TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 28th January 2026
Page 125

TUI expands leisure hotel portfolio in Asia with openings in Cambodia and China

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TUI Hotels & Resorts continues its expansion in Asia, with the opening of its first hotel in Cambodia and the introduction of its TUI Suneo brand in China.

The TUI Blue Sihanoukville, located along the Gulf of Thailand’s coastline, marks the brand’s debut in Cambodia. Situated in the heart of Sihanoukville and near the beach, the hotel offers 189 guestrooms and suites, a gym, and an outdoor swimming pool. It aims to attract lifestyle travellers exploring Cambodia’s rapidly developing tourism scene.

TUI Hotels & Resorts enhances its Asian offerings with new properties in Cambodia and China

Meanwhile, in China, TUI has launched its first TUI Suneo hotel in Shenzhen. The TUI Suneo Shenzhen Manwan, located in the Dapeng Bay New District, features 215 rooms and suites and expansive outdoor facilities, catering to both relaxation and exploration in one of China’s most dynamic cities.

In addition to these new openings, TUI Hotels & Resorts has signed three new projects, further expanding its Asian portfolio. With 26 additional hotels in the pipeline, the company is set to increase its presence in destinations such as Cambodia, China, Indonesia, the Maldives, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

TUI currently operates 22 resorts in Asia, with the recent addition of three new properties this financial year: TUI Blue Maduzi in Bangkok, TUI Blue Berawa in Bali, and TUI Blue Guilian Watermark Promenade in China. By September 2025, more hotels will open in Vietnam, China, and Cambodia, continuing the brand’s expansion across the region.

“Adding a new destination and launching an additional brand in Asia is an important milestone for us”, shared Artur Gerber, managing director TUI Hotels & Resorts. “Our expertise in the leisure hotel industry offers great added value not only to guests from Europe but also from Asia. Together with our local partners, we will create a welcoming atmosphere and unique holiday experiences.”

Oaks transitions to full-service hotel and resort brand under Minor Hotels

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Minor Hotels has announced a strategic repositioning of its Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites brand, evolving it from a serviced apartment model to a full-service hotel, resort and suites offering. The shift includes new brand standards, service features, and a refreshed identity to enhance competitiveness in the global market.

The updated concept introduces multi-use public spaces, integrated lobbies with barista coffee and fresh bakery items, and grab-and-go pantries offering essentials, local products and branded items. These features are designed to serve both guests and local communities.

Oaks Hotels introduces a complete transformation with a refreshed look and improved guest experience

The F&B programme will focus on communal dining, with each property offering its own version of a gourmet lamington. Guest rooms will feature upgraded amenities, including a new signature scent and a night-time ritual of calming sounds and light refreshments to support rest and relaxation.

Wellness remains central, with in-room access to yoga and meditation sessions, along with scheduled sunrise swims and running clubs at select locations.

The updated brand includes a new logo, yellow accents, and nature-inspired interiors for a cohesive and inviting experience.

The new Oaks brand and service applications will be gradually rolled out across existing properties and new acquisitions.

Ian Di Tullio, chief commercial officer, Minor Hotels, said: “The strategic repositioning of Oaks marks a pivotal step in elevating our position in the market. With our revitalised service culture, and addition of lifestyle elements to contemporise our offer, we’re creating a more resonant brand experience for today’s travellers. In a sector that has remained largely undifferentiated, the transformation repositions Oaks for global growth, further strengthening confidence amongst our investors and developers.”

Malaysia unveils wellness packages blending nature, culture and relaxation

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Tourism Malaysia has launched a new series of Wellness Tourism Packages designed to offer visitors a mix of relaxation, cultural experiences, and nature-based activities.

The 36 packages are available across various destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Selangor.

The new wellness packages cater to rising demand for personalised, restorative travel in Malaysia

Created with 12 partners, including travel agencies, hotels, and wellness centres, the packages aim to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being while showcasing Malaysia’s natural and cultural assets.

Travellers can stay at properties such as Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur and The Datai Langkawi, and enjoy wellness treatments alongside visits to local attractions. Malaysia has 365 registered spas under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture offering services like aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, herbal baths, and Ayurvedic treatments.

A highlight is Urutan Malaysia, a traditional massage technique using Malay and indigenous methods to promote relaxation.

The packages include experiences such as massage therapy, breathing exercises, Tai Chi, forest walks, hot spring soaks, and mindfulness practices. Visitors can also join cultural tours to fruit farms, herb growers, and rural communities.

