tourism agreement to boost two-way travel

By Mimi Hudoyo
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Indonesia and China have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector. The agreement was formalised in Jakarta on May 24, 2025, during Chinese premier Li Qiang’s official visit to Indonesia from May 24-26, part of broader efforts to enhance bilateral ties across economic, health and tourism areas.

The MoU outlines six key areas of collaboration. These include the exchange of business contacts and information between tourism ministries and industry players, with the aim of facilitating easier market access and increasing tourism flows between the two countries. The agreement also includes joint efforts to promote Indonesia and China to regional and international tourists through expanded promotional channels.

The MoU aims to boost two-way travel, open promotion offices, and expand regional tourism efforts between both countries

Plans are in place for each country to establish official non-profit tourism promotion offices in the other’s territory. China has expressed its intention to open such an office in Indonesia, while Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism is expected to establish a counterpart office in China. These plans will be coordinated through the respective foreign affairs ministries.

Both governments have agreed to conduct promotional activities in line with their national laws and regulations, and to support government and private sector tourism stakeholders. The MoU also includes a commitment to the regular exchange of tourism statistics to better understand market trends and demands.

China continues to play a key role in Indonesia’s tourism human resource development, including through Mandarin language training at the Ministry of Tourism’s polytechnics.

In 2024, Indonesia received 13.9 million international visitors, including 1.19 million from China – a 52 per cent increase from 2023. The upward trend continued in early 2025, with Chinese arrivals reaching 279,040 in the first quarter, up 1.15 per cent from the same period the previous year.

Indonesia’s minister of tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, said the agreement is expected to open further opportunities for cooperation and contribute to increased tourism and business engagement between the two nations.

“This tourism cooperation will have a positive impact on both countries. We welcome the MoU as it opens new opportunities for Indonesia to promote its destinations to the Chinese market, and vice versa,” she said, adding that the MoU aims to further strengthen bilateral ties and increase tourism’s contribution to both economies.

Philippines ramps up efforts for senior-friendly tourism

By TTG Asia
0

The Philippines Department of Tourism (DoT) and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) have partnered to promote a more inclusive tourism industry that supports the participation and well-being of senior citizens.

The agreement, signed on May 21, 2025, aims to encourage senior-friendly initiatives and highlight the role of older Filipinos in the tourism sector.

The collaboration hopes to make Philippine tourism more inclusive for senior citizens

It outlines several areas for collaboration, including the development of age-friendly infrastructure, accessible tourism initiatives, and digital literacy programmes. Other planned activities include artisan workshops, wellness programmes, home stays, culinary tourism, and the development of retirement tourism offerings.

This initiative supports government mandates to address the needs of senior citizens, in line with national laws promoting inclusive development. A joint committee and technical group will oversee implementation, with both agencies covering their own costs, subject to available resources.

The DOT already runs senior-focused activities such as the annual EngAge programme for retiring staff, the Barrier-Free Tourism campaign, and various regional tourism offerings tailored for senior travellers. Tourist rest areas across the country also include features designed for older visitors and persons with disabilities.

Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco shared that the partnership reflects the DoT’s commitment to making tourism accessible and inclusive. She noted that senior citizens have long contributed to national development and that there is significant potential for them to continue playing an active role in tourism. Drawing on her own experience working with seniors during her time as mayor, she emphasised the importance of creating opportunities not only for enjoyment, but also for participation in tourism-related livelihoods.

She said: “We are deeply grateful to the NCSC for (its) steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication to the cause of our senior citizens… may this collaboration serve as a reminder that the true strength of Philippine tourism lies not only in the beauty of our destinations but in the inclusivity of our vision and the unity of our purpose.”

Novotel marks one-year WWF partnership with new sustainability initiatives

By TTG Asia
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Novotel is celebrating the first anniversary of its partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) by launching two new food initiatives ahead of World Ocean Day on June 8.

The hotel brand has introduced Sustainable Seafood Principles developed with WWF France and a global Plant-Forward ambition across its 600 hotels.

Protecting marine turtles is one of Novotel and WWF’s many initiatives to protect the oceans and promote sustainable tourism; photo by Antonio Busiello, WWF

Novotel’s global brand president, Jean-Yves Minet, highlighted the partnership as a key driver in promoting responsible sourcing, reducing ocean impact, and encouraging sustainable choices that benefit the planet and future generations.

