Luxury Gold has launched a new 10-day itinerary, Spectacular Scotland, developed in partnership with VisitScotland and set to depart in 2026.
The tour combines high-end travel experiences with responsible tourism practices, offering a product that meets growing demand for sustainable luxury travel.
The 10-day tour balances iconic sights with immersive, low-impact travel; Glencoe in Scotland, pictured
The itinerary supports lesser-known regions, local communities, and environmental efforts while maintaining the small-group, premium service that defines Luxury Gold. Highlights include visits to a women-run tartan mill, wildlife conservation activities in Glencoe, and a marine conservation experience with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust on the Isle of Mull. Guests will also enjoy sustainable fine dining at Wedgwood The Restaurant and stays at eco-certified properties such as Cameron House on Loch Lomond.
The tour features Make Travel Matter experiences aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and follows a route designed to avoid overtourism by focusing on less crowded destinations such as Cairngorms National Park and Dornoch.
The itinerary is now available for booking through Luxury Gold’s network of travel partners. Luxury Gold is part of The Travel Corporation (TTC), which has delivered quality travel experiences for over 100 years.
Mae Cheah, managing director of TTC Tour Brands Asia, said: “Luxury travellers are no longer asking if their trip makes an impact – they’re asking how. Spectacular Scotland gives travel agents the confidence to meet that demand with a truly unique itinerary that balances comfort, culture, and conscience.”
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and OpenAI have teamed up to develop and implement Generative AI (GenAI) tools for the airline – this marks OpenAI’s first collaboration with a major carrier.
The tools will interpret text, audio, diagrams and video to support customer service functions and streamline internal processes, with the aim of improving operational efficiency and staff productivity.
The collaboration seeks to enhance customer service and optimise operations at SIA through advanced AI solutions
The initial phase will focus on enhancing SIA’s AI-powered virtual assistant on its website. Building on current features such as the flight recommender, the updated assistant will support customers through planning, booking and managing their travel, with improved self-service functions.
SIA staff will also have access to a new AI assistant designed to automate routine tasks and provide operational support. Powered by OpenAI’s multimodal models, the tool will help staff retrieve and process information across formats, enabling quicker decisions and more effective problem-solving.
Furthermore, SIA plans to integrate OpenAI’s AI models into existing tools used in operational planning. These will support tasks such as flight crew scheduling by factoring in regulations, resource availability and operational constraints. The goal is to enable faster, data-informed decisions and more efficient operations.
George Wang, senior vice president information technology, Singapore Airlines, said: “This collaboration with OpenAI exemplifies Singapore Airlines’ commitment to digital innovation and leadership in the airline industry. By harnessing cutting-edge AI solutions, we will enhance operational efficiency and staff productivity, and elevate the end-to-end customer experience, helping the SIA Group retain its industry-leadership position.”
Oliver Jay, managing director, international, OpenAI, added: “We are excited to work with SIA and explore how advanced AI can enhance the travel experience, empower employees, and optimise complex operations.”
As part of the SG60 celebrations, Australia is offering a range of birthday deals to help Singaporeans plan a getaway Down Under, with Tourism Australia partners rolling out exclusive offers for Singaporean travellers.
From now until May 18, Singaporeans can visit Tourism Australia’s website for a special Onz for a Great Aussie Getaway section, featuring exclusive offers and travel inspiration for their next Australian adventure.
Enjoy a range of travel packages and experiences, such as kayaking on River Torrens in Adelaide, pictured
A range of promotional offers is available, including up to 60 per cent off stays at Pink Lake in South Australia, S$600 (US$440) off travel packages covering Melbourne and Uluru, S$60 off a gourmet food and wine experience on Sydney Harbour, and flights starting from S$600.
Indian tour operators are raising concerns that the recent terrorist attack near Pahalgam in Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 28 tourists, could affect travel demand for nearby destinations such as Jammu and Ladakh. However, industry leaders remain hopeful about the outlook for tourism in other parts of the country.
“Following the recent tragic attack in Kashmir, there is growing uncertainty around tourism demand to the valley. While we haven’t seen any direct impact on neighbouring destinations like Ladakh just yet, there is concern that travellers may begin to reconsider or postpone their plans in the wider region,” said Rama Mahendru, country general manager for India at Intrepid Travel.
