As the sale period for Disney Adventure – Disney Cruise Line’s first ship to homeport in Asia – approaches, a study conducted by YouGov Surveys has found strong purchase intentions among Singapore consumers.
The survey, which was conducted in November with a sample size of 1,050 adults in Singapore, found that 43 per cent of Singapore consumers are likely to consider booking the upcoming cruise, with millennials showing the strongest interest – 56 per cent of them expressing intent to book.
Wayfinder Bay is one of the seven uniquely themed areas onboard Disney Adventure
It also noted that while respondents are familiar with the launch of Disney Cruise Line in Singapore, only one in five are very familiar with the details.
For those considering a Disney cruise, dining at themed restaurants is the top attraction, with 53 per cent of respondents citing this feature as their primary draw. Unique onboard activities and entertainment appealed to 52 per cent of respondents. Additionally, relaxing in Disney staterooms and exploring the seven themed areas were equally attractive to 51 per cent of respondents.
Disney characters remain a key draw, with Mickey and Friends being the most popular (at 55 per cent), followed by Disney princesses (45 per cent) and Marvel superheroes (48 per cent). Notably, more than half of respondents (54 per cent) who are likely to book the Disney cruise said they would be more likely to book based on the availability of their favourite Disney characters onboard, a sentiment more pronounced among millennials.
Disney Adventure will open for bookings on December 10 from 08.00 Singapore time via the Disney Cruise Line website, contact centre, and travel agents. Tickets will be on sale for sailings starting December 15, 2025 through March 2026. Three- and four-night voyages are available, with the programme designed for dedicated days at sea so that guests can fully enjoy the Disney experience onboard.
As Disney Cruise Line builds up to the sale period starting next week, it also unveiled a collaboration with United Overseas Bank (UOB) to offer UOB cardholders across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam special benefits when booking Disney Adventure vacations.
Demand for luxury travel among Filipinos is on the rise, driving the introduction of new, exclusive offerings such as expedition cruises, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and lavish rail journeys.
Shan Dioquino David, CEO and president of the newly-launched CITTI Elite, highlighted their recent partnerships and product launches, including Four Seasons Yachts, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Ponant, and Scenic Luxury Cruises.
Filipino travellers are redefining luxury, seeking exclusive experiences from private yacht cruises to off-the-beaten-path adventures; Four Seasons Yachts, pictured
David noted that high-net-worth individuals are increasingly willing to spend upwards of US$100,000 for the ultimate in exclusivity and luxury. These travellers expect premium experiences, such as hotel suites of at least 70m², Mercedes vehicles for overland tours, Evian water, and meticulous attention to detail. They also prefer smaller ships with a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio.
Rajah Travel Corp. has also expanded its luxury offerings to include more unique destinations, such as mountaineering across the Canadian Rockies, scenic train journeys through Switzerland on the Glacier Express, specialised tours in the Amazon, and river cruises in India.
Aileen Clemente, chair and president of Rajah Travel, observed: “Well-travelled people who have gone to the typical tourist places now tend to be selective and go to off-beat destinations.”
Clemente shared that some travellers have a particular goal, such as visiting all UNESCO World Heritage and UN heritage sites. “But there’s often a trade-off,” she said, adding that in seeking out these unique destinations, luxury sometimes takes a backseat.
CITTI Elite’s ultra-luxury itineraries are tapping into these evolving preferences, offering destinations like the Galapagos, Latin America, Rovaniemi-Polar Arctic Circle, and South Africa, while opulent train journeys through Europe are also gaining popularity among Filipino travellers.
Amadeus’ Travel Trends for 2025 report has highlighted five trends poised to shape the future of global travel, with Asia playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth in the tourism sector.
The report was created in collaboration with the travel forecasting agency Globetrender.
