Singapore Tourism Board renews digital payments partnership with Ant International

February 26, 2026

The Singapore Tourism Board and Ant International have renewed their multi-year strategic partnership to support tourism growth through digital payments and data-driven insights.

The collaboration centres on Alipay+, Ant International’s unified wallet gateway, and aims to strengthen Singapore’s position as a digitally connected destination.

From left: Singapore Tourism Board’s Melissa Ow and Ant International’s Peng Yang

The renewed agreement builds on a partnership that began in 2018.

Under the expanded collaboration, both parties will launch joint marketing initiatives targeting key source markets, including campaigns timed around peak travel periods such as Chinese New Year. The partnership will also focus on enabling secure mobile discovery and payments across Singapore’s tourism ecosystem, as well as leveraging data insights to better understand visitor behaviour.

According to Alipay+ data, Singapore ranked among the top five global travel destinations in 2025, with transactions increasing 36 per cent year-on-year. Spending via SGQR nearly tripled compared with the previous year, benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises. China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines and South Korea were the top inbound markets, with transactions by Chinese travellers increasing 26 per cent year-on-year.

Through Alipay+, merchants in Singapore can accept 25 international e-wallets and banking apps, allowing travellers from 17 markets to pay using familiar mobile platforms.

The partnership also includes the rollout of digital tools such as Alipay+ Voyager, an in-app AI travel assistant offering personalised recommendations and services, as well as in-app rewards and mobile-based promotions with local merchants.

The agreement aligns with the board’s Tourism 2040 roadmap, which aims to cultivate future demand, enhance destination appeal and support a digitally enabled tourism sector.

Melissa Ow, chief executive of Singapore Tourism Board, said: “We look forward to unlocking new opportunities across key markets through Alipay+’s extensive digital wallet network. By combining our destination expertise with their payment technology and data capabilities, we can respond to the evolving traveller demand more nimbly and create a more seamless experiences for visitors whilst driving meaningful growth in tourism spending.”

Peng Yang, CEO of Ant International, added: “Destinations are dynamic digital ecosystems that connect culture and commerce across borders, driving economic impact and inclusion. Together, we will support Singapore’s ambition to inspire not just as a place to visit, but one that shapes the future of travel and its shared value to communities.”

Klook inks Osaka tourism partnership to support regional growth

By TTG Asia

February 26, 2026

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Klook has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau (OCTB) to strengthen regional tourism development and enhance visitor distribution across the prefecture.

The agreement brings together Klook’s digital platform and market data with OCTB’s local expertise to support destination marketing, visitor insights and sustainable tourism management. The partnership will focus on joint content development, online promotions, data sharing and analysis of inbound travel behaviour.

From left: Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau’s Hiroshi Mizohata and Klook Japan’s Wataru Masuda

Both parties will also explore digital solutions aimed at improving visitor convenience and supporting local tourism businesses, including the use of digital content tools and audio guide capabilities. Sustainable tourism initiatives will form part of the collaboration, with the aim of managing visitor flows beyond Osaka’s city centre and encouraging travel across the wider prefecture.

Data from Klook’s Travel Pulse 2026 study, which surveyed 11,000 travellers across 20 markets, indicates continued demand for Osaka. Among travellers selecting Japan as a must-visit destination in 2026, 48.6 per cent plan to include Osaka in their itinerary. Intent is higher among millennials at 53.4 per cent, compared with 43.5 per cent among Gen Z travellers.

Platform data from Klook over the past 12 months shows strong demand for mobility-related bookings in Japan, including regional rail passes, Shinkansen tickets and car rentals. This trend suggests travellers are using Osaka as a gateway to explore surrounding areas.

The MoU reflects a broader shift towards data-led destination management, with tourism authorities and digital platforms seeking to distribute demand more evenly and support regional economic growth.

OCTB chairman Hiroshi Mizohata said: “Beyond simply increasing visitor numbers, it is essential to create experiential value across the entire prefecture and to pursue continuous improvement based on data. This partnership aims to refine the unique strengths of each municipality into market-ready products and to create an environment in which travellers can more easily discover new and exciting experiences.

