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Asia/Singapore Monday, 22nd December 2025
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Page 31

Agoda-Premier Inn partnership targets Asia’s rising demand for European travel

By TTG Asia
0

Agoda has partnered with the UK’s largest hotel chain, Premier Inn, to make more than 900 of its properties in the UK, Germany and Ireland available to Agoda’s customers.

With Premier Inn now on the platform, travellers gain access to a wider range of reliable, quality stays while Premier Inn benefits from exposure to high-potential markets, as the collaboration aims to offer greater choice and value to the growing number of Asian travellers exploring Europe.

The partnership aims to connect travellers from Asia and beyond to over 900 properties across the UK, Germany and Ireland

Agoda data shows a 20 per cent increase in searches for travel to the UK and Europe in 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. Excluding intra-Asian destinations, the UK ranks among the top five most searched international destinations for Asian travellers.

The partnership also connects Premier Inn with new international audiences through Agoda’s strong presence and digital reach in Asia.

“Premier Inn’s commitment to delivering great value, consistent quality, and ensuring every guest enjoys a good night’s sleep are shared values that underpin Agoda’s mission to make travel more accessible and rewarding. Together we’re bringing trusted stays to millions of new travellers across Asia and beyond,” said Andrew Smith, senior vice president of supply at Agoda.

“Partnering with Agoda is another exciting step forward in reaching even more guests and travellers across international markets. Greater visibility of all of our 900+ hotels will allow a new set of travellers to enjoy the comfort, service and convenience we consistently offer,” said Tim Sleep, director of sales and distribution, Premier Inn.

Emirates enhances travel experience for passengers with accessibility needs

By TTG Asia
0

Emirates has introduced new services and products for people with disabilities at the 7th AccessAbilities Expo at Dubai World Trade Centre. The airline’s offerings include an Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub on its website, providing information for travellers with varying accessibility needs and allowing journey planning by specific requirements.

Emirates also unveiled new onboard sensory products and fidget toys, enhancements across the in-flight experience, improved on-ground features at Dubai hub, and initiatives under development.

A new wheelchair-accessible Mercedes V250 joins Emirates’ Chauffeur Drive service, providing safer and more independent travel for passengers with mobility needs

The Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub contains information on Mobility Assistance, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, and Hidden Disabilities. Customers can explore sections by journey stage: Before your flight, Departure from Dubai, Onboard your flight, Connecting in Dubai, and Arriving in Dubai. They can also browse by specific needs, such as booking special assistance, autism-friendly travel guides, Dubai Airport maps, Be My Eyes support, and applying for a Sanad tourist card.

Other sections cover Travelling with a Wheelchair and Mobility Aids, Medical Travel, and Family Travel, including Travelling with Children, Travelling during pregnancy, and Unaccompanied Minors.

From November 1, 2025, sensory products and fidget toys will be available in all cabin classes. These include a tactile stress reliever, two types of fidget cube, and a rubber popper, provided to neurodiverse passengers, those struggling onboard, and nervous flyers if required. In Business Class, a new mattress hood secures the seat mattress, reducing disruption for customers with mobility disabilities.

Emirates’ in-flight entertainment system, ice, now offers more than 600 movies with closed captions and 200 with audio description. Headphones are compatible with hearing aids in the ‘T’ position. The Airbus A350-900 features a redesigned interface with audio cues, voice metadata, touch and swipe support, and access to audio-descriptive content.

At Terminal 3, Dubai International, barrier-free corridors with biometric access enable independent movement. Self-service kiosks have text-to-speech functionality, braille and tactile features, headphone jacks, and adjustable heights.

Emirates has also introduced a wheelchair-accessible Mercedes V250 van for its Chauffeur Drive service, with electric lift and safety restraints, available for First and Business Class customers in Dubai and expanding to 10 vehicles by early 2026.

Furthermore, Emirates has established an Office of Accessibility and Inclusion and became the world’s first autism-certified airline in March 2025. More than 35,000 staff have received training, and the Travel Rehearsal initiative has been rolled out in 17 countries.

The airline continues to develop policies, products, and processes to improve accessibility across online, call centre, airport, and in-flight services.

Singapore Oceanarium marks World Sea Jelly Day with educational activities this November

By TTG Asia
0

Singapore Oceanarium will celebrate World Sea Jelly Day with Animal Spotlight: Sea Jellies from November 1 to 23, 2025. The second in its Animal Awareness Days series, the programme highlights the ecological importance of sea jellies and aims to deepen public understanding of their role in ocean ecosystems.

