Virtuoso has promoted Úna O’Leary to vice president, global partnerships, where she will oversee the growth of the group’s preferred partner portfolio worldwide.
Based in Toronto, O’Leary’s appointment supports Virtuoso’s focus on global expansion and alignment across its nine operating regions.
Since joining as Virtuoso’s first general manager for Canada, she has helped establish the country as a key market, driving growth in member engagement and partnerships.
She will report to senior vice president Cory Hagopian and continue supporting the Canadian market during the search for her replacement.
Moxy Sydney Airport has appointed Sid Bhatia as its new general manager.
With more than 20 years of hospitality experience across Australia and New Zealand, Bhatia has held leadership roles including general manager at Vibe Hotel and cluster general manager for TFE Hotels in the Northern Territory.
Trip.com Group is reinforcing its commitment to the Middle East, reporting rapid regional growth, strategic partnerships, and soaring travel demand from Asian markets, just one year after opening its Dubai office.
Speaking to TTG Asia on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, Boon Sian Chai, managing director and vice president, international markets, Trip.com Group, outlined the company’s aggressive expansion strategy in the region. “Since we opened our Dubai office last year, we have seen exceptional growth. Since then, in addition to Dubai, Trip.com has also launched offices in Riyadh and Jeddah and plans to open one in Egypt later this year.”
Chai: a growing appetite among Asian travellers for cultural, historical and experiential tourism in the Kingdom; photo by Rohit Kaul
The company is also preparing to expand its point-of-sale operations to Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar. The company reported that Dubai continues to be the top destination in the GCC but cities in Saudi Arabia, particularly religious destinations for Umrah are experiencing “triple-digit growth”. A significant influx of travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia are contributing to this surge.
“We are also noticing a growing appetite among Asian travellers for cultural, historical and experiential tourism in the Kingdom,” shared Chai. Trip.com Group is also expanding its BOSS Live sessions by featuring Middle Eastern destinations.
Meanwhile, Trip.com has formed several regional partnerships to enhance travel options and increase destination visibility. New agreements include strategic alliances with Saudia, Flynas, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Visit Oman to boost tourism to the sultanate. It also signed an MoU with Saudi Arabia’s BAAN Holding Group at ATM 2025.
Beyond attracting Asian travellers into the region, Trip.com also sees rising outbound travel demand from the Middle East to destinations such as Europe, South-east Asia and mainland China. The company has localised its platforms in Arabic across the region to support this growth and enhance user experience.
Fifteen regional tourism organisations from New Zealand’s North Island have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote the island as a unified travel destination.
The collaboration aims to boost visitor numbers, length of stay, and regional spread through coordinated marketing, targeting key international markets, including Australia, North America, and China. Announced at the Auckland Airport Tourism Forum in Rotorua, ahead of the opening of Trenz 2025, Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said the partnership – the first of its kind among regional tourism organisations in the North – aims to present the North Island’s combined destinations to international visitors.
North Island tourism leaders team up to increase international visitation and highlight regional offerings
She said: “It’s about leveraging our collective tourism pulling power. Individually, each region has a fabulous offering but we’re wanting to work together to help international visitors to better connect those dots to experience everything that is wonderful and unique about the North Island.”
She added that Auckland Airport is supporting the partnership and that earlier joint efforts have helped increase Australian visitor numbers, which have recovered to 92 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
In 2019, Australian visitors made up 40 per cent of all arrivals to New Zealand. As of December 2025, this has increased to 42 per cent.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s destination director, Annie Dundas, shared: “The travel landscape is changing, and we need to be smarter about how we show up overseas to sell our respective regions. This partnership allows us to be clearer in our proposition, which in turn will make it easier to meet the needs of our travel partners overseas and ultimately future travellers.
“Our first activity will take place in September in Australia with the North Island Showcase, seeing over 60 North Island tourism operators connect with key Australian travel sellers at two events in Sydney and Melbourne.”
The MoU was signed during the forum by participating regional tourism leaders. The signatories are Northland Inc, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Destination Hauraki Coromandel, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism, Tourism Bay of Plenty, RotoruaNZ, Tairāwhiti Gisborne, Destination Great Lake Taupō, Visit Ruapehu, Venture Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay Tourism, Whanganui and Partners, Central Economic Development Agency, Destination Wairarapa, and WellingtonNZ. Acknowledgement was given to Wellington Airport and Hamilton Airport for their support.
