The partnership lets Expedia customers access Emirates' portfolio of fare products and services
Emirates Airline and Expedia Group have expanded their long-standing partnership through the former’s full integration of its NDC API with the latter’s brands, establishing a direct connection that delivers the airline’s complete portfolio of fare products and services to Expedia Group’s global customer base.
This latest enhancement will empower millions of travellers to unlock a wider range of options and benefit from streamlined booking capabilities on Expedia Group’s brands when planning their journeys to any point on the airline’s global network.
The partnership lets Expedia customers access Emirates’ portfolio of fare products and services
In addition to customer personalisation, both parties will explore deeper collaboration on loyalty programmes and leverage data to drive business growth and inform joint marketing initiatives.
The partnership will also focus on creating end-to-end booking experiences for full package solutions.
Presentation of the GSTC certificate by the Bureau Veritas Quality Assurance team to Aloft Singapore Novena; Aloft's Tan Kim Seng (third from left)
Aloft Singapore Novena has become the first Aloft hotel in Asia to achieve Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainable hospitality.
Presentation of the GSTC certificate by the Bureau Veritas Quality Assurance team to Aloft Singapore Novena; Aloft’s Tan Kim Seng (centre)
“Achieving the GSTC certification is a proud milestone for Aloft and a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our team to implement meaningful practices that not only protect the environment but also celebrate the rich culture and heritage of our vibrant Balestier neighbourhood, creating lasting, positive impacts for both residents and visitors alike. This certification inspires us to continue leading by example in shaping a more sustainable future for hospitality,” said Tan Kim Seng, general manager at Aloft Singapore Novena.
The hotel has implemented a variety of sustainable practices to minimise its environmental impact in its operations. These include food waste segregation that achieved a 94 per cent decrease in waste in the last quarter of 2024 compared to 2023, with plans to reduce waste by an additional 5 per cent annually.
It has moved away from single-use plastic toiletries, opting for refillable shampoo and soap dispensers in guest rooms. To reduce waste further, recycling bins have been placed in guest rooms and public areas.
The introduction of linen-saving display cards and water-saving aerators has helped reduce water consumption by up to 53 per cent.
Aloft Singapore Novena has also cultivated an urban farm to grow fresh produce such as eggplants, cucumbers, basil, peppermint, chili, caixin and lady’s finger. These are used in the hotel’s drinks menu, reducing reliance on transported goods and lowering carbon emissions.
In line with GSTC’s criteria for engaging and enhancing local community and cultural heritage, Aloft has taken an active role in the Balestier community.
Before the temporary closure of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, the hotel partnered with the heritage venue for the Dragon Boat Festival, hosting a pop-up booth featuring curated snacks.
Beyond this, Aloft has pledged to contribute a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer service per year, reinforcing its engagement with the local community.
The hotel promotes neighbourhood vendors through its concierge map and encourages guests to explore the Balestier Heritage Trail, which traces the area’s architectural and historical evolution.
Aloft will continue to implement additional initiatives as part of its sustainability action plan that include eliminating single-use plastics, improving energy efficiency, and sustainable procurement.
Global hospitality organisation, Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR), celebrates three decades of hospitality service this year.
To mark its pearl anniversary, MHR has launched The Millennium Way campaign to redefine guest experiences and inspire travels through its diverse offerings.
From now until end March 2026, guests can enjoy up to 20 per cent off room rates, and get a range of personalised perks, tailored to enhance their experience at MHR hotels worldwide.
These include complimentary breakfast, dining credits, welcome drinks, late-check out and more, with benefits varying at each property.
Room rates go up to 20 per cent off and guests who stay at MHR hotels get a variety of perks until end March 2026
“Celebrating 30 years is not just about our properties, it’s also about the people who have shaped our company to what it is today. Our guests, partners, and teams are the heartbeat of our brand, the very DNA that fuels our journey. Their loyalty, trust, and passion have defined our legacy, and we are honoured to celebrate this milestone with them. The Millennium Way is more than a campaign – it’s our promise to continue innovating, elevating experiences, and creating unforgettable moments for our guests,” said Saurabh Prakash, interim chief operating officer and chief commercial officer, MHR.
Members of MyMillennium, MHR’s global guest loyalty programme can earn 3,000 bonus MyPoints for booking a consecutive three-night stay at an exclusive rate. Longer stays are rewarded with more points. Guests who stay up till nine nights can earn 30,000 bonus MyPoints.
MyMillennium members can also earn 3,000 MyPoints (worth US$15) with a minimum spend of US$90 at participating F&B outlets in MHR properties, under its new dining campaign, A Culinary Odyssey. The campaign will launch in Singapore first, before extending progressively to other regions.
Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach, Family Suite
Raffles Sentosa Singapore
Raffles Sentosa Singapore, Singapore Singapore welcomed its second Raffles hotel in March with the opening of the Raffles Sentosa Singapore on March 1. The 62-villa property, Singapore’s first all-villa property, is nestled within 100,000m² of tropical greenery on Sentosa island.
Villa sizes range from 210m² for a one-bedroom pool villa to 650m² for the four-bedroom Royal Villa. Each comes with a private pool and outdoor terrace.
Guests can choose from five dining venues and lounges, including the signature Empire Grill for modern Italian cuisine, a cantonese restaurant, Japanese omakase. The elegant Raffles Room hosts the brand’s signature afternoon tea while the Chairman’s Room offers a selection of whiskies, cognac and fine wines.
The resort also aims to be a destination for weddings, with two state-of-the-art ballrooms, the largest able to accommodate up to 400 guests.
Regent Bali Canggu Studio Suite
Regent Bali Canggu, Indonesia Nestled on Bali’s coveted southwestern coast, the Regent Bali Canggu marks the first Regent Hotels & Resorts opening in Indonesia.
The 150 all-suites and villas resort features Studio Suites that start from 76m² to the 618m² Two Bedroom Penthouse Oceanfront with Private Pool. Guests who stay in select one-bedroom suites, villas and two-bedroom penthouses have access to Regent Club, an exclusive full-service lounge with private infinity pool and complimentary champagne in the evenings.
The hotel has five dining venues including its signature restaurant, Taru, which showcases authentic Indonesian dishes, a Spanish restaurant, and another which offers a modern European menu opening later in the year.
The brand’s first-ever Regent-branded spa, the Regent Spa & Wellness, will open in late 2025, with seven restorative treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite, a sauna, and a plunge pool. Guests can also enjoy a range of services for hands, feet and face at the Beauty Hub or have a swim in one of the property’s nine pools.
Also opening later in the year will be Regent Kids, a kid’s club with an interactive indoor and outdoor playground.
Pullman Chennai Anna Salai
Pullman Chennai Anna Salai, India Located in Chennai’s bustling Anna Salai district, the Pullman Chennai Anna Salai is connected to major government offices, consulates, corporate hubs, and business districts.
The 232-key hotel houses over 1,700m² of versatile meeting and banquet spaces, making it an ideal choice for corporate events, conferences, and grand social gatherings.
Three dining venues offer a variety of international and local fare, including the rooftop restaurant, which showcases authentic North Indian cuisine.
A rejuvenating spa, and state-of-the-art fitness centre, to an inviting outdoor pool offer guests places to recharge.
The hotel is also awarded Gold-level sustainability certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) programme.
Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach
Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach, Indonesia Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach on Indonesia’s Bintan island draws inspiration from its natural mangrove surroundings.
Each of its 258 guest rooms features a private outdoor balcony, premium amenities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a 55-inch smart TV. There are also Pool Access rooms, Kids’ Suites and spacious one- and two-bedroom Family Suites that cater to multigenerational travellers with separate living areas and extra sleeping space.
The Mangrove House Kids Club at the resort offers a variety of educational activities for children. Those seeking relaxation can head for the Sunjivva Spa, which has treatments for adults and children.
The resort’s outdoor activity centre Wavy Waft offers a mix of complimentary and paid activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
Four dining venues offer international and local fare, including a swim-up bar by the pool and kid-friendly snack bar near the children’s pool.
The resort also offers spaces for corporate events with a 450m² ballroom and three meeting rooms.
Rural accommodations that the chefs will head to include ryokan inns
Japan’s largest travel agent, JTB Corporation, has unveiled plans to dispatch chefs to small- and medium sized accommodations in regional areas in a bid to tap international visitors’ growing interest in Japanese cuisine.
The chefs, who will be matched with accommodations and regions by JTB, will stay in the region for a specified period to research local ingredients and work alongside local colleagues to create new dishes and menus.
Rural accommodations that the chefs will head to include ryokan inns
As food and drink is “one of the major purposes of travel,” JTB hopes the project will support lodgings facing “a qualitative and quantitative chef shortage,” the company said in a statement.
“The challenge of human resource shortages in the tourism industry has become even more apparent in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, amidst the rapid influx of inbound travellers to regional areas …
“In addition to helping remedy the shortage of chefs, the project will also create various kinds of value, such as discovering hidden local ingredients from an outsider’s perspective for menu development and improving the skills of local chefs through new encounters,” it continued.
