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Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 21st January 2026
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Page 23

Grand Nikko Bangkok Sathorn opens reservations for 2026 stays

By TTG Asia
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Grand Nikko Bangkok Sathorn will start taking reservations for 2026 stays from November 17, 2025. The first Grand Nikko-branded hotel in Thailand brings Japanese omotenashi hospitality to South Sathorn Road, offering easy access to embassies, offices, cultural sites, and entertainment venues.

The property features 405 guestrooms and suites, including 36 extended-stay residences, all with city views.

The hotel’s spa offers holistic, plant-based therapies inspired by Eastern traditions for relaxation and rejuvenation

Dining options include five venues. Benkay offers Japanese fine dining, Icho presents teppanyaki, Sanuk serves international cuisine, La-Mun Coffee & Patisserie offers light bites and sweets, and Tenku 33 rooftop bar features cocktails with panoramic city views.

A Commemorative Opening Package for stays from March 1 to June 30, 2026, starts from 6,500 baht (US$175) per night. It includes daily breakfast, up to 1,500 baht dining credit per room per night, late check-out until 16.00, subject to availability, and a 10 per cent discount for One Harmony members.

Wellness facilities include an outdoor pool, gym, spa, and relaxation areas. Divana Spa provides plant-based therapies inspired by Eastern traditions. Flexible event spaces include a 422m² grand ballroom suitable for corporate functions, weddings, and social gatherings.

The hotel is 40 minutes from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and a 10-minute walk from Chong Nonsi BTS Skytrain station.

For reservations, e-mail Grand Nikko Bangkok Sathorn.

Chinese travel alert threatens Japan’s tourism recovery

By Kathryn Wortley
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Chinese outbound travel to Japan could face a downturn amid an escalating row between the two countries over Taiwan.

Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi sparked the war of words on November 7 with a comment in a parliamentary meeting that if a Chinese attack on Taiwan posed an existential threat to Japan, it could trigger a response by Japan’s self-defence force.

Travellers from China rethink Japan trips as diplomatic tensions rise between both countries

Her remark immediately drew ire from Beijing, and China’s foreign ministry on Friday urged Chinese nationals to avoid travelling to Japan for the time being. The statement was followed by pleas from both the Hong Kong and Macau governments for their citizens to exercise caution while in Japan.

Takahide Kiuchi, executive economist at Nomura Research Institute, estimates that China’s travel alert could cause economic damage of 2.2 trillion yen (US$14 billion) to Japan.  The impact is already being felt.

Spring Japan, a low-cost carrier that operates flights between Narita International Airport and seven destinations in China, has received more than 200 inquiries from Chinese tourists about cancelling their flights since the travel alert. The airline served some 21,000 passengers, with a seat occupancy of more than 90 per cent during China’s National Day holidays in October.

Chinese airlines including Air China, China Eastern and China Southern, have begun offering free cancellations for flights to and from Japan until December 31.

Furthermore, Chengdu-based Sichuan Airlines has cancelled plans for a Chengdu to Sapporo route until at least March 2026, according to Chinese state media.

China is Japan’s largest source market for tourism, accounting for 23.7 per cent of all inbound visitors. In the first nine months of this year alone, Japan welcomed 7.48 million Chinese travellers, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

Thailand promotes festivals to global audiences with new campaign

By TTG Asia
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Thailand has launched the Spice Up Thai Fest campaign to encourage international travellers to engage with the country’s festival calendar.

Led by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Department of International Trade Promotion and Thai Airways International Public Company, the initiative uses the Thai Restaurant Global Network to highlight 14 aspects of Thai culture across key international markets.

Travellers are invited to discover Thailand’s cultural calendar through the Spice Up Thai Fest campaign

The campaign combines influencer activity with the global presence of Thai restaurants, positioning them as informal ambassadors introducing Thai festivals to wider audiences. It targets 14 pilot markets: Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. Travellers who dine at participating restaurants abroad can enter to win one of 55 round-trip Thai Airways tickets to experience festivals in Thailand aligned with the cultural themes.

Participants can join by scanning the QR code displayed at participating venues, submitting a photo that reflects their impressions of Thai cuisine and culture, and completing a platform check-in. The campaign runs from November 15, 2025 to January 18, 2026, with winners announced on January 22, 2026.

TCEB president Supawan Teerarat said: “Spice Up Thai Fest marks a new journey… showcasing the power of collaboration between the public sector, private enterprises, and global partners. By harnessing the strengths of Thai cuisine, culture, and the worldwide network of Thai restaurants, the campaign connects people, knowledge, and new opportunities.”

