Marriott Bonvoy has revealed a line-up of highly anticipated hotel openings across the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China) in 2025.
The upcoming year will see the debut of three JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, the reopening of W Maldives, the first-ever Sheraton Hotels & Resorts in Papua New Guinea, and the introduction of Moxy Hotels in Nepal and AC Hotels in the Philippines. Additionally, Courtyard by Marriott will open its first property in South Korea, while Marriott Hotels & Resorts will expand into unique destinations across India.
Marriott Bonvoy reveals hotel openings across Asia-Pacific, such as W Maldives, pictured, which will reopen in 1Q2025 and feature 77 newly redesigned villas on Fesdu Island
The first quarter of 2025 will see the launch of three properties: JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort and W Maldives in the Maldives, alongside Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa in Uttarakhand, India. In the second quarter, Marriott Bonvoy will add five more properties to its portfolio: Udaipur Marriott Hotel (India), The Westin Nirup Island Resort & Spa in Batam (Indonesia), Courtyard by Marriott Pyeongtaek Azalea Park (South Korea), Sheraton Johor Bahru (Malaysia), and Courtyard by Marriott Danang Han River (Vietnam).
In the third quarter, Marriott Bonvoy will introduce a range of new properties, including Marriott Executive Apartments Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Moxy Kathmandu in Nepal, Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites in Papua New Guinea, JW Marriott Cam Ranh Resort & Spa in Vietnam, and the first AC Hotel by Marriott in Manila, the Philippines.
To close out 2025, Marriott Bonvoy will unveil several openings and reopenings. The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa, the only Westin-branded resort in Fiji, will reopen in 4Q2025 after an extensive renovation. Marriott Executive Apartments UB City in Bengaluru will also mark the brand’s debut in India. In Japan, the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo will open in Autumn 2025 as the brand’s flagship property in the country, following its successful launch in Nara. Additionally, Marriott will expand its footprint in Thailand with the openings of Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 22, and Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa at Jomtien Beach, further strengthening its presence in these destinations.
Japan is stepping up its international tourism promotion related to Expo 2025, which will be held in Osaka from April to October next year, with new content to inspire travellers.
Through new webpages and social media, the Japan National Tourism Organization is inviting visitors to “get to know the essence of Japan’s inochi (foundation) by exploring the country’s many regions” while making a trip to the Expo.
Japan unveils new travel experiences and content ahead of Expo 2025 in Osaka; photo by Japan National Tourism Organization
Visitors are invited to delve into experiences and activities through Expo 2025’s sub-themes of saving lives, empowering lives and connecting lives.
Options under saving lives involve finding harmonious coexistence with nature. One activity is the Godzilla Rock Tour, which can take 50 to 80 visitors on a boat to view wildlife around Hokkaido’s Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Enriching life, including through exercise and diet, is the goal of the sub-theme empowering lives. Travellers can choose from experiences as diverse as a farm stay in Odate, Akita Prefecture, the birthplace of some of the country’s most famous traditional dishes, and a tea field tour and tasting in the southern Japanese Alps.
The last sub-theme, connecting lives, focuses on engagement, community-building and the enrichment of society. Tourists can learn about the significance of Aomori’s Nebuta, a festival where the community creates and admires giant illuminated floats, or learn about Zen culture from English-speaking Zen priests on an overnight stay at a temple founded in Kyoto in 1590.
The new webpages also feature search options for destination information by region, along with travel tips covering Wi-Fi, credit cards, luggage storage, weather, and accessibility.
Illumination’s Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore (USS) will officially open to the public on February 14, 2025.
The new attraction will feature immersive experiences including themed dining, exclusive merchandise, and a show along with previously announced rides.
Illumination’s Minion Land will open to the public next year on February 14; photo by Universal Destinations & Experiences
Inspired by the waterfront snack stand in Illumination’s Despicable Me, the Super Hungry Food Stand serves a hearty selection of meals, unique to USS, along the boardwalk, with a theme that echoes the nearby carnival game kiosks.
