TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 21st January 2026
Page 25

Saudi Tourism Authority launches campaign targeting Chinese travellers

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The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has introduced a new campaign, Immerse Your Soul in Arabia, aimed at attracting Chinese travellers.

The initiative, based on the Chinese concept of Qi Yu (serendipity), highlights Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern developments.

The campaign film follows a young Chinese family exploring Saudi Arabia, from the deserts of AlUla to the Red Sea’s luxury resorts

The campaign film showcases key destinations including the rock tombs of AlUla, historic cities Al-Balad and Diriyah, Riyadh’s cityscape, and the Saudi Red Sea, where resorts such as The St Regis Shebara and InterContinental offer water villas.

The film also illustrates local cultural experiences, including traditional dress, music, dance, and market interactions, emphasising the country’s safe and welcoming environment.

The launch comes as interest from Chinese travellers rises. Around 140,000 visited Saudi Arabia in 2024, marking a record high. Overall, the country welcomed approximately 116 million visits, a six per cent increase from 2023, including 29.7 million international arrivals, up eight per cent. Destinations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla and the Saudi Red Sea are increasingly popular among international travellers.

The campaign aims to position Saudi Arabia as a destination where cultural heritage and modern experiences coexist, encouraging visitors to explore cities, historic sites and coastal resorts. With a focus on immersive experiences and authentic human connections, STA is targeting travellers seeking meaningful and safe journeys.

Solo travel on the rise across Asia in 2025, Agoda reports

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Agoda has observed a rise in solo travel interest across Asia in 2025, with a 16% increase in accommodation searches compared to last year, highlighting a growing movement of travellers embracing the freedom and adventure of solo journeys.

The data, shared in the wake of Singles Day on November 11, underscores how individuals are increasingly seeking personal discovery and independent travel experiences.

Solo travel rises across Asia in 2025, with Tokyo, Bangkok and Seoul, pictured, among the most popular destinations

When planning trips, solo travellers gravitate towards major cities, with Tokyo (Japan) leading the pack, followed by Bangkok (Thailand), Seoul (South Korea), Osaka (Japan) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

These urban hubs offer a wide range of attractions, from cultural landmarks to dining and lively entertainment, making them ideal for those exploring the world at their own pace. While these destinations have long been popular with all types of travellers, their unique offerings make them particularly appealing to those travelling solo.

At the forefront of this trend are travellers from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Taiwan, who make up the top five solo travel groups in Asia. While Japanese travellers dominate in numbers, interest in solo travel has grown fastest among Indonesians, with a 72% increase in searches. Thai travellers follow with a 37% rise in solo travel interest. This growth highlights a shift in how individuals across Asia are redefining their travel experiences and looking beyond traditional group trips.

Jay Lee, regional director, North Asia at Agoda, remarked that the rise in solo travel across Asia had become a defining trend in 2025, reflecting a growing desire for personal discovery and meaningful cultural immersion.

IHG partners to boost hospitality careers in India

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IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has partnered with The Job Plus and the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) to provide skills training and career opportunities for young people from underserved communities in India.

The long-term initiative aims to strengthen youth employability in the hospitality sector.

Jain: we remain focused on creating shared value – for our people, our partners, and the communities we serve

Aligned with its Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan, IHG is addressing the industry’s growing skill gap, where many trained workers are leaving the sector, by supporting economic and social change through training and innovation. With IHG’s educational sponsorship, participants will have the chance to build careers that offer financial independence and choice rather than roles dictated by circumstance.

The Job Plus will oversee on-ground implementation by leveraging its expertise in skilling and employment across India’s hospitality sector, while THSC will assess and certify all participants under nationally recognised standards.

Sudeep Jain, managing director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This partnership reflects our commitment to nurturing local talent, bridging the industry’s skill gap, and enabling young people from diverse backgrounds to build meaningful careers in hospitality. As we continue to grow in India, we remain focused on creating shared value – for our people, our partners, and the communities we serve, guided by our purpose of True Hospitality for Good.”

“Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen the industry’s talent pipeline, align skilling with global hospitality standards, and create long-term, dignified career pathways for young individuals across India,” stated Divya Krishan, chief growth officer, The Job Plus.

THSC CEO Rajan Bahadur added: “At THSC, we believe true progress comes from empowering individuals through skills. This initiative is a step towards creating equitable opportunities, enabling youth to become confident professionals who strengthen the hospitality ecosystem.”

Amadeus, SmartRyde to streamline airport transfers

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Amadeus and SmartRyde have partnered to make airport transfers easier, starting with travel agents in Japan and South Korea. With Japan and South Korea as the launch point, this partnership is the start of a wider effort to bring improved airport transfer solutions to travellers globally.

The collaboration integrates SmartRyde, a Japanese provider of pre-booked airport transfer services, into Amadeus Transfers, allowing travel sellers worldwide to offer seamless ground transportation as part of their itineraries.

Travellers in Japan and South Korea will soon be able to book airport transfers directly through Amadeus for a smoother journey

The first phase will see the service rolled out to travel sellers in Japan and South Korea. Travellers will be able to pre-book door-to-door airport transfers, while travel agents will have the service fully integrated within Amadeus’ booking platform.

For travellers, especially those heading abroad, arranging airport transport can be stressful. The partnership allows them to book a ride from the airport before leaving home, saving time, reducing anxiety and ensuring a smoother journey from departure to hotel check-in.

Travel sellers using the Amadeus Travel Platform will have access to the full range of SmartRyde services, including standard vehicles and premium chauffeur options, with real-time availability, instant confirmation and transparent pricing.

“This collaboration is designed with the traveller in mind,” said Sota Kimura, CEO of SmartRyde. “Starting with Japan and South Korea, we want to help travel agents offer a full-service experience – with safe airport transfers in addition to flights and hotels.”

Peter Altmann, vice president of mobility and travel protection at Amadeus added: “This partnership reflects our ongoing mission to connect the travel ecosystem and deliver more choice, convenience, and peace of mind to our customers.

“By integrating SmartRyde’s trusted airport transfer services into our platform, we’re empowering travel sellers in Japan and South Korea to offer travellers a truly end-to-end experience – from the moment they leave their home to when they arrive at their destination.”

New hotels: Anantara Hua Hin Resort, Thompson Shanghai Expo and more

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Anantara Hua Hin Resort

Anantara Hua Hin Resort, Thailand
Anantara Hua Hin Resort has completed extensive renovations ahead of its 25th anniversary, updating its 171 rooms and suites while retaining its traditional Thai village design. Room categories include Garden View Rooms, Pool Access Rooms, Deluxe Rooms with spacious balconies, and Two-Bedroom Family Suites and Pool Suites.

Facilities feature a refreshed main pool, adults-only lagoon pool, expanded Active Zone with CrossFit and sports options, a new kids’ club, and an interactive Mini Farm. Dining options include Sea. Fire. Salt., Rim Nam for Thai cuisine, and Issara Café.

The resort offers direct beach access and is set close to Hua Hin’s key attractions.

Thompson Shanghai Expo

Thompson Shanghai Expo, China
Thompson Shanghai Expo, the first Thompson Hotels property in Asia-Pacific, is located in Shanghai’s World Expo district, close to the Mercedes-Benz Arena, China Art Museum and Expo Culture Park.

The hotel offers 254 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Huangpu River or city. Dining options include Fishermen’s Pavilion for regional Chinese cuisine, BAOBAO Lounge with steamed delicacies and light bites, and rooftop bar TOTS with Italian and Asian tapas. Facilities include eight event venues, rooftop views, and easy access to cultural, shopping and transport hubs.