“Thai cuisine and festivals serve as the first gateway to experiencing the true essence of Thailand’s rich culture. This initiative fosters awareness, emotional connection and lasting impressions, while inspiring international travellers to visit Thailand,” added TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.

Pullman sets out new global vision for hotels and guest experience

By TTG Asia
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Pullman Hotels & Resorts, part of Accor’s global Premium portfolio, has unveiled a global brand transformation, signalling its next phase of development and outlining the brand’s future direction.

The update follows the international debut of Pullman xChange, a new event series designed to foster collaboration and exchange among leaders, creators and innovators.

The brand’s transformation emphasises creative exchange, flexible spaces, and immersive guest experiences; Pullman Singapore Hill Street, pictured

The brand’s transformation positions its hotels as dynamic social spaces, reflecting the needs of today’s travellers. A key element is the Pullman Portal, inspired by the brand’s railway heritage. These sculptural entryways, already introduced at Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lake Towers, will feature at new openings including Pullman Perth Airport and Pullman Hamilton, with further installations across the network as renovation programmes continue.

Meeting and event spaces have been redesigned for flexibility, allowing venues to transition from keynote settings to creative studios or workshops, emphasising adaptable environments for business and social exchange.

Culinary and bar experiences remain central to the Pullman offering. Menus will highlight shared, global flavours, while the launch in 2026 of Unexpected Pairings, an experiential bar ritual, invites guests to explore inventive combinations of food and drinks through a playful, interactive format.

Over the past 18 months, Pullman has introduced a learning programme focused on empathy, cultural awareness and guest connection. Around 60 per cent of the brand’s 20,000-plus staff, known as Heartists, have completed the training, with the remainder expected to finish in 2026.

The inaugural Pullman xChange event, held from November 13 to 14, 2025, in Dubai, transformed Pullman Dubai Downtown into a forum for discussion, workshops and performances exploring the theme Build What Outlasts You. Speakers included Abdulaziz AlJaziri, deputy CEO and COO of the Dubai Future Foundation; neuroscientist Hannah Critchlow; cyberpsychologist Elaine Kasket; and architect Adib Dada. The series will continue in Europe, Asia and South America, with each edition shaped by local cultural collaborators.

Benoît Racle, global brand president, premium, Accor, commented: “Each hotel is conceived as a place of exchange, where ideas and people move freely, fostering creativity and connection. Launching this transformation alongside Pullman xChange felt instinctive, as the event truly brings our brand philosophy to life.”

With more than 150 hotels in over 40 countries and over 70 projects in development, Pullman is expected to surpass 200 hotels within five years, including new openings such as Pullman Royal Key Wellness Resort in Guadeloupe, Pullman Kolašin Breza in Montenegro, and Pullman Tokyo Ginza in Japan.

Drukair enhances international presence through Amadeus collaboration

By TTG Asia
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Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, will make its inventory available on Amadeus under its first global distribution partnership, giving travel agents worldwide streamlined access to its flights.

Based at Paro International Airport, Drukair links Bhutan with key cities across Asia, including Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore, Dhaka, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya and Dubai. Through Amadeus, the airline’s fares, schedules and inventory will be accessible on the platform, expanding its visibility to travel agencies worldwide.

Drukair signs its first global distribution agreement with Amadeus, opening the gateway to Bhutan

Travel sellers in India, Thailand, Singapore, Nepal, Bangladesh, the UAE, Australia, the UK, Germany and France will initially be able to issue tickets, with a wider rollout planned for 2026.

The partnership supports Drukair’s growth strategy by enhancing accessibility, improving the customer experience and integrating the airline more fully into the global travel ecosystem. The carrier will go live with Amadeus travel sellers shortly, with exact dates and market availability to be announced.

“Partnering with Amadeus opens new horizons for Drukair and Bhutan. This collaboration allows us to connect with more travellers around the world, offering seamless access to our flights. We look forward to leveraging this partnership to drive growth and strengthen our presence on the global travel map,” said Tandi Wangchuk, CEO of Drukair.

“Amadeus is proud to be Drukair’s first distribution partner as it seeks to expand its global reach. We strive to offer our network of travel sellers comprehensive travel content, and Bhutan is an exceptional destination that more people will now be able to reach,” added Javier Laforgue, executive vice president, travel unit & managing director, Asia Pacific, Amadeus.