Those seeking retail therapy can check out Minion Marketplace – the shopping hub in Minion Land, which will feature the full Super Silly Fun Land Collection with 15 items spanning themed apparel, homeware, and souvenirs.
Then experience mayhem, music, and mischief in the Minute of Minion Mayhem Show as the Minions and Gru’s girls – Margo, Edith, and Agnes – take over the streets in an all-new show, with fart guns, catchy dance moves, and a meet and greet at the end.
Guests can also immerse themselves with rides such as the all-new Buggie Boogie carousel, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and Silly Swirly.
Asia-Pacific is riding a wave of outbound travel recovery, with the demand for international trips climbing steadily after the region’s pandemic pause, and a slower restart compared to other parts of the world.
The trend is seen across most of the region and is driven by expanding flight availability, faster visa approvals, and strong economic recovery in key markets.
According to ForwardKeys, outbound travel from Asia-Pacific surged by 35 per cent between January and September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This significantly outpaced regions like Europe and the Americas, which saw international travel grow by nine per cent and 18 per cent between January and August 2024 respectively.
Notably, China led the rebound with a 119 per cent increase from January to September, a reflection of the pent-up demand after almost three years of restricted travel.
However, full recovery is not expected until 2025, with current travel numbers about 26 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.
Elsewhere in the region, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and India showed significant year-on-year increases of 35 per cent, 43 per cent, 13 per cent, and 18 per cent, respectively, with the upward trend expected to continue till end-2024.
“This strong recovery in outbound travel is largely driven by the increased availability of flights and streamlined visa processes,” said Oliver Ponti, director of intelligence & marketing at ForwardKeys.
“International scheduled seat capacity departing from Asia-Pacific for the whole year of 2024 is set to increase by 26 per cent compared to 2023, further supporting the growing demand for outbound travel.
“Additionally, the introduction of visa-free, e-visas and visa-on-arrival options, as well as reduced processing times in key destinations make international travel much more accessible,” he continued.
ForwardKeys’ data, which is sourced from aviation bookings and MasterCard spending, revealed other interesting outbound travel trends in Asia-Pacific. Shopping trips have risen 23 per cent increase, while sun-and-beach and nature tourism are experiencing similar growth.
Furthermore, medium-length trips of four to eight nights are hotting up, with year-on-year growth of 20 per cent.
Seeking to capitalise on the trend, destinations have been investing heavily in efforts to attract more visitors, according to Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of PATA.
“Many are focusing on high-yield tourists, recognising the importance of maximising value over sheer numbers. Like other industries, tourism is facing a rapidly changing landscape, with several key trends emerging,” he said.
“One of the most significant trends is the growing demand for immersive experiences. Travellers are increasingly seeking deeper connections with nature, local cultures, heritage, or attending events like concerts and festivals.
“In response, destinations are racing to provide seamless travel experiences, such as offering visa-free entry. Such initiatives not only enhance the visitor experience but also have the potential to positively impact a destination’s economic performance,” he added.
Meanwhile, two of Asia’s most watched source markets are presenting contrasting demographic drivers of outbound travel recovery.
According to Jane Sun, CEO, Trip.com Group, China’s senior citizens have become a critical force for outbound tourism. This generation, having benefitted from Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms, now has both the time and financial resources for extensive travel.
“By 2025, over 100 million Chinese senior citizens will be travelling more often and spending more time abroad, contributing more than one trillion yuan (US$140 billion) to the global tourism economy,” she said.
In contrast, India’s outbound travel is being driven by younger travellers.
“The generations (before) were always saving for the future and for the unknown, creating a reserve. But the current generation just wants to spend and experience life in the now,” explained Puneet Chhatwal, managing director and CEO of Indian Hotels Company.
India also stands out in WTTC’s data on Asia-Pacific’s outbound market. “It is the one economy that outperforms, with outbound spending expected to grow 35 per cent over its 2019 level,” it said in a statement to TTG Asia.