SureStay Plus by Best Western T Pattaya

SureStay Plus by Best Western T Pattaya, Thailand
SureStay Plus by Best Western T Pattaya, the first SureStay Hotels property in the city, is located close to Pattaya’s downtown attractions. The 95-room hotel features a restaurant, rooftop infinity pool, fitness centre and rooftop bar with panoramic views.

The property is two hours from Bangkok and near Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya international airports. Guests are within walking distance of restaurants, bars, shopping and nightlife, with beaches, golf courses, water parks and gardens nearby.

KiN Hotel Hai Ba Trung

KiN Hotel Hai Ba Trung, Vietnam
KiN Hotel Hai Ba Trung, a 10-storey property in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, is located near Notre Dame Cathedral and Diamond Plaza. The hotel offers rooms and suites with blackout curtains, freestanding bathtubs in select suites, minibars, premium toiletries and quiet work areas.

Facilities include a business lounge with local snacks and coffee, and Kudochi Onsen, a Japanese-style bathing experience with private mineral-water rooms.

Wickedly magical staycations await at Grand Hyatt Jakarta

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Grand Hyatt Jakarta has launched a collaboration with Universal Pictures’ Wicked: For Good, the conclusion to last year’s global film, arriving in theatres on November 19, 2025.

From now to January 3, 2026, guests can book the Wicked: For Good Staycation package. The first 20 bookings will receive two complimentary tickets to the official movie premiere on November 15, 2025. Subsequent bookings will be offered tickets for a limited period at Plaza Indonesia XXI’s Studio Deluxe.

Guests at Grand Hyatt Jakarta can book the Wicked: For Good staycation to enjoy film-themed rooms and exclusive experiences

The staycation also includes a Wicked: For Good Afternoon Tea at the Fountain Lounge, featuring a selection of sweet and savoury treats inspired by the film.

Guests can enjoy a film-themed Cocktail Hour, with drinks inspired by the world of Emerald City.

For more information, visit Grand Hyatt Jakarta.

Malaysia Aviation Group welcomes new president and group CEO

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Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has appointed Nasaruddin A Bakar as president and group chief executive officer, effective February 1, 2026. He succeeds Izham Ismail, who will retire as group managing director after more than four decades with the company.

Nasaruddin brings over 30 years of experience in flight operations, management, and strategic leadership within MAG. He most recently served as chief operating officer of Malaysia Airlines, where he led key transformation initiatives including the turnaround of MASwings in 2022 and the roll-out of profit-driven structures under MAG’s Long-Term Business Plan 2.0.

In his new role, Nasaruddin will lead the execution of MAG’s strategic priorities, focusing on operational excellence, customer experience, and sustainable growth across its airline and non-airline businesses as the group advances its LTBP3.0.

His appointment ensures continuity in leadership and supports MAG’s commitment to building a future-ready aviation group, backed by a strong management team across its three profit centres: Airline Business, Loyalty and Travel Services, and Aviation Services.

Christoph Dueker leads as cluster GM for Anantara and Avani Kalutara

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Minor Hotels has appointed Christoph Dueker as cluster general manager for Anantara Kalutara Resort and Avani Kalutara Resort.

Dueker brings over 20 years of international hospitality experience, most recently serving in senior roles with Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. His career includes leadership positions at Four Seasons, Park Hyatt, and Shangri-La across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

In his new role, Dueker will oversee operations at both Kalutara resorts, focusing on enhancing their distinct identities and deepening their connection to the destination.

Agoda, Archipelago team up to widen Indonesia hotel reach

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Agoda has partnered with Archipelago International to expand traveller choice and strengthen both brands’ presence in the region.

Through the collaboration, 193 of Archipelago International’s properties, spanning urban business hotels, leisure resorts, and boutique stays, are now available on Agoda via the newly launched Archipelago Flagship Store. The dedicated hub allows travellers to easily discover and book trusted Indonesian properties, including Aston Anyer Beach Hotel, Harper Malioboro, Royal Kamuela Ubud, and The Alana Hotel and Conference.

