Park Regis by Prince Singapore, Singapore Park Regis by Prince Singapore features 203 guestrooms, including rooms with direct pool access. Here, guests can immerse themselves in lush greenery and a serene, minimalistic Japanese-inspired environment in the heart of Singapore.
Onsite are restaurants, outdoor pool, gym, business centre, event spaces, and self-service laundromat.
The hotel is situated along Merchant Road, surrounded by the bustling city nightlife in Clarke Quay and the cultural streets of Chinatown, while within walking distance to Clarke Quay MRT station.
Best Western Chaweng Samui
Best Western Chaweng Samui, Thailand Nestled in the centre of Chaweng, Koh Samui’s liveliest tourist district, surrounded by shops and restaurants and a short walk from Chaweng Beach, the Best Western Chaweng Samui offers 67 rooms and suites with modern amenities, an indoor swimming pool and an all-day dining restaurant.
The property’s central location also puts travellers on the doorstep of Chaweng’s many attractions and activities, from Chaweng Beach to Koh Samui’s famous nightlife. Samui International Airport is a 10-minute drive away and transfers can be arranged with the hotel.
Adelaide Marriott Hotel
Adelaide Marriott Hotel, Australia Adelaide Marriott Hotel is housed in the 150-year-old landmark Adelaide General Post Office building and boasts a 14-storey tower with 285 guestrooms, including 12 suites with views of the city skyline. Facilities include two restaurants, a bar, fitness centre and indoor pool.
Located in the heart of the city overlooking Victoria Square and within walking distance of the Adelaide Oval, Rundle Mall, Central Markets and Her Majesty’s Theatre, the hotel is also just a 15-minute drive to Adelaide Airport.
Hilton Kathmandu
Hilton Kathmandu, Nepal Hilton Kathmandu is the tallest hotel in Kathmandu and the only one with a glass facade, featuring panoramic views of the Langtang Valley’s mountain ranges.
The hotel offers five unique dining venues, banquet spaces, rooftop bar, temperature-controlled rooftop pool, EV Charging Stations and a green fleet of electric vehicles.
Located in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley, the hotel is just four kilometres from Tribhuvan International Airport and minutes away from tourist attractions such as Thamel and Durbar Marg.
Booking.com has revealed its Gen.Voyage!research which highlights how families in Asia-Pacific are embracing intergenerational travel like never before, creating opportunities for richer connections and shared experiences across generations.
The report showcases insights garnered from over 8,000 travellers across 11 markets and territories in the region, and examines the prevalence of intergenerational travel where grandparents, parents, children and other extended family members travel together for leisure.
Family dynamics across generations can influence travel behaviour and decision making
In Asia-Pacific, multigenerational households are 43% more common than the global average. This cultural emphasis on extended family living significantly influences how families approach travel, with shared family values and close-knit relationships shaping their vacation choices.
Booking.com conducted this research to better understand how family dynamics across generations could influence travel behaviour and decision making, offering fresh insights into a travel approach that is particularly relevant in this region.
47% of travellers highlighted the joy of bonding and creating lasting memories with loved ones while on holiday, while 39% value reconnecting with family they rarely meet. 27% enjoy learning from different generational perspectives, and 26% cherish watching their children learn from different familial role models.
This trend varies regionally. In New Zealand, travellers focus on reconnecting with distant family members, while in India, the emphasis is on passing down traditions and cultural heritage. In Vietnam, families appreciate the support with childcare and the chance for children to learn from role models beyond their parents.
Planning a trip that delights every generation
Planning a family vacation that satisfies everyone – from grandparents to children – is no small feat. Families often grapple with increased safety and health concerns (30%), clashing interests (30%), and the challenges of diverse dietary needs (28%). Balancing energy levels (27%) and navigating family dynamics (25%) can further complicate the travel experience.
The secret to a successful trip is creating experiences that resonate across generations.
Over 27% of families enjoy travelling for reunions or special occasions, seeing these moments as a chance to unite and celebrate milestones together.
Visiting relatives (21%) is another favoured choice, allowing families to deepen their bonds and experience local cultures. Food experiences (21%) and sightseeing (20%) are also popular vacation activities, providing opportunities to explore new cultures and cuisines as a family.