Operators fear cancellations may spread beyond Kashmir, affecting travel plans to nearby destinations such as Ladakh; Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh, pictured
Tourism in Kashmir had been witnessing robust growth in recent years. However, the attack has prompted several countries to issue travel advisories against visiting the region. Canada has updated its travel advisory, asking citizens to avoid all travel to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, excluding Ladakh. The US has also issued a Do Not Travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, with the exception of eastern Ladakh and its capital, Leh.
“Tourism in Kashmir was growing strongly for the past few years. With the terrorist attack, travellers are now more apprehensive. Several countries have issued travel advisories, urging their citizens to avoid the region. I think neighbouring destinations like Ladakh will also feel an impact for the next two to three months. However, the real picture regarding international tourism demand will become clearer once the tourist season begins later this year. There is an urgent need for the government to reassure global markets that India remains a safe travel destination,” said Pronab Sarkar, managing director, Swagatam Tours.
A New Delhi-based tour operator, speaking on condition of anonymity, told TTG Asia that cancellations for Ladakh trips are already being reported. “We had a group from the US scheduled to visit the Vaishno Devi temple in Katra in May. They have now cancelled their trip. The situation is alarming for both domestic and inbound tourism demand,” the operator said.
Despite the challenges, some industry leaders are urging for a measured response. “We have been working hard to educate our overseas partners that Kashmir is just one destination within a vast country and that the situation will normalise soon. If travellers prefer to avoid Kashmir for a while, they can fly directly to Ladakh. We urge the media not to create a negative narrative for the entire region. So far, we have not seen any impact on other destinations within India,” said Deepak Bhatnagar, CEO of Minar Travels.
As an archipelago of 7,641 islands, the Philippines is determined to direct more Chinese travel attention beyond Boracay, Bohol, and Cebu, which currently draw the most Chinese arrivals.
Through the Department of Tourism’s presence at MITE 2025 in Macau last week, messages about the diversity of the country’s tourism offerings were conveyed through a destination presentation and visual showcases at the Philippine pavilion.
Lardizabal: we want to spread Chinese traveller interest to more parts of the Philippines
Francisco Hilario M Lardizabal, tourism attaché with the Consulate General of the Philippines in Shanghai, China, told TTG Asia that he hopes to “spread Chinese traveller interest to more parts of the Philippines”, particularly to Palawan, Iloilo, Davao and Siargao.
“Palawan, for instance, is not registering a lot of Chinese arrivals even though it is the second or third most popular destination in the Philippines among global tourists, thanks to its pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and rich marine biodiversity. Palawan is a great destination to explore because it has so many must-visit locations, like Coron, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa,” said Lardizabal.
He added that while the Philippines is known for its coastlines, the country also offers culture, history and activities for travellers to explore.
Iloilo, for example, is known for its historic sites, century-old Spanish colonial churches and colourful festivals. Davao is well-developed and offers both man-made and natural attractions, and is suited for families and business events. Siargao Island, known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, also has cave exploration and rock climbing.
Lardizabal said the Philippines draws many young Chinese travellers, “which is great because the country offers a lot of adventure tourism opportunities”.
He added: “This demographic is also more open to venturing off the beaten track to see lesser known destinations and attractions – this will help with our efforts to spread tourism deeper into the country.”
To educate Chinese outbound travel agents on the country’s diverse tourism offerings, Lardizabal is advocating for more fam trips for the Greater China market.
A recent trip was held for agents based in Hong Kong, and he hopes to organise another for trade buyers from different provinces in Mainland China.
He also identified the Philippine Travel Exchange as “an important travel trade event to engage with trade buyers and showcase the country”, and will work with the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines, which produces the event, to increase participation from Greater China.
Middle Eastern travellers are showing growing interest in Asian destinations, with Thailand and Japan emerging as top choices, according to Agoda.
Andrew Smith, Agoda’s senior vice president of supply, said in an email interview that Thailand remained the most searched destination among Middle Eastern tourists, with Phuket and Bangkok drawing strong interest from markets including Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the UAE. Saudia’s new direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Phuket, launched in December 2024, have further boosted Phuket’s appeal to Saudi travellers.
