Emerald Holding will soon take over London-based This is Beyond, a leading producer of seven premier B2B events in the experiential and luxury travel industry. This acquisition, expected to close in 2Q2025, supports Emerald’s strategic plan to diversify and optimise its portfolio by targeting high-growth markets with leading brands, reinforcing the company’s leadership in dynamic sectors and drives forward its strategic growth initiatives.
Following the acquisition, all employees of This is Beyond, including CEO and founder Serge Dive, will join Emerald. This is Beyond team’s creativity and innovative approach to designing and executing events that meet the specific needs of luxury travel businesses, alongside Emerald’s broad resources, is set to improve service delivery and customer engagement, strengthening the impact of This is Beyond’s events within the luxury travel sector.
The acquisition strengthens Emerald’s strategic growth with expanded portfolio of seven luxury travel events, including Further East in Bali
Since its founding in 2009, This is Beyond has established a strong reputation in the US$1.3 trillion luxury travel market, known for its ability to create unique, exclusive experiences that cater to the growing demand for high-end travel. Renowned for its focus on sustainability, design, and premium brands, This is Beyond curates specialised events that connect elite travel designers, global tour operators, and in-house travel managers.
The portfolio of This is Beyond events now under Emerald’s ownership includes PURE Life Experiences in Marrakech (experiential travel sector), LE Miami in Miami (contemporary travel sector catering to a creative audience), We Are Africa in Cape Town (African travel sector marketplace), We Are Africa North America in Sundance (travel from North America to Africa), Further East in Bali (travel show for the Asia-Pacific travel region), Do Not Disturb in Borgo Egnazia (private and exclusive travel experiences), and Specialists in Entertainment Travel in New Orleans (luxury entertainment travel sector).
Hervé Sedky, president and CEO of Emerald, said: “Expanding into the luxury and experiential travel sectors aligns with our strategy of portfolio optimisation and improving Emerald’s top-line growth. By combining This is Beyond’s expertise with Emerald’s strengths in innovation, market leadership, and in-person experiences, we will elevate our offerings, reinforce our presence in high-value markets, and deliver exceptional ROI to our customers.”
“As we look to the next iteration of our growth, joining Emerald provides us with all the support we need to scale our vision and deliver even more exceptional experiences for our communities. I’m confident that together, we’ll reach new heights and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry. While we embark on this next chapter, I remain fully committed to This is Beyond and ensuring that our mission, values, and spirit continue to thrive,” added Serge Dive, CEO and founder of This is Beyond.
With strong backing from the government and the local travel trade, the southern Malaysian state of Johor is gaining more attention in the space of travel and tourism. It recently played host to the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), South-east Asia’s premier travel trade event.
It was the state’s first such prestigious gathering, which attracted nearly 300 international buyers and 100 exhibitors from across the region. The event featured ASEAN bloc ministerial meetings, technical tours, and site visits that introduced delegates to Johor’s attractions firsthand, including Legoland Malaysia Resort, Johor Premium Outlets, and a city tour of Johor Bahru, the state capital.
Skyline of Johor Bahru, the capital of Johor state
Sharil Nizam Abdul Rahim, director of Tourism Johor, told TTG Asia: “Hosting ATF allows us to showcase our offerings and for the travel trade to experience the destination firsthand. It’s also a valuable networking opportunity to build relationships with foreign travel agents.”
The timing of ATF was strategic, aligning with preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Johor’s own Visit Johor Year 2026 campaign will run concurrently, leveraging the national initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia.
The national campaign aims to draw 35.6 million international arrivals, up from 31.4 million in 2024, and generate 147.1 billion ringgit (US$32.7 billion) in tourism revenue. Johor’s ambitious targets include welcoming 12 million foreign tourists and generating 42.48 billion ringgit in tourism receipts by 2026, building on its 2024 goals of 22 million tourists and 38.94 billion ringgit in revenue.
Infrastructure upgrades are central to Johor’s strategy to enhance accessibility. The completion of Senai International Airport’s upgrade in late 2023 significantly bolstered its capacity to accommodate international arrivals.
