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Asia/Singapore Saturday, 5th September 2026
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Trafalgar expands, takes Insight Vacations and Costsaver under its wings

By TTG Asia
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Trafalgar will bring the 2027 portfolios of Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Costsaver together under its trusted brand name – a move that is expected to simplify the company’s diverse portfolio, allowing agents to more easily grow their business and network.

With the expanded Trafalgar portfolio comes five travel categories – Tours, Small Groups, River Cruises, Rail Journeys and Group Sales – and three value tiers – Saver, Classic and Premium.

Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Costsaver portfolios will fall under the Trafalgar brand come 2027

According to a press statement from TTC Tour Brands, Trafalgar’s evolution will not alter the experiences and expertise behind each journey.

Mae Cheah, managing director, Asia, TTC Tour Brands, said: “This is an opportunity to more easily match the right experience to the right traveller, with Premium offering the elevated stays, dining and experiences defined by Insight Vacations, and Saver delivering the value and flexibility Costsaver has always provided. Under one simple, easy-to-navigate and easy-to-sell portfolio, agents can more easily grow their business and their network.”

Cheah added that “travel agents have always been central to our growth and they’ll be central to where we go next”.

“Expanding what Trafalgar offers means more opportunities for agents to meet the needs of the clients they already have, reach new ones, and keep them traveling with us as their needs evolve. As we prepare for our biggest-ever investment in the Trafalgar brand in 2027, we want to bring our advisor partners along with us, giving them the time, tools and support to be ready for the demand we’re working to create and the opportunities that come with it,” she said.

Moving forward, the Trafalgar portfolio will represent more than 600 itineraries across 75 countries. With a growing river cruise portfolio, a broader range of Small Group Tours, and dedicated rail journeys and classic tour categories across a range of price points. It is gearing up for 2027 with more itineraries and experiences for agents and their clients.

New hotels: Avani Queenstown, Asai Gamuda Cove and more

By TTG Asia
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Avani Queenstown, New Zealand
Avani Queenstown is a lakefront property comprising a full-service layout resulting from the complete conversion of the former Oaks Shores Resort.

The hotel features an all-day dining venue operating from breakfast through evening à la carte, alongside a dedicated high tea service and après-ski fireside spaces. Guest amenities encompass a spa, wellness gym, private dining areas, and flexible event spaces for gatherings.

Positioned on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Avani Queenstown provides direct access to Queenstown’s central town district, regional ski fields, and outdoor adventure sports hubs.

Asai Gamuda Cove, Malaysia
Asai Gamuda Cove accommodates guests across 280 rooms, featuring compact layouts, balcony access, bunk-bed setups, and two-room family options for up to six people. In-room amenities comprise high-speed Wi-Fi, smart televisions, walk-in showers, and integrated storage solutions.

Facilities include an infinity pool, fitness gym, dedicated co-working areas, and flexible meeting spaces for up to 100 people. There are three culinary options: Nasi & Khao for Malaysian, Thai, and Western meals; Tea Shop for light refreshments; and an outdoor Pool Bar.

The hotel lies a 20-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Sepang International Circuit. Nearby points of interest embrace Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands, a 36-hectare Wetlands Arboretum, SplashMania Waterpark, and Discovery Park.

Hyatt Centric Sapporo, Japan
Hyatt Centric Sapporo houses 216 guestrooms, including nine suites, positioned across floors 19 to 26 of Urban Net Sapporo Link Tower. In-room provisions include floor-to-ceiling windows, digital key access, Wi-Fi, smart televisions, Nespresso machines, and bathrooms with bathtubs and rain showers.

On-site venues count Matsu Grill & Bar on the 17th floor serving wood-fired regional dishes, an adjacent bar and fireplace lounge, and Mr Fish on the first floor serving fish and chips alongside craft beers. Additional facilities include a 24-hour fitness gym.

The property sits a 10-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station via an underground passage. Landmark points nearby encompass the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building and Odori Park.

Stamford Place, Singapore
Stamford Place contains 66 design-led serviced apartments managed via the APT brand, alongside 2,787m² of shared workspace across two floors operated by The Great Room.

On-site facilities count eight ground-floor dining and retail units, including Stamford Social bistro, Blue Label Tavern, Japanese concept Yoruya, and a Cold Storage grocery outlet. Resident provisions embrace a fitness gym and laundry facilities.

Set at the junction of Stamford Road and Hill Street in Singapore’s Civic District, Stamford Place occupies the former Stamford Court clock tower site.