Travel preferences vary with each region
Thai travellers favour beach and coastal trips, embracing the sun and sea; Taiwanese families are the biggest foodies, planning vacations centred on culinary experiences. Vietnamese families stand out for their interest in cruises, while Indian families show enthusiasm for major sporting events, concerts, and music festivals.
Millennials often take the lead in planning family trips, driving 48% of travel arrangements with their tech-savvy approach. Gen Zs are eager to chip in, with 47% co-planning and personalising itineraries. Baby Boomers, on the other hand, tend to take a backseat, with only 23% actively involved in planning.
When it comes to trip duration, most families find that four to six days is long enough to relax and short enough to avoid travel fatigue. In booking their adventures, families show a flair for spontaneity, with over half (51%) of travellers open to last-minute getaways and booking their trips with less than a month’s notice – this even extends to vacations longer than six days, with 40% also booking within a month.
A variety of accommodation choices
Hotels remain the go-to for 49% of families, with resorts following as the preferred option for 36%. A growing trend is emerging towards unique stays – around 25% of families are drawn to culturally immersive stays such as ryokans, hanoks, homesteads, treehouses, and longhouses, adding a touch of local flavour and adventure to their trips. Regardless of the type, practical considerations are paramount: affordability (41%), proximity to attractions (29%), and convenient on-site dining (27%) lead the decision-making process.
In China, families are drawn to culturally immersive accommodations like traditional homesteads and heritage-rich architectural gems. Thai families, on the other hand, gravitate toward seaside options, from luxurious villas to budget-friendly beach homes for their coastal escapes. In South Korea, families often prefer staying with friends or family for a personal touch, or opting for guesthouses that offer an authentic glimpse into local customs and lifestyles.
Destinations capturing the hearts of families
Safety (46%), affordability (39%), and accessibility for all age groups (30%) top the list of priorities when families choose their travel destinations. While environmental sustainability (13%) and cultural immersion (13%) are appreciated, they take a backseat to these core concerns.
42% of travellers prefer to travel to domestic destinations, benefiting from shorter travel distances and familiarity with local customs. Meanwhile, 39% crave the excitement of international travel, eager for new experiences and cultural encounters.
Some destinations are emerging as clear favourites among families for their blend of cultural allure, diverse activities, and family-friendly amenities.
Top and trending destination choices for families in the region
According to the Booking.com platform, top destination choices for families in Asia-Pacific include Tokyo, Japan; Gold Coast, Australia; Singapore; Seminyak, Bali; Osaka, Japan; London, the UK; Kuta, Bali; Dubai, the UAE; Paris, France; and Nusa Dua, Bali.
For trending destinations, the list comprises Urayasu, Japan; Ayodhya, India; Uluwatu, Bali;
Murcia, Spain; Leatherhead, the UK; Baku, Azerbaijan; Charlotte, the US; Nago-Torbole, Italy; as well as Ulverston and Haywards Heath in the UK.
Laura Houldsworth, managing director, Asia Pacific at Booking.com, said: “Our new research highlights the unique ways families are approaching their vacations, from balancing diverse needs to exploring new destinations.
“This study provides valuable insights into how Booking.com and the travel industry overall can support families in Asia-Pacific make the most of their adventures, across generations – and make it easier for everyone to experience the world.”
Canopy Sands Development unveiled its US$16 billion Bay of Lights township project at two distinguished industry events – the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum, and the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific Australia New Zealand – highlighting its pivotal role in fostering regional collaboration and elevating Cambodia’s profile as the next financial and tourism destination on the global stage.
These forums provided a prime opportunity to introduce Bay of Lights, a pioneering development reshaping the skyline of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Bay of Lights is poised to drive Cambodia’s urban evolution while serving as a conduit for deeper economic partnerships between Cambodia, Australia, and the broader South-east Asia bloc.
The Australian-ASEAN Business Forum celebrates 50 years of economic cooperation and regional partnerships
Spanning 934 hectares, the Bay of Lights project has already secured key international partnerships, making headlines with high-profile collaborations. Among them is a partnership with Australia’s Greg Norman Golf Course Design, which is set to bring Cambodia’s first USGA-standard 18+1-hole waterfront golf course to life.