RotoruaNZ chief executive Andrew Wilson stated that by collaborating, regions can move beyond competition to showcase the diverse experiences of the North Island, encouraging longer stays and deeper connections with visitors.
Hurihanganui emphasised tourism’s importance to New Zealand’s economy and the need for industry collaboration as the sector recovers from Covid. While there is uncertainty in some overseas markets, particularly the US, she highlighted strong summer demand and a fully recovered North America route. She also stressed the competitive airline market and the importance of working together to drive demand.
As of March 31, 2025, Auckland Airport recorded 379,000 US travellers for the year ending February 2025, up from 364,000 the previous year, following strong summer travel. Chinese visitor arrivals increased by 22 per cent, though they remain 44 per cent below 2019 levels, resulting in a loss of A$1.23 billion (US$800 million) in international tourism revenue. Total international arrivals have recovered to 84 per cent of 2019 levels. Each year, international and domestic travel through Auckland Airport generates A$35.1 billion in economic activity, alongside A$26 billion in trade. The airport currently serves 26 airlines flying to 42 destinations.
Malaysia Airlines has signed three strategic memoranda of understanding (MoU) with APG (Air Promotion Group), StudentUniverse, and ATPI (Advanced Travel Partners International) to expand its market reach and strengthen its global distribution.
The MoUs are part of Malaysia Airlines’ efforts to enhance its presence in offline markets, target the student travel segment, and expand into the marine and energy industries.
Malaysia Airlines has signed three MoUs to widen market access and support commercial growth in key sectors
Dersenish Aresandiran, chief commercial officer of Malaysia Aviation Group, stated in a press release issued by the airline: “These partnerships reflect Malaysia Airlines’ strategic ambition to deepen our reach across multiple customer segments and geographies. We are focused on providing seamless, value-driven experiences for travellers worldwide.”
Through its collaboration with APG, the world’s largest airline representation network, Malaysia Airlines will join the APG Platform – a New Distribution Capability portal – enabling the airline to expand its reach to travel agents worldwide, supporting revenue growth and increasing its presence in offline markets. The platform allows cost-effective distribution of content such as dynamic offers and bundled fares, while also giving agents access to a broader travel portfolio, including hotels and car rentals.
The partnership with StudentUniverse will make Malaysia Airlines the official Global Airline Partner, offering students exclusive fares and packages while increasing brand visibility across the platform’s marketing channels. This collaboration helps promote cultural exchange and accessible travel for the next generation of global explorers.
Additionally, Malaysia Airlines has appointed ATPI as its preferred marine travel partner from May 2025 to April 2026, focusing on promoting the airline’s flights to the marine and energy sectors. The airline is working with ATPI to improve access to key marine hubs and routes, as part of its strategy to grow in niche travel markets and support long-term commercial expansion.
Minor Hotels has inked an agreement with its Chinese joint venture, Funyard Minor, and Chongqing Yuanchu Luquan Cultural Tourism Group to develop the Anantara Clear Water Bay Sanya Resort. Set to open in October 2027, the 90-room property will be located along Clear Water Bay’s 12km sandy beach, one of the world’s three ‘Singing Beaches’.
Currently, Minor Hotels operates four properties in China, including two Anantara resorts in Guiyang and Xishuangbanna, along with Oaks and Tivoli properties in Chengdu. The opening of Anantara Clear Water Bay Sanya Resort follows other recent announcements, such as Anantara Xiling Snow Mountain Chengdu Resort and Anantara Thousand Island Lake Resort, as part of Minor Hotels’ plan to expand its portfolio in China to 15 properties within the next three years.
Anantara Clear Water Bay Sanya Resort, opening in October 2027, will feature 90 rooms and beachfront amenities
The resort will be located in Lingshui Li Autonomous County, Hainan, 35km from Sanya city centre. The region is known for its natural beauty and tropical climate, offering sunny beaches, clear seas, and vibrant local culture. Nearby attractions include Fenjiezhou Island, Qingshui Bay, Nanwan Monkey Island, and R&F Ocean World. Guests will also be able to experience the region’s unique crafts, music, and festivals.