Smith: security, inclusivity, and respect for cultural values are top priorities for Middle Eastern travellers today
Japan has seen a notable rise, moving from the fifth to the third most searched destination by Middle Eastern travellers on Agoda in 2025. “Tokyo, with its dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, has become a particular favourite,” said Smith.
Saudi Arabia is driving much of the growth, with search interest in Asian destinations increasing by 1.7 times. Smith noted that Saudi searches for Japan and South Korea rose more than eight- and nine-fold year-on-year, respectively. Japan’s efforts to cater to Muslim travellers – such as expanding halal dining options and adding prayer spaces – have helped increase its appeal in the region.
Other destinations such as the Philippines, India, and Indonesia continue to draw interest, with Manila and Bali remaining popular.
Post-pandemic recovery is also playing a role. Smith cited OAG Aviation data showing a 23 per cent increase in airline seat capacity from the Middle East to Asia-Pacific compared to 2019.
“This growth in connectivity has made it easier for travellers to access a wider range of destinations, and could be fuelling their interest in both traditional hotspots and emerging locations,” he said.
Visa facilitation measures have also supported demand. Thailand’s introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisation, for example, has made entry easier for Middle Eastern visitors.
Much of the current demand is driven by younger travellers influenced by social media and Muslim travel influencers. Asia-Pacific is increasingly viewed as an aspirational yet accessible region. Family and group travel is also gaining momentum, especially to destinations with strong cultural or religious familiarity such as Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
“For many Middle Eastern travellers, halal-friendly features are non-negotiable. This goes beyond halal-certified dining to include prayer rooms, Qibla direction markers, foot-washing facilities, and privacy-conscious amenities,” said Smith.
“Properties that clearly communicate their halal credentials – through verified listings and visible certification – are likely to build trust and drive bookings.”
Agoda is working with its partners to meet these needs by highlighting features such as prayer rooms, Muslim-friendly washrooms and larger accommodation options. Smith said this helps travellers make informed decisions and contributes to a more welcoming experience.
“Security, inclusivity, and respect for cultural values are top priorities for Middle Eastern travellers today,” he added. “Operators who can clearly communicate these values will have a significant advantage.”
TourCon, a B2B tourism resources platform, is helping inbound travel agents promote and sell programmes for Macau, the Greater Bay Area, and China to international markets.
Supported and developed by six tourism-related associations, the membership-based platform aims to drive regional cooperation, support digital transformation, and enable more efficient transaction matching.
Cao: Destination Macau needs a platform like this to market to the world
TourCon director Phoebe Cao, who exhibited at MITE 2025 last week for the first time, told TTG Asia: “As a one-stop-service ecosystem with tourism modules covering accommodation, culinary experiences, attractions and experience, and group buying, we allow registered suppliers to publish their products with one click and benefit from smart matching with registered buyers. Destination Macau needs a platform like this to (market to) the world.”
Cao added that TourCon also supports inbound travel agents across China seeking to reach international travellers, especially as visa-free access extends to more source markets.
TourCon plans to grow its reach in Macau first and is working with the Macao Government Tourism Office on B2B roadshows in Dubai and Jakarta.
Over the next 12 months, TourCon will expand its platform through mobile apps and include more product categories such as attractions, tour guides, and study tours.
The platform currently hosts a daily online travel expo and maintains a Macau event calendar to support travel planning.
Travel agents can register for free TourCon membership until the end of this year. The platform charges a handling fee for each transaction, which is used to maintain operations.
Bee So, managing director of Macau MTP Travel Agency and a TourCon member, said the platform provides trade support for her company, helping it align with the government’s call for overseas promotion.
Minor Hotels has signed Avani+ Fujairah Resort in the UAE, which is set to open in 2028. This new property will be the first Avani resort in Fujairah and marks the brand’s debut in the emirate.
The development strengthens Minor Hotels’ presence in the UAE and supports its commitment to expanding the Avani portfolio in key leisure destinations across the region.
Avani+ Fujairah Resort marks the Avani brand’s first beachfront resort in the UAE
Developed in partnership with Al Fahim, a family-owned UAE conglomerate and long-time partner of Minor Hotels, this project builds on their successful relationship, following the opening of Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites. Al Fahim’s hospitality investment arm, Emirates Property Investment Company (EPICO), continues to drive growth in the UAE’s hospitality and real estate sectors.
