TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Thursday, 22nd January 2026
Page 40

Korean tourism start-ups show up at Travel Tech Asia

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Korean tourism start-ups aiming to gain a footprint in the Thai market are among the first-time exhibitors at Travel Tech Asia this year, following the opening of a Korea Tourism Startup Center (KTSC) in Bangkok in December 2024.

An initiative of Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO), KTSCs helps innovative travel companies attract global investment, build international networks and expand market research, with one launched in Singapore in 2022 and Tokyo in 2023.

KTO highlights Korean travel technology and start-ups at Travel Tech Asia; photo by Kathryn Wortley

At KTSC Bangkok, the start-ups benefit from access to partnership opportunities at regional and global expositions and demo days. They are also involved in proof-of-concept opportunities and customised localisation strategies to thrive in the Thai market.

Among those related to KTSC Bangkok that are exhibiting at Travel Tech Asia this week in Singapore are Alicorn and Gadget Korea.

Alicorn specialises in AI-based automated space and operation technology, supporting hotels with workspaces to accommodate travellers on workation or bleisure trips, while Gadget Korea operates an e-SIM-based data roaming platform, providing travellers with access to mobile networks in approximately 200 countries.

“KTO’s mission is to support the development of (South) Korea’s tourism industry. As part of that mission, we started to support Korean start-ups related to travel. Their expansion overseas can help more foreign tourists to visit (South) Korea,” said Jeong Da Wa, deputy director of the Singapore office for KTO.

Da Wa said Bangkok’s proximity to South Korea makes it an attractive market in which to support Korean travel start-ups expand, both in Thailand and on the world stage.

Mövenpick marks 10 years of global Kilo of Kindness campaign

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Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its global charity campaign, Kilo of Kindness, running from October 13 to November 14, 2025.

More than 70 Mövenpick properties in nearly 30 countries will collect food, clothing, educational supplies, and essential items for local charity partners, inviting guests, staff, and nearby communities to take part.

Mövenpick celebrates ten years of its global Kilo of Kindness initiative, uniting guests and communities in support of local charities

First launched in 2015, Kilo of Kindness began with the idea that a single kilo can make a difference. Since then, it has gathered more than 100,000 kilogrammes of donations, supporting hundreds of non-governmental organisations and benefiting communities worldwide. At the heart of the campaign are Mövenpick’s guests and staff, whose ongoing contributions have supported children’s education and families in need.

To mark the anniversary, Mövenpick is highlighting ten stories from its hotels around the world, showing how the initiative has supported education, families, and basic needs through simple acts of giving. One of the featured stories comes from Mövenpick Hotel Auckland in the Pacific region.

The 2025 edition coincides with World Kindness Week and reinforces Mövenpick’s long-term focus on creating meaningful connections and social impact. Guests and locals can participate by bringing donations such as non-perishable food, books, toys, and clothing to any participating Mövenpick hotel lobby between October 13 and November 14, 2025, with all items distributed to local charities.

“10 years of Kilo of Kindness is a celebration of what can be achieved when generosity becomes a shared purpose,” said Benoît Racle, global brand president, premium, Accor.

“At Mövenpick, we believe that kindness is more than a gesture – it is a part of who we are every day. This milestone reflects not only the kilos donated but the communities uplifted, the lives touched, and the spirit of togetherness that defines our brand.”

New hotels: The Okura Tokyo, Brij Sone Bagh and more

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The Okura Tokyo

The Okura Tokyo, Japan
The Okura Tokyo has reopened following a major transformation, offering 508 rooms across two wings: the 41-storey Okura Prestige Tower with 368 rooms and panoramic city views, and the 17-storey Okura Heritage Wing with 140 rooms overlooking the Okura Garden.

The hotel features banquet and convention facilities, spa and fitness amenities including a 25m indoor pool, and five restaurants serving Japanese, French, teppanyaki, and Chinese cuisine, including the hotel’s own Wagyu, Okura Beef.