Edwin Tay, chairman of the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association’s Johor chapter, highlighted the strategic impact of new direct flights introduced by Batik Air in late 2024, including daily services from Johor Bahru to Thailand’s Bangkok and biweekly flights to China’s Kunming. “These flights provide international travellers with direct access to Johor Bahru, without the need to go through Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. It will also attract potential business investors to the state,” Tay noted.
Senai International Airport also connects Johor with major cities such as Guangzhou and Haikou in China; Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam; Jakarta and Surabaya in Indonesia; Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. To further enhance connectivity, Tourism Johor collaborates with Senai Airport Terminal Services and local authorities to attract more international airlines, offering marketing and operational support to optimise their operations.
Cross-border travel with Singapore, Johor’s largest tourist market, has also been streamlined.
Both countries have implemented QR code systems for faster immigration clearance, reducing land congestion. This initiative stems from an MoU to develop a framework for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, which includes exploring passport-free clearance.
Sharil highlighted that Singaporean tourists, who often visit for shopping, dining, and leisure, contribute significantly to Johor’s tourism economy. “Singaporeans typically have higher spending power compared to tourists from other ASEAN member countries,” he said.
Other markets are no less valuable, he emphasised, as their travellers tend to travel in large groups, translating into substantial revenue for the travel and hospitality sectors.
Johor’s appeal is bolstered by its diverse attractions, to attract tourists with varied interests.
The Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark features Kraken’s Revenge, Malaysia’s first water coaster, and Tidal Wave Beach, which generates waves up to four meters high, ideal for surfing. This waterpark is part of Desaru Coast, Malaysia’s first premium integrated destination.
Less than a decade old, Desaru Coast boasts renowned five-star international hotel brands, a conference centre, two championship golf courses, and pristine white sandy beaches along the South China Sea.
Arokia Das Anthony, executive director of The Essence of Asia Tours & Travel, emphasised Desaru Coast’s growing prominence.
“Desaru Coast is a premium development that has quickly become a sought-after destination for both leisure tourism and business events,” he remarked.
“Seven years ago, we included Johor as part of a multi-destination programme with Singapore, Melaka, and Kuala Lumpur. Today, Johor stands on its own as a mono-destination for regional travellers, thanks to its world-class offerings.”
Johor’s tourism evolution reflects a dynamic partnership between the public and private sectors. As the state prepares for Visit Johor Year 2026, it is positioning itself as a key player in Malaysia’s broader tourism strategy. With enhanced infrastructure, new flight routes, and a growing portfolio of attractions, the state is poised to attract an even larger share of international visitors, securing its place as a premier destination in South-east Asia.
Howard Smith Wharves is Brisbane’s popular dining and party precinct
Brisbane: Big buzz coming
Brisbane is emerging as Australia’s most exciting city for tourism, driven by a culmination of strategic developments, new attractions, and the 2032 Olympic Games on the horizon.
From the multi-staged opening of the Queen’s Wharf Precinct to the activation of the Brisbane River and the launch of Bluey’s World, these efforts have been elevating Brisbane’s appeal on the global stage, transforming it into a key destination rather than just a stopover.
“Brisbane’s momentum is the product of a crescendo that’s occurred over a decade. (We have) enormous prospects, prosperity, and opportunity for growth, and that’s exciting,” Oliver Philpot, acting CEO at Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), told TTG Asia.
Philpot said Bluey’s World has been an important addition because of its global profile. The attraction has drawn unexpected fans like Virat Kohli, the captain of the Indian Cricket team, who posted about his recent visit with his family to his 150 million Facebook followers.
Other drawcards include Agnes, which was voted Australia’s best restaurant in 2023, alongside a growing array of exceptional dining experiences, rooftop venues, and laneway bars.
“What’s now added is your ability to string together a two- or three-day itinerary, particularly for international visitors, that offers enough quality and density to keep them here longer and use Brisbane as a base, something that wouldn’t have occurred 10 years ago,” Philpot explained.
Brisbane’s growing popularity is confirmed in its international overnight visitor statistics, which were up 8.5 per cent last September over its previous five years.