Travellers are embarking on journeys driven by nostalgia, and living out their childhood dreams, like a Polly Pocket-inspired Airbnb rental, pictured
Asia set to lead global tourism revival
After years of restricted travel, travellers are excited to rediscover Asia’s cultural treasures. China is opening its doors to millions by expanding visa-free travel, while Thailand’s new digital nomad visas and broader visa-free programme for 93 countries are set to attract a global audience. Pop culture is also driving interest, with the upcoming season of The White Lotus set in Thailand, Squid Game season two expected to boost travel to South Korea, and renewed curiosity about Japan’s history inspired by the TV series Shōgun. Adding to this momentum, Iberia has recently launched direct flights between Madrid and Tokyo, making it easier than ever for travellers to explore Japan.
Over the next 15 years, IATA predicts that Asia-Pacific will record the fastest rise in passenger numbers and contribute to more than half of the net increase in global passenger numbers by 2043. Amadeus data reflects this momentum as outbound travel from Chengdu, China, surged 66% to 35.2 million passengers from 2016 to 2023, while Guangzhou grew 20%. Delhi also saw a 31% rise with over 30 million outbound passengers in 2023.
New heydays
Nostalgia is fuelling the rise of “new heydays,” with the past taking centre stage. From the comeback of 90s films and CDs to Gen Z’s love for digital cameras, culture is embracing the retro everywhere you look.
In travel, adults are seeking to relive gap years, distant honeymoons and childhood dreams – for example, Airbnb listed a Polly Pocket-inspired rental – and travellers from the US are flocking back to Miami, a Miami Vice era hotspot.
As millennials enter middle age, we will see the revival of the classic caravan and camping holiday. Eurocamp is seeing a huge rise in bookings, with 2024 shaping up to be its best year in five decades. In the US, adult summer camps are also booming, with Club Getaway reporting a 9% jump in revenue from its adult segments in 2024 compared to 2023.
Personalised flying
In 2025, air travel will reach new heights of personalisation, blending smart tech with customised in-flight experiences. Although many passengers consume content on their own devices, airlines are upping the ante by combining algorithmic entertainment with hyper-personalised in-flight systems that deliver box-fresh content – from movies and TV series to advertisements and things to buy – that are tailored to the individual flyer, based on their historic preferences (as loyalty scheme members). With high-speed Wi-Fi from providers like SpaceX’s Starlink now available, passengers can stream their favourite content mid-flight just as effortlessly as they would at home. We may also see airlines increasingly loaning VR headsets to passengers in first and business class – in 2024, premium airline start-up Beond began handing out Apple Vision Pros to people flying its Maldives route.
Trailblazer hotels
In 2025, hotels are set to make headlines by evolving into destinations in their own right, such as immersing guests in the local culture, history, and natural beauty of their surroundings. In Asia-Pacific, trailblazing properties like Capella Ubud in Bali, with its rainforest luxury tents, and The Temple House in Chengdu, which fuses Qing dynasty architecture with modern design, are leading the way. Hoshinoya Tokyo reinterprets the traditional Japanese ryokan experience with tatami rooms and tea ceremonies, while heritage gems like Neemrana Fort Palace in India, a 15th-century fortress turned luxury retreat and the colonial Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang, Malaysia offer authentic cultural and historical experiences in breath-taking settings. These unique stays are redefining what it means to travel.
Real-life connections
Facing digital fatigue, travellers are closing their apps and opening their passports, using travel to make new friends and even find romance in real life. According to Amadeus booking data, solo leisure travel soared by 15.6% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with a further 9.2% rise so far in 2024.
The 2025 trends report predicts a wave of group and solo adventures designed to spark genuine connections. This is prompting the rise of apps such as Hello Strangers, which organises dinners with five strangers, carefully selected through personality-matching algorithms, and PlateCulture, which offers travellers the chance to savour authentic local cuisine in the homes of local hosts.
Festival tourism is on the rise in Asia-Pacific, offering travellers opportunities to connect over shared cultural and social interests. Events like the Bali Arts Festival in Indonesia and the Holi Festival in India attract both locals and international visitors, fostering communal experiences and cultural exchange.