Looking ahead, the WTTC projects a compound annual growth rate of 5.8 per cent for outbound departures from Asia-Pacific between 2024 and 2034. This long-term forecast underscores the region’s growing significance in global tourism, with a clear path toward continued recovery and expansion over the next decade.
Local governments in Japan are considering travel taxes as a means to fund tourism-related policies and infrastructure, while also addressing the issue of overtourism.
More than 50 local governments are exploring the implementation of an accommodation tax. The 13 local governments that already do so use the revenue for such support as tourist information centres, Wi-Fi access and local bus services.
Japan is considering travel taxes to fund tourism and address overtourism, such as raising bathing tax in onsens
In Hokkaido, the prefectural government has decided to introduce an accommodation tax of 100 to 500 yen (US$0.67 to US$3.33) per person per night, beginning April 2026.
However, in prefectures like Miyagi, accommodation providers have hindered government plans, citing concerns that managing the fees would be burdensome and the added cost could deter potential customers.
Shizuoka Prefecture’s onsen hot spring town of Higashi-Izu will raise its bathing tax to 300 yen from March 2025. Bathing taxes can be used for tourism promotion, as well as maintenance of mineral spring sources, bathhouses and firefighting facilities.
In a bid to manage overtourism on Mount Fuji, Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures plan to introduce an entry fee of 3,000 to 5,000 yen per climber starting in summer 2025. The current voluntary 1,000 yen conservation fee will be abolished.
The new entry fees are intended to prevent overcrowding, “bullet climbing” without rest, and environmental damage. Efforts in these areas were stepped up in July, with the installation of a gate on the Yoshida Trail, which was used to limit the number of hikers to 4,000 daily.
The gate reduced the number of climbers during the season by 10 per cent year-on-year to around 200,000, according to local data.
Agoda has unveiled its 2025 Travel Trends report, highlighting the key factors set to shape the travel landscape in Asia in the coming year. The survey reveals a strong focus on relaxation, family-oriented trips, and the discovery of new destinations as primary motivations for travellers.
Conducted in October, Agoda surveyed 1,081 respondents from 11 markets – Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.
Theme parks continue to be a major draw for travellers in Asia
The findings reveal that travellers are prioritising quality time with loved ones and seeking a break from daily routines. The survey also highlights a growing interest in exploring new destinations, with theme parks standing out as a popular choice – one in eight respondents plans to visit a theme park on their next trip.
Here are seven key insights from the survey.
1. Travelling with family tops the list
For many travellers, family time equals quality time. More than a third of travellers (34%) plan to travel with family in 2025. Indonesians are the most fervent family travellers of all, with no less than 58% expecting to go on a multi-generational trip with loved ones. Indians follow closely with 30% opting for family trips. This trend is followed by couples (23%), and solo travellers (19%) in terms of most popular travel groupings across Asian travellers.
2. Relaxation is the top travel motivation
Relaxation is the top travel motivation for many, with 75% of survey respondents citing it as their primary reason for traveling. The desire to escape the daily grind is the leading motivation across regions, followed by visiting family and friends (38%) and cultural exploration (35%).
3. Tech assisting in travel planning
Technology is increasingly shaping travel plans, with 80% of travellers planning to use travel apps and 12% expressing interest in virtual reality tours. While tech-savvy travellers globally are embracing these tools, a notable percentage, particularly in India, report high usage of travel apps for booking trips.
4. Journey more, spend smart
Budget remains a key factor in travel planning, with 65% of travellers intending to spend less than US$250 per night on accommodation. While budget considerations are particularly important for Indian travellers, 87% of travellers globally expect to take the same number or more trips in 2024, with more than half (52%) planning international journeys.
5. Travelling on and off the clock
In addition to traditional business trips, which 28% of respondents expect to take, the survey highlights the rise of digital nomads – borderless workers who work remotely. One in 25 respondents plans to work remotely in 2025, with a focus on combining work and leisure as more companies adopt flexible work arrangements. In the region, the Philippines leads, with one in 14 travellers expecting to work while travelling.