Philippines strengthens sports tourism pursuit

By Rosa Ocampo
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The Philippines is paying more attention to sports tourism, as it recognises the high-value contribution such events bring to tourism.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair, Patrick Gregorio, said all its partners including the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority are strongly pushing for sports tourism, boosted by Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s administrative order 38 creating the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee late last year.

The 2026 Karate One Youth League in Manila drew 3,000 participants and their accompanying family from 90 countries

Chaired by PSC and DOT as vice chair, the Committee is tasked to develop and promote the country as premier international sports tourism destination and bid for international sporting events.

PSC has “budgeted a very big amount of funds” and legislators, our senators understand their commitment to give more funding to sports tourism” not just in metro Manila but in all other areas, Gregorio said during the 7th Sports Tourism Awards organised by Sports Turismo Alliance on August 24.

Over 30 international events are lined up for hosting by the Philippines this year alone, with many more major ones coming next year.

Citing the ripple effect of hosting the 2026 Karate One Youth League three months ago, he said 3,000 kids from 90 countries have participated, joined by their grandparents or parents or siblings who stayed for over seven days, and paid for their own airfares, accommodations, tours and meals.

The Tour of Luzon cycling tournament,  graced by 17 teams from five countries, got 200 million views.

“I’ve never seen a sport with 200 million organic views,” he quipped.

Cynthia Carrion, one of the pioneers of sports tourism  and held several positions with DOT, said many athletes came but went from the airport to the competition venue and to the hotel without seeing the Philippines. She remedied this and now Boracay, Siargao, Cebu, Bohol, Clark and many other destinations are gaining renown for hosting international competitions.

Tourism undersecretary Shalimar Hofer Tamano said the DOT is “working to translate the advantages of sports tourism into programmes and partnerships….that connect sporting experiences with our destinations”.

Club Med Bintan unveils major enhancements and stronger family welcome

By Karen Yue
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Club Med Bintan boasts an even stronger family offering following its latest transformation

Club Med Bintan, which turns 30 next year, has started to welcome guests into a transformed environment that includes brighter and more vibrant guestrooms, new family experiences, refreshed dining concepts, and enhanced leisure spaces that work together to present a stronger offering for holidaying families.

The property’s milestone is being celebrated with the APAC Media & Trade Showcase this week, an event that offers attendees a taste of the new features across the resort.

Club Med Bintan boasts an even stronger family offering following its latest transformation

Rachael Harding, CEO, East & South Asia and Pacific at Club Med, noted that the core demographic of Club Med Bintan’s guests has been families.

“Families love Bintan island and they love Club Med Bintan; 75 per cent of our guests are families. So, we wanted to start positioning ourselves a little bit more towards that,” she explained.

While the resort has gone through some renovations and rolled out different experiences throughout three decades of operations, the latest asset enhancement is the most transformative.

Harding said changes and improvements to the property have been shaped by feedback from families who take their holidays to Club Med Bintan.

Some of the new family-friendly offerings at Club Med Bintan include the Amazing Family! Hub, a 300m2 social and play space designed for families to enjoy shared experiences; the Splash Pad water playground for younger children; pickleball courts that welcome guests of all ages; updated, cheerful guestrooms, which include Deluxe Family Themed Rooms with a fun children’s sleeping area.

Families will also appreciate refreshed dining experiences that are said to align with “the way guests naturally move through the day while on holiday”. The redesigned Panorama Coffee Shop serves as a relaxed social space that evolves throughout the day, while the Terrace Gourmet Club presents an all-day dining concept that transitions from relaxed daytime brunches to intimate evening dining by the sea. Soon to come in 2027, The Grill Gourmet Club will introduce a dedicated evening dining concept centred around grilled seafood and premium meats in a convivial coastal setting.

Olivier Monceau, general manager for Club Med Singapore and Malaysia, said: “Every enhancement has been thoughtfully designed to support the rhythm of modern family travel – creating more opportunities for connection, spontaneity and genuine downtime. Beyond introducing new spaces and experiences, the ambition was to ensure that every part of the resort works together more seamlessly, so holidays feel more effortless, balanced and meaningful for today’s families.”

Harding noted that Club Med is especially proud of its Mini Club programme, which stands out from other kids club in the marketplace with its programming that is built in consultation with child psychologists.

Programmes for children are grouped by ages to facilitate interaction with peers of the same age from around the world. With teenage guests, for example, Club Med Bintan’s Teens and Chill Pass programmes pack in sports and games, opportunities for socialising, and involvement in party planning.