Daniel Batchelor, vice president, global corporate marketing and communications at Amadeus, commented: “Asia is set for a tourism revival, while we are also seeing a rise in spontaneous solo travel, as people seek more off-screen, authentic experiences.
“Asia isn’t just recovering; it’s redefining itself. Travellers are drawn to the region’s unique ability to balance timeless cultural traditions with modern innovation. In 2025, Asia won’t just be a destination; it will be a global trendsetter. After a year where change has become the backdrop to daily life, travellers are seeking a deeper connection to people and places more than ever.”
BWH Hotels is introducing its Best Western brand to the heart of Vietnam’s largest metropolis and commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City, with the signing of Best Western Central Home Saigon, a new mid-scale hotel under construction situated next to Binh Loi Bridge and Pham Van Dong Boulevard in District 13.
Scheduled to open in 2026, the 126-key hotel is easily accessible from the city and Tan Son Nhat International Airport. It is also a short distance from District 1, the home of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic attractions, such as Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more.
Best Western Central Home Saigon is set to open in 2026
BWH Hotels currently operates five hotels and resorts in Vietnam and its portfolio is set to grow with multiple new projects in the pipeline.
“Complementing Caravelle Hotel, a member of WorldHotels Elite and legendary downtown five-star hotel, Best Western Central Home Saigon will enable BWH Hotels to cater to all business and leisure travellers in this major metropolis,” said Olivier Berrivin, vice president – APAC, BWH Hotels.
Srikant Kodali has been named the new director of sales & marketing of JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru. He will be responsible for leading the sales and marketing team to achieve the hotel’s revenue goals, while further enhancing the brand’s presence and reputation.
With over 13 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry, he brings extensive expertise across sales, marketing, and event operations. Prior to joining JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, Kodali held key leadership roles at various properties within Marriott International.
The multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) for Shenzhen permanent residents, suspended in 2015, resumed on December 1. Announced by the Central Government on November 29, the scheme is now extended to Shenzhen residence permit holders for the first time. Government statistics suggest that over 10 million people will benefit from this move.
Attractions like Ngong Ping 360 have been actively promoting to the Greater Bay Area (GBA) since the border reopened, working closely with travel trade partners to attract GBA residents. Its managing director James Tung told TTG Asia: “The reintroduction of multiple entry visa for Shenzhen residents is definitely welcomed by NP360. The travel behaviours and patterns for GBA residents has changed post-pandemic, with a focus on authentic local experiences. NP360 is poised to capture these travellers by offering authentic local flavours.
The new multiple-entry scheme aims to attract more Shenzhen residents to visit Hong Kong; photo by Hong Kong Tourism Board
“We are introducing new tenants at Ngong Ping Village, including local tea restaurants and an authentic Hong Kong herbal tea shop, to create a refreshed and nostalgic Hong Kong atmosphere for visitors.”
With over 10 million residents eligible for this visa arrangement, Travel Industry Council executive director Fanny Yeung believes Hong Kong will be able to handle the surge of visitors from Shenzhen.
“They are not first-time visitors and will seek in-depth experiences rather than shopping or typical sightseeing. Their footprint will be scattered around the city, rather than concentrated in traditional attractions. Moreover, the majority of them will be day-trippers, given the close proximity of Hong Kong and the efficient transportation network, such as high-speed rail services. Still, travel agents have a role to play, offering day-long or four- to six-hour immersive tour products that tell the story behind,” she explained.
According to Hong Kong Tourism Board chairman Pang Yiu-kai, the Central Government has expanded the IVS to include 59 cities nationwide, broadening Hong Kong’s visitor base. He added that the new arrangement will provide greater convenience for Shenzhen residents travelling to Hong Kong and facilitate exchanges between the two cities, helping to attract more Shenzhen residents to visit Hong Kong.
Global youth travel experiences provider Contiki has introduced four new trips in Asia, namely Borneo Adventure, Philippines Island Hopping East, China Adventure, and Eternal India Express.