The growth of international aviation links has been a significant contributor to Brisbane’s tourism story. Flight capacity from North America recently reached record levels and connections to South-east Asia and India are expanding.
At the same time, premium and luxury offerings are thriving, catering to a growing market of sophisticated international tourists.
Brisbane will be hosting this year’s Australian Tourism Exchange, which is expected to showcase its expanding portfolio to global tourism stakeholders. – Adelaine Ng
Matsumoto Drum Festival
Matsumoto: Timeless appeal
In Nagano Prefecture’s Matsumoto, halfway between Tokyo and Kyoto, tourism stakeholders are strengthening the city’s reputation as a historic destination while developing new cultural and outdoor attractions.
At Matsumoto Castle, a National Historic Site and the city’s largest draw for visitors, the southern and western outer moats are being restored to their mid-19th century form. New experiences within the grounds include wearing samurai armour and making traditional candy.
From December to February, the event Light and Ice Matsumoto transforms the castle at night with colourful projection mapping related to the city, ranging from ukiyo-e woodblock prints to screen paintings from centuries ago. Two model courses, which showcase nature walks and photogenic spots in winter, have also been introduced for visitors.
Matsumoto City Museum, which opened in 2023, celebrates the city’s feudal heritage and tells the story of how Matsumoto and the surrounding region developed, with a permanent exhibition on the castle. Special exhibits introduce the city’s rich culture, such as the temari silk hand-embroidered balls that were first made in Matsumoto, and proximity to nature including the Chubu Sangaku National Park.
There is greater activity in adventure tourism. The new Shinpi Trail, a 113km walking route, connects Matsumoto with Takayama in six sections that traverse the area’s ancient highways through mountains and villages. Hikers can expect views of rivers, volcanic peaks and valleys, rice fields and historic sites.
In the Norikura Highlands, there are new trekking and mountain bike tours, while companies in the Northern Alps offer experiences related to sake and hot springs.
Supporting infrastructure improvements have also emerged, in the form of more free Wi-Fi locations across the city and the deployment of fuel-efficient buses. Some roads are being widened, with dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists.
Matsumoto Tourism and Convention Association has released a tourism website and guide, both in English, and participated in international industry events in Thailand, Taiwan and Japan. – Kathryn Wortley
Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Lombok
Lombok: Highlight in the making
Lombok in Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara Province is fast gaining travellers’ attention, in part due to the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is positioned as one of the country’s five super-priority destinations.
SEZ is home to the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, which hosts international races such as Superbike World Championship, MotoGP Indonesia, the Asia Talent Cup, and the Asia Road Racing Championship. This year, the GT World Challenge Asia is among the races on Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit’s agenda.
Ni Made Ayu Marthini, deputy of marketing at the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, pointed out that each super-priority destination has its own tourism development and marketing focus – for Mandalika, sports tourism and festivals get top attention.
Infrastructure development is still ongoing to ensure the destination attracts a wider range of year-round visitors.
The Indonesia Pertamina MotoGP Experience Gallery is a new addition, opened in 2024. It is the result of a collaboration between the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and Pertamina, Indonesia’s state-owned oil company. The museum is the world’s first MotoGP museum. It showcases race history and Pertamina’s support of automative sports since the 1960s.
ITDC has also signed a Land Use and Development Agreement with Morocco’s Kenzo Hospitality Investments in January for a 4,510m² beach house at Tanjung Aan. This luxury facility will offer dining, water sports, adventure activities, as well as spa and wellness facilities, making it a product suitable for families and sports enthusiasts.
Troy Warokka, ITDC commercial director, said the beach house was “part of ITDC’s strategy to strengthen Mandalika’s position as a world-class destination”. He added that the project would “create a sustainable and positive impact for the local community and economy”.
Hotels are a key component of Mandalika’s development plans. According to the SEZ masterplan, ITDC aims to expand room inventory from 1,000 currently to 9,000 across various categories.
However, Lombok’s tourism potential does not solely lie in Mandalika.