The initiative is also designed to increase consumption of local products and provide a boost to local food culture while improving the attractiveness of regions to visitors, particularly those from overseas. It is part of a series of projects by JTB to create food-related businesses and services that enhance the value of tourist attractions and help realise sustainable development in Japan’s region’s through co-creation with local companies.
JTB will collaborate initially with Tokyo-based Real Quality to create a dinner plan at Horaikan, a ryokan inn in Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture.
Available in March, the meal will be created by an up-and-coming award-winning chef who has trained extensively in Europe and the chef of Horaikan who has in-depth knowledge of using local ingredients and traditional Japanese cooking methods.
Meliá Phu Quoc Forest Bay will open in two phases, first in 2028 and 2030 with 773 rooms
Meliá Hotels International has signed an agreement with Vietnam’s CityLand Group to open a new five-star resort, Meliá Phu Quoc Forest Bay, in 2028.
This marks Meliá’s third property on Vietnam’s largest island, joining Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc, in the northwest, and SOL by Meliá Phu Quoc in the south.
Located along a pristine 700-metre beachfront, the resort will span 21 hectares within the Bai Thom master plan, a key development area on the island. The project will be developed in two phases: the first phase, set to open in 2028, will introduce 128 luxury villas and 130 rooms, while the second phase, expected to be completed by 2030, will add 108 more villas, bringing the total capacity to 773 rooms.
Meliá Phu Quoc Forest Bay will open in two phases, first in 2028 and 2030 with 773 rooms
“Phu Quoc’s stunning natural beauty from its white sand beaches to the verdant national park, make this island a gem of a destination that’s steadily gaining more popularity with travellers seeking new destinations in Vietnam,” said Ignacio Martin, management director for Meliá Hotels International in the APAC region.
The resort will feature contemporary villas ranging from two to five bedrooms, each with private pools. Multiple restaurants and bars will be situated within the resort’s grounds, along with an oceanfront swimming pool, a wellness centre with a gym and luxury spa, a kids’ club, and an event space for weddings, conferences and large events.
Meliá Hotels International has expanded rapidly in Vietnam in the last three years. At the start of 2022, the Spanish hotel group had six hotels and resorts throughout the country. The company now has 20 hotels in operation and six in the pipeline in Vietnam.
Sentosa's Michael Ma shares the island's latest attractions that include the all-villa Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Singapore Oceanarium
Several new experiences offered at Singapore’s Sentosa are expected to keep European visitors keen on the destination, as they are “a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences that resonate with the discerning European traveller segment”.
Speaking to TTG Asia, Michael Ma, assistant chief executive (business & digital technology group) at Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), said Sentosa’s “latest and upcoming offerings cater to diverse interests while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and wellness”.
New draws on the popular holiday island include the all-villa Raffles Sentosa Singapore, which opened on March 1 to strong interest and bookings from both leisure guests and event planners. An experience not to be missed at the hotel is the Sentosa Sling, its iteration of the iconic Singapore Sling cocktail.
Sentosa’s Michael Ma shares the island’s latest attractions that include the all-villa Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Singapore Oceanarium
Ma also pointed to the soon-to-open Singapore Oceanarium as a hot draw for European visitors. The attraction will provide an immersive marine experience. The revamped Tanjong Beach Club also beckons, promising “the perfect beach club setting for relaxation and socialising”.
“At the heart of our new development this year would be the enhanced Sentosa Sensoryscape, which will be celebrating its first anniversary in March. During the celebration, we will be unveiling our new and enhanced mythical AR superbeing that invites visitors to awaken their senses and embark on a deeper journey of discovery,” shared Ma.
He added: “The European market continues to be an important and growing segment for Sentosa, contributing to our diverse international visitor mix.
“There was a robust 30 per cent increase in European visitation in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2024, we have also recovered past pre-Covid numbers for the European market. This reflects the increasing appeal of Sentosa’s unique blend of leisure experiences to discerning European travellers.”
The European market is valuable to SDC and Sentosa, as this segment typically stays on longer and spends more.
“This brings significant value to Sentosa’s tourism ecosystem and we’re committed to further develop this market through targeted marketing initiatives and tailored experiences that resonate with European preferences for sustainable, cultural, and innovative tourism products.” Ma anticipates continued growth in European arrivals to the island, and is working to “sustain and further enhance this growth” through strategic partnerships and targeted marketing initiatives with key industry players such as Singapore Tourism Board to develop Europe’s tier two markets, and Expedia to drive accommodation stays on Sentosa.