“By combining Klook’s market data and expertise with OCTB’s research capabilities and regional knowledge, we will work together to build effective strategies that achieve both broader economic impact and sustainable growth.”

Wataru Masuda, general manager, Klook Japan, added: “Working closely with OCTB enables us to connect data, technology, and storytelling to help travellers explore Osaka more thoroughly, while supporting small and medium-sized merchants beyond Osaka City in reaching global travellers through Klook’s platform.

“By amplifying discovery of experiences across the wider prefecture, we aim to encourage more balanced visitor flows that benefit local communities.”

Fusion Hotel Group to develop beachfront wellness resort in Phu Quoc

By TTG Asia

February 26, 2026

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Fusion Hotel Group has signed a long-term hotel management agreement with Tropical Corporation to develop a new full-service wellness-focused resort on Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam.

The agreement was formalised on February 6, 2026.

From left: Fusion Hotel Group’s Christopher Hur and Tropical Corporation’s Tran Van Son

Under the partnership, Tropical Corporation will develop its beachfront site under the Fusion Resort brand, featuring 51 villas and 158 rooms. Facilities will include an all-day dining venue, specialty restaurants and bars, meeting and event spaces, a kid’s club, a spa, an infinity pool and a beach club.

Fusion Resort Phu Quoc will be located along Bai Truong beach, one of the island’s main beachfront areas, and is situated close to Phu Quoc International Airport.

The property will feature Fusion’s all-spa-inclusive wellness concept at Maia Spa, alongside its “breakfast anywhere, anytime” offering and personalised guest services delivered by Fusionistas.

Scheduled to open in 4Q2027, the resort is expected to target the meetings and events segment as well as wellness-focused leisure travellers.

At the signing ceremony, Tran Van Son, chairman of Tropical Corporation, said: “Both parties are united by a commitment to quality, sustainability, and the creation of lasting added value for the project.”

He also noted growth in the wellness resort segment in Phu Quoc, which is recognised as a leading resort destination in South-east Asia.

“We are delighted to partner with Tropical Corporation and to return to Phu Quoc with this landmark project. It represents an important milestone in Fusion’s expansion strategy and reaffirms our commitment to establishing a strong presence in wellness-oriented hospitality across Vietnam and other strategic tourism destinations,” added Christopher Hur, CEO of Fusion Hotel Group.

Walk Japan adds new East Hokkaido Trek to portfolio

By TTG Asia

February 26, 2026

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Walk Japan has launched the East Hokkaido Trek, a nine-day, eight-night guided hiking tour through the remote landscapes of eastern Hokkaido. Designed for experienced walkers, the itinerary follows sections of the recently established 410km Hokkaido East Trail, connecting three national parks from Kushiro’s wetlands to the Shiretoko Peninsula.

Daily walks range from 11 to 18km, crossing wetlands, low mountain passes, forests and farmland, and finishing at the Sea of Okhotsk. Highlights include Kushiro Shitsugen, a Ramsar-listed wetland; Atosa-Nupuri, an active volcano; the geothermal town of Kawayu Onsen; and the crater lakes Kussharo-ko and Masshu-ko. The trek also explores the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walk Japan introduces a nine-day guided trek through eastern Hokkaido, linking wetlands, volcanoes and the Shiretoko Peninsula

Guests will experience regional Hokkaido cuisine and stay in comfortable accommodation with onsen bathing facilities.

The fully guided tour has a maximum group size of 12, begins in Kushiro and ends in Memanbetsu, with departures in June, July, September and October. Prices start from 798,000 yen (US$5,300) per person based on double occupancy.

For more information, visit Walk Japan.

Plaza Premium Group names new Oceania GM

By TTG Asia

February 25, 2026

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Plaza Premium Group appoints Cyrus Wong as general manager, Oceania, overseeing the Group’s operations and performance across the region.

