The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday, October 2, approved the third amendment to Law No. 10 of 2009 concerning tourism to be enacted into law.
The revised legislation focuses on inclusive and sustainable tourism development, strengthening provisions for community-based tourism and the development of tourism villages, and creating a legal framework that adapts to the digital era and new tourism models.
Tourism minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana with DPR’s Saan Mustopa and Maharani, holding the final approval for the revised Tourism Law, boosting community tourism, digital adaptation, and visitor levies
It also provides legal certainty to address global trends in the tourism sector, including disaster mitigation, and authorises the government to collect levies from international tourists to support tourism development. The law further highlights cultural diplomacy and promotion based on local traditions.
Saleh Partaonan Daulay, chairman of Commission VII of DPR, said the law reconstructed the philosophical foundation of national tourism. “Tourism was previously viewed merely as the utilisation of resources; now it is positioned as an instrument for civilisation development, strengthening national identity, and (bringing human rights) into travelling (activities).”
Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, minister of tourism, stated the new law would serve as the legal foundation for developing quality, inclusive, adaptive, innovative, and sustainable tourism. “This revision is expected to address the major challenges facing our tourism sector, ranging from environmental degradation, limited accessibility, low human resource skills, to minimal economic benefits for local communities. Tourism must be seen as a driving force for the economy as well as an instrument for civilisational development.”
She added that the revised law would provide legal certainty while setting the direction for more systematic and adaptive tourism development.
The legislation will now be submitted to president Prabowo Subianto for ratification.
Japan’s public and private sectors are expanding efforts to attract more visitors from the Middle East amid the rapid expansion of the region’s outbound market.
Increasing consumer wealth, improved connectivity, government incentives and tech capabilities are fuelling interest in the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE – to travel overseas, with residents’ spending on trips expected to surge to US$159 million by 2034, according to GCC data.
Japan continues to attract international visitors as travel from the Middle East rises; Shizuoka in Japan, pictured
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and private agents, such as JTB Corporation, are therefore working to maximise the growth potential of the Middle East, despite the market amounting to less than four per cent of all inbound arrivals.
Visitors from the region totalled 154,200 between January and August 2025, equating to a 55 per cent increase year-on-year, following various promotional efforts, including JNTO’s first event at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in December 2024.
Along with Europe, North America and Australia, the Middle East is one of Japan’s priority markets for attracting “high-value-added travellers”, and representatives from the region had a significant presence at JNTO’s Japan Luxury Showcase 2025 in February.
Expo 2025 Osaka, which is running from mid-April to mid-October, is also being utilised to introduce Japan, including its nature, seasonal beauty and shopping opportunities, to GCC countries.
Meanwhile, JTB plans to open a branch in Dubai in January 2026. It will offer incentive travel programmes, corporate ceremonies, meetings and other events services to meet the “robust demand for diverse corporate activities”, said JTB, adding that “the region hosts a substantial population of high-net-worth travellers with strong interest in Japan, representing significant potential for future inbound tourism growth”.
Thailand’s MICE market is set for growth as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Thailand Power Up campaign offers new support and incentives for longhaul and shorthaul meeting and incentive travel organisers between October 2025 and July 2026.
As part of the initiative, TCEB and TAT will co-host inVOYAGE Global 2026 and a series of international roadshows, promoting the incentive travel market, strengthening the Thai MICE ecosystem and positioning Thailand as a leading MICE destination. The collaboration is expected to attract 65,000 travellers and generate approximately 4.29 billion baht (US$132 million) in revenue.
New incentives and international events aim to strengthen Thailand’s MICE ecosystem and attract 65,000 travellers
The campaign was announced at a joint press conference welcoming the Amway Leadership Seminar – Bangkok, which will bring over 10,000 Chinese delegates to Bangkok between March and April 2026.
To qualify for support, events must host at least 100 participants from longhaul markets or 200 from shorthaul markets, with a minimum four-night stay, and be held at venues registered under Thai law or meeting the Thailand MICE Venue Standard – requests must be submitted at least 30 days before the event.