The brand’s inaugural trip to the Malaysian part of Borneo offers wildlife enthusiasts a chance to see rare species, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, sun bears, and proboscis monkeys, all unique to the region. This nine-day journey explores Bako National Park, spends a day on Selingan Turtle Island to witness turtles nesting on the beach, and includes a cruise along the Kinabatangan River for more wildlife encounters.
Contiki’s Eternal India Express lets travellers explore Delhi, Agra, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Ranthambore in just over a week
An increasing number of young travellers are now seeking destinations where they can experience wildlife in its natural habitat while supporting ethical practices. According to a recent Contiki survey, 29 per cent of travellers aged 18-35 actively look for sustainable travel experiences with eco-conscious brands. By visiting sanctuaries for endangered species like orangutans and sun bears, the trip also supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Following its launch in early 2024, Contiki’s Philippines Island Hopping has already seen an unprecedented surge in bookings. In response to this demand, the brand has introduced a new trip covering four additional islands in the eastern Philippines. For those looking to explore both the eastern and western parts of the country, the 22-day Ultimate Philippines Island Hopping trip offers the complete experience.
Kicking off in Cebu City, travellers will have the opportunity to see dolphins in the wild and experience a rare sardine run – one of the few mass migrations of its kind in the world – during a snorkelling adventure. The journey also features an authentic Filipino eight-course meal in Bohol. The trip includes flights and boat transfers between islands for a seamless experience.
Contiki has reintroduced its popular China Adventure trip, a 12-day journey designed for travellers who find it challenging to navigate China due to language barriers and its vast size, making it ideal for those who prefer a guided group tour. Highlights include a guided tour of Beijing, a visit to Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, sampling local street food, exploring a panda sanctuary, and, of course, seeing the Great Wall of China.
Contiki’s new Eternal India Express offers an affordable way for travellers to explore India’s top destinations in just over a week. The trip covers Delhi, Agra, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Ranthambore. Highlights include entry to the Taj Mahal, a tiger safari in Ranthambore, and a tuk-tuk tour through the streets of Old Delhi.
Contiki CEO Adam Armstrong commented: “Keeping in mind the cost-of-living crisis, we’ve focused on making these trips budget-friendly for our young travellers. We’ve also lowered our base prices, and our upcoming Cyber Sale will give young travellers the chance to book their trips for the most affordable price.”
As 2024 draws to a close, the travel fever is sweeping across South-east Asia, with Singaporeans emerging as the most frequent travellers in the region. Since the start of the year, at least 66% of South-east Asians embarked on one to four leisure trips overseas, with a notable 79% of Singaporeans hitting international destinations, according to Milieu Insight.
The study surveyed over 2,000 individuals from Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand, representing the online population. Asia is projected to have 3.5 billion people in its middle class by 2030, accounting for two-thirds of the global middle class. This also means that South-east Asian travel spending is projected to grow at roughly 7% per year, according to McKinsey & Company.
Digital platforms are the preferred travel booking methods for a majority of the respondents in South-east Asia
Among the regions explored, South-east Asia (49%) and East Asia like China and South Korea (45%) topped the list of preferred destinations for travellers in 2024. Nearly one in three South-east Asians have already secured tickets and accommodation for leisure trips in the next three months.
For many South-east Asians planning year-end getaways, their travel companions will include romantic partners or spouses, who top the list at 42%, followed by friends (30%), parents (27%), children (22%), and siblings (20%).
Sightseeing and outdoor activities (64%) take centre stage as the top motivation for travel in the coming months. Shopping follows at 44%, while art, history, and cultural immersion inspire 32% of travellers seeking a deeper connection to the destinations they visit.
However, when it comes to travel pace, 53% of respondents prefer to explore as much as possible, while 47% opt for a more relaxed itinerary. Regardless of pace, budget-conscious travel dominates, with 77% planning to stick to a budget and 79% intending to join local activities like workshops and cultural experiences.
