TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 16th December 2025
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Page 139

GSTC 2025 conference to be held in Fiji

By TTG Asia
0

The 2025 Conference of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) will be held in Fiji from August 5 to 8, bring together global leaders in sustainable tourism, including government representatives, destination managers, industry professionals, and sustainability experts, to advance the future of responsible travel and tourism worldwide.

Hosting GSTC2025 in Fiji will highlight the Pacific region’s sustainability challenges and opportunities, focusing on climate resilience and conservation in island destinations globally.

Fiji will showcase its commitment to sustainability and conservation as the host of GSTC2025; Savusavu Bay in Fiji, pictured

The GSTC2025 Conference will feature an extensive programme, including keynote speeches from sustainability leaders, panel discussions, as well as hands-on workshops and trainings designed to foster best practices in tourism sustainability.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore critical topics related to marine and coastal tourism, community, culture and responsible development, and destination stewardship. Furthermore, GSTC2025 will serve as a key networking platform, allowing stakeholders from across the tourism industry to collaborate and exchange ideas and solutions for a more sustainable future.

“Tourism Fiji is delighted to bring GSTC to Fiji later this year, in a first for our region. As a developing country, our need for sustainability is immense. We recognise the precious environment that gives us our livelihood in tourism, and we want to preserve it. To do this, we need input, professional advice, learnings, and best practices – adapted to our pressing needs in a small developing island nation. We are delighted to host delegates from around the world to also experience the very best sustainable tourism experiences we have to offer,” said Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill.

More details on pre-conference trainings, venue, and speakers will be announced soon. Early-bird registration for the conference can be accessed here.

A2A Safaris sees surge in Asian bookings

By TTG Asia
0

Singapore-based luxury travel company A2A Safaris (A2A) is seeing a strong rebound in safari bookings as affluent Asians increasingly seek wildlife encounters in their holiday plans.

The company reported a 26 per cent increase in bookings last year compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. It anticipates surpassing this growth in 2025 as Asia, traditionally a smaller market for African safaris compared to North America and Europe, gains importance.

More Asia travellers are seeking unique wildlife experiences; photo by A2A Safaris

Over the past decade, A2A’s business has grown by 142 per cent, having been the first Asia-based tour operator to specialise in planning African safaris for Asian travellers since 2002. A2A co-founder Victor Dizon said Asians are increasingly seeking “money-can’t-buy experiences”, where exclusivity and access to nature outweigh traditional luxuries.

Known for its private luxury safari and nature expeditions, A2A offers customisable itineraries in India featuring exclusive experiences, such as private access to the Taj Mahal, tiger safaris with specialist guides, intimate dining, shopping with local insiders, glamping in the wild, and access to the treasures of the Gem Palace.

Building on this strong growth, A2A has added India and Bhutan to its Wild Asia portfolio, combining the best accommodation, private guides, and exclusive five-star experiences from both countries. The company is also looking to expand its reach to South Korean travellers.

Trips are tailored from a curated portfolio of special interest activities, allowing each client to experience India on their own terms. A2A also offers concierge support, including visa assistance, personalised pre-departure briefings, and restaurant recommendations and reservations.

Dizon explained that the expansion into India responds to clients’ growing desire for safaris offering the same excitement and adventure as those in Africa. He shared that a group of clients who have travelled with them on safaris across Africa are now looking for something equally unique. He added that India offers wildlife such as tigers and snow leopards, and its dense vegetation makes wildlife spotting more challenging compared to Africa’s open savannahs and grasslands.

The Bhutan programme highlights include the National Memorial Chorten, the country’s most prominent religious landmark, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students preserve traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, and the Buddha Dordenma, one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world, surrounded by 100,000 smaller bronze and gold-gilded statues.

Hiking trails include the Kuensel Phodrang trail – often used by the current king for mountain biking and the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a religious structure built recently for protection of the people of Bhutan.

In addition, Singaporeans are increasingly interested in East Africa, with many hoping to witness the Great Migration’s river crossings before exploring less crowded reserves or visiting the gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda.