Banyan Tree Samui rings in the festive season with gourmet delights

By TTG Asia
0

Banyan Tree Samui, an all-pool-villa beachfront resort in Koh Samui, has outlined its festive-season dining and celebrations. The five-star property, recently awarded Two Keys by Michelin and named among Thailand’s Top 10 resorts by Conde Nast Traveler, will host a series of special meals and events over Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Christmas at the resort begins at The Edge, with a Christmas Eve Gala Dinner on December 24 featuring international dishes including an oyster bar, seafood market, carving station and salad bar, accompanied by live music in the evening. Saffron will offer a five-course set menu of contemporary Thai cuisine each evening from December 24 to 26.

Guests can enjoy beachfront dining, live entertainment and fireworks at Banyan Tree Samui this holiday season

At Beachside, guests can enjoy three-course lunches and five-course dinners from December 24 to 26, featuring slow-roasted butterball turkey, Alaskan snowfish and grilled tiger prawns. Beachside will also host a Christmas Day evening of traditional dishes, live cooking stations, entertainment and a fire-twirling show from 19.00.

New Year’s Eve will be marked at The Edge with a Gala Dinner from 19.00, including a seafood buffet with tiger prawns, mussels, oysters, octopus, lobster, caviar, sushi and sashimi, alongside French foie gras, carving stations, sorbets and live entertainment. Saffron will serve a five-course Thai menu featuring spicy salmon rolls, Wagyu beef salad, Champagne sorbets, roasted lamb chops and desserts.

The celebrations conclude with the Banyan Fairytale Party Night on the beachfront from 22.00 to 01.00, including a countdown, Champagne, live entertainment, dancing and fireworks.

Villas at Banyan Tree Samui, each with a private infinity pool, start from US$585 per night.

For more information, e-mail Banyan Tree Samui.

Southern Japan monitors ashfall after Sakurajima eruptions

By Melissa A Tan
0

A series of eruptions at Sakurajima in southern Japan sent ash and smoke high into the sky on November 16, prompting warnings of ashfall and causing flight disruptions across the region.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said the first eruption took place before dawn, producing a plume of about 4,400m, followed by two more blasts during the early morning. It was the first time in nearly 13 months that the volcano had sent ash higher than four kilometres, according to local reports.

Sakurajima’s latest activity sends plumes into the sky and ash across nearby prefectures

Authorities in Kagoshima prefecture, where the volcano sits on the southern tip of Kyushu island, said no damage had been reported. The JMA, however, forecast ashfall in parts of Kagoshima and neighbouring Miyazaki and advised residents to take precautions by using umbrellas or masks outdoors and driving slowly on roads affected by ash.

Local media reported that around 30 flights in and out of Kagoshima Airport were cancelled due to ash and related operational concerns. The agency said ash drifted north-east after the morning eruption and expected further deposits through the day.

Sakurajima is among Japan’s most active volcanoes, with eruptions of varying intensity occurring regularly. Activity in previous years has produced higher ash plumes, including an eruption in 2019 that rose to about 5.5km. Despite the latest series of blasts, the JMA kept its alert level at three on a five-tier scale, maintaining restrictions on approaching the mountain but not requiring evacuations.

Officials said monitoring will continue as the volcano remains active, though current assessments indicate no immediate change in risk levels.

Queensland unveils multi-market partnership with Klook to boost Asian tourism

By TTG Asia
0

Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) has launched its first global partnership with Klook, a collaboration which will run from January to June 2026, targeting six key Asian markets: Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and the Philippines.

The digital marketing campaign is designed to inspire travel, convert interest into bookings, and showcase Queensland’s diverse tourism offerings, generating benefits for local operators.

Wallaman Falls in Girringun National Park, Townsville, offers visitors the chance to experience one of Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfalls amid pristine rainforest surroundings; photo by TEQ

The partnership builds on TEQ’s new brand, That Holiday Feeling, and leverages Klook’s digital network and marketing channels, including its Klook Kreator programme. By sharing destination stories and rich content across digital platforms, the campaign aims to connect with travellers seeking authentic experiences and position Queensland as a leading holiday destination. The multi-million-dollar initiative seeks to drive bookings, deepen engagement, and encourage visitors to explore the region more fully.

Aligned with the Queensland Government’s 20-year tourism plan, Destination 2045, the partnership represents the first in a series of global commercial and strategic activations to reinforce Queensland’s international presence.

Craig Davidson, CEO of TEQ, shared: “This partnership marks a significant step in Queensland’s global tourism strategy. By joining forces with Klook, we’re amplifying Queensland’s presence in key Asian markets while also creating a seamless path for travellers, from inspiration right through to booking. Together, we’ll position Queensland as a must-visit destination, delivering real benefits for our tourism operators and communities.”