Major global hospitality leaders, such as The Ascott, IHG, and Radisson, have also signed on, with the aim of transforming the region’s tourism landscape and delivering substantial cultural and economic benefits to both Cambodia and South-east Asia.
The project is primed to benefit from regional trade dynamics with its strategic location. Australia’s trade with South-east Asian nations reached US$183.4 billion in 2023, surpassing trade with key economies like Japan and the US. Buoyed by trade agreements including the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Bay of Lights is positioned to become a premier financial and investment hub, drawing global investors seeking to tap into South-east Asia’s flourishing markets.
With this strategic vision and robust partnerships, Bay of Lights is set to become a flagship destination for cultural tourism and international investment in Southeast Asia and beyond.
“Australia and ASEAN’s longstanding partnership, based on mutual respect and shared goals, has led to significant growth in bilateral trade across various sectors,” said Michael Truong, head of business development at Canopy Sands Development.
“With Cambodia serving as a gateway that connects both regions, the Bay of Lights is envisioned not just as city’s transformation but as a community that will sustain this economic growth and collaborative efforts in our region.”
G Adventures and Planeterra will co-host the upcoming GX World Community Tourism Summit from September 24 to 28, with Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism) coming onboard as the headline sponsor for the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the project first-hand, or to sample it during a Planeterra Marketplace, which will showcase the projects and people running them.
Attendees can experience Pink City Rickshaw, which enables women from low-income households in Jaipur to earn a living by driving designer e-rickshaws
Four new initiatives will be available to travellers. The first is Anoothi India, which offers a deep dive into the local culture through a textile workshop led by women from marginalized communities in the Jaipur region. Travellers will interact with the women and learn about their experiences, observe the intricate techniques and browse through and purchase some of the products created.
Next, Pink City Rickshaw in Jaipur offers women from low-income households in Jaipur sustainable livelihoods as they drive designer e-rickshaws, taking tourists to iconic landmarks like the Hawa Mahal, providing a unique and personal experience beyond traditional tours on eco-friendly transportation.
Sheroes’ Hangout in Agra is a café that aids acid attack survivors in their medical recovery and pursuit of justice, while arts and crafts centre Sunder Rang in Chandelao, Rajasthan, provides training and a platform for rural women to showcase their traditional handicrafts.
These enterprises join G Adventures’ and Planeterra’s long-standing community tourism experiences that have been delivered to travellers for many years, including Women With Wheels’ airport transfer service, and Salaam Baalak Trust’s Delhi City Walk, which trains and empowers youth to enter the tourism and hospitality space – both also available during the summit for attendees to experience.
Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures and Planeterra, shared: “We are delighted to be able to collaborate with Incredible India as we showcase our newest community tourism experiences. These are all designed to give back through travel and help change the lives of local people through the economic support of tourism, as well as delivering memorable and life-changing activities to our travellers.”
This September marks the 10th anniversary for Moxy Hotels, a brand that has become synonymous with fun and innovation in the hospitality industry, and designed for those who are young at heart and on the hunt for new experiences.
Since the launch of the first Moxy Hotel in Asia-Pacific, Moxy Bandung, in 2017, the lifestyle brand has expanded its presence in the region over the past 12 months, entering key markets including Australia, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, with five new hotels having been added to the portfolio through 2024. These comprise Moxy Sydney Airport (Australia), Moxy Bengaluru Airport Prestige Tech Cloud (India), Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong (Thailand), Moxy Putrajaya (Malaysia), Moxy Solo (Indonesia), and Moxy Mumbai Andheri West (India).
Moxy Sydney Airport in Australia, pictured, is one of the brand’s latest openings in Asia-Pacific
Having made its debut in 2014, with the first Moxy Hotel opening in Milan, the brand now has over 135 properties in 29 countries.
Highlights of the Moxy experience includes innovative check-in experience; Moxy Hookups – creative, social perks gifted randomly to guests daily; Moxy Pickups – grab-and-go style pick-ups station; social spaces in lobbies; smart and stylish rooms; as well as the digital interactive guestbook that provides recommendations for travellers by fellow travellers and locals.