Valid until December 31, 2026, package prices vary based on the itinerary and services included.

For more information, check out the Wellness Tourism Packages.

Nicholas Smith leads Minor Hotels as VP of operations for Asia

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Nicholas Smith has been appointed vice president of operations for Asia at Minor Hotels, where he will oversee the group’s growing portfolio in the region and lead a team of experienced leaders.

He brings over 25 years of hospitality experience, having developed his operational expertise at Shangri-La Group. Joining in 2008 as a F&B manager in Malaysia, he held senior leadership roles across multiple locations, including China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Most recently, he was vice president of food & beverage and operations for MEIA, overseeing 17 properties.

His career also includes roles with Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, and Savoy Group, as well as leading the launch of Sindalah Island, Neom’s first luxury island and yacht club destination in Saudi Arabia.

Virtuoso appoints Lori Sheller as VP global cruise

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Virtuoso has named Lori Sheller as vice president, global cruise. She brings extensive experience in sales, marketing, and business development, having held leadership roles at EBG, Swan Hellenic, MSC Cruises USA, and Tourico Holidays/Hotelbeds Group.

In her new role, Sheller will lead Virtuoso’s global cruise strategy, strengthen partnerships with top cruise lines, and drive growth in the global cruise market. She will report to Úna O’Leary, vice president, global partnerships, and be based in Parkland, Florida.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts names global VP spa & wellness

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Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has appointed Emma Darby as global vice president spa & wellness.

In this role, Darby will oversee spa and wellness operations across Fairmont’s global portfolio of 92 properties.

With over 20 years of hospitality experience, she has held senior roles at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Group. Most recently, she served as chief operating officer at Resense Spas, where she managed a global portfolio of luxury spas, leading business expansion and maintaining high wellness standards.

Phuket gears up for 19th Laguna Marathon in June

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The Laguna Phuket Marathon 2025 presented by Supersports will take place on June 14–15, 2025, welcoming over 8,000 runners from 50 countries. Now in its 19th year, the certified AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) event continues its Run Sunset & Run Sunrise format, with races held on both Saturday evening and Sunday morning across Phuket’s scenic landscape.

The event promotes sustainability, community wellness, and tourism, supported by public and private partners including the Phuket Provincial Government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The Laguna Phuket Marathon will welcome over 8,000 runners from 50 nations

The weekend begins with the lively Lifestyle Weekend Night Market on June 13, followed by the 2K Kids Run, 5K Fun Run, and 10K Mini Marathon on June 14. The Half Marathon, Full Marathon, and Marathon Relay take place on June 15. New age categories for runners aged over 70 have been introduced to promote inclusive participation.

The route passes through plantations, villages, and beaches, with full medical and safety support. Proceeds help fund local children’s shelters through the Laguna Phuket Foundation and Children First Fund. Special accommodation packages at Laguna Phuket resorts include free transport to the race venue.

For more information, visit Laguna Phuket Marathon.

Malaysia seeks to boost Saudi arrivals amid limited flight access

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Malaysia is increasing efforts to grow tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia, its highest-spending source market, which recorded a 23.7 per cent year-on-year increase in 2024, reaching 68,382 visitors.

There are currently 41 weekly flights from Jeddah and Madinah to Kuala Lumpur.

Tiong King Sing shared that discussions are underway with airlines as limited flight options continue to restrict growing demand from Saudi travellers

To support growing demand and improve access, Malaysia’s minister of tourism, arts and culture, Tiong King Sing, stated that the ministry is in discussions with Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air to explore the reinstatement or expansion of direct flights to Saudi Arabia.

He noted that limited flight availability, particularly for corporate travel, has been a constraint. At present, Saudia is the only airline operating regular commercial services to Malaysia, while Malaysia Airlines mainly serves Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Tiong recently led a delegation of tourism representatives, including hotels, tour operators, and attractions, to Arabian Travel Market in the UAE. This was followed by a sales mission to Riyadh and Jeddah to promote Visit Malaysia 2026 and Malaysia Culture Week 2025, and to strengthen Malaysia’s presence in the Saudi travel market.

Arokia Das Anthony, executive director of The Essence of Asia Tours & Travel, observed that improved air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia could also benefit travellers from neighbouring countries by offering connections via Saudia to Kuala Lumpur.