Dizon noted that, impacted by the pandemic, travellers now prioritise time with loved ones, choosing to pursue their dreams and explore the world’s wonders. In response, the company has diversified its product offerings to stay adaptable in the uncertain post-pandemic environment.

Hotels need to embrace Gen Z travel trends for success, Agoda reveals

By TTG Asia
0

Agoda has outlined how hotels across Asia can embrace the preferences of Gen Z travellers to ensure they are adequately future-proofing their business.

The call comes as Agoda research reveals the top five travel habits of Asian Gen Z, highlighting a generation that finds inspiration in the digital realm, embraces spontaneity, and values shared experiences.

Gen Z travellers value connection, preferring to explore with a partner, group of friends or family

The survey, conducted on the Agoda platform between January 10 and 31, 2025, included over 15,000 participants from markets across Asia including Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. It highlights how travellers aged 18-27, or Gen Z, are shaping the future of travel in Asia, influencing trends and paving the way for future generations to explore the world in new ways.

To attract Gen Z travellers, hotels should focus on creating Instagrammable spaces that encourage guests to share their experiences, using hashtags that connect directly to the property. Additionally, hotels should stay proactive by incorporating upcoming concerts and festivals into marketing strategies early on, capturing the interests of this generation. Themed experiences, such as offering unique menus inspired by popular shows like White Lotus in Thailand, can further engage Gen Z.

Collaborating with social media influencers to showcase memorable moments at the property is another effective strategy for drawing attention. Staying on top of trending content, particularly on TikTok, and reflecting these trends in the hotel’s offerings will help attract experience-driven travellers. Finally, personalising the guest experience is key for ensuring Gen Z leaves positive reviews, as they are focused on self-expression and meaningful experiences.

Social media is the new travel guide
Gen Z is blazing a trail on social media, with TikTok leading the way as their top source for travel inspiration. While millennials lean on friends and family as their preferred source of recommendations, Gen Z is scrolling through TikTok (20%) and Instagram (14%) to discover their next adventure. Despite the digital influence, personal recommendations remain a close second (17%), proving that word-of-mouth still holds sway.

Last-minute bookings on the rise
In a world where plans can change in an instant, Gen Z embraces the thrill of last-minute travel more than any other generation. 20% of Gen Z say they book flights less than a week in advance, outpacing millennials, Gen X, and boomers. Accommodation follows suit, with one in four Gen Z travellers reporting they make bookings at the eleventh hour, showcasing their penchant for spontaneity.

Partnered adventures take the lead
For Gen Z, travel is a shared experience, with 38% preferring to explore the world with a partner. Group trips with friends and family vacations also rank high, highlighting the importance of connection and companionship in their journeys. Millennials, on the other hand, prioritise family trips, reflecting a generational shift in travel dynamics.

Spending habits align across generations
When it comes to travel spending, Gen Z and millennials are on the same page. Both generations prefer to keep accommodation costs under US$50 per person per night, with Gen Z more inclined to do so (56%) than their millennial counterparts (44%). Meanwhile, 32% of Gen Z plan to spend between US$51-100 per person per night compared to 41% of millennials. This trend underscores a shared commitment to affordable travel without compromising on experiences.

The desire to travel transcends generations
Despite differing preferences in where different generations find travel inspiration, when they book their travels, and who they go with, the desire to explore the world is universal. Nearly half of Gen Z and millennials plan to embark on one to three trips this year, while a third are aiming for four to six adventures. This shared wanderlust bridges generational gaps, proving that the love for travel knows no bounds.

“It’s hard to understate the importance of Gen Z in determining the future of travel,” said Andrew Smith, senior vice president supply, Agoda.

“This is the first generation never to have known the world without the internet and one that is developing increasing spending power, with Neilsen’s Spend Z report expecting US$12T growth by 2030. It is no surprise that they place a premium on opportunities to capture instaworthy content and are constantly looking for unforgettable experiences. The most forward-thinking hotels are those adapting their marketing strategies to thoughtfully cater to this group.”