Support includes financial assistance and non-financial benefits such as souvenirs, MICE Premium Lane Service at airports, coordination with government agencies, performances and Thai-style hospitality.
inVOYAGE Global 2026, from April 17 to 20, 2026 at The Peninsula Bangkok, will bring together 200 to 300 senior MICE professionals from key markets. TCEB and TAT will also host international roadshows in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Germany, the UK, CIS and Kazakhstan to connect buyers with Thai MICE operators and strengthen Thailand’s position in the luxury incentive sector.
Supawan Teerarat, president of TCEB, said: “Collaboration with TAT is one key strategy for TCEB in engaging related bodies within the travel industry to strengthen Thailand’s MICE ecosystem and to enable offerings for maximisation. We aim to ensure the success of events in Thailand with measurable Return on Investment (ROI) and Return on Experience (ROX), delivering tangible business outcomes as well as exceptional participant experiences. This powerful partnership not only supports events but also shapes a sustainable and globally competitive MICE ecosystem for Thailand, backed by world-class infrastructure and services, while fostering business and investment connections and opportunities and boosting the national economy.”
He added: “The joint effort between TCEB and TAT is a powerful move to strategically attract premium MICE groups. This collaboration will significantly elevate the marketing and branding of Thailand on the global stage, ultimately leading to greater credibility in bidding for events and winning the trust of international visitors and event organisers.”
Hilton has signed an agreement between its flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Inspire Entertainment Resort in South Korea. The property will continue to be managed by Inspire under a franchise agreement.
Located a 15-minute drive from Incheon International Airport on Yeongjong Island, Inspire is an integrated entertainment resort with 1,275 rooms across three hotel towers. It includes a 15,000-seat performance arena, an indoor water park under a glass dome, event facilities, an outdoor entertainment park, a casino, a digital entertainment street, and shopping and dining outlets.
From left: Inspire Entertainment Resort’s Chen Si and Hilton’s Clarence Tan at the signing ceremony
The property will be branded Inspire Entertainment Resort, a Hilton Partner Hotel, and will participate in Hilton Honors. Members who book directly through Hilton channels will have access to benefits such as member discounts, flexible points-and-money payments, complimentary Wi-Fi, and the Hilton Honors mobile app.
“Hilton was one of the first international hotel brands to enter South Korea in 1983. For over 40 years, Hilton has set international hospitality standards for the country as well as contributing significantly to the growth of tourism. Our partnership with Inspire continues Hilton’s journey and momentum to provide unparalleled travel experiences for guests from South Korea and abroad,” said Joseph Khairallah, area vice president, head of Japan, Korea and Micronesia, Hilton.
“This collaboration will mark a crucial milestone in Inspire’s journey to becoming a world-class entertainment destination, delivering extraordinary experiences that transcend borders and generations,” said Chen Si, president of Inspire Entertainment Resort.
Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) is expanding in Indonesia with the signing of Atiara Ubud Bali, A Radisson Collection Resort, marking the debut of its luxury lifestyle brand in the country.
Set within the jungle landscapes of Ubud, the resort will offer guests direct views of the surrounding forest from all rooms and public spaces. Scheduled to open in 2027, Atiara Ubud Bali will feature 52 rooms, including six wellness suites with outdoor terraces, private yoga decks and Jacuzzis, as well as a 530m² Presidential Suite with expansive terraces and a private pool.
Atiara Ubud Bali, A Radisson Collection Resort will open in 2027, marking Radisson Collection’s debut in Indonesia
The resort is designed for wellness-focused travellers and international visitors seeking tranquillity, located 90 minutes from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and within 30 minutes of the island’s main attractions.
RHG currently operates three hotels in the country, with four more under development, focusing on Jakarta and Bali. Construction is also planned for Radisson Nusantara in Indonesia’s new capital city, beginning late 2025. The group aims to add 20 more hotels in Indonesia by 2030, strengthening its presence across established and emerging destinations.
“Indonesia is a market of incredible opportunity and potential, driven by strong domestic demand and international appeal. We’re proud to introduce the Radisson Collection brand to the country and to bring a new dimension of hospitality to Bali,” said Elie Younes, executive vice president and global chief development officer, RHG.
Vietjet plans direct US services as first Boeing 737-8 joins fleet Vietjet is preparing to launch direct flights to the US, marking its first entry into the longhaul transpacific market.