“Moxy offers a playful and engaging environment at an approachable price point without sacrificing style. With plans for further expansion and exciting new initiatives on the horizon, Moxy is set to continue its journey as a disruptor in the select service space,” said John Toomey, chief sales & marketing officer, Marriott International, Asia Pacific excluding China.
Traveloka has teamed up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to launch the Amazing Thailand Deals campaign, offering customers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore up to 20 per cent off on thousands of accommodation across the Kingdom.
The offer is available until September 30, with a stay period valid through October 31.
Traveloka’s Amazing Thailand Deals campaign offers travellers discounts on accommodation across the country
Aiming to promote the country’s destinations, experiences, and hidden gems, the campaign also offers exclusive deals and provides travellers with more opportunities to explore the wonders of Thailand.
A series of enchanting fireworks are lighting up the skies over Macau as part of the 32nd Macao International Fireworks Display Contest, organised by the Macao Government Tourism Office.
The event kicked off on September 14 by competing companies from Canada and Thailand. More excitement is set to follow, as Macau has planned an elaborate fireworks journey over five weeks.
This year, 10 spectacular shows will be staged from mid-September, with firework displays presented by Russia, France, Spain, the Philippines, Italy, Japan, Portugal and China.
The fireworks displays are accompanied by various events, such as the Fireworks Carnival, which engages visitors with food stalls, experience booths, game booths and stage performances, as well as the 7th Macau Lantern Festival.
Almost one third of people living in Japan’s most popular tourist destinations are feeling overtourism to some extent, but most remain positive about tourism’s overall impact, according to a recent study by EY Japan.
The report Leading the Japanese economy towards growth in the tourism industry explores perceptions of tourism based on a survey carried out in 10 of the country’s top spots, including Kyoto, Nara, Asakusa (Tokyo), Shizuoka, Miyajima (Hiroshima), and Asahikawa (Hokkaido). It also considers how Japan can continue to promote tourism as a foundation for economic growth.
Majority of the Japanese view tourism as an important means of boosting the economy in their region; Miyajima Island, pictured
Around 40 per cent of respondents reported a positive view of the number of tourists in their area, and 60 per cent said tourism plays an important role in enriching their lives and boosting the economy in their region. Only 15 per cent said tourism plays a negative role.
Respondents also noted that their area’s popularity had sparked their own interest in local attractions including nature, history, culture and food, while giving them a sense of hometown pride.
The highest proportion of those witnessing overtourism were in Kyoto, followed by Asakusa, Nara and Miyajima, citing problems such as bad manners, traffic congestion and difficulty riding public transport due to overcrowding.
While opinions on tourism remain largely positive, the report noted that disruptions to daily life caused by visitors “highlight the challenge of tourism becoming the growth engine of the Japanese economy” in the longer term.
It recommends proper management of tourism destinations, such as by a destination management organisation, to ensure local communities receive sufficient economic benefit, thereby helping to counteract any negative impacts that residents may experience.
Bhutan’s Department of Tourism has introduced its new Tourism Services Portal, enhancing the experience for visitors to the Kingdom by offering streamlined access to the wide range of services available to guests.
This innovative portal aims to simplify and centralise access to essential tourism services, ensuring that visitors can easily connect with accredited service providers, book accommodations, and plan their itineraries with confidence.
Bhutan’s new portal aims to provide easy access for tourists to the wide range of services available (Photo: Amp Sripimanwat)
The launch represents a milestone in the Kingdom’s journey to modernise and sustain its unique approach to tourism, and is being promoted to guests through the Department of Tourism’s website, marketing collateral and social media.
As of August 23, 404 Bhutanese Tour Operators, 948 certified guides, 100 hotels, 14 homestays, and several other service providers have successfully registered on the portal. The registration process is ongoing, and even more businesses and professionals are expected to join the platform in the coming weeks.
The Department of Tourism is also holding webinars with Economic Development Marketing Officers from each Dzongkhag and asking for their support to help onboard the various service providers, homestays, and establishments in each Dzongkhag onto the new portal.
Money, time, and effort invested in adopting sustainable practices not only protect the planet but also positively impact the companies’ financial bottom-line, as proven by Newport World Resorts.