Bhutan icons land at Changi Airport

By TTG Asia
0

A 3D model of Paro Taktsang, also widely known as the Tiger’s Nest, alongside stunning visuals that showcase Bhutan’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique travel experiences, are now on display at Changi Airport Terminal 3.

The Discover Bhutan Exhibition is a limited edition showcase in Singapore, supported by the Department of Tourism (Bhutan) and Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines.

The Discover Bhutan Exhibition is on display at Changi Airport Terminal 3 from now to April 6

Visitors can also explore select Bhutanese products on display to get a glimpse into the country’s rich arts and crafts.

Discover Bhutan Exhibition will end on April 6.

Vivid Sydney 2025 unveils full line-up of artists and experiences

By TTG Asia
0

Vivid Sydney, Australia’s largest event, will return to transform the Harbour City in 2025, running from May 23 to June 14. With the theme Dream, it explores the question, “What’s in a dream?” during this year’s celebration.

For its 15th year, the festival footprint has been redesigned to include five zones: Circular Quay and The Rocks, Barangaroo, Martin Place and the CBD (for the first time since 2018), Darling Harbour, and The Goods Line and Inner City. Each connected zone will showcase events from the festival’s four pillars: Light, Ideas, Food, and Music.

Vivid Sydney returns from this year with exclusive collaborations, new zones, and global talent

Vivid Sydney will highlight Sydney’s creative pulse with exclusive collaborations featuring the Sydney Writers’ Festival, Sydney Film Festival, and cultural institutions such as the Art Gallery of NSW, Australian Museum, Bangarra Dance Theatre, City Recital Hall, State Library of NSW, and Sydney Theatre Company.

Vivid Light will showcase exclusive commissions, including David McDiarmid’s Kiss of Light on the Opera House, Vincent Namatjira’s King Dingo on the MCA, and House of Romance at Customs House. Interactive installations along the Vivid Light Walk will feature 3D projections, voice-activated animations, and more. Attendees can also design their own projections, with 150 entries featured weekly on the ASN Co. Building’s Clock Tower in The Rocks.

This year, the entire Vivid Light Walk is free for all to enjoy, with new landmarks such as the Museum of Sydney, The Bond in Barangaroo, and Challis House in Martin Place, alongside returning sites like the Argyle Cut and CTA Building.

Vivid Ideas will feature D W Pine’s keynote and Matthew Walker’s talk on sleep. Free events include the Firetalk series and Endling by Legs On The Wall. Stranger Things: The Experience will debut at Luna Park Sydney.

Vivid Food will feature Nigella Lawson curating exclusive dinners at Muru Giligu in Martin Place, with light, sound, and NSW produce. Favourites like Vivid Fire Kitchen return to The Goods Line, while the Vivid Chef Series pairs top chefs with Sydney’s best dining. Maryanne Street transforms into the Spice Lounge, and Surry Hills’ Hollywood Quarter hosts exclusive gigs, food trails, and street parties, all supported by the Transport for NSW Open Streets Program.

Vivid Music celebrates collective dreams through sound and song, featuring a curated line-up of global artists, special events, interactive experiences, and exclusive performances.

Tumbalong Nights at Darling Harbour will feature music from diaspora and First Nations artists, including Winston Surfshirt, Ayesha Madon, and Dobet Gnahoré. Oxford Art Factory hosts Pete & Bas, and Vivid Supper Club offers contemporary cabaret. Vivid LIVE at the Opera House features over 50 artists, including Anohni, Sigur Rós with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and Japanese Breakfast.

At Carriageworks, Mall Grab, Ngaiire, and Skegss will perform, alongside the return of the legendary Night Market featuring Sydney’s top bars and restaurants.

Tickets are now available on the website.

For more information, visit Vivid Sydney.

Alma Resort welcomes HR director

By TTG Asia
0

Ngo Thi Thu Ngan has been appointed director of human resources at Alma Resort Cam Ranh.

A hospitality professional with two decades’ experience, the Vietnamese national joins the beachfront resort on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula after working as the director of talents and culture at Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh.