The Sustainable Seafood Principles include banning 350 endangered seafood species, promoting MSC-certified wild-caught fish, and requiring ASC- or organic-certified farmed seafood such as salmon and shrimp. These guidelines will be supported by a global training programme for chefs and procurement teams to improve traceability and responsible sourcing. Meanwhile, Novotel aims to have at least 25 per cent of its menu offerings plant-based by 2026, with 39 per cent of hotels already meeting this target.

Recognising its role as a family-friendly hotel brand, Novotel is also launching two educational games developed with WWF France to engage children in ocean conservation. These interactive games aim to inspire young guests to learn about marine life and the threats facing oceans through fun and engaging activities.

Since launching its ocean impact strategy in 2024, Novotel has taken concrete steps to reduce its environmental footprint by phasing out single-use plastics, installing refillable dispensers, piloting microplastic filters in hotel laundry, and minimising food waste. The brand has also launched a global Fishery Improvement Project in partnership with WWF, supported seafood traceability efforts in the Middle East, and formed a seafood procurement taskforce in Europe to collaborate with suppliers on sustainability.

To further raise awareness, Novotel will introduce Ocean Awareness Training for its teams and Sustainable Seafood Training for chefs and procurement staff, developed in partnership with WWF and AXA Climate. The hotel also supports several WWF France conservation projects, including protecting Posidonia seagrass meadows in the Mediterranean, removing abandoned fishing gear (ghost gear), supporting the Blue Panda educational boat campaign, and tracking and protecting threatened marine turtles across Asia-Pacific and the Western Atlantic.

Looking forward, Novotel plans to expand its sustainable seafood efforts, grow its Plant-Forward menu offerings, introduce new guest engagement programmes focused on ocean preservation, and actively participate in the upcoming UN Ocean Conference in Nice.

Minet said: “Our well-being is deeply tied to the health of the ocean. Protecting the ocean isn’t just about the environment, it’s about supporting human health and longevity too.”

“Protecting the ocean also means protecting our common future. Faced with the growing threats of overfishing, pollution and loss of biodiversity, economic players have a key role to play. We welcome Novotel’s commitment to integrating the preservation of marine ecosystems into its strategy,” added WWF France’s ocean programme manager, Ludovic Frère Escoffier.

The Anam Mui Ne joins Virtuoso network

By TTG Asia
0

The Anam Mui Ne has joined Virtuoso’s network of hotels and resorts. The resort joins 11 other Virtuoso properties in Vietnam, including the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai. It is the only Virtuoso-listed hotel located between the Park Hyatt Saigon and Amanoi in Ninh Thuan province.

Virtuoso is a global network of travel agencies focused on luxury and experiential travel. It includes more than 20,000 travel advisors and partners with over 2,000 travel companies, including hotels, cruise lines and tour operators.

The Anam Mui Ne joins Virtuoso’s global network as its newest vetted member in Vietnam

Virtuoso, based in Fort Worth, Texas, with offices worldwide, connects clients to exclusive travel experiences through its network of advisors. Membership is selective, with hotels admitted only after a vetting process and advisor recommendations.

The Anam Mui Ne is also part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and remains the only SLH-listed property in Vietnam.

Located on 1.2 hectares of oceanfront land in Mui Ne, the resort is a short distance from Ho Chi Minh City. It features 127 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a bar, spa, two swimming pools (freshwater and saltwater), ballroom, conference rooms, water sports centre, fitness centre, yoga room, children’s club and shop.

The resort has phased out single-use plastics and introduced environmental measures including solar power, use of local produce and water recycling for gardens. Straws, bags and toiletries are biodegradable, and key cards are made from wood sourced from managed forests.

The Anam Mui Ne founder and owner Pham Van Hien said the resort’s inclusion reflects a shared focus on sustainability.

“It is a privilege for our resort to join Virtuoso. In paying homage to Mui Ne’s Champa culture heritage, by supporting livelihoods in our local community and with a raft of sustainability measures, our resort exemplifies Virtuoso’s three pillars of sustainability – celebrate the culture, support the economy and protect the planet.”

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Thailand sees record hotel transaction volumes in 2025
TTG Asia | Navigating the new era of corporate travel in 2026
TTG Asia | Thai AirAsia welcomes new GM