6. Many ways to discover new destinations
More travellers (84%) expect to visit new destinations in 2025, with travel inspiration coming from a variety of sources, including personal interests and hobbies (71%), great value deals (56%), and recommendations from friends and family (33%). Social media also plays a role, with 20% of travellers drawing inspiration from online platforms. Loyalty programmes and value deals are becoming increasingly important when planning trips, reflecting the growing partnerships between banks, credit card companies, and travel platforms to offer better deals.
7. Theme parks are a reason to travel
Asia’s theme parks, including Disneyland in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, Lotte World in Seoul, Universal Studios in Osaka and Singapore, and Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, are major year-round tourism draws. Over one in eight travellers (13%) expect to travel specifically to visit a theme park in 2025. The UAE and Singapore are among the most popular destinations for those seeking thrilling theme park experiences, with many travellers planning trips centred around attractions like rollercoasters and amusement rides.
Starting December 18, the Silk Road Express, operated by Train of Glamour, will launch its exclusive four-month Train Cruise of China. This luxurious international tourist train will depart from Xining, taking passengers on a journey to some of China’s most iconic destinations, including Xi’an, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Huangshan, Wuyishan, Kunming, Chongzuo, Xingyi, and Chengdu.
The highly anticipated route offers a unique opportunity for train enthusiasts and travellers alike to explore the rich cultural and natural wonders of China in comfort and style.
Embark on a four-month scenic adventure to iconic destinations across China
The Train Cruise of China offers two experiences: a two-day, one-night micro-vacation and a four-day, three-night shorthaul series. With the slogan The Train Is The Destination, the micro-vacation lets travellers stay onboard for the duration, enjoying a gourmet dinner, private cabins, and special activities like afternoon tea, cabaret shows, cocktail parties, and spa treatments. Onboard amenities include karaoke and mahjong rooms, with dedicated train butlers providing 24/7 service.
Special holiday-themed menus are already planned for the Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners.
The four-day, three-night shorthaul offers immersive tours, including the Double Cultural Heritage journey from Shanghai to Wuyishan and Huangshan, and the Scenic Spots tour from Shenzhen or Guangzhou to Chongzuo, Xingyi, and Kunming.
Dive right into thrilling action at Marvel Landing with rides such as Ironcycle Test Run, Disney’s first and longest rollercoaster at sea
With its maiden voyage set for March 10, 2026, the Disney Adventure from Disney Cruise Line is all geared up to take passengers on a magical Disney experience out at sea.
From first-of-its-kind Disney attractions and entertainment, to seven unique Disney-themed areas, artfully designed staterooms, and casual to extravagant dining experiences, the ship’s offerings have been conceptualised to bring to life Disney’s fantastical worlds and beloved characters with personalised luxury, service and convenience for guests throughout their journey.
Here is a sample four-day itinerary for a family with children to get the best experience on board:
Pre-trip planning
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Concierge family stateroom with verandah and ocean view
Concierge Oceanview Suite
Stateroom with verandah
Deluxe stateroom bedroom
Concierge Royal Suite
Concierge Lounge
The journey begins with selecting from 2,111 staterooms: 543 inside, 85 with ocean views, 1,326 with verandahs, and 157 concierge rooms, all featuring Disney, Pixar, or Marvel-inspired artwork. All rooms offer convenience with separate shower and toilet areas, elevated beds with space for luggage storage beneath, and 24-hour complimentary room service.
Concierge guests enjoy personalised pre-boarding services, exclusive lounges, and private spa rooms. On board, staff can assist with crafting personal itineraries, celebrating special occasions, in-suite dining and more.
For ultimate luxury, two Frozen-inspired royal suites feature spacious living and dining areas, kids’ rooms, private verandahs with whirlpools, and two ensuite bathrooms.