The plan was announced during chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao’s visit to the New York Stock Exchange, where she also confirmed the airline’s intention to expand its international route network.
The announcement followed the delivery of Vietjet’s first Boeing 737-8 in Seattle under a 200-aircraft order with Boeing, valued at US$32 billion, the largest aviation contract between Vietnam and the US. The new aircraft are expected to support Vietjet’s fleet growth and enable services to North America.
Firefly
Firefly to launch direct Kuala Lumpur-Krabi flights from November Firefly will launch a new direct service from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 to Krabi from November 17, 2025, operating seven flights weekly.
The route complements its existing Penang-Phuket service, expanding connectivity for Malaysian travellers to Thailand’s popular leisure destinations.
Passengers can connect seamlessly from Malaysia Airlines flights at KLIA Terminal 1, with checked baggage through to their final destination.
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines introduces Cebu-Guam service Philippine Airlines (PAL) will begin thrice-weekly nonstop flights between Cebu and Guam from December 16, 2025, operating every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Cebu, with return services on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
The route complements PAL’s existing Manila-Guam service and is operated with Airbus A321ceo aircraft. The new link strengthens Cebu’s role as an international gateway and provides direct access for travellers from Guam to the Visayas and Mindanao, while supporting regional tourism and economic exchange.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific adds Hong Kong-Changsha flights Cathay Pacific will launch non-stop flights between Hong Kong and Changsha from November 4, 2025, expanding the Cathay Group’s Chinese network to 24 destinations.
The flights will operate four times weekly from Hong Kong to Changsha on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with return services from Changsha following the same pattern.
Services will be operated using Airbus A321neo aircraft with Business and Economy cabins.
The StandardX Melbourne has partnered with local wellness studio Nimbus Co to offer a Run and Recharge package during Melbourne Marathon weekend on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
The package includes a wellness kit on arrival with electrolytes, face oil, gua sha and body brush, return transport to and from the Nike Melbourne Marathon, access to recovery equipment and refreshments at the hotel including compression therapy boots and LED masks, and a contrast therapy session at Nimbus Co Fitzroy with sauna, ice bath and guided breathwork.
Marathon runners at StandardX Melbourne can access recovery sessions with Nimbus Co
The offer is valid only for stays that include Sunday, October 12.
Bhutan, otherwise known as the mystical Land of the Thunder Dragon, is an intriguing nation where tourism plays an extremely vital role to economic and social development despite the low volume of visitors.
According to Tshering Tobgay, Bhutan’s prime minister, who held a dialogue with a group of Singapore journalists during a fam trip organised by Singapore-based travel agency Chan Brothers Travel, the nation’s tourism thrives on a disproportionately valuable brand identity, one that embodies happiness, the allure of Shangri-La, deep spirituality, and a commitment to being environmentally friendly and carbon negative.
Around 70 per cent of the country is forested, making Bhutan one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world; Iron Chain Bridge of Tamchog Lhakhang Monastery, pictured
This powerful image, intrinsically linked to its Gross National Happiness philosophy, is a cornerstone of Bhutan’s appeal and is further reinforced by its Tourism Master Plan 2025-2034, which prioritises regenerative tourism. This High Value, Low Volume strategy aims to balance economic development with environmental stewardship, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are broadly distributed while preserving the nation’s cultural identity.
Tourism currently contributes approximately 10 per cent to Bhutan’s GDP in 2025. The Tourism Master Plan aims to elevate this to 15 per cent by 2050.
“We want tourism to make Bhutan better – bettering locals’ lives and transforming the lives of (visitors). Tourism must regenerate, restore and revive places, communities and people. This is our goal,” said Damcho Rinzin, director for Bhutan’s Department of Tourism.
Within Asia-Pacific, Singapore is one of Bhutan’s top priority tourism source markets. Arrivals from Singapore grew by 61 per cent from 2,036 in 2023 to 3,277 in 2024, with 1,814 visitors recorded between January and June 2025.
“The projected number (of Singaporean travellers) for this year is 3,000. Singapore is currently the fourth biggest inbound market for Bhutan, just 1,000 travellers behind third-placed China,” Rinzin shared with TTG Asia.