Anantara Clear Water Bay Sanya Resort will offer 90 rooms and suites, with facilities such as specialty restaurants, an all-day dining venue, an Anantara Spa, wellness centre, outdoor swimming pool, and entertainment centre. For events, the resort will feature a 400m² banquet hall and a 350m² outdoor lawn.
Eddy Tiftik, vice president of development for Greater China at Minor Hotels and board member of Funyard Minor, remarked: “This project represents a significant expansion for our Anantara brand and our commitment to promoting sustainable tourism development in Hainan and supporting Lingshui’s ‘2+7+3+N’ coordinated development plan. We look forward to deepening the influence of the Anantara brand in China through this new project, creating a luxury leisure destination with deep reverence for its natural surroundings and cultural heritage.”
“The Clear Water Bay offers travellers luxurious facilities that seamlessly blend nature and culture, including an international standard golf course, luxury yacht marinas, fishing villages and tropical botanical gardens. We look forward to welcoming guests to explore the region with Anantara in the coming years,” said Liu Yuanchu, chairman of Chongqing Yuanchu Luquan Cultural Tourism Development Group.
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) and Emirates have joined forces to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination.
The agreement was signed at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai on April 28 with the aim of increasing the number of visitors to the Philippines.
A new partnership between the DoT and Emirates aims to increase tourism arrivals to the Philippines from the Middle East and Europe
Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who witnessed the signing, highlighted the importance of the collaboration for attracting travellers from the Middle East and Europe. She added that it would provide additional air options for the Filipino diaspora who wish to visit the Philippines.
Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), the DoT and Emirates will develop plans to promote the Philippines in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and European markets. The two organisations will also collaborate on media platforms to increase reach and engagement, with Emirates promoting the Philippines across its network.
The partnership will also explore joint activities to develop tourism in the Philippines, expand flight routes and frequencies, and coordinate with government agencies and relevant sectors.
Frasco stated that the partnership aims to increase visitor traffic by leveraging Emirates’ global network. “This collaboration between the DoT and Emirates not only strengthens our tourism sector but also fosters deeper cultural ties between our regions,” she added.
Orhan Abbas, senior vice president, commercial operations, Far East, Emirates said the partnership reflects the Philippines’ growing appeal to travellers worldwide. He noted that Emirates has been serving the Philippines for nearly 35 years, making it one of the longest-served destinations in the airline’s global network. He also highlighted the popularity of the Philippines as a destination for both leisure and business travellers.
Emirates, based in Dubai, operates the world’s largest international airline network, with 140 destinations across six continents. The airline offers 28 weekly flights to Manila, Cebu, and Clark, providing 22,700 weekly seats to and from Dubai.
In November 2024, Emirates launched its Emirates World retail store in Manila, offering an immersive experience for Filipino customers.
As of April 28, the Philippines had welcomed 21,576 travellers from the UAE, according to DoT data. The country has seen steady growth in tourist arrivals since reopening its borders in 2022. From February to December 2022, the Philippines received 2,084 visitors from the UAE. This figure rose to 43,962 in 2023 and 69,995 in 2024.
Tourism revenues from UAE travellers also grew, with the Philippines earning an estimated US$11.81 million in 2022, US$45.77 million in 2023, and US$69.59 million in 2024. The tourism sector saw a 536.6 per cent increase in revenues from UAE visitors in 2024.
Club Med has launched its first dedicated family space in Asia-Pacific with the opening of the Lai Thai Family Oasis at Club Med Phuket. The new space offers a setting for parents and children to foster connections and share experiences, creating quality, happy memories.
At the centre of the Family Oasis is a Splash Park with slides, water cannons, spray features, and large splash buckets. Lounge chairs and a poolside snack bar provide places for rest and refreshments.
Families can make a splash together at the new Splash Park in Club Med Phuket’s Family Oasis
The Lai Thai Family Oasis includes 24 Family Superior rooms and eight Family Themed rooms across two floors, including options with mobility access. Rooms accommodate up to two adults, two children under 11, and one baby. Ground-floor rooms offer terraces that connect to the Splash Park, while upper-floor rooms have balconies.
Family Themed rooms include amenities for young children such as baby gear, children’s toiletries, robes, and activity kits.
The resort is located near Kata Beach and includes three zones: the Family Oasis, a Zen Area with an adults-only pool and bar, and the Heart of the Resort, home to dining, entertainment, and communal facilities. Children from four months to 17 years can join age-based programmes at the Kids Club, run by trained staff.