Those eagerly awaiting their trip can download the Navigator App to plan and add the experiences they want to have onboard ahead of their sail date.
Day 1: Step into a whole new world
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Disney Imagination Garden at the heart of the ship welcomes guests into the fantastical world of Disney
Dine and meet your favourite characters at the Hollywood Spotlight Club
With excitement high on the first day, dive right into three brand new Disney attractions at Marvel Landing: Ironcycle Test Run, the longest rollercoaster at sea inspired by Tony Stark’s Ironcycle prototype; Pym Quantum Racers, where guests zip around a track inspired by the car chase scene in Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and The Wasp, and Groot Galaxy Spin, a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed adventure.
Guests can also explore Disney Imagination Garden, an open-air space with landscapes inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Marvel characters, and its storybook castle showpiece. Nearby, the Garden Stage boasts three-deck-high LED screens and ample viewing options for performances throughout the day.
After expending all that energy, it’s time to refuel. The Disney Adventure offers rotational dining, the cruise line’s signature dining concept where guests experience one distinct dining experience each day over three days, following a schedule included with their booking. Each family will be accompanied by one service team, who will learn their preferences and be able to make recommendations, throughout their voyage.
Dinner will be served at two assigned seatings, at either the Navigator’s Club or Hollywood Spotlight Club where they will get to interact with and see appearances by well-loved Disney characters.
Day 2: Splashing good time
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Watch your creations come to life in the creative Animator's Palate
Have a splashing good time on the slides at Toy Story Place
Start the day at Toy Story Place, a whimsical water park inspired by the Toy Story movies. Explore the Flying Saucer Splash Zone with green Aliens and ride Woody and Jessie’s Wild Slides. Little ones can play at the Toy Story Splash Pad!.
In the afternoon, relax at the Walt Disney Theater in Town Square with two Broadway-style productions, Remember, specially created for this ship, and Disney Seas the Adventure. Adults and kids can also enjoy shows at Royal Court with appearances by Disney characters or join interactive activities or karaoke at the family-friendly D Lounge.
At night, you will get to dine at an animation restaurant — Animator’s Palate or Animator’s Table. Each offers an interactive experience where guests can make sketches and watch them come to life amid animations of Disney and Pixar stories.
Day 3: From action-packed fun to entertaining afternoons
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Modelled after Big Hero 6, San Fransokyo Street will be a family entertainment area with interactive games, shops and cinema
Watch the enchanting musical, Moana Call of the Sea
Enjoy family fun at San Fransokyo Street, inspired by Big Hero 6. Play games at the Big Hero Arcade, test your skills at the Hiro Training Zone simulator, or compete in arcade games. Baymax Cinemas screens Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm movies, including same-day premieres on land.
After the indoor activities, unwind outdoors at Wayfinder Bay, inspired by Moana. Relax by the pool while enjoying live shows and interactive events, including the musical Moana: Call of the Sea.
For your third rotational dining experience, you will be placed at either the Enchanted Summer Restaurant, a cosy village dining hall inspired by Tangled and Frozen, or Pixar Market Restaurant, which celebrates Pixar films.
Day 4: Something for all ages
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Indulge in some self pampering at the adults-only spa
Teens can play and chat at Vibe
Disney's Oceaneer Club is an exclusive kids' club with activities and games
Adults and children have their own exclusive experiences to enjoy on board.
Parents can drop their children off at the various kids clubs — Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Vibe or Edge, staffed by trained counsellors for peace of mind before heading off to enjoy on their own. Meanwhile, it’s a small world nursery offers babysitting services for those aged six months to three years.
The spa is exclusive only to adults, so be sure to indulge in its beauty and wellness treatments to refresh and rejuvenate. For an upscale dining experience, head for Palo Trattoria, an adults-only Italian restaurant. For drinks, the Buccaneer Bar streams live sports events, while Tiana’s Bayou Lounge serves craft cocktails amid New Orleans-style hospitality.