Although the majority of Singaporean travellers are first-time visitors, the Department of Tourism is seeing a modest but steady interest from repeat travellers. Based on feedback from operators, such travellers are more likely to seek wellness retreats, spiritual experiences, or visit lesser-known regions such as central Bhutan.
Hilal Kolu, co-founder of Routes and Journeys, told TTG Asia: “The Singapore market was the first South-east Asian market to explore Bhutan. The first charter was in 2008, after (Hong Kong) actor Tony Leung got married in Bhutan.”
From left: Archery is Bhutan’s national sport; red rice is a staple in Bhutan, and meals often include a variety of dishes
Routes and Journeys is a B2B travel company and DMC specialising in leisure tours. It builds accessibility through chartered flights, prominently offering direct services to Bhutan from places like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. It currently has around 20 Bhutan products listed on the Chan Brothers Travel website.
Pema Tashi, co-founder of Routes and Journeys, is in the process of developing adventure travel-focused itineraries in Bhutan – such as hiking and mountain biking – for Chan Brothers.
“We recently launched itineraries in eastern Bhutan, as Paro and Thimphu are quite well known already. The eastern part of Bhutan is really authentic, beautiful, and is a must-visit. Hopefully, more Singaporeans will be back for a second visit,” he said.
To get there, travellers have to fly from Singapore to Paro, where a smaller chartered aircraft will take them to a domestic airport in eastern Bhutan.
Rinzin said 2026 arrival target is set at 300,000, with no more than 50 per cent from India, the Kingdom’s top market at the moment. Other source markets in Asia-Pacific include Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and China.
When asked about plans to expand destination marketing to other markets, Rinzin told TTG Asia that efforts are already underway in Australia.
Bhutan has seen steady growth from Australia, from 1,187 visitors in 2023 to 1,710 in 2024, and 1,123 arrivals recorded in 1H2025 alone. This reflects the “effectiveness of our engagement with Australian trade partners and media”.
Visitors to Bhutan have to commit to a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100. When asked if this requirement made Bhutan too pricey for the average traveller, Rinzin said this fee was revised downwards from US$200 previously to make Bhutan more accessible.
He also stressed the importance of the SDF – it contributes significantly to national revenue and facilitates free healthcare and education for citizens.
He added that as the country is still developing, a lot of infrastructure is needed. Funding for critical development comes from the SDF.
An example of the SDF’s role in nation building is the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), which helps to transform Bhutan’s economy, increase its level of participation in international markets, and generate opportunities for the next generation of Bhutanese.
GMC is a Special Administrative Region, “with its own government, legislature, judiciary, and its own rules and regulations”, Tobgay stated.
The construction of the new international airport at GMC is underway now.
When asked about developments in air access to Bhutan, Tobgay said air service agreements are being signed “with as many countries as possible”.
At present, only two airlines operate flights into Bhutan – Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.
He hopes that these agreements will translate into actual services eventually.
Further tourism development efforts include plans to promote Bhutan as a year-round destination, where Rinzin’s team is aiming to create a star attraction for each of Bhutan’s 20 districts.
As to whether the country will welcome more high profile concerts – such as that headlined by Ed Sheeran, who made history as the first international artiste to hold a concert in Bhutan in January 2025 – Rinzin said Bhutan is ready.
“People thought they could not have a concert in Bhutan, but it’s about building visibility and awareness,” he remarked.
A number of tourist spots in Cebu, the Philippines remain closed until further notice following the intensity 6.9 earthquake on the night of September 30, 2025, which has claimed 70 lives as of press time. The tremor was also felt in Bohol, Leyte and Negros Oriental.
Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said that 80 tourism establishments, 21 site attractions, 36 accommodation and 23 other related infrastructures in Cebu were damaged to varying degrees.
Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco visits the earthquake site with officials as authorities assess the damage; photo by Christina Garcia Frasco
Also affected are 711 tourism workers, including staff from hotels, resorts, restaurants, travel agencies, transport services and related enterprises.
A travel agent said that while September to mid-October is lean season in the Philippines, the full impact of the earthquake on Cebu’s inbound tourism from mid-October onwards will be known shortly.