He most recently served as director, asset management at Plaza Premium Group, where he led portfolio performance and long-range commercial planning across global assets.

Wong joined the company in 2020, supporting international expansion through feasibility assessments and commercial negotiations with airlines, airports, and hospitality partners.

Juan Losada takes helm at Regent Phu Quoc

By TTG Asia

February 25, 2026

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Losada brings more than 15 years of luxury hospitality experience and previously served as pre-opening and opening general manager of Regent Phu Quoc from 2019 to 2022, where he led the resort’s launch and market positioning.

He returns with international leadership experience across luxury properties in destinations including Dubai and Barcelona.

Philippine hotel owners oppose plan to scrap travel tax

By TTG Asia

February 25, 2026

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The Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) has raised concerns over proposals to abolish the national travel tax, warning that the move could undermine the recovery of the domestic tourism sector.

The proposal is intended to reduce travel costs for outbound passengers. However, PHOA said removing the tax at this stage could shift policy focus towards overseas travel at a time when local tourism businesses continue to rebuild. The association said it supports measures that enhance competitiveness but urged policymakers to ensure that domestic tourism recovery remains a priority.

Philippine resort destinations remain a core driver of the country’s visitor economy; Boracay, pictured

PHOA said the potential impact on hotels and related tourism enterprises could be significant, particularly if outbound travel increases at the expense of domestic and inbound demand. The group argues that current priorities should centre on strengthening inbound tourism and supporting local accommodation providers, resorts and tourism workers.

According to the association, eliminating the travel tax without a clear replacement mechanism could reduce funding support linked to tourism development and promotion. PHOA said any decision to abolish the tax should be accompanied by a comprehensive plan outlining alternative measures to sustain industry growth.

The group maintains that the timing of the proposal is critical, as many operators are still stabilising operations and rebuilding international demand. It has called for broader industry consultation before any legislative changes are implemented.

PHOA president Arthur M Lopez said: “We should not be subsidising a ‘bon voyage’ at the expense of our own backyard. Before we cut the cord, we need a dialogue that prioritises Philippine jobs over foreign spending.

“We should be focusing on inbound and not outbound tourism. We do not want to encourage overseas spending that boosts the economies of our neighbours. Instead, we should support our own hotels, resorts, and other tourism establishments and help our local workers.”

The association said it supports measures that enhance competitiveness but urged policymakers to ensure that domestic tourism recovery remains a priority.

UK rolls out ETA requirement for 85 countries

By TTG Asia

February 25, 2026

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From today, foreign visitors from 85 countries are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK.

The ETA must be secured in advance of travel.

*The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme is now mandatory for eligible foreign visitors*

According to the UK government, airlines will prevent passengers from boarding if they do not hold an ETA, eVisa or other valid documentation.

An ETA costs 16 pounds (US$21.70), permits multiple entries and is valid for two years.

It is also mandatory for visitors transiting through the UK who pass through passport control.

“The ETA scheme is a vital part of our work to strengthen the UK’s border security, helping to deliver a more efficient and modern service that works for both visitors and the British public,” said Mike Tapp, minister for migration and citizenship.

Countries eligible to apply for an ETA are those that do not require a visa for short visits. These include Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Passport holders from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan may also apply.

The scheme was first introduced in October 2023 and extended to European visitors in April 2025. It forms part of broader efforts to digitise the UK’s immigration system and move towards a more contactless border.

Applicants can apply via the UK ETA app. Approval is typically granted within minutes, although travellers are advised to allow up to three working days before departure.

IHG targets upscale conversions with Noted Collection brand

By TTG Asia

February 25, 2026

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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has introduced Noted Collection, a new premium collection brand focused primarily on conversions in the upscale to upper-upscale segment.

The brand is designed to attract high-quality independent hotels seeking access to IHG’s global distribution, revenue management and technology platforms, as well as its IHG One Rewards programme of more than 160 million members. IHG said discussions are already underway with multiple owners, including portfolio operators, regarding potential additions to the brand.