Meanwhile, SDC’s commitment to sustainable development has not only contributed positively to Singapore’s overall green plans, it has also enhanced Sentosa’s appeal among environmentally-conscious European travellers.
Last November, Sentosa hosted the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) first conference in South-east Asia.
“Sentosa as the first destination in Asia to be certified to GSTC’s destination standards and being able to play host to the GSTC 2024 Conference further cements our position as a leader in sustainable tourism in the region,” remarked Ma.
“We believe that upon achieving this target, it will further enhance Sentosa’s appeal to our European partners, particularly those in the business and leisure travel sectors.
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree welcomes visitors from April 2, 2025
Situated in Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree will open its doors to the public next month.
Guests have direct access to the nearby zoological parks of the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise and the upcoming Rainforest Wild.
Tree house rooms were designed to resemble the seed pods of the Purple Millettia tree
Occupying 4.6ha, the resort has 338 rooms, including 24 tree houses, 11 one-bedroom suites and 72 family rooms. Guests who stay at the tree houses also have access to a private pool, while the rest of the resort guests can enjoy the rooftop pool, which overlooks the Upper Seletar Reservoir.
True to the Banyan Group’s design philosophy where each of its properties reflects the surrounding environment, the resort at Mandai incorporates biophillic design in every element from its architecture to interior design and amenities.
“We wanted to be part of the rainforest and eventually in the next couple of years when the new landscaping grows up we hope that there’s blurred lines between what is man-made and what is natural,” shared Glen Cook, general manager, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, at a media briefing today.
The resort is the Banyan Group’s first in Singapore and its 100th property.
“As Banyan Group’s homecoming property, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled guest experiences synonymous with the Banyan Tree brand. From exclusive wildlife encounters in the parks right next door to rejuvenating spa treatments, every moment will be thoughtfully crafted to captivate the senses,” said Cook.
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The tree house room. An additional bed can be added for children
Each tree house room has a floating patio with a view
A spacious bathroom with separate bathtub and shower area inside the tree house room
Two sinks in the tree house room
The one bed-room suite overlooks the river
The Family Suite has a bunk bed in a corner for children
A private pool only for tree house guests
Sustainability is at the heart of the resort as well. All rooms are naturally ventilated with windows that fully open and and ambient room temperatures are regulated. Each room is equipped with an interactive display that shows power consumption levels and gives reminders when usage exceeds recommended levels. The flushing system in rooms is also powered by collected rainwater. All these touches have led to the resort achieving Singapore Green Mark Platinum status for being a Super Low Energy Resort.
The resort houses two restaurants – Forage and Planter’s Shed.
Planter’s Shed is an all-day dining restaurant featuring local and international cuisine, while specialty restaurant Forage offers a Trust the Chef menu and dishes made from daily sourced ingredients, including produce from the resort’s rooftop edible garden.
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The Meranti Ballroom seats up to 300
Forage offers dishes that incorporate fresh produce from the resort's rooftop garden
Private dining room in Forage with a view
A well-equipped spacious gym with weights and treadmills (not pictured)
The lobby incorporates biophillic design
Play area for children
All guests have access to the rooftop pool
The spa also sells products
Another signature of the Banyan Group’s offering is its spa. Banyan Tree Spa at the Mandai Rainforest Resort creates an intimate sanctuary with spa pavilions and suites that seamlessly integrate with its natural surroundings. Three treatment pods and three treatment rooms are available.A range of skincare including hand creams, essential oils and toiletries will also be on sale at Banyan Tree Gallery, the resort’s retail store.
The resort’s 446m² ballroom seats 300, with its eye-catching ceiling designed after the rare Bridal Veil Stinkhorn. Nearby is a spacious bridal room for wedding delegations. Two function rooms that seat up to 40 people combined are also available.
For children, the Ranger’s Club offers a fun and educational play area, and the Wild ZooDay Camp takes those aged six to 10 on an immersive guided tour of Singapore Zoo.
Carlo Micallef shares Malta's plans to draw more Asian tourists including more flight connections and engagements with travel agencies
Asia is a growing tourism source market for Malta, and numbers are expected to inflate further on the back of air network improvements that better connect the globe’s east with the central Mediterranean country.
Qatar Airways will recommence flights to Malta this July with a four-times-weekly connection between Doha’s Hamad International Airport and Malta International Airport.
Carlo Micallef shares Malta’s plans to draw more Asian tourists including more flight connections and engagements with travel agencies
“We’re very happy to have Qatar Airways back to Malta. It provides an important gateway to Malta from Asia and Australia,” said Carlo Micallef, chief executive officer at Malta Tourism Authority, adding that Asian access is currently supported by Emirates, which flies daily from Dubai with a stop in Larnaca, and LOT Polish Airlines.