Located in Minato-ku, the hotel is close to landmarks such as the National Art Centre, Roppongi, and historic Akasaka, offering access to Tokyo’s cultural, political, and entertainment hubs while providing a tranquil retreat. Guests can enjoy cultural experiences including private Noh theatre performances, artisan craft workshops, tea ceremonies, and guided architectural tours.

Brij Sone Bagh

Brij Sone Bagh, India
Brij Sone Bagh, a new luxury retreat by Brij Hotels, has opened in the Vindhya Hills, Madhya Pradesh, set across around 13 hectares. of forest near Bandhavgarh National Park. The property comprises five villas, each offering private plunge pools, expansive verandas, and forest views.

Located five minutes from the main gate of Bandhavgarh National Park and a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Jabalpur Airport, the retreat provides direct access to tiger safaris, walking trails, tribal villages, and the 2,000-year-old Bandhavgarh Fort.

Onsite facilities include a pool, the Elephant Bar, and dining experiences featuring locally sourced and seasonal cuisine. Guests can participate in guided safaris, nature walks, cultural workshops, and immersive slow-travel experiences that highlight the region’s wildlife, heritage, and crafts.

Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo

Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo, Japan
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo in Nihonbashi Kabutocho, Tokyo. The 195-room hotel is steps from Kayabacho and Nihonbashi subway stations, with easy access to Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, Ginza, and both Haneda and Narita airports.

Guestrooms range from 22m² to 54m², with suites including in-room washers and dryers, and the hotel features a fitness centre.

At the heart of the hotel is Talk Shop, an all-day social space serving craft burgers, salads, desserts, coffee, beer, and cocktails, while also hosting cultural programmes and workshops open to guests and locals. A 24/7 grab-and-go Market offers ready-to-eat items and curated products from Nihonbashi heritage brands.

The hotel provides self-service check-in, complimentary Wi-Fi, and TV streaming.

The George Hotel Launceston, an Ascend Collection Hotel

The George Hotel Launceston, an Ascend Collection Hotel, Australia
The George Hotel Launceston, an Ascend Collection Hotel, has opened in Launceston, Tasmania, within a National Trust-listed building dating to 1847. The four-storey property offers 38 rooms, including self-contained apartments and king suites, and is located near the CBD, with easy access to Cataract Gorge, Seaport precinct, UTAS Stadium, City Park, and the Tamar Valley wine region.

The hotel combines sustainable features such as energy-efficient systems, double glazing, full insulation, and solar technology. Guest amenities include a fitness centre, room service, complimentary Wi-Fi, smart TVs, onsite parking, elevators, and an EV charging station.

Alma Resort launches nature-focused kids camp

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Alma Resort in Cam Ranh, Vietnam has introduced Alma Discovery Camp, a new educational and recreational experience designed to connect children with nature, farm animals, and sustainable agriculture.

Aimed at kids aged four to 14, the camp features interactive farm visits, hands-on feeding activities, and a dedicated museum showcasing Vietnam’s agricultural heritage.

Alma Discovery Camp invites young explorers to dig into nature, meet friendly farm animals, and uncover Vietnam’s agricultural roots

Children can pet and feed animals including cows, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits, and explore exhibits on local produce such as coconut, coffee, rice, and pepper. Each child receives a certificate of completion and a traditional Vietnamese conical hat as a keepsake.

The camp also includes food sampling of local delicacies like dried mangoes, coconut cookies, Vietnamese coffee, and rice cakes.

Alma Discovery Camp complements the resort’s wide range of family-friendly facilities, including a water park, cinema, themed kids’ rooms, and culinary workshops.

For more information, visit Alma Resort.

InterContinental Bali Resort names new resort manager

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InterContinental Bali Resort has appointed Abdul Hafid bin Mohamed Gaus as resort manager.

A Singapore native with over 20 years of experience across Asia, Hafid has held leadership roles at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Shangri-La Jakarta, Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore, and Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa.

He brings extensive operational expertise and a focus on innovation, with a passion for using technology to enhance efficiency and guest experience.

Gautam Bhandari leads as Marriott International’s APEC chief development officer

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Marriott International has appointed Gautam Bhandari as chief development officer for Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), effective January 1, 2026.