Safety perceptions among Chinese travellers are improving, but concerns about South-east Asia persist. Thailand, a popular destination, is seen as “safe” by 19 per cent of respondents in a Dragon Trail International (DTI) poll from April 2025, with 30 per cent still “unsure”.
During the recent DTI webinar, Sienna Parulis-Cook, marketing and communications director, noted that “first-time travellers and those travelling with families go to Singapore instead”.
Despite improvements, Chinese travellers see Thailand as “unsafe,” with Singapore preferred for families; Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen in Bangkok, pictured
Singapore’s safety perception stands at 79 per cent, down from 81 per cent in September 2024, ranking behind Hong Kong (92 per cent) and ahead of Switzerland (67 per cent). The three South-east Asian countries perceived as least safe are Cambodia (15 per cent), Thailand (19 per cent), and Vietnam (22 per cent).
Key factors influencing safety perceptions include Chinese authorities’ travel safety assessments (54 per cent), local safety initiatives (51 per cent), and good medical services (28 per cent).
DTI’s survey of 1,022 respondents also found that information from travel agents was the least influential, with just eight per cent citing it. Information from friends or family was more influential at 15 per cent.
Parulis-Cook highlighted that no “big incidents” have occurred since the January kidnapping of a Chinese actor in Bangkok, though she acknowledged that Thailand and its neighbours are addressing safety concerns.
DTI’s Chinese Travel Sentiment & Plans for 2025 report coincided with the five-day May Day holiday. Parulis-Cook said those who took leave on April 25 enjoyed an extended holiday and potentially travelled longhaul.
OTA findings shared during the webinar show the top 10 outbound destinations, as of April 15, are Seoul, Osaka, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Jeju, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi. Tuniu reported outbound trips accounted for 28 per cent of May holiday bookings, with 60 per cent booking group travel.
Apart from Hong Kong and Macau, popular outbound destinations include Japan, the Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Russia, and New Zealand.
Airbnb reported searches for the Labour Day period are twice as high as last year. Popular destinations include Japan, Italy, France, New Zealand, Spain, South Korea, Thailand, the US, the UK, and Indonesia. The accommodation platform added that cultural events in Japan and outdoor activities in Europe are particularly popular.
Australia is shifting its tourism strategy towards the growing Asian travel market, responding to changing visitor trends and expanding aviation links.
The updated approach – balancing growth in Asia with continued engagement in Western markets – was outlined on April 28 at the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE25) in Brisbane, a four-day event featuring a record 1,600 sellers and 726 global buyers, aimed at driving international visitation in both the short and long term.
Phillipa Harrison addresses international media at the opening on ATE25 at the BCEC; photo by Adelaine Ng
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison presented the plan, noting that arrivals from Asian markets doubled between 2010 and 2019, with a further 50 per cent increase projected by 2035.
“We’re casting our minds now to 2035 and thinking about the sustainable growth of the tourism industry,” Harrison told 68 international media representatives from 17 countries.
“The Asian century continues. Our Western markets are still going to be incredibly important to us going forward, but they’re just growing at a slower rate. That is something that we’re mindful of,” she added.
Australia recorded 8.3 million international arrivals in the past year, up nine per cent year-on-year and 82 per cent compared to two years ago. Growth has been driven by visitors from India, Japan, and South Korea, supported by new direct flights to Broome, Darwin, and Cairns.
While Australia’s 15 core source markets, including New Zealand, China, the UK, and the US, remain strong, Harrison confirmed Vietnam will be added as the 16th core market this year. “We’re going into Vietnam for the first time in a long time and starting to build our connections with that incredible country,” she said.
Holiday visitation grew by 14 per cent over the past year, making it the fastest-growing segment, as confidence in longhaul travel to Australia returns.
Tourism Australia’s future focus areas will also include agritourism, attracting high-yield travellers, and harnessing social commerce, supported by 364 new experiences and infrastructure projects currently in development.
Since joining as Virtuoso’s first general manager for Canada, she has helped establish the country as a key market, driving growth in member engagement and partnerships.
With more than 20 years of hospitality experience across Australia and New Zealand, Bhatia has held leadership roles including general manager at Vibe Hotel and cluster general manager for TFE Hotels in the Northern Territory.