The operators of Newport World Resorts – the Philippines’ biggest integrated resort (IR) with 3,580 keys in eight hotels; 100 restaurants; 18,000m² retail space; 8,000m² event spaces; 1,788 theatre seats; and 30,000m² gaming space manned by 6,500 employees – got together in 2021 and launched I Love Earth (ILE) with a holistic and concrete sustainability programme.
Newport World Resorts is the only IR in the country to receive a silver certification from EarthCheck (Photo: Newport World Resorts)
Today, the IR is reaping huge benefits from its efficiency measures in reducing electricity and water consumption, said Bruce Winton, Marriott International’s multi-property vice president in the Philippines.
Yearly savings on electricity are estimated at 29 million pesos (US$521,467) or 34,000 million kilowatt hour in the boiler system; 21 million pesos or 3,000 million KWh in the descaling system; 14 million pesos or 1,700 million KWh from occupancy sensing rooms; and a 15 per cent cost reduction from low temperature laundry.
This is a far cry from the IR’s previous 250 million KWh yearly consumption of electricity equivalent to 59,000 homes, Winton said in a presentation to the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association.
There’s also huge savings from reduced water consumption which used to be four million cubic metres each year. Winton noted that water is expensive in the Philippines, about six and a half times more expensive than in Thailand, and supply problems arise during the dry season, El Nino and La Nina phenomena.
Each hotel in the IR has its own sustainability programme; for Marriott Manila, the goal is to lessen its water consumption by 15 per cent next year.
Marriott Manila’s reform, reduce, recycle, and repurpose programme for its water bottling translates to a 1.7 million pesos savings for one year and a 2.1 years of return on investments on a 3.6 million peso capital.
The ILE Urban Farm within the IR, while promoting healthy living and livelihood, has other benefits: 37 per cent lower price of produce per kilo; 95 per cent less land use; 95 per cent less water used; 95 per cent less fuel; and 95 per cent less waste – all pesticide free. About 37 per cent of selected items from the urban farm are now being sold to the local marketplace.
In addition, active benchmarking and certification (set metrics, measure, global certification, among others) make Newport World Resorts the only IR in the country to receive a silver certification from EarthCheck.
Canopy Sands Development unveiled its US$16 billion Bay of Lights township project at two distinguished industry events – the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum, and the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific Australia New Zealand – highlighting its pivotal role in fostering regional collaboration and elevating Cambodia’s profile as the next financial and tourism destination on the global stage.
These forums provided a prime opportunity to introduce Bay of Lights, a pioneering development reshaping the skyline of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Bay of Lights is poised to drive Cambodia’s urban evolution while serving as a conduit for deeper economic partnerships between Cambodia, Australia, and the broader South-east Asia bloc.
Spanning 934 hectares, the Bay of Lights project has already secured key international partnerships, making headlines with high-profile collaborations. Among them is a partnership with Australia’s Greg Norman Golf Course Design, which is set to bring Cambodia’s first USGA-standard 18+1-hole waterfront golf course to life.
Major global hospitality leaders, such as The Ascott, IHG, and Radisson, have also signed on, with the aim of transforming the region’s tourism landscape and delivering substantial cultural and economic benefits to both Cambodia and South-east Asia.
The project is primed to benefit from regional trade dynamics with its strategic location. Australia’s trade with South-east Asian nations reached US$183.4 billion in 2023, surpassing trade with key economies like Japan and the US. Buoyed by trade agreements including the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Bay of Lights is positioned to become a premier financial and investment hub, drawing global investors seeking to tap into South-east Asia’s flourishing markets.
With this strategic vision and robust partnerships, Bay of Lights is set to become a flagship destination for cultural tourism and international investment in Southeast Asia and beyond.
“Australia and ASEAN’s longstanding partnership, based on mutual respect and shared goals, has led to significant growth in bilateral trade across various sectors,” said Michael Truong, head of business development at Canopy Sands Development.
“With Cambodia serving as a gateway that connects both regions, the Bay of Lights is envisioned not just as city’s transformation but as a community that will sustain this economic growth and collaborative efforts in our region.”