Bhandari, who joined Marriott in 2007, brings over two decades of leadership experience across revenue management, operations, sales, marketing, and development. He currently serves as senior vice president, development and operations, overseeing Marriott’s Premium and Select brands in Singapore and the Maldives.

In his new role, he will drive Marriott’s growth strategy across APEC, which includes more than 650 open hotels in 22 countries and over 380 in the pipeline. His responsibilities cover development across key markets such as Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Maldives, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Based in Singapore, Bhandari succeeds Shawn Hill, who will assume the role of executive vice president and chief development officer, global, for Marriott International in early 2026.

Railbookers Group expands into Asia with worldwide offerings

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Railbookers Group, a specialist in independent rail holidays worldwide, has brought two flagship brands – Railbookers and Amtrak Vacations – to Asia, where it has also hired Singapore-based staff in the sales and business development departments.

The latest development reflects progress in the company’s global growth, and will make access to curated, independent holidays by rail available to Asian travellers and travel advisors.

Seasoned travellers are said to regard the California Zephyr as one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America

Railbookers Group allow travellers and travel advisors to book rail holidays in Europe, the US, Canada and beyond, with the convenience of adding hotel, sightseeing, transfers and more to their itinerary. It also promises dedicated on-trip customer care.

Frank Marini, president and CEO of Railbookers Group, said in a press statement: “We are delighted to bring Railbookers and Amtrak Vacations to Singapore and the South-east Asia market with a local, Singapore-based staff. Travellers here have a deep passion for exploring the world, and we are proud to offer them unforgettable rail holidays across six continents as independent travellers or perhaps in small unescorted groups.”

Rail products available through Railbookers include Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Rocky Mountaineer, and Glacier Express. Amtrak Vacations rail adventures cover popular destinations like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Glacier as well as major cities such as New York, Chicago, and Seattle.

With the addition of Singapore as its Asian hub, Railbookers Group is now serving customers in six global source markets – the others being the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Agoda, Saudi Tourism Authority to boost Asia-Pacific travel to Saudi Arabia

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Agoda, through its strategic partnerships arm Rocket Travel by Agoda, has partnered with the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and travel experiences to Asia-Pacific travellers.

Launched during Web in Travel Singapore 2025, the first campaign of the partnership, Spectacular Saudi, will use immersive storytelling, curated cultural experiences, and exclusive offers to drive inbound travel from 11 key Asian markets.

The Spectacular Saudi campaign showcases Saudi Arabia’s heritage and experiences to travellers from 11 key Asian markets; Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, pictured

Running until February 28, 2026, the campaign targets travellers from Singapore, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Thailand.

The Saudi Tourism Authority will leverage Agoda’s Media Solutions to reach active travellers, deploying a marketing campaign across Agoda’s platforms and external channels. Dedicated landing pages will showcase Saudi’s hidden gems and iconic destinations, while selected hotels gain premium positioning to reach travel-ready users.

The four-year partnership, running until the end of 2029, will combine onsite banners, social media amplification, and booking incentives to maximise Agoda’s online presence and drive conversions.

Damien Pfirsch, chief commercial officer at Agoda, said: “By combining our experience in engaging travellers from Asia with their vision for the Kingdom, we aim to foster new connections and inspire more visitors to discover Saudi Arabia’s unique destinations. We look forward to supporting our partners throughout this campaign and contributing to the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.”

Alhasan Aldabbagh, president of APAC at Saudi Tourism Authority, added: “By leveraging Agoda’s extensive reach, we are driving direct conversion, ensuring that Saudi is positioned as the top choice for millions of travellers. This campaign is important for accelerating the country’s tourism growth.”

Trip.com, Live Nation Asia to turn concerts into travel experiences across Asia

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Fans are increasingly travelling across Asia to see live performances, prompting Trip.com Group and Live Nation Asia to launch a multi-year partnership integrating travel and concert experiences in major regional markets.

Launching across Hong Kong/Macau, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea and China, the collaboration will allow fans to plan concert-focused trips, combining exclusive pre-sale access to shows with flights, hotels, and curated local experiences through Trip.com Group’s platform.