As for travel planning, digital platforms are the preferred go-to methods. 71% of respondents in South-east Asia used platforms like Klook and Skyscanner to book their arrangements. A majority (60%) feel they get access to discounts and promotions while 53% see it as a convenient way to book multiple bookings in one platform.
However, some are against it. The key barriers include a preference for traditional booking methods (34%), concerns about potential scams (28%), and limited familiarity with these platforms (26%).
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) launched the first Philippine Dive Experience on November 27 to strengthen the country’s standing as a top global destination for diving and marine biodiversity.
Highlighting the Philippines’ recognition as the World’s Leading Dive Destination for the sixth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards, tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the initiative under the DoT’s Philippine Experience programme. The event brought together diplomats, dive and tourism leaders, heads of tourism associations, dive operators, and certification agencies to celebrate the country’s marine biodiversity and its potential to attract global attention.
The Philippine Dive Experience celebrated the country’s marine biodiversity and its potential to attract global attention
Anilao was the launch point for the Philippine Dive Experience tourism circuit, described by Christina as a “haven for marine life and a dream destination for underwater photographers”.
Certified divers explored Anilao’s vibrant underwater landscapes, including the community-driven LOVE Reef, an artificial reef created through conservation efforts. Non-divers also had the opportunity to experience the underwater world through guided scuba tours, offering an immersive glimpse into the Philippines’ marine treasures.
The second day of the Philippine Dive Experience featured a coastal clean-up at Anilao Pier, highlighting the DoT’s commitment to sustainable tourism. This was followed by a cultural immersion via the Taal Heritage Tour, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of the province’s vibrant cultural identity.
During the event, she also highlighted key initiatives to enhance dive tourism, such as the installation of hyperbaric chambers at strategic dive sites to ensure diver safety and comply with international standards.
Christina also shared that they are working with global partners to promote Philippine diving, with an emphasis on marine conservation.
Nilo Villanueva, mayor of Mabini in Batangas, commented: “This event is not just about exploring the depths of our oceans, but also about fostering international cooperation and promoting sustainable tourism.”
The Disney Garden of Wonder has debuted at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay in the Floral Fantasy exhibit. Organised in collaboration with Disney and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, this floral spectacle transforms Disney and Pixar characters such as Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc., and more into eight stunning topiary sets.
The exhibit, which took 17,000 man-hours to create by hand, will run until March 31, 2025.
To create Ariel’s iconic look, Amaranthus caudatus formed her flowing red hair, Ruscus hypoglossum shaped her glossy tail, and blue-magenta hydrangeas crafted her seashell top, photo by Gardens by the Bay
Highlights include The Little Mermaid with Flounder, Ariel, and Sebastian; a three-metre-tall Mickey Mouse sculpture; Steamboat Willie; Winnie the Pooh; Snow White; Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc.; Carl, Russell, Dug, and Kevin from Up; and Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and the Aliens from Toy Story.
A special Flavours of Singapore zone celebrates the city’s culinary delights with Disney characters reimagined in vibrant floral displays, including Donald Duck with Chilli Crab, Stitch with Durian, as well as Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck with Ice Kachang.
As an extra treat for Disney fans, Hidden Mickeys will appear on the rain curtains in Floral Fantasy. Visitors can also explore the Floral Fantasy gift shop, now Disney-themed, and discover exclusive merchandise such as Mickey-shaped bak kwa (Chinese BBQ pork), plush toys, bags, keychains, and more, in collaboration with local brands.
Additionally, Mickey and Minnie Mouse have unveiled brand-new outfits inspired by Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim. Fans can meet these special Disney characters in their Singapore-inspired designs on select dates in 2025.
Tickets are priced at S$24 ($18) for adults and S$16 for children or senior citizens, and include a round-trip shuttle service between Bayfront Plaza (location of Floral Fantasy) and Flower Dome.
With over 13 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry, he brings extensive expertise across sales, marketing, and event operations. Prior to joining JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, Kodali held key leadership roles at various properties within Marriott International.