Sahlan Saleh, chairman of West Nusa Tenggara Tourism Promotion Board, shared that the Senggigi Art Market is being revitalised and transformed into an open public space with art performances, while tourism villages, such as the Bonjeruk and Tete Batu in East Lombok, have been developed to offer more home stays and improved infrastructure. Furthermore, local people are well trained to welcome travellers.
Premium stay options are emerging in Lombok. New openings include The Cocana Resort by Social Living Collections on Gili Trawangan, and Marriott International’s The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Lombok.
As these investments come through, the government’s Regional Long-Term Development Plan 2025-2045 also show connection improvements. A bypass road will connect Lembar Port in West Lombok and the Kayangan Port in the East, while North and South cross-island roads will connect Mataram and Central Lombok to North Lombok. – Mimi Hudoyo
Lord Ram Temple opened in Ayodhya in 2024
Ayodhya: From ancient town to tourist hotspot
The government of northern Indian state, Uttar Pradesh is spearheading efforts to transform Ayodhya into a premier tourist destination. The grand inauguration of the Ram Temple last year, constructed at an estimated cost of US$225 million, marked a pivotal moment in Ayodhya’s transformation.
According to international brokerage firm Jefferies, a US$10 billion makeover that included the construction of a new airport, a revamped railway station, enhanced road connectivity, and modern townships has also contributed to Ayodhya’s rise as a tourist hotspot.
“Ayodhya is experiencing exponential growth, attracting a significant number of tourists every month,” said Prateek Hira, president and CEO of Tornos, an experiential travel company based in Uttar Pradesh. “The state’s tourism policy is also highly conducive for investment, with infrastructure and policy incentives attracting top hospitality brands to open their properties in Ayodhya.”
Indeed, the hospitality industry has responded swiftly to Ayodhya’s rise. Major hotel chains such as ITC, IHCL, Radisson Hotel Group, Espire Hospitality Group, and Cygnett Hotels & Resorts are establishing a presence in the city to make the most of the tourist influx.
While Ayodhya’s spiritual significance remains a central draw, the state government is diversifying the destination’s tourism offerings.
The Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board has initiated a project to enhance facilities around Udhaila Lake in Milkipur, a picturesque spot known for its migratory bird population. The development will include a kids’ play area, ghats (riverfront steps), cottages, a canteen, parking facilities, a nature trail, and more to attract nature enthusiasts and photographers.
“The new development at Udhaila Lake will provide much-needed amenities for visitors. The department of tourism aims to expand beyond spiritual tourism, with a focus on attracting tourists through other segments like ecotourism and rural tourism,” shared Jaiveer Singh, minister of tourism and culture, Uttar Pradesh. – Rohit Kaul
Sky Mirror Kuala Selangor
Selangor: Malaysia’s true gateway
It is easy to mistake Kuala Lumpur as the gateway to Malaysia, given that the country’s top two busiest airports, Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal One (KLIA1) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA2), carry the city’s name.
The Visit Selangor Year 2025 (VSY2025) campaign aims to correct this misconception and firmly position Selangor as the true gateway to the country. Both major airports are, in fact, located within Selangor.
Selangor is unique as the only state in Malaysia that is home to three airports with domestic and international passenger traffic. In addition to KLIA1 and KLIA2, the state also boasts the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, more commonly known as Subang Airport.
While Subang Airport is smaller compared to its counterparts, it is a vital transit hub for domestic and regional flights. It is well-regarded for its proximity to urban cities, catering primarily to domestic and regional travellers.
The VSY2025 campaign underscores Selangor’s infrastructure readiness and connectivity beyond its airports. The state boasts an extensive network of highways and public transportation systems that link urban and rural attractions to other parts of Malaysia.
Anchored under the theme Surprising Selangor, VSY2025 aims to attract eight million visitors and generate 11.7 billion ringgit (US$2.6 billion) in tourism revenue.
Ng Suee Lim, state executive councillor for local government, tourism, and new village development, said: “VSY2025 aligns with Selangor’s long-term tourism strategy by focusing on a variety of tourism segments such as eco-tourism, agro tourism, art and culture, gastronomy, business events and medical tourism.