Frasco said 15 tourists were stranded in Cebu: one in Bogo City – the quake’s epicentre – eight in neighbouring San Remigio and six in Santa Fe.
Of the 15 tourists, eight have checked out and travelled to Cebu City, while six extended their stay in Bantayan Island in Santa Fe. The Department of Tourism (DoT) Central Visayas Office (Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental) is facilitating the transfer of foreign guests in Bogo City to another accommodation within the area.
In an advisory yesterday (October 1), DoT Central Visayas noted tourist sites and establishments that remain closed to the public until further notice. In Cebu province, these include seven churches with varying degrees of damage, as well as the Medellin tourist rest area.
Temporarily closed in Cebu City are The Kabilin Centre, Museo Sugbo, National Museum of the Philippines Cebu, Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House and Casa Gorordo.
In Bohol, Hinagdanan Cave in Dauis and the National Museum of the Philippines in Tagbilaran City are closed for structural inspection.
Several hotels have issued public advisories stating they were unaffected by the earthquake and continue to welcome guests, including Bluewater Maribago and Bluewater Sumilon in Cebu, Bluewater Panglao in Bohol, and Red Planet Cebu.
Nustar Resort and Casino announced it had resumed hotel, dining and gaming operations yesterday after a thorough safety check. The same applies to other hotels of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts and Bai Hotel Cebu.
Radisson Blu in Cebu, which was hosting the Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 gala night when the earthquake struck, was commended by the beauty pageant organiser for its “swift and professional response in implementing safety measures during the tremor”.
Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, the UAE Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai is opening this month within the iconic Wasl Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road. The hotel will feature 259 rooms and suites, 224 branded residences, and a rooftop helipad, offering panoramic views of the Dubai skyline and Arabian Gulf.
Facilities include a two-floor spa combining traditional and modern wellness treatments, 10 dining venues covering French, Chinese, Greek, and Italian cuisines, and bars offering nightlife experiences. The residences provide private living with full access to the hotel’s services and amenities.
Wasl Tower’s twisting ceramic façade incorporates energy-efficient design and natural cooling, positioning the development as a new benchmark for sustainable urban hospitality in Dubai.
Tribe Auckland Fort Street
Tribe Auckland Fort Street, New Zealand Tribe Auckland Fort Street is scheduled to open on October 14, 2025, marking the brand’s New Zealand debut. The hotel offers 60 compact guestrooms, a dynamic lobby bar, and a social hub designed for both locals and travellers.
Located near Britomart and Commercial Bay, the property emphasises modern living and communal spaces, providing a central base to explore Auckland’s attractions.
The Laurus, a Luxury Collection Resort, Singapore
The Laurus, a Luxury Collection Resort, Singapore, Singapore The Laurus, a Luxury Collection Resort, Singapore opens as the first Luxury Collection property in Singapore, located within Resorts World Sentosa.
The resort features 183 suites, each offering luxurious bedding and furnishings, and artisanal local refreshments.
Facilities include Laurus Table, the hotel’s specialty restaurant, a spa and fitness centre, a landscaped pool, and a sensory garden showcasing native flora and wildlife. The property integrates local craftsmanship throughout, including repurposed timber, artworks by Singaporean artists with disabilities, and bespoke design elements.
Situated in Sentosa, the resort provides access to the island’s attractions while offering a private sanctuary with refined comforts and high-end amenities.
The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien
The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien, Thailand Located just over an hour from Bangkok in the seaside enclave of Na Jomtien, The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien is a beachfront resort with 161 rooms and suites. Accommodation ranges from Standard Kings to Ocean View Pool Suites and a 322m² Penthouse, all with garden or sea views and modern amenities.
Facilities include the beach club Esmé, Thai coastal grill Sereia, adults-only rooftop spa and bar Mmhmmm, a beachfront pool with loungers and service, and Surf Shack, a casual grab-and-go spot for ocean sports enthusiasts. Na Jomtien offers swimmable waters, nearby islands such as Koh Kram, Koh Phai and Koh Larn for snorkelling and sailing, as well as local dining, cafés, and kitesurfing opportunities.