Visitors can join a 45-minute guided session offering a behind-the-scenes look at sea jelly care, feeding, breeding, and conservation. Priced at S$28 (US$20) per person aged four and above, the programme includes a complimentary plush keychain.

Discover the vital role of sea jellies in sustaining ocean ecosystems through guided tours, expert insights and themed family activities this November; photo by Singapore Oceanarium, Resorts World Sentosa

On November 1, Hiroshi Miyake of Kitasato University will lead an expert session on global collaboration in sea jelly and deep-sea animal research. A workshop on plankton sampling and species identification will also take place at the Marine Lab.

The series includes themed food and retail offers, and a children’s Abyssal ArtVenture workshop held in partnership with the National Library Board on November 1, 8, and 15.

The Animal Spotlight series supports Singapore Oceanarium’s goal to promote marine biodiversity awareness through hands-on learning and guided experiences. Other editions focus on manta rays and corals.

For more information, visit Singapore Oceanarium.

South Palms Panglao offers family adventures by the sea

By TTG Asia
0

Guests can be among the first to experience South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection on Panglao Island with the exclusive Elite Access offer, available for stays until October 31, 2025.

The promotion includes 3,000 pesos (US$52) in resort credit for dining and leisure activities, with additional benefits for ALL and Accor Plus members.

Aya Kids Club offers over 150m² of indoor and outdoor play space with cultural games, crafts and activities for younger guests

The 188-room luxury resort caters to families with cultural, wellness and island experiences. Villas and suites feature Visayan-inspired décor, while the Aya Kids Club provides indoor and outdoor play spaces with cultural games and crafts. Guests can snorkel or dive in world-class reefs, explore local farms, join cultural ceremonies, and relax on the beach.

Sirenna, a mythical sea guardian, inspires the nightly Sunset Ritual of music, light and storytelling that celebrates Boholano traditions. Families can take part in the South Farm Journey to learn organic farming and meet animals, or join the M Moment to craft rare Asin Tibuok sea salt with local artisans. Curated island excursions visit the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River cruise with cultural show, Baclayon Church and the Blood Compact Shrine, with guided trips to Balicasag and Pamilacan including dolphin watching and picnic lunches.

Lola’s Sanctuary offers farm-to-spa wellness treatments rooted in traditional Boholano practices, including hilot massage with coconut oil, lemongrass and Asin Tibuok. Guests can enjoy detox juices, herbal teas, and educational sessions, while the Mindful Walk combines meditation and discovery through gardens and coastal paths.

Dining ranges from UMA, serving Filipino cuisine, to Manja with international comfort food, and Sirenna beach bar with Mediterranean-tiki style meals. Water activities include a Maui canoe, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, bamboo rafting and snorkelling.

South Palms also provides venues for celebrations, from the Acqua Pavilion for intimate gatherings to the Marcela Ballroom and beachfront lawn for weddings and multi-generational events.

To make reservations, e-mail South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection.

Tourism Expo Japan highlights partnerships and innovation to drive regional destinations

By Kathryn Wortley
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Sustainable tourism requires diversification of destinations alongside investment in human resources, infrastructure and technology, according to an international delegation who spoke at a ministerial roundtable at Tourism Expo Japan in late September.

Representatives from seven countries and six global organisations considered the topic “driving regional transformation” at the four-day event, Japan’s largest travel showcase for the trade and public, which was this year held in Aichi Prefecture to stimulate greater regional tourism.

International delegates call for sustainable tourism models that support local communities, cultural preservation, and regional development; photo by Kathryn Wortley

UN Tourism executive director Zoritsa Urosevic said: “Diversification is not only about creating new places to visit but about building authentic, inclusive and resilient tourism models that safeguard cultural values, generate stable employment and enhance the attractiveness of regions.”

PATA chair Peter Semone called on tourism stakeholders to stop “chasing numbers” of visitors but instead focus on tourism’s social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits, or “meaningful tourism”.

Addressing attendees via video message, Julia Simpson, CEO of WTTC, said regional tourism growth is possible only with strong partnerships between public and private organisations.

Miguel Gallego of the European Travel Commission introduced its Unlock an Unexpected Upgrade campaign, which was launched in July to promote responsible travel. The initiative calls on travellers to visit off-season and to off-the-beaten path places using eco-friendly options while supporting local businesses, thereby creating “a better way to travel that benefits travellers, local communities and the places they visit”.