“Through the campaign, we want to reach out to all demographics with special emphasis on solo and female travellers, honeymooners, students and business professionals.
“Our goal is to showcase Selangor as a destination that has it all – breath-taking nature, rich cultural heritage and modern attractions.”
Collaborative initiatives with the travel trade, as well as organising fam trips for media, key opinion leaders and travel agents, aim to amplify the campaign’s global reach. – S Puvaneswary
Dorchester Collection has appointed Philippe Leboeuf as CEO, effective June 2025.
A seasoned hotelier, Leboeuf joins from Raffles London, where he served as managing director.
With extensive experience in the luxury sector across multiple continents, he has held senior leadership roles, including director general of Concorde Hotels, owned by Taittinger, overseeing 19 owned and 70 affiliated hotels. He also served as a Board director of Leading Hotels of the World.
A port city devastated by the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami is developing as a tourism destination thanks to growing interest from international cruises.
In 2011, Miyako, Iwate Prefecture, was hit by 40m-high waves that caused widespread loss of life and destruction to buildings and infrastructure. In the years since, reconstruction has been followed by the development and promotion of tourism resources to attract visitors.
The port city of Miyako is rebuilding through tourism, showcasing its scenic coastline and drawing international cruise ships like Silver Nova, pictured
The area’s natural beauty is one of the assets that has attracted the attention of cruise ships, with Jodogahama Beach, Ryusendo Cave, and Sanriku Geopark featured on shore excursion itineraries.
Silversea Cruises’ Silver Muse and Silver Whisper first called at Miyako in 2023, while Silver Nova made its inaugural port call in 2024, following initial discussions in 2018, according to the commerce, industry, labor and tourism department in Miyako’s Port Promotion Division.
“The port calls have had a very positive effect on the local economy,” department manager Kazuhiko Takehara told TTG Asia.
Local tourism associations have held seminars to train tour guides, and new attractions, such as the sightseeing boat Miyako Umineko Maru, have been introduced to showcase the scenic coastline to visitors.
Takehara added that local children and young people are also benefiting.
“Kindergarten and elementary school students interact with passengers with welcome programmes and performances of local arts. High school and university students act as volunteer interpreters and hospitality volunteers on the wharf. And, in 2024, one port of call tour included a visit to a junior high school for international exchange,” he said.
In 2026, more port calls are scheduled by Silversea ships, as well as the Diamond Princess and Coral Princess, both operated by Princess Cruise Lines.
Trip.com has partnered with Malaysia Airlines to enhance the travel experience by becoming the first third-party platform to integrate the MHupgrade programme – previously available only on the airline’s website – providing travellers with seamless access to upgrade opportunities.
MHupgrade on Trip.com allows eligible Economy or Business Class ticket holders to request upgrades to the next cabin class, including on the A330neo, offering access to Business Class amenities like priority boarding and exclusive lounges for a more convenient and flexible travel experience.
The collaboration allows travellers to easily request cabin upgrades and enjoy exclusive Business Class benefits with Malaysia Airlines; photo by Malaysia Airlines
Demand for premium cabin bookings is growing, with Trip.com seeing triple-digit growth in Business Class and above bookings in 2024, reflecting travellers’ increased willingness to invest in luxury. Malaysia Airlines views this partnership as an opportunity to expand its reach and offer more passengers access to its premium cabin service.
CT Ooi, associate vice president, Trip.com Group, said: “This collaboration aligns with our commitment to enhancing the travel experience by providing more options and greater convenience to our users and is also a testament to the trust that our partners such as Malaysia Airlines have in us to build innovative new products together.”
Dersenish Aresandiran, chief commercial officer of airlines, Malaysia Aviation Group, said: “This strategic partnership will enable us to offer our valued passengers with an elevated travel experience with our signature Malaysian Hospitality while expanding our presence in the global market through a trusted partner in Trip.com.”
Turkish Airlines to launch Phnom Penh flights
Turkish Airlines will commence flights from Istanbul to Phnom Penh on December 10 this year, establishing the first regular service between Europe and Cambodia’s capital.