Located along Fujairah’s eastern coastline on the Gulf of Oman, Avani+ Fujairah Resort will feature 232 guestrooms and 16 villas, ranging from three to five bedrooms. Designed for both families and couples, selected accommodation options will include private pools and direct lagoon access, features unique to the region’s hospitality landscape.
The resort will offer a range of dining and leisure facilities, including a spa, rooftop grill restaurant, poolside bar and restaurant, all-day dining venue, and The Pantry, Avani’s signature grab-and-go concept. Additional amenities will include a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and dedicated facilities for children and teens, including a splash pool and club space. The resort will also provide MICE facilities, including meeting rooms and banquet spaces.
William Heinecke, chairman and founder of Minor International, commented: “The signing of Avani+ Fujairah Resort is a key step in our continued growth across the Middle East reflecting the rising strength of the Avani brand. We’re pleased to expand our valued partnership with Al Fahim Group and bring new energy to one of the UAE’s most exciting destinations.”
Ahmed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, chairman of Al Fahim, added: “With Fujairah’s natural beauty and growing tourism profile, the resort is well placed to be a standout addition to our portfolio.”
Tencent Cloud and Tabelog have launched the Tabelog Weixin Mini Program for Chinese visitors to Japan. Released on April 23, the mini app operates within Weixin, one of China’s largest digital platforms.
The Mini Program lets users search for and book restaurants in Japan directly through Weixin and includes features such as map search, restaurant images, opening hours, reviews, and a Chinese-language interface.
The new Weixin Mini Program streamlines restaurant search and reservations for Chinese visitors exploring Japan
Reservations can be made in advance or during travel, helping visitors navigate Japan’s dining scene more easily.
The service supports Weixin Pay and offers two booking types: seat-only reservations with a deposit to reduce no-shows, and course bookings with advance payment, which is scheduled to launch in summer 2025.
Tencent Cloud provided the infrastructure and technical support to ensure a smooth user experience. This launch supports Japan’s broader tourism goals, including increasing inbound travel to 60 million visitors by 2030 and preparing for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.
Tabelog also operates a multilingual reservation platform in English, Chinese, and Korean, and works with overseas services like Dianping, OpenRice, and KKday to expand access.
The new Mini Program builds on these efforts, aiming to make it easier for Chinese visitors to book restaurants and explore Japanese food culture.
Lanson Place Causeway Bay, Hong Kong and Hong Kong Tramways have teamed up to launch the Ding Ding Qipao Tour, which will operate on weekends beginning May 17, 2025. Running from Sheung Wan to Causeway Bay, the tour is designed to highlight elements of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage.
The qipao, a traditional garment originating from the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), gained popularity in Hong Kong in the 1960s following the arrival of Shanghainese immigrants. As part of the tour, participants can rent a qipao from the clothing boutique Yan Shang Kee in Central. Garments are available in styles for women, men and children. Following this, guests will board a restored 1920s-style open-top tram and travel through central districts of the city.
Participants ride a 1920s-style open-top tram in qipaos for a nostalgic Hong Kong experience
The tour concludes at Causeway Bay, where participants are invited to visit Salon Lanson, located next to the tram terminus. There, they may purchase a cocktail inspired by The World of Suzie Wong, a film set in 1960s Hong Kong.
Each Ding Ding Qipao Tour pass costs HK$580 (US$74) per person. It includes a one-hour one-way journey on the TramOramic Tour, departing at 16.15 from Western Market Terminus to Causeway Bay, and qipao rental between 13.00 and 15.00, with garments to be returned the following day between 10.00 and 12.00. The themed cocktail is available at Salon Lanson for HK$68 between 17.30 and 19.30.
In addition, Lanson Place Causeway Bay is offering a stay package titled Chronicles of Nostalgia. The package includes a one-night stay and two Ding Ding Qipao Tour passes, which cover both qipao rental and tram travel. Guests will also receive two cocktails at Salon Lanson. The package is available on weekends from May 17 to August 17, 2025 and starts from HK$2,430 per room per night.