The collaboration between Agoda and Archipelago International aims to connect more guests with Indonesia’s top urban, resort, and boutique stays

Indonesia has been growing in popularity, ranking as the third most searched market on Agoda in 2025. Agoda data shows a 21 per cent year-on-year rise in searches for travel to Indonesia, led by travellers from South Korea with 36 per cent growth, followed by Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and Japan.

While Bali, Jakarta, and Batam remain top destinations, emerging hotspots like Labuan Bajo and Medan are seeing rapid growth, recording 66 per cent and 47 per cent increases in searches respectively.

Archipelago’s Flagship Store goes beyond standard listings, showcasing its diverse portfolio to travellers from leading source markets. The collaboration also leverages Agoda’s multichannel marketing solutions to increase visibility and engagement for the group’s properties.

This marks the first collaboration between Agoda and Archipelago International, uniting Agoda’s data-driven distribution capabilities with Archipelago’s regional brand strength. The partnership aims to accelerate demand generation, improve conversion across multiple markets, and give partners more effective ways to engage travellers and boost revenue.

Andrew Smith, senior vice president of supply at Agoda, said: “Indonesia remains an important focus for Agoda’s growth, and this partnership with Archipelago International aligns with that direction. We value this collaboration as it reinforces our local offerings and supports our collective success in this dynamic market.”

Chris Legaspi, chief commercial officer at Archipelago International, added: “Agoda’s Flagship Store provides an innovative platform to share our brand story and engage travellers more meaningfully while leveraging Agoda’s scale and marketing expertise to drive growth and revenue.”

Three Bayview hotels to join Oriental Holdings under Ascott management

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Oriental Holdings and its subsidiaries plan to acquire Bayview Beach Resort Penang, Bayview Hotel Georgetown and Bayview Hotel Langkawi as part of a strategy to strengthen their hospitality portfolio. The hotels will be repositioned under the management of Ascott, appointed by the current owners.

The proposed acquisition of Bayview Hotel Georgetown also includes Wisma Boon Siew, an adjoining 15-storey building comprising an office tower, two showrooms and car parking bays.

The three hotels will be repositioned under Ascott management, with renovations starting in 2026 and relaunch planned for 2028; Bayview Hotel Penang, pictured

Once the transaction is complete, Oriental Holdings will assume ownership of all three properties, with Ascott continuing as operator and manager. The acquisitions require shareholder approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for 1Q2026, followed by completion of the transaction.

The hotels will be aligned with distinct brands within Ascott’s portfolio, each targeting specific traveller segments. Renovations are scheduled to start in 2026, with a relaunch planned for 1Q2028. Improvements to design, facilities and guest experiences will be supported by Ascott’s technical services team and its established distribution channels, including the Ascott Star Rewards loyalty programme with over seven million members worldwide.

Under the plan, the 365-room Bayview Beach Resort Penang will be rebranded as Ascott Batu Ferringhi Penang, marking the debut of Ascott’s flagship brand in a Malaysian beachfront setting. The 340-room Bayview Hotel Georgetown will become Oakwood Georgetown Penang, serving business-leisure travellers in George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage district. The 282-room Bayview Hotel Langkawi will be rebranded as Fox Hotel Langkawi, expanding Ascott’s Fox brand in Malaysia.

Adrian Wong, chief financial officer at Oriental Holdings, said: “Subject to shareholder approval, this proposed acquisition represents a meaningful step in strengthening (the group’s) presence in Malaysia’s hospitality sector. If completed, it will expand our hotel portfolio in the country from one to four properties and grow our overall portfolio from seven to 10.”

Wong Kar Ling, chief strategy officer and managing director, Southeast Asia, Ascott, said: “These three distinctive properties reflect the strength and flexibility of Ascott’s multi-typology brand strategy. With their addition, our presence in Malaysia now spans over 50 properties, including both operational and pipeline developments. We look forward to welcoming guests to the refreshed spaces that reflect each brand’s unique design approach and guest experience.”