“At this point, our connection with Asia – China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia – is very good,” he remarked. This has helped to lift Asian arrivals “steadily”.
“It is our strategy to invest more in Asia so that we have a better balance of arrivals from different markets around the world. At the moment, we have about 50,000 arrivals from the whole of Asia. I think it can grow to give us 150, 000 to 200,000,” said Micallef.
He sees strong promise in China and Singapore – and any Asian countries that do not need a visa to enter Malta.
Malta Tourism Authority intensifying engagements with Asian travel agencies are paying off, with “some nice groups from Thailand, China, and other Asian countries” along with an uptick in leisure and business travel enquiries for Maltese inbound players.
Micallef emphasised that Malta is ideal for Asian travellers wanting a slow travel experience in a small but very vibrant destination.
“It takes less than one hour to go from point to point in Malta, but we are like a zip file – you open it and out comes so many layers to discover,” he opined.
Travellers, he said, could easily explore Malta and stay in quality hotels, boutique properties, apartments, and guesthouses anywhere, not only in the main areas of Valletta, Sliema, St Julian, or St Paul’s Bay.
“Travellers can go into the small villages, stay in a guesthouse with 15 or 20 rooms, have tea with the locals, go with them to collect strawberries in the fields, milk a goat and make some cheese, or taste local wine,” he said, adding that the experience is “all very real and natural”.
To present the best of Malta to more Asians, the tourism board is developing its fly-cruises offerings, introducing off-peak travel ideas for the winter months between November and April, and offering fam trip opportunities to Asian travel planners so that they can “see it and believe it”.
New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford presents the Testimonial of new connectivity to Vietjet Vice Chairman of the BOD Nguyen Anh Tuan, in the presence of the Prime Ministers of both countries
New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford presents the Testimonial of new connectivity to Vietjet Vice Chairman of the BOD Nguyen Anh Tuan, in the presence of the Prime Ministers of both countries
Vietjet announces inaugural air service connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Auckland Vietjet Air has announced an inaugural air service between Vietnam and New Zealand with the upcoming launch of a Ho Chi Minh City-Auckland service.
The route will commence in September 2025, with four return flights per week. Seat classes include Business, SkyBoss, Deluxe, and Eco.
This service comes as the two nations elevate relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and ahead of the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. The route is expected to further boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Emirates
Emirates opens routes to Shenzhen, Danang and Siem Reap From July 1, Emirates will launch daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Shenzhen.
The airline will also introduce four weekly services to Danang on June 2 and three weekly flights to Siem Reap from June 3, with both cities connecting via Bangkok.
This latest expansion marks Emirates’ fourth gateway into the Chinese mainland, third destination in Vietnam and second point in Cambodia.
EK328 will depart from Dubai at 1005hrs, arriving in Shenzhen at 22.00. The return flight EK329 departs Shenzhen at 23.55, landing in Dubai at 03.40 the next day. This route will be operated by the airline’s retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER.
Flights to Danang will operate with the Emirates Boeing 777 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Emirates flight EK370 will depart from Dubai at 09.00 and arrives in Bangkok at 18.25. The flight will then depart from Bangkok at 20.10 and arrives in Danang at 21.50. The return flight EK371 will depart from Danang at 23.30 and arrives in Bangkok at 01.10 the next day. The flight will then take off at 03.40hrs, arriving in Dubai at 06.50.
Air India
Air India announces shorter transit times between Kuala Lumpur and European destinations Air India has reduced connection times between Kuala Lumpur to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam via India, to about 2.5 hours.
The airline has launched a campaign called Via to highlight these improved connection times and promote India as a world-class hub.
The optimised flight schedule makes Air India flights among the fastest for travel between Malaysia and Europe, with sufficient transit times at Air India’s hub in Delhi.
Air Astana
Air Astana brings Danang closer with direct flights from Almaty Starting June 4, Air Astana will introduce a new direct route from Almaty to Danang in Vietnam on the Airbus A321LR aircraft.
Flights will operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a flying time of seven hours and 10 minutes. Flight KC599 will depart Almaty at 00.55 and arrive in Danang at 10.05, with the return flight, KC600 departing Danang at 11.45 and arriving in Almaty 17.00.
The launch of this new twice weekly service will increase the number of Air Astana scheduled flights to Vietnam to nine. Existing operations include four flights a week between Almaty and Nha Trang, plus three flights per week between Astana and Nha Trang.
The seasonal route from Almaty and Astana to Phu Quoc will continue to operate until March 31.