Jose Luis Martinez Montiel, village chief and general manager of the resort, told TTG Asia that families today value relaxed vacations where there is an option for kids to enjoy age-appropriate activities and make new friends in a safe environment as well as opportunities for parents to either relax on their own or join an activity that everyone in the family can do together.

Montiel added that the relaunched Club Med Bintan has elevated its positioning as a premium all-inclusive resort that is ideal for families that “want to do everything or nothing at all”.

The transformed Club Med Bintan is ready for guests, and additional new features will be unveiled in the coming months. An updated reception and the new Zen Lounge for guests to rest, relax or work will be ready in 1Q2027, while a renovated Kids Club will join The Grill Gourmet Club in 2Q2027.

Asia-Pacific carriers trim regional flights to protect longhaul routes amid fuel squeeze

By Anne Somanas
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Asia-Pacific airlines are protecting their longhaul networks while trimming shorthaul and regional frequencies as jet fuel prices near US$160 a barrel erode margins heading into the autumn flying season, according to Alton Aviation Consultancy.

Clark Johns, Auckland-based director at the consultancy, noted that regional jet fuel traded near US$160 a barrel as of 21 August – about 75 per cent higher than a year ago – with the crack spread between crude and jet fuel holding between US$60 and US$65.

Changes to Asia-Pacific airlines’ shorthaul and regional frequencies are not expected to be a structural shift, notes Alton Aviation Consultancy

Citing the International Air Transport Association’s June 2026 Global Outlook for Air Transport report, Johns said Asia-Pacific carriers are now expected to post a net profit of about US$6.6 billion in 2026, down from US$9.8 billion in 2025, with profit per passenger expected to drop to US$3.40 from US$5.30.

Globally, the same revision nearly halved the year’s profit forecast from US$41 billion to US$23 billion, based on jet fuel projected to average US$152 a barrel across the full year.

“There has certainly been some reduction across the Asia-Pacific region because of higher fuel prices, but where we have seen a good amount of it is more on shorthaul and regional flying,” Johns said. “You cannot cancel your one daily flight to London, because that is how you transit customers to the rest of your network. Where you fly a market five times a day, you can drop to four on some days of the week and recapture those customers on fewer flights.”

The conflict reshaped transit flows in the region’s favour in the near term. As Gulf carriers pulled capacity, demand held for nonstop Asia to Europe services and for connections through Changi, Hong Kong, and mainland Chinese hubs. Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, alongside mainland Chinese operators, absorbed much of the redirected traffic, while Suvarnabhumi drew some benefit as Thai Airways expanded its European network breadth.

Chinese carriers gained further from overflying Russian airspace, which other airlines avoid, leaving a narrow corridor that lengthens trip times, increases fuel burn, and raises crew costs on rerouted longhaul flights.

Johns does not view the shift as permanent. “I wouldn’t call that a structural shift,” he said. “The Gulf carriers are still rebuilding capacity, and long term we expect a return to the equilibrium that was in place before the conflict.”

The cost pressure lands unevenly. Full-service carriers with business and premium traffic can pass more of the higher fuel bill into fares, Johns noted, whereas low-cost and ultra-low-cost operators face sharper demand impacts, as a 20 to 30 per cent fare increase deters price-sensitive leisure and visiting friends and relatives travel.

With fuel volatile and a delivery backlog of more than 16,000 aircraft forcing carriers to fly older jets longer, Johns said the region’s airlines are planning for prolonged uncertainty.

“Airlines right now are having to operate in what is a challenging new normal that requires them to be more flexible in how they plan, and adaptive from their fleet decisions to how much cash they hold on the balance sheet,” he concluded.

Guam confirms December return for international dance festival

By TTG Asia
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The Guam International Dance Festival will run from December 4 to 6, 2026, bringing together global performers and competitive dancers

The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) will bring back the Guam International Dance Festival (GIDF) from December 4 to 6, 2026.

The three-day event features competitive dance categories, cultural showcases, and professional workshops. GVB is currently working with the Federation of International Dance Festivals (FIDAF) to secure official festival sanctioning. The effort is supported by Vince Reyes, FIDAF local chairman for Oceania and president of local cultural performing arts programme Inetnon Gefpa’go.

The Guam International Dance Festival will run from December 4 to 6, 2026, bringing together global performers and competitive dancers; photos by Visit Guam

Sanctioning by FIDAF will grant the festival access to international judging panels and accredited dance troupes. Additional details regarding competition divisions and registration guidelines will be released in the coming months.