Henry Hooper, managing director of Americas, Oceania, UK and Europe, Klook, added: “Today’s travellers are seeking more than just places to visit; they’re looking for meaningful moments and genuine connection. Together, we’re opening the door to deeper discovery, connecting them to Queensland’s rich tapestry of authentic local experiences, and inspiring them to uncover more purposeful adventures along the way.”

Saudi Arabia, World Economic Forum launch global framework for sector transformation

By TTG Asia
0

The Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, has launched Beyond Tourism, a multi-sector initiative to advance global tourism through coordinated, measurable action in sustainability, inclusion and resilience.

The announcement was made during Tourise, a global platform bringing together public and private sector leaders to shape the future of tourism.

The new initiative brings public and private leaders together to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for global tourism

The initiative aims to establish a global framework for a more connected, inclusive and sustainable tourism sector, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing role in advancing international cooperation and promoting long-term benefits for people and the planet.

It brings together leaders from across the tourism ecosystem, including real estate, infrastructure, technology, urban planning, culture and conservation, to develop a shared agenda for the future of travel. It is anchored in ten guiding principles to ensure that tourism growth delivers long-term value for residents, visitors, businesses and communities.

The launch of Beyond Tourism supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which identifies tourism as a key driver of economic diversification, employment and cultural exchange. Saudi Arabia has welcomed more than 116 million visitors since the launch of Vision 2030 and aims to reach 150 million by 2030.

The 10 guiding principles for transformative tourism focus on aligning market opportunities with local strengths, empowering local economies, developing future-ready workforces, supporting cultural heritage, revitalising ecosystems and using technology responsibly.

A global coalition of leaders has been formed to identify and implement demonstration projects in key regions. Over the next three years, both organisations will work to build a diverse community, develop practical tools and pilot sustainable tourism models.

The initiative aims to establish a global framework for a more connected, inclusive and sustainable tourism sector, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing role in advancing international cooperation and promoting long-term benefits for people and the planet.

“Saudi Arabia is proud to lead Beyond Tourism in partnership with the World Economic Forum,” said Ahmed Al-Khateeb, minister of tourism of Saudi Arabia. “This partnership reflects our shared belief that the solutions we seek for tourism are, solutions for humanity itself – solutions that foster understanding, create opportunity, and build resilience for generations to come.”

“Tourism is both a bridge and a ladder – connecting cultures and lifting communities,” added Børge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum. “If we do this together, Beyond Tourism will unlock the sector’s full potential – not just in GDP terms, but in quality jobs, vibrant places, and regenerated nature.”

Hilton grows its luxury footprint across Asia-Pacific with major openings through 2026

By TTG Asia
0

Hilton is expanding its luxury portfolio across Asia-Pacific, with a line-up of scheduled openings in 2025 and 2026. The pipeline includes new properties under Waldorf Astoria, LXR Hotels and Resorts, and Conrad Hotels and Resorts, along with the regional introduction of the NoMad brand.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan recently opened, making Shanghai one of only three cities worldwide with two Waldorf Astoria hotels. Located on the southern stretch of the city’s new Bund, the 204-room property features riverfront views and interiors influenced by the city’s art deco history.

Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, set to open in late 2026, will offer 272 suites and over 4,250m² of event space in the city’s Golden Triangle

Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur is expected to open in late 2026. The 23-storey hotel will house 272 suites and more than 4,250m² of meeting and event space, including a 1,590m² pillar-less ballroom. It will be situated in the city’s Golden Triangle.

In Bengaluru, The Den Bengaluru, LXR Hotels and Resorts, is scheduled to open in 2Q2026. Positioned within the city’s technology district and close to major corporate hubs, it aims to serve business and leisure travellers moving between work and rest during their stay.

Conrad Kuala Lumpur is set to open in mid-2026 as the first Conrad Hotels and Resorts property in Malaysia. The 481-room hotel will be located in the Golden Triangle, offering access to commercial centres, transport links and key city landmarks.

In Japan, Conrad Nagoya is planned for 2026, occupying 13 floors of a new mixed-use development. The 170-room property will feature design elements referencing Aichi Prefecture’s craft traditions.

Hilton will also introduce NoMad to Asia-Pacific with NoMad Singapore. Developed with UOL Group, the 173-room hotel will open on Orchard Road. It will feature a design-led approach, dining concepts and cultural programming, positioned within one of Singapore’s key retail and entertainment districts.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Agoda, Mastercard introduce travel rewards solution
TTG Asia | Philippines launches Manila transit tours for international passengers via Philippine Airlines
TTG Asia | Raja Ampat raises tourism fees to support conservation and communities