The airline will operate three-weekly flights to Phnom Penh via Bangkok. Flights will depart from Istanbul to Phnom Penh on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while flights from Phnom Penh to Istanbul will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
AirAsia X
AirAsia X adds new route to Karachi in Pakistan
AirAsia X (AAX) has introduced a new route to Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, starting May 30.
Flying four times a week, AAX is the only low-cost carrier in Malaysia to provide direct service to Karachi, enhancing affordable connectivity between the two nations as well as linking travellers from Pakistan to Malaysia and the rest of South-east Asia.
Vietjet
Vietjet flies direct from Singapore to Phu Quoc
Starting from May 30, Vietjet will operate direct flights between Singapore and Phu Quoc, offering four return flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This new route adds to Vietjet’s existing connections from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Danang, increasing the total number of weekly single-leg flights between Vietnam and Singapore to 78.
Philippine Airlines
PAL starts Cebu-Catarman service
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has launched the first-ever non-stop flights between Cebu and Catarman on March 4.
The thrice weekly Cebu-Catarman-Cebu service is the 22nd route operated by PAL from its gateway hub at Mactan-Cebu airport.
From May 2, the airline will also introduce non-stop flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) with an initial schedule of three flights per week every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Switzerland Tourism is moving beyond growth numbers, focusing on sustainable travel and targeted experiences for key segments. And it is doing so with the support of traveller intelligence.
The organisation conducts the Tourism Monitor Switzerland survey once every four years to yield extensive data on travellers’ motivations, preferences, and behaviours throughout their journey. The latest research initiative engaged over 20,000 travellers from 147 source markets across 600 municipalities.
Bosshart: Switzerland Tourism embraces sustainable travel and key traveller segments, leveraging data from the Tourism Monitor Switzerland survey to enhance its offerings; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
Switzerland Tourism’s chief marketing officer (east), Simon Bosshart, shared that insights from the survey helps the NTO to intensify its Travel Better strategy this year.
Travel Better, which prioritises enriching the travel experience and sustainability over solely pursuing visitor growth, is built upon five core pillars. Sustainable travel is among the five core pillars, and a cornerstone of that is Switzerland Tourism’s Swisstainable programme.
Bosshart explained that Swisstainable serves as an “acknowledgement of a company’s achievements” in sustainability efforts, and is “not a certification”. There are now 2,184 tourism suppliers, such as Zurich Tourism Board and Rigi, in the Swisstainable programme, but with over 40,000 tourism suppliers across Switzerland, Bosshart said efforts are ongoing to get more players on board.
During a trade briefing earlier this week in Singapore, Switzerland Tourism’s marketing and communication manager South-east Asia – Singapore, Nazrul Hakim Jumahat outlined this year’s marketing campaign for the region, drawing on intelligence from the Tourism Monitor Switzerland survey.
The campaign will target four traveller segments: Local Explorer (interested in culture and hidden gems), Pleasure Seeker (seeking luxury and exclusive experiences), Bonding Educator (families with young children), and Active Adventure (focused on outdoor pursuits).
Tailored activities and communications will be developed to resonate with the specific interests of these key groups.
This fresh direction comes at a time of declining overnights among travellers from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. There was a 12 per cent decrease in overnights in 2024 compared to 2023.
In 2024, Singapore was Switzerland’s leading source market in South-east Asia, generating over 30 per cent of all overnights from the region.
Batiste Pilet, director South-east Asia, explained that while South-east Asia contributed a total of 737,229 overnights in 2024, the decline reflects a normalisation of the competitive landscape.
Pilet anticipates moderate growth from South-east Asia over the next few years.
IMBA Theatre, Singapore’s first venue dedicated to large-scale immersive experiences, will open at Gardens by the Bay in December 2025. Presented by the new entity IMBA (Immersive Media Based Arts), created by local edutainment group H&B, the theatre aims to engage audiences with immersive storytelling and big ideas in emotional ways.
IMBA Theatre will offer year-round arts and culture events at Gardens by the Bay, featuring a versatile space that blends technology and creativity. It will showcase local and global exhibitions, performances, and more, encouraging audiences to engage with art in new ways.