Her extensive human resources experience comprises roles at Wyndham Grand KN Paradise Cam Ranh, Glow Scenia Nha Trang Bay Hotel, Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa, Tan Viet Corporate, and Khanh Hoa Trading and Investment Company.

Megaworld Hotels and Resorts makes key appointments

By Rosa Ocampo
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Megaworld Hotels and Resorts has appointed Sophia ‘Khendy’ Altamirano as group director of revenue management, distribution and business development; Yvonne Villacorte has joined as general manager of Belmont Hotel Mactan; and Geraldine Gaw as general manager of Hotel Lucky Chinatown.

Altamirano has over 27 years of experience in the Asian hospitality industry, including 17 years with Accor Hotels Group. She was formerly the market director of sales and distribution and director of the national sales office at Marriott Philippines.

From left: Sophia Altamirano, Yvonne Villacorte, and Geraldine Gaw

Villacorte, with 30 years of experience, was previously the general manager of Best Western Ivywall Panglao and has worked with several hotel chains in Vietnam and the Philippines.

Gaw joins Hotel Lucky Chinatown after serving as the area director of sales and marketing at Megaworld Hotels and Resorts. With over three decades in the industry, she has primarily focused on sales and marketing before transitioning to operations.

Ibaraki Airport sets sights on becoming key flight hub in central Kanto region

By Kathryn Wortley
0

Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture has unveiled a proposal for its airport to become the third flight hub in the central Kanto region, alongside Haneda and Narita airports.

Located in Omitama, just 100 minutes by bus or train from central Tokyo, Ibaraki Airport aims to attract international visitors looking for an entry and exit point to Japan within the Kanto region. While 19.1 million passengers chose Haneda Airport for international flights in fiscal 2023, Ibaraki’s local government is eager to increase its share of passengers, which totalled 750,000 during the same period.

Ibaraki Airport aims to become the third major flight hub in the Kanto region with its expansion plan; photo by KO-TORI

Under the plan, Ibaraki Airport would offer flights to Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, as well as Europe and the US, expanding its current shorthaul international services to destinations such as Shanghai and Taipei, in addition to domestic flights to Sapporo, Kobe, Fukuoka, and Naha.

The increase in international flights would require the expansion and upgrading of airport facilities, according to local government officials. Development would include new taxiways to increase the number of flights served to more than eight per hour, improved fuelling facilities for greater efficiency, and a larger aircraft parking apron as the current one can only accommodate three planes.

The terminal building would also see improvements, such as an expanded security checkpoint, waiting room and baggage claim area, to accommodate the expected increase in passengers.

Ibaraki Airport, which celebrates 15 years of operations in 2025, has long sought to attract more international passengers, even considering a name change to Tokyo Ibaraki International Airport, a proposal that was abandoned due to local opposition.

PATA achieves carbon neutrality in 2024 through global offset initiatives

By TTG Asia
0

PATA has confirmed that all its activities in 2024 were carbon neutral, with emissions from events offset through projects in Cambodia, supported by Sustainable Travel International, and emissions from other operations, such as training, staff travel, and office activities, offset in Thailand through the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation.

Since 2022, PATA has been offsetting the carbon footprint of in-person events while applying emission reduction strategies in line with its Climate Action Plan and Carbon Neutral Events Guidelines. However, certain emissions, such as those from transportation, electricity use, and waste, remain unavoidable. To address this, PATA continues to support credible carbon offset projects while implementing strategies to minimise emissions, such as exploring sustainable event design, optimising digital solutions, and collaborating with venues and suppliers prioritising sustainability.

PATA’s Keo Seima project reduces emissions, protects biodiversity, supports the indigenous Bunong people, and creates sustainable income opportunities through ecotourism, farming, and skills training

PATA offset emissions from the PATA Annual Summit 2024 (PAS 2024) in Macau and the PATA Travel Mart 2024 (PTM 2024) in Bangkok through the Keo Seima Project, which protects Cambodia’s Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary. This project reduces emissions by preventing deforestation and supports biodiversity, while safeguarding the rights of the indigenous Bunong people and combating illegal activities like logging and poaching.