The inaugural season of the Disney Adventure will offer three-night and four-night cruises, with limited dates for 5-night itineraries. Bookings open today, December 10. Visit Disney Cruise Line to secure your next adventure.
Sports and wellness events are making a post-lockdown comeback to Club Med resorts around the world, with some organised by a professional community or club and others led by friends sharing a wellness hobby.
Rachael Harding, chief executive officer of East, South Asia and Pacific, Club Med, said the group’s resorts have always benefitted from a “reputation for being all about sports and wellness”. Club Med resorts also typically boast vast spaces and a plethora of wellness facilities, which organisers of sporting events as well as guests seeking an active holiday appreciate.
Zico 10 Camp football camp for children will be hosted at Club Med Kiroro Grand in Japan next year
In an interview with TTG Asia, Harding said her resorts in Asia have hosted various sports and wellness events throughout the years, such as golf and tennis tournaments.
“We had many of these sports and wellness groups and events before the pandemic, including frequent Body & Soul wellness festivals at various resorts throughout the year. Our Body & Soul wellness retreats are special in that nutritionists and wellness specialists are brought in to conduct guest programmes,” she said.
At Club Med Bintan’s Body & Soul wellness retreat in May 2023, for example, guests had access to three weeks of curated programmes that included fitness classes, wellness workshops, and mindful culinary indulgence.
“We also get private groups organised by yoga or Pilates teachers, designed for 10 or 20 people who would come for classes in the day and enjoy our facilities afterwards,” Harding added.
Soon to come in 2025, Club Med Kiroro Grand in Japan will kick off the popular Zico 10 Camp from July 17 to August 31. This is a collaboration with soccer icon, Arthur Antunes Coimbra, better known as Zico, and follows on from successful editions at Club Med Lake Paradise and Rio das Pedras in Brazil.
This summer soccer training programme will be offered as part of the all-inclusive Club Med experience, and is available to young football enthusiasts aged six to 17. The camp will run weekly from Thursday to Sunday, combining morning and afternoon sessions, and feature expert coaching and friendly matches. Coaches trained by Zico himself will lead the sessions.
Harding said the Zico 10 Camp was a “natural partnership addition to our existing sports activities and family-friendly offerings”.
China has given one extra day of public holiday to Chinese New Year (January 28 to February 4) and one day to Labour Day (May 1 to 5), a move that is expected to result in a spike in family travel.
Sienna Parulis-Cook, director of marketing and communications, Dragon Trail International (DTI), described family travel as a “significant and high-value segment, while co-webinar presenter Liu Hongshi, general manager, International Culture and Educational Exchange Department, CTG Travel, noted those dates are “peak time for family travel”.
Chinese family travellers make up nearly half of the outbound market at Chinese New Year
DTI research shows travellers with children under the age of 18 start planning outbound trips earlier, with 36 per cent starting two months in advance, and Chinese family travellers – who make up nearly half of the outbound market at Chinese New Year – will be organising those travel plans now.
According to Ctrip, the average consumption of family travellers during the 2024 National Day holiday was two times higher than overall travel market, Parulis-Cook shared.
“In terms of the impact of the extra days off, the Chinese New Year holiday offers a particularly good opportunity for an extended trip, including visiting destinations that are further away, and adding more destinations to an itinerary.”
Workers can take two days of annual leave to extend the eight-day holiday to 11 consecutive days off, five days to go on a 14-day trip and six days to be away for 16 days.
She noted most schools will be on holiday from sometime in mid-January until February 17, giving parents the opportunity to use their annual leave to have a really long trip together with their children.
“The May holiday won’t be so flexible since it’s a shorter public holiday and it doesn’t fall during an extended school holiday either. But the extra day off could make travellers more likely to consider an outbound trip,” added Parulis-Cook.
Liu named safety and health as the most important factor in family travel decisions, adding weather, culture, food, first-hand learning experiences, activities, good hotel facilities and a welcoming destination as other considerations.