Noted Collection will focus on upscale and upper-upscale conversions within IHG’s premium portfolio

Noted Collection becomes IHG’s 21st brand and will sit within its premium portfolio alongside Crowne Plaza, voco and Ruby, while complementing luxury and lifestyle brands including Hotel Indigo and Vignette Collection. The rollout will begin in the Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa region.

IHG estimates that of the 2.3 million independent rooms globally within the upscale and upper-upscale segments, many could benefit from joining a larger enterprise platform. The group expects the brand to reach more than 150 hotels worldwide over the next decade.

The collection model allows properties to retain their individual identity while integrating into IHG’s commercial and operational systems. Each hotel will be selected for its distinct positioning and character, with brand hallmarks centred on curated guest experiences, locally driven food and beverage concepts, and personalised service.

For owners, the proposition centres on faster integration into IHG’s systems while maintaining design autonomy and brand individuality.

Elie Maalouf, CEO, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “There is strong appetite from owners of high-quality, one-of-a-kind hotels ready to join the power of our platforms and expertise, and Noted Collection offers them a distinctive and attractive brand with a gateway to stronger performance. Noted Collection will allow guests around the world to enjoy even more choice and new experiences with the trust of True Hospitality that comes with every stay at an IHG hotel.”

Beyond Green joins Travalyst Coalition as accommodation partner

By TTG Asia

February 25, 2026

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Beyond Green has become the newest accommodation industry partner of the Travalyst Coalition, strengthening collaboration around sustainability standards and data transparency in travel.

Travalyst is an independent not-for-profit organisation that works to align the travel sector around consistent, credible and open-access sustainability data. The coalition brings together industry stakeholders to support informed decision-making by travellers, businesses and destinations, with a focus on accelerating progress towards net-zero and nature-positive goals.

Beyond Green has joined the Travalyst Coalition to support sustainability data alignment across the accommodation sector

As an accommodation partner, Beyond Green will contribute insights from its global portfolio of independently owned and operated hotels. The organisation said the partnership will help ensure that emerging tools, sustainability data models and industry frameworks reflect operational realities across different hotel sizes, regions and markets.

Beyond Green will participate in Travalyst working groups, policy discussions and knowledge-sharing forums. The collaboration is intended to support industry-wide alignment on sustainability metrics while keeping member hotels informed of regulatory developments and best practice guidance.

The announcement follows the recent launch of Travalyst’s Data Hub, a platform designed to improve consistency and transparency in sustainability data across the travel sector. The initial phase focuses on accommodation, with future expansion planned across rail, destinations and other travel segments.

The partnership reflects broader industry efforts to standardise sustainability reporting and improve comparability across travel providers.

Beyond Green president Philipp Weghmann said: “At Beyond Green, we believe that great travel experiences should also be good for the planet. By joining the Travalyst Coalition, we are strengthening our commitment to transparency and helping ensure that travellers everywhere have access to credible sustainability information. Together with Travalyst and our fellow partners, we look forward to shaping tools and frameworks that support hotels of all sizes while empowering travellers to make informed, responsible choices.”

Julie Cheetham, CEO, Travalyst, added: “By working closely with Beyond Green and gaining valuable insight into the needs of their member properties, this partnership will support the work of our coalition to continue to scale credible, compliant and consistent sustainability data across the accommodation sector and beyond.”

Singapore Tourism Board renews digital payments partnership with Ant International

Klook inks Osaka tourism partnership to support regional growth

Fusion Hotel Group to develop beachfront wellness resort in Phu Quoc

Walk Japan adds new East Hokkaido Trek to portfolio

Plaza Premium Group names new Oceania GM

Juan Losada takes helm at Regent Phu Quoc

Philippine hotel owners oppose plan to scrap travel tax

UK rolls out ETA requirement for 85 countries

IHG targets upscale conversions with Noted Collection brand

Beyond Green joins Travalyst Coalition as accommodation partner

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