The project also addresses the socio-economic drivers of deforestation, creating income opportunities through climate-smart farming, ecotourism, and skills training, while improving access to clean water, healthcare, and education.

Through the Keo Seima Project, PATA offset 354.75 MTCO2e from PAS 2024 and 490.9 MTCO2e from PTM 2024.

Additionally, the Southern Cardamom Project in Cambodia offset emissions from the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024 (PDMF 2024) held in Thailand. This project protects one of South-east Asia’s last primary rainforests and provides alternative income through ecotourism, conservation employment, and sustainable agriculture. It also supports community-led forest protection, with over 130 rangers patrolling the area. PATA offset 120.91 MTCO2e from PDMF 2024 through this project.

A third initiative, the PSTC Solar Farm 10 MW Project in Thailand, offset emissions from PATA’s general operations. This renewable energy project, registered with the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation, provides clean power, reduces fossil fuel reliance, and contributes to environmental sustainability in Thailand. PATA offset 95 MTCO2e from its operations and activities, including its capacity-building programmes in Kuching and Macau.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated: “Sustainability is no longer an option; it is a responsibility. In 2024, for the first time, we achieved full carbon neutrality, offsetting emissions from all our events, operations, and capacity-building programmes.

“As the tourism industry works towards a more responsible future, we remain committed to reducing our footprint while supporting projects that protect biodiversity, empower local communities, and safeguard the future of travel, while also encouraging our members and partners to do the same. In 2025, we will take further steps to refine our sustainability strategies, enhance our Climate Action Plan, and explore third-party verification of our emissions to ensure transparency and accountability.”

Emirates and Trip.com strengthen partnership to boost global travel offerings

By TTG Asia
0

Emirates and Trip.com are expanding their long-standing partnership to focus on identifying growth opportunities in new markets and customer segments.

The agreement was formalised at ITB Berlin by Nabil Sultan, executive vice president, passenger sales & country management for Emirates and CT Ooi, vice president of flights business, Trip.com Group.

Trip.com Group’s CT Ooi, Emirates’ Adnan Kazim and Nabil Sultan signed the agreement at ITB Berlin

Both companies will collaborate to enhance Trip.com’s global presence through strategic partnerships and activations, leveraging Emirates’ extensive international network and coordinating promotional efforts in key Asian and European markets, which remain a strategic focus for both companies. The collaboration aims to boost customer conversion by integrating Emirates’ flight offerings with Trip.com’s expanding hotel and travel services portfolio while also partnering on exclusive promotions for families and holiday seekers.

Additionally, the two companies will coordinate impactful campaigns to drive growth in global markets and explore value-added services and customised offers for both the Trip.com Rewards and Emirates Skywards programmes. The partnership will include cross-promotional opportunities targeting segments like students, youth, and cruise customers, with Emirates offering its Chauffeur Drive service on the Trip.com platform to tap into Trip.com’s premium customer base.

Emirates first partnered with Trip.com in 2020 to expand its reach in China and Asia. This initial cooperation included joint marketing promotions to boost Emirates’ sales via Trip.com’s online platforms and provide a customised booking experience.

The expansion comes as the airline strengthens its presence across Asia, with the launch of daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Shenzhen, China, four weekly services to Danang, Vietnam, and three weekly flights to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Emirates boasts the largest network of any non-Asian carrier, serving 24 destinations across East Asia.

Sultan said: “The next phase not only strengthens our position to provide more of our products to Trip.com’s customer base, but also unlocks traveller demand for air and hotel packages, enables us to integrate offers across both of our loyalty programmes and tap into a variety of consumer segments with specialised promotions. We look forward to empowering Trip.com customers with options to customise their travel with ease on Emirates.”

“By combining Emirates’ world-class network with Trip.com’s innovative travel ecosystem, we are creating more opportunities for travellers to access exclusive flight and hotel packages, tailored promotions, and enhanced loyalty rewards,” added Ooi.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | InterContinental Halong Bay Resort presents Hidden Wonders experience
TTG Asia | Lufthansa Group unveils new brand identity
TTG Asia | Taiwan sets new course for tourism sector