Trip.com and Live Nation Asia team up to offer concert-focused travel experiences across key Asian markets

This joint venture marks Trip.com Group’s first step into the live entertainment travel space, reflecting how tourism, hospitality and live entertainment are coming together. As live music becomes a growing driver of travel, the collaboration is designed to empower fans to follow the artists they love while supporting regional tourism and elevating destination appeal in Asia.

According to Trip.com’s Momentum consumer survey, nearly 66 per cent of Asia-Pacific travellers are willing to travel internationally for concerts, with Gen Z and millennials leading the trend. In Singapore, hotel bookings tripled during Lady Gaga’s Asia-exclusive show, while in Hong Kong, over half of concertgoers extended their stay for leisure, driving revenue across tourism sectors. Artists are also adding shows in cities such as Singapore, Bangkok and Seoul, establishing these locations as music hubs.

The collaboration also creates opportunities to work with local hotels, attractions and tourism stakeholders, building concert-driven products and experiences that encourage more bookings, longer stays, and greater destination appeal.

The first launch under this partnership featured exclusive bundled experiences for K-pop group Twice’s tour in Hong Kong. As the official travel partner of the Twice World Tour in Hong Kong, Trip.com is offering fans presale access, bundled hotel packages, and transport options. Similar bundles and early access will roll out across five Asian markets, featuring global and regional artists. Bundles may include concert tickets paired with attractions such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Rainforest Wild Asia, sightseeing buses, and hotel rooms, enhancing the overall trip experience.

Building on its role as Blackpink’s Official Sponsor in Bangkok and Hong Kong, Trip.com will also provide presale access for the upcoming Blackpink World Tour in Singapore and Hong Kong.

“Today’s music lovers are embracing immersive experiences that extend far beyond the concert itself,” said Bo Sun, chief marketing officer, Trip.com Group. “Through partnerships like this, we are enhancing the travel journey, adding value for fans and unlocking new cultural and economic value for destinations and the wider industry in Asia. Together, we’re proud to pioneer the future of tourism through entertainment.”

“Concert travel is redefining tourism across Asia,” said James Dick, executive vice president of partnerships and media, Live Nation Asia. “Together with Trip.com, we’re helping fans turn concerts into unforgettable trips that shape the culture of entire cities.”

Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Jurong to launch through Marriott-RWS collaboration

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Marriott International has signed an agreement with Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) to open Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Jurong, following a strategic conversion deal.

The hotel is expected to open in early 2026, marking Marriott’s continued expansion in Singapore.

Opening in early 2026, the hotel will provide contemporary amenities and versatile spaces for business and leisure travellers

Located in the Jurong Gateway precinct of the Jurong Lake District, Singapore’s largest planned mixed-use business district outside the city centre, the hotel offers easy access to Jurong East MRT Station, major expressways, and nearby retail malls. Attractions including the Science Centre Singapore and Snow City are also within reach. Accessibility will be further improved by future MRT expansions, including the Jurong Region Line in 2028 and the Cross-Island Line by 2032.

The hotel will feature an outdoor pool, all-day dining restaurant, the brand’s Best Brews programme highlighting local craft beers, a fitness centre, and 720m² of flexible function space for corporate and social events.

Gautam Bhandari, senior vice president, hotel development and operations for Singapore and Maldives, Marriott International, said: “This signing reflects our strategic focus on expanding thoughtfully across key gateway cities and underscores the strong demand we see for well-positioned, globally recognised brands that cater to both business and leisure travellers. With its emphasis on balanced comfort and local experiences, Four Points by Sheraton aligns well with the evolving needs of today’s guests.”

“This strategic collaboration enhances accommodation offerings for business travellers in the vicinity… rebranding our property under the globally recognised Four Points by Sheraton brand elevates the hotel’s market positioning and enables us to better serve our guests with a strengthened identity. We are confident that Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Jurong, will remain a key contributor to the district’s transformation into a dynamic, lakeside business and leisure destination,” added Andreas Oliver Reich, senior vice president, hospitality general management, RWS.