At the country level, Australia’s representative said regional locations account for 51 per cent of its tourism employment and the country aims for 40 per cent of all tourism revenue to benefit regional areas by 2030. In Uzbekistan, the 2030 vision seeks to promote regional nature and village cultures under the campaign UzSustainable, shared its representative.

Cebu and Davao hotels report no structural damage after recent earthquakes

By Rosa Ocampo
0

The series of earthquakes in the Philippines over the past two weeks, with northern Cebu and Davao Oriental most affected, has drawn attention to the structural soundness of hotels and other tourism accommodation.

“From a natural disaster perspective, most hotels follow rather rigid structural engineering standards in the Philippines and this is a good thing,” said C9 Hotelworks managing director Bill Barnett.

PTAA prepares the provisions for those affected by the earthquake in northern Cebu with the help of Cebu Association of Tour Guides; photo by PTAA

“What can be done is reassuring potential visitors on this fact and also for the Department of Tourism to be more proactive and central government in a flow of information. Tourism is often the face of a nation but sadly the current administration is oblivious to this,” Barnett pointed out.

For its part, the Philippine Hotel Owners Association “complies with all provisions of the National Building Code of the Philippines and is committed to ensuring the safe and enjoyable stay of its hotel guests”, assured executive director Benito Bengzon Jr.

When a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Davao Oriental last Friday, hotels and resorts including Discovery Samal Resort, Rogen Inn Davao and Park Inn by Radisson Davao reported no structural damage after inspections by safety and engineering teams. There were no major injuries, and all guests and employees were safe and accounted for.

The same applied to Cebu, which experienced a magnitude 6.9 earthquake two weeks ago, followed by hundreds of aftershocks and a magnitude six tremor this morning (October 13).

The tourism impact of these seismic events, including recent quakes in Baguio, Isabela, Zambales and La Union, has been mitigated due to the current lean and rainy season and ongoing lower demand compared to last year.

Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco reported that seven destinations and accommodation were affected by the Davao quake, but no tourists were impacted.

Until further notice, tourism activities are temporarily suspended in Mount Apo Climb, Davao Oriental Park, Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park, Mount Hamiguitan Museum, Cape San Agustin, Subungan Museum, Pusan Point and National Museum Davao.

Malaysia targets tourism revival with Budget 2026 measures

By S Puvaneswary
0

The Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF) has welcomed the federal government’s strong focus on tourism in the 2026 National Budget, presented on October 10 by prime minister and finance minister Anwar Ibrahim, calling it a clear signal of Malaysia’s intent to regain its position as a leading global destination during Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).

MTF president Sri Ganesh Michiel said in a statement that the government’s introduction of tax rebates of up to 1,000 ringgit (US$237) for Malaysians visiting local attractions and cultural programmes reflected a firm commitment to domestic tourism.

Malaysia prepares to welcome visitors with strengthened tourism initiatives and cultural attractions under Budget 2026; Kuala Lumpur, pictured

He also welcomed tax incentives for companies and associations organising international conferences, exhibitions, and incentive events in Malaysia, as well as a 100 per cent income tax exemption on increased income derived from tour packages to the country.

Ganesh said such support would encourage licensed tourism operators to reinvest in their businesses and align with Malaysia’s goal of delivering high-quality tourism experiences.

He praised the government’s allocation of more than 700 million ringgit to strengthen the sector, which aims to attract 47 million visitors and generate 329 billion ringgit in revenue during VMY2026. However, he stressed that benefits must be directed only to legitimate, licensed, and tax-compliant operators to prevent unfair competition and revenue loss.

“By ensuring that only licensed and regulated operators receive these incentives, we uphold the integrity of Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem and ensure that the government’s investment translates directly into sustainable economic returns,” he said.

MTF also urged federal and state governments to maintain contingency funds to protect tourism development in case of financial shortfalls, ensuring continuity of VMY2026 initiatives.

“Tourism is dynamic; readiness and adaptability are essential to meet emerging global trends,” Ganesh added.

He called on Malaysians to act as national ambassadors. “The success of VMY2026 depends on all of us. Let us unite in spirit, avoid negative publicity or actions that may harm the country’s image, and show the world the warmth, diversity, and unity that define Malaysia,” he said.

The Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) echoed similar sentiments but urged the government to extend the 1,000 ringgit personal income tax relief to include accommodation at licensed hotels and resorts.

“This move would further promote responsible domestic travel, directly benefiting legitimate operators and reinforcing the importance of staying in licensed and regulated establishments that comply with safety and quality standards,” MyBHA said in its statement.

MyBHA also reiterated the need for enforcement against unlicensed accommodation providers that distort fair competition and evade taxes. The association welcomed the upcoming regulations on short-term rental accommodation, the revised Tourism Industry Act, and rules for OTAs, describing them as crucial to ensuring “fair competition, consumer protection, and long-term sustainability of Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality sector”.

Indonesia sets clear direction for tourism growth at WITF 2025

By Mimi Hudoyo
0

Indonesia’s coordinating minister for economic affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, has called for stronger collaboration and clearer strategies to advance the country’s tourism sector.

Speaking at the opening of the Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair (WITF) 2025 and the Southeast Asia Business Events Forum (SEABEF) on October 10, Airlangga said: “We are at a point where we face many challenges, such as the standardisation of innovation; and we also face various issues, including access to finance, intellectual property, digitalisation, and labour quality.”

Airlangga Hartarto (centre) at the opening of WITF 2025, highlighting collaboration and strategy as drivers of Indonesia’s tourism recovery; photo by Ministry of Tourism

He added that forums like SEABEF provide a space to explore strategic and concrete solutions.

Airlangga reaffirmed tourism’s role as a pillar of the national economy, contributing four per cent to GDP in 2024, up from 3.9 per cent the previous year. The government is targeting 14 million to 16 million foreign tourist arrivals this year, with 10.04 million recorded as of August – a 10.4 per cent year-on-year rise. Domestic travel reached 807.6 million trips, up nearly 20 per cent from 2024.

He outlined government initiatives to sustain growth, including infrastructure development – 36 international airports now support connectivity—along with regulatory strengthening and workforce development. The Indonesia Quality Tourism Fund is being set up to support long-term sustainability, while VAT incentives for flight tickets and revised tourism regulations aim to foster globally competitive and sustainable practices.

Highlighting the potential of the MICE industry, Airlangga said the Asia-Pacific market is projected to expand by about 50 per cent to more than US$328 billion by 2030.

“To maximise this potential, we need to develop the right strategy through strong collaboration so that the sector not only grows stronger but also more sustainable,” he said.

Tourism minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana described WITF and SEABEF as milestones for tourism growth and job creation. She cited another ministry-supported programme, Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN), as an example of how events can drive arrivals, noting that total visitor numbers in 2025 reached 10.8 million, generating 11.82 trillion rupiah (US$715 million).

WITF 2025 featured 300 exhibitors and 200 international buyers from 40 countries. The Ministry of Tourism also hosted a familiarisation trip for 45 travel agents from Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, alongside the Wonderful Indonesia Wellness 2025 showcase promoting wellness tourism in Central Java and Yogyakarta.

Hariyadi Sukamdani, chairman of the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (GIPI) and owner of WITF, said: “Through SEABEF and WITF 2025, we aspire to strengthen Indonesia’s positioning as a premier tourism and MICE hub in South-east Asia and to make a meaningful contribution.”

Skyscanner predicts 2026 as the year Singapore travellers go personal

By TTG Asia
0

Skyscanner has released its 2026 Travel Trends report, describing 2026 as the year travel becomes personal, from the destinations travellers choose to the rituals they build into each journey. The report notes that holidays will no longer be an escape from real life but a way to feel more connected to it.

Using proprietary data, a commissioned survey of over 1,000 Singapore travellers, and industry insights, the 2026 Travel Trends report identifies the top 10 trending and best-value destinations for the year ahead and outlines emerging travel behaviours.

Singapore travellers are focusing on deeper connections, family trips and personalised experiences in 2026, according to Skyscanner’s latest Travel Trends report

In 2025, travellers searched for shared stories and collective experiences. In 2026, travel will become increasingly personal, centred on human connection and relationships. Singapore travellers are making connections beyond their own circles, with 65% having travelled or considered travelling overseas to meet new people. Among younger travellers, 66% of Gen Z and 70% of millennials have done so or are considering it, compared with 36% of boomers.

Intergenerational travel is also becoming more prominent, with almost four in 10 Singapore travellers planning a family trip for their next holiday. More than one in four Gen Z travellers have already travelled with both parents and grandparents. 43% said travelling together is one of the few times they can fully connect with loved ones, while another 43% said it is a way to show appreciation to their elders.