GVB president and CEO Régine Biscoe Lee said: “GIDF gives us another opportunity to welcome some of the most talented dancers and performers from around the world while giving our local community a chance to experience entertainment of the highest calibre right here at home.”

“GIDF is about creating an experience that people will want to come back for year after year,” added GVB director of destination development Ina Carillo. “We have an incredible opportunity to bring together competitive dancers who are at the top of their craft with professional performers who know how to command a stage.”

RateHawk reports strong rise in API bookings for first half of 2026

By TTG Asia
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Jallah: the next phase of industry growth will be increasingly powered by connected ecosystems

RateHawk recorded a 78 per cent year-on-year increase in API bookings in the first half of 2026, alongside a 28 per cent expansion in its partnership network.

The B2B travel technology platform, owned by Emerging Travel Group, now has 1,800 API partners globally, including online travel agencies, tour operators, travel management companies, and technology start-ups. The API provides partners access to accommodation options across more than 190 countries from global suppliers and directly contracted properties.

Jallah: the next phase of industry growth will be increasingly powered by connected ecosystems

To support integration demand, the company launched a Content API in 32 languages featuring AI-driven property mapping, rate matching, and data anomaly detection. The platform also added support for package rates and single-order multi-room bookings.

RateHawk introduced an API Optimisation Manager role across key operating markets and released a self-service sandbox environment for partner testing.

Christopher Jallah, head of API Distribution at RateHawk, noted that rising traveller price sensitivity and shifting demands are driving businesses to expand supply options faster. He added that independently building a competitive accommodation portfolio takes years and heavy investment, leading more firms to choose API integrations.

He said: “We believe the next phase of industry growth will be increasingly powered by connected ecosystems, and developing our API infrastructure remains one of our strategic priorities.”

Jallah explained that partners can connect directly or via more than 100 travel technology partners to accelerate time to market, supported by dedicated regional resources and testing environments.

“We believe the next phase of industry growth will be increasingly powered by connected ecosystems, and developing our API infrastructure remains one of our strategic priorities.”

Malaysia’s largest Umrah provider Andalusia enters Singapore market

By TTG Asia
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Andalusia Travel & Tours has expanded into Singapore to offer Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage services, educational programmes, and community initiatives

Andalusia Travel & Tours, Malaysia’s largest Umrah and Hajj travel provider, has established a physical footprint in Singapore to offer pilgrimage services, community guidance, and educational programmes.

Having served more than 800,000 pilgrims since 2002, the company’s expansion aims to provide Singapore’s Muslim community with access to guidance, educational programmes, and competitively priced travel packages directly from its new local office. Introductory 12-day Umrah packages start at S$2,990 (US$2,280) per person.

Andalusia Travel & Tours has expanded into Singapore to offer Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage services, educational programmes, and community initiatives

As part of its entry into the market, Andalusia will offer free weekly educational classes every Sunday at its premises on Pahang Street. The firm is also introducing its Andalusia Umrah Cilik initiative for children, which includes simulated pilgrimage rituals, launching in collaboration with Iman Kindergarten.

Additionally, the brand has partnered with social service organisation PPIS to sponsor an Umrah trip for a graduate of the Rise Above Halfway House, supporting women undergoing community rehabilitation.

Saleha Rashidi, head of PPIS Rise Above Halfway House, thanked Andalusia Singapore for the sponsorship, noting that the pilgrimage would offer valuable support to a resident rebuilding her life.

“Singapore represents an important new chapter for Andalusia. After many years of serving pilgrims in Malaysia, we are proud to bring our experience and approach closer to the Muslim community here, while building a presence that responds to the needs and aspirations of Singaporeans,” said Hajah Ida Riswana, founder of Andalusia Malaysia Travel & Tours.

“Our purpose in Singapore is to make the journey towards Umrah and Hajj feel within reach for more people. That means providing greater choice and value for those ready to travel, trusted guidance for those taking their first steps, and being present in the community long before a pilgrimage begins,” added Fara Abdullah, managing director of Andalusia Singapore Travel & Tours.

Hyatt targets secondary cities in broad Indonesian expansion strategy

By Tiara Maharani
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Hyatt Hotels Corporation is set to expand its presence in Indonesia with three new properties in Jakarta, Semarang, and Lombok, building on its existing portfolio of 14 hotels across seven brands.

In Lombok, Samara Lombok is scheduled to open in 2027 as the first Destination by Hyatt hotel in South-east Asia. The 125-hectare development spans two sites, Samara Bay and Samara Hills, featuring 249 guestrooms and villas.