He also noted a shift in travel preferences, with more Middle Eastern travellers – particularly from Saudi Arabia – now choosing flexible, independent travel over traditional full-board packages.

He shared: “Many now book only accommodation and airport transfers through us, and choose from a list of tours based on their interests. This trend reflects a growing preference for personalised travel experiences.”

Turkey faces tourism backlash from India over pro-Pakistan stance

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Following the recent escalation in hostilities between India and Pakistan, a significant segment of India’s outbound travel sector is witnessing a steep decline in demand for Turkey. Indian travellers and travel agents have expressed strong displeasure over Turkey’s statements of support for Pakistan during the conflict, leading to widespread cancellations and a freeze on new bookings.

According to Sandeep Khetarpal, founder of Zotrav, a B2B marketplace for travel agents, there has been “a sharp decline in interest for Turkey as a travel destination with nearly 80 per cent of bookings either cancelled or postponed”.

Indian travellers freeze bookings as political tensions spill into travel choices, slashing demand for Turkey-bound trips; Kizil Kule in Turkey, pictured

“India was once among the top source markets for Turkey, with a 20.7 per cent year-on-year increase in Indian visitors in 2024 as compared to 2023. However, the current scenario is quite different. Since the recent Indo-Pakistan conflict, we have not received any new enquiries for Turkey and the outlook for the upcoming holiday season remains bleak,” he said.

The downturn follows a deadly militant attack in Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley last month which killed 26 tourists. India responded with Operation Sindoor, launching airstrikes on militant infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The subsequent military exchanges heightened tensions across the region.

Amid these developments, Turkey issued a statement expressing solidarity with Pakistan, triggering a strong backlash from the Indian travel trade community and outbound travellers alike.

“Sentiments of Indian travellers have been badly hurt due to Turkey’s support to Pakistan. There are some business trips still happening but the leisure demand is almost zero. In the short run, we see demand impacted across all segments, whether leisure, MICE or weddings. Destinations like South-east Asia and Europe will benefit from the decline in demand for Turkey,” noted Aman Baweja, director, strategic alliances and partnerships, Travomint.

Aditya Tyagi, founder, Luxe Escape highlighted the slowdown in overall outbound demand post the border skirmishes, however, he stressed that “our clients just do not want to visit Turkey at the moment”.

Meanwhile, both India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire last week, bringing a halt to hostilities.

Luxury Lodges of Australia unveils new island retreats

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Luxury Lodges of Australia is marking its 15th anniversary with a renewed focus on representing the country’s evolving high-end travel sector, with the addition of Orpheus Island and Pelorus Private Island to its portfolio.

The network’s newest members, added in February, bring the total number of lodges to 20.

Luxury Lodges of Australia expands its portfolio with Pelorus Private Island and Orpheus Island

“Luxury Lodges of Australia is not about growing numbers so when we bring on a new member, it’s quite a big deal,” said Penny Rafferty, executive chair. “It was always about having the best of the best that demonstrated Australian experiential luxury.”

Speaking to TTG Asia at Australian Tourism Exchange 2025 in Brisbane, Rafferty said the new additions exemplify a broader trend towards ultra-private, bespoke group travel. “Having private islands or multi-roomed private villas within a luxury lodge environment is fantastic for those smaller group travels, especially with the rise of intergenerational and multigenerational family travel,” she noted.

Orpheus offers 14 suites and rooms, while Pelorus features a five-bedroom villa, catering to families seeking privacy alongside top-tier amenities.

Luxury travel trends continue to evolve, noted Rafferty. Wellness experiences have shifted from a focus on spas to greater engagement with nature, while culinary travel has become more refined, with stronger connections to regional communities and the use of Indigenous ingredients.

“The next chapter will see an even greater emphasis on nurturing Australia’s unique environments and cultures, while ensuring we remain relevant to the changing expectations of luxury travellers worldwide,” she said in a separate statement.

Originally established to shift perceptions of Australia as a luxury destination, Luxury Lodges of Australia has recently launched an updated trade and media portal for agents globally. The platform offers a more comprehensive and user-friendly interface, featuring over 350 experiences.

Described as a one-stop shop, the portal includes an extensive image and video library, sample itineraries, availability calendars, and training modules designed to support travel advisers.

Luxury Lodges of Australia stated it remains committed to elevating Australia’s profile in the global luxury travel market, continuing to emphasise its long-standing pillars of positive environmental and cultural impact.