Personalised travel is also reflected in new trends.

Book-bound travel sees 71% of Gen Z and millennials booking or considering a trip inspired by books or literary content. Glowmads plan holidays around beauty experiences, with 49% buying local beauty products unavailable at home and 39% visiting specialist beauty stores such as French pharmacies or Korean shops.

Altitude Shift points to a growing interest in mountain destinations throughout the year, with 81% planning or considering a summer or autumn trip to the mountains. Destination Check-In reflects travellers’ preference for unique accommodations that define their trip, with 60% choosing destinations based on the property itself.

Shelf Discovery highlights how 60% of travellers see local supermarkets as a way to understand local culture, with many seeking out snacks and limited-edition products as souvenirs.

Singapore travellers intend to travel more in the year ahead, with value remaining a key priority. 85% plan to spend the same or more on flights, 80% on accommodation, and 47% on car hire compared with 2025. Price remains decisive, with 71% saying flight costs determine their destination choice.

Travellers are also turning to digital tools to make more cost-effective choices, such as flight trackers that highlight recent price drops, search features that rank destinations by cost, and planners that identify the most affordable travel periods. Booking early increases the likelihood of securing preferred destinations, while flexible cancellation options provide added peace of mind.

Skyscanner travel trends and destination expert, Cyndi Hui, shared: “Marked by a shift toward deeper connections and hyper-personalised moments, today’s travellers are curating journeys that feel unmistakably their own. The future of travel will be curated, considered and cleverer than before. Technology will play a pivotal role in the shift from collective to personalised travel in 2026. Travellers are becoming increasingly savvy, embracing digital tools from inspiration to booking.”

View the full report here.

Radisson Hotel Group signs first Radisson Individuals Premier in Asia-Pacific

By TTG Asia
0

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has signed Lime Resort Bohol, a member of Radisson Individuals Premier, which is expected to open by the end of 2025.

The beachfront resort will be the first Radisson Individuals Premier property in Asia-Pacific, reflecting the group’s conversion strategy and expanding its upper-upscale portfolio in the region.

From left: Philippines conservator Maria Lourdes Po, Lime Hotels and Resorts’s Emil Po, and RHG’s Ramzy Fenianos and Christine Angela Sevilla

The signing follows RHG’s expansion of the Radisson Individuals brand into three extensions – Premier, Boutique and Retreat – providing greater flexibility for property owners and guests. Radisson Individuals Premier comprises upper-upscale hotels in key business and leisure destinations, combining local character with high service standards and modern facilities.

Located along the shores of Panglao, Bohol, the resort will feature 138 rooms and suites, including One-Bedroom Lagoon Suites, One-Bedroom Beachfront Villas and Two-Bedroom Sky Penthouses. Facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, a rooftop restaurant and bar, a pool bar and a beach club. Guests will have direct access to Napaling Reef, with attractions such as Panglao Beach, Alona Beach, the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary and the Loboc River nearby.

The resort is 15 minutes from Bohol-Panglao International Airport and 30 minutes from Tagbilaran City Tourist Port.

“At Lime Hotels and Resorts, our mission has always been to elevate the Filipino hospitality experience and showcase it on the world stage. Partnering with the Radisson Hotel Group to rebrand Lime Resort Bohol as Lime Resort Bohol, A Member of Radisson Individuals Premier is a strategic move that allows us to do just that,” said Emil Po, CEO of Lime Hotels and Resorts.

“This partnership brings the best of both worlds, Lime’s signature warmth and uniquely Filipino service, together with Radisson’s global standards, sales and distribution network, and recognition among international travellers. It enhances our visibility in key tourism markets, increases our competitiveness, and assures guests of the highest levels of quality, safety, and comfort. Ultimately, this collaboration strengthens Bohol’s positioning as a world-class destination, while ensuring that we continue to create memorable experiences that exceed guest expectations.”

Ramzy Fenianos, chief development officer, Asia Pacific, RHG, added: “Bohol is a thriving eco-tourism hub, and this resort will not only complement the island’s natural beauty but also set new benchmarks for leisure travel in the region.”

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Hilton teams up with Explora Journeys to expand loyalty programme to luxury ocean voyages
TTG Asia | Cross Hotels to develop Bali Uluwatu Resort
TTG Asia | Diamond Princess begins Singapore homeporting season