Attendees engage with representatives during the Hyatt Fair in Jakarta, where the group outlined its latest expansion plans across Indonesia; photo by Tiara Maharani

In Jakarta, Andaz Jakarta Sudirman is expected to open in 2028 within one of the capital’s tallest CBD skyscrapers. The property will offer 198 guestrooms and 167 serviced apartments.

Meanwhile, Hyatt Place Semarang will feature 154 rooms across seven floors, along with an all-day dining restaurant, a ballroom, meeting rooms, a gym, and a rooftop bar.

Perry Chung, marketing and events manager for Hyatt Asia-Pacific, spoke to TTG Asia during the recent Hyatt Fair in Jakarta, highlighting Semarang’s growth as both a commercial and leisure hub.

“Semarang has a lot to offer, from culture to culinary, while its location also makes it a good base for travellers exploring destinations such as Yogyakarta and Solo. This allows us to reach more travellers across Central Java,” Chung said.

Beyond Semarang, Chung noted that Hyatt is actively seeking opportunities in unrepresented regions.

“Key cities like Jakarta and Bali are still very important, but we also explore destinations where Hyatt does not have a footprint, such as second and third tier cities, to expand our portfolio,” he said.

Chung added that Hyatt has additional Indonesian projects in the pipeline, including the debut of new brands, with further details to be announced later.

Nepal floods disrupt pilgrimage; key hubs open

By Rohit Kaul
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Flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26 damaged areas along the Trishuli River and halted the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal, disrupting a key pilgrimage route for Indian travellers.

Indian tour operators reported immediate cancellations and postponements across leisure and religious itineraries, with the border closure causing the primary disruption.

Major religious sites in Nepal, including Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, remain fully operational despite flood-related disruptions near the Tibet border

“Indian tours and pilgrimage trips to Nepal have been significantly impacted due to flash floods in the Rasuwa region along the Nepal-Tibet border. The biggest impact right now is on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal. However, we are also seeing postponements of other tours to Nepal,” said K Vijay Mohan, managing director of Holiday World.

The disaster has also weighed on consumer sentiment in India.

“All tours and pilgrimages to Nepal have come to a complete halt and groups are asking for cancellations. There are no new enquiries for Nepal as people are in shock after seeing the scale of the natural disaster. Even some travellers who were planning to visit Kathmandu for gaming have cancelled their trips,” said Ashwani K Gupta, managing partner at Dove Travels.

The Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border served as the primary transit point into Tibet for the season, which usually runs through mid-October. Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of the PATA Nepal Chapter, highlighted its importance for tour operators before China issued border restrictions.

“It is the most accessible and affordable option, and the one most private Indian and Nepali tour operators rely on. Following the flash floods, the Chinese National Immigration Administration formally suspended the issuance of electronic border permits for Shigatse City, the administrative area covering Gyirong Port, on August 28. The notice is unambiguous: no new permits will be issued and those already holding permits have been advised not to travel there until a further announcement,” Budal said.

While departures via Rasuwa are paused, major Nepali pilgrimage sites such as Muktinath, Pashupatinath, Janakpur, and Lumbini remain open. Travel trade leaders expect core tourism circuits to recover quickly once safety perception stabilises.

“Kailash Mansarovar and Rasuwa are likely to face significant disruption with postponements expected. Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbini have not witnessed any major destination-level impact, although temporary cancellations may occur due to concerns around safety perceptions and connectivity. Other mainstream Nepal tour programmes are also likely to experience a short-term slowdown rather than a sustained decline in demand,” said Subhash Goyal, chairman of STIC Travel & Air Charter Group.

“Overall, once travellers are reassured about safety, demand from India is expected to recover quickly, given Nepal’s proximity, affordability and strong religious and cultural appeal,” Goyal added.

Anuj Singhal, founder of Travel Representation House India, stressed the distinction between defined flood zones and key tourist corridors.

“It is important to emphasise that the flood-affected areas are localised and geographically distant from Nepal’s primary leisure and pilgrimage corridors. Destinations such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini remain operational, safe and accessible,” Singhal said, adding that trade education is underway to clarify that cancellations are largely limited to remote overland routes.

“For mainstream itineraries, we are actively re-educating our trade partners in India to help manage consumer perception,” Singhal added.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGassociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Plaza Premium Group brings two new premium lounges to Suvarnabhumi Airport
TTG Asia | Singapore revs up for 2026’s F1 night race with new headliners and partners
TTG Asia | 25hours Hotel makes Thailand debut