IMBA Theatre’s Gallery Space is designed for traditional and mixed media showcases; photo by IMBA
In collaboration with ACRE Design, Arina International Holdings, DP Architects, and Kaizen Architecture, the new venue uses digital and media technology to host interactive exhibitions, live performances, and cultural showcases by local and global artists.
IMBA Theatre will feature a 1,858m² Black Box Theatre with a 12.5m-high projection wall, designed for exhibitions and events. The 1,161m² Gallery Space, with a height of 6.5m, will host media showcases. Retail and dining experiences will also be available.
IMBA Theatre will provide a platform for artistic exchange, bringing together local and international creatives through immersive storytelling. It will showcase Singapore’s diverse arts scene and offer an evolving selection of programmes. Partnering with London-based Lightroom, a leader in immersive storytelling, IMBA will deliver world-class experiences. The Theatre will open in December with The Botero Show, an immersive exhibition featuring works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, including his iconic sculptures displayed across indoor and outdoor spaces.
IMBA Theatre will highlight Singapore’s cultural heritage, showcasing the Nanyang style, which blends Chinese and Western techniques to portray South-east Asian themes, along with murals reflecting the city’s past.
In collaboration with Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Design & Media, IMBA will develop local and global IP content, supporting the growth of talent and innovation to enrich Singapore’s cultural and creative industries.
Michael Lee, CEO of H&B, said: “IMBA Theatre is more than just a venue; it is a space designed for scale and adaptability to inspire wonder and allow audiences to foster deeper connections with the arts and the world around us. Conceptualised by IMBA, the Theatre will be a portal to immersive encounters to create moments of wonder and a lifetime of inspiration. It will merge technology, creativity and impactful storytelling in the way we showcase local talent and global artistry. This is a testament to our commitment to creating transformative experiences that bridge tradition and innovation, and cement Singapore’s position as a global cultural hub.”
Felix Loh, CEO of Gardens by the Bay, added: “Gardens by the Bay constantly refreshes our offerings so that there is always something novel for our visitors… IMBA Theatre will reach out to both regular and new audiences by offering innovative immersive experiences amid the iconic setting of the gardens.”
Oceania Cruises has launched its 2027 Around the World cruise, a 180-day voyage visiting over 100 ports across 46 countries and six continents aboard the new Vista. Bookings open on 12 March.
Setting sail from Miami on January 6, 2027, the 1,200-guest ship will offer a journey with an itinerary designed to connect guests to cultures, history, landscapes, and cuisine. Over six months, guests will explore more than 150 UNESCO World Heritage sites, discovering cultural and natural wonders worldwide.
Oceania Cruises’ 2027 Around the World cruise will span 180 days, visiting over 100 ports across six continents, with the voyage set to depart on January 6, 2027
Guests will transit the Panama Canal, island-hop through the Pacific from Hawaii to Fiji, and cruise along Australia’s coastline. Two months in Asia will explore Thailand’s temples, Hong Kong’s markets, and Japan’s cherry blossoms. After visiting the Arabian Peninsula’s cities, Vista will sail the Mediterranean, from Greece and Italy to the Iberian Peninsula and France, before concluding in London. Two other itineraries are available: a 244-day Epic Global Adventure from Miami to New York, and a 127-day Continental Explorer from Miami to Doha.
Starting at US$76,199 per person for the 180-Day Voyage, Oceania Cruises’ 2027 Around the World sailing features the Exclusive Prestige Package, an array of additional complimentary amenities, including a choice of Free Unlimited Wine, Beer, and Spirits or a Shore Excursion Credit, plus Exclusive Shoreside Events. These extras are in addition to the line’s amenities, which cover gourmet speciality dining, in-room dining, unlimited Wi-Fi, and shipboard gratuities.
With extensive experience in the luxury sector across multiple continents, he has held senior leadership roles, including director general of Concorde Hotels, owned by Taittinger, overseeing 19 owned and 70 affiliated hotels. He also served as a Board director of Leading Hotels of the World.
