TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 21st January 2026
Page 6

Arunachal Pradesh launches new tourism brand to target wider markets

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The department of tourism, government of Arunachal Pradesh has unveiled its latest brand campaign, Take a New Turn in Arunachal at a news conference in New Delhi on Tuesday (January 6). The initiative was launched in the presence of senior state government tourism representatives and industry stakeholders.

The new campaign aims to position the state as a holistic destination catering to diverse segments like culture, adventure, eco-tourism, farm tourism and MICE.

Arunachal Pradesh’s tourism department launched its new brand campaign at a New Delhi media briefing on January 6

“A refreshed brand identity is important to create interest in the market. With this campaign, we will embark on parallel domestic and international promotional activities. We will soon come-up with a calendar of roadshows for the domestic markets while for international markets, we will be participating in different tradeshows like WTM and ITB,” said Pasang Dorjee Sona, minister for tourism, government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Destinations like Tawang, Ziro, Anini, Namsai, Dong and Mechuka will be promoted in both domestic and international markets as part of the new brand campaign.

The north-eastern Indian state is also planning to reach out to new international markets like South Korea with its new brand identity.

“In the past also, we have visited new markets like Costa Rica as part of our international promotions. We are working on plans to create awareness about Arunachal Pradesh in South Korea too,” added Sona.

As part of its tourism policy introduced last year and its new brand campaign outlook, involving the locals through channels like homestays is a priority area for the state government. The tourism minister shared that homestays have seen an overwhelming growth in Arunachal Pradesh on the back of subsidies and financial assistance offered by the state government.

“Homestays on one hand provide revenue to locals and on the other hand for a tourist is a great medium to learn about culture, cuisine and folklore of the locals. We will soon have a convention for homestays where all the owners will come together to learn how to meet the needs of new age customers,” shared Sona.

As per the statistics available with India’s Ministry of Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh recorded 0.87 million and 5,000 international visitors in 2024. The state is targeting to achieve a CAGR of 15 to 20 per cent in overall tourist numbers in the next decade.

Vietnam targets wellness tourism growth with BestPrice Travel 2026 portfolio

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Vietnam is positioning itself for growth in wellness tourism following the launch of BestPrice Travel’s 2026 Wellness Portfolio, a collection of health- and well-being-focused travel experiences across the country.

The portfolio was unveiled during the Vietnam Tourism Roadshow 2025 in Melbourne and Sydney, hosted by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. The events were attended by Australian travel trade representatives, tourism stakeholders and media. The launch coincided with a memorandum of understanding signing in Sydney between BestPrice Travel in Vietnam and David Vuong Travel in Australia, witnessed by senior representatives from the national tourism authority.

BestPrice Travel showcased its 2026 Wellness Portfolio during the Vietnam Tourism Roadshow 2025 in Australia

BestPrice Travel said the portfolio is intended to support Vietnam’s efforts to strengthen its position as a wellness destination in the Asia-Pacific region, amid growing demand for travel experiences focused on well-being, cultural engagement and nature.

The portfolio covers destinations including Quang Ninh, Hoi An, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang, and brings together a range of wellness-led experiences. These include traditional Vietnamese healing practices, mineral hot springs, thermal retreats, spa resorts set in natural environments, meditation and mindfulness programmes, and coastal and island-based stays. The focus is on integrated journeys rather than standalone spa visits, combining accommodation, food, cultural interaction and natural settings.

The launch reflects wider shifts in travel demand across Australia and the Asia-Pacific, where wellness tourism has moved from a niche segment to a more established part of the market. Vietnam’s mix of traditional health practices, varied landscapes and growing accommodation base has supported this trend, although access to structured wellness products for international agents has remained limited.

BestPrice Travel said the 2026 Wellness Portfolio has been developed to meet trade requirements, with products designed to be commercially viable and consistent in terms of service and operations. The company has positioned the portfolio for international travel agents and tour operators, supported by its representative office in Sydney.

The initiative forms part of broader collaboration between private travel companies and Vietnam’s tourism authorities, aligning product development with changing travel patterns while supporting longer-term tourism objectives.

Robin Mack to lead Tourism Australia as MD

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Tourism Australia has appointed Robin Mack as managing director. Mack brings almost 30 years of experience in the global travel and tourism sector, including more than a decade with Tourism Australia.

Most recently, he oversaw market strategy and operations across 16 international markets, alongside responsibility for commercial activity, distribution development and partnerships. He also led Business Events Australia, working closely with industry stakeholders to support demand.

His experience spans destination marketing, international trade relations and long-term demand planning, with a focus on priority growth markets in Asia.

Mack, commenting on his new role, said competition for high-value visitors was intensifying worldwide, making Tourism Australia’s role in driving demand through marketing, partnerships and industry engagement central to protecting and growing Australia’s share of the international travel market.

Tomorrowland to debut in Asia with Thailand edition in December 2026

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Tomorrowland will stage its first Asian edition in Thailand from December 11 to 13, 2026, marking a major expansion of the electronic music festival beyond its existing events in Europe and South America.

The festival organisation has confirmed a partnership with the Thai Government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), with Thailand selected over several other Asian destinations. Organisers expect the event to attract international visitors and generate economic activity across tourism, hospitality and creative industries.

Tomorrowland will make its Asian debut in Thailand this December, with the festival set to take place in Pattaya; photo by Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland Thailand will be held at Wisdom Valley in Pattaya, located in Khao Mai Kaew, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. The site covers about 96 hectares and will host multiple stages across three days. The festival is expected to welcome more than 50,000 attendees per day.

Organisers have confirmed that the CORE and Freedom stages will be presented in Asia for the first time, alongside new stages and experiences developed specifically for the Thailand edition. The event will be produced in collaboration between Tomorrowland’s Belgian organisation and a local operational team, combining the festival’s established production approach with on-the-ground expertise.

Preparations are under way to deliver the full Tomorrowland format, including large-scale stage design, storytelling elements and electronic music programming that have become central to the festival’s identity. The Thailand edition will represent the first full-scale Tomorrowland event in Asia, adding a new geographic chapter to the brand’s global presence.

A TAT representative commented: “Hosting Tomorrowland in Thailand marks an important milestone in our ambition to position the country as a leader in global tourism and creative experiences. We look forward to welcoming people from all over the world to discover the beauty, culture, and hospitality of Thailand.”

Bruno Vanwelsenaers, chief executive of WEAREONE.world, said: “Expanding Tomorrowland to a new continent is a milestone we approach with great respect and excitement. Thailand feels like the right place, not only because of its beauty and energy, but also because of the shared ambition to create something meaningful and world-class together. This is the beginning of a long-term story.”

Piano Land supports Hong Kong cruise tourism with international call

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The cruise ship Piano Land has arrived in Hong Kong carrying about 1,700 passengers, marking the largest overseas inbound passenger group to date for Astro Ocean Cruise.

The vessel returned from Malaysia earlier this month after operating a dual-homeport programme, with itineraries calling at ports in Malaysia and Thailand. The current sailing brought passengers from Malaysia, Singapore and other South-east Asian markets to Hong Kong.

The cruise ship Piano Land arrived in Hong Kong carrying about 1,700 passengers from South-east Asia

Astro Ocean Cruise said the arrival represents a milestone for the company and for Hong Kong’s cruise sector, as Piano Land is the first Chinese-branded cruise ship to bring international passengers to the city in this capacity. The company also described the return as a sign of confidence in the development of cruise tourism in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

In 2026, Piano Land is scheduled to operate a new Hong Kong homeport season, offering itineraries of four, five, eight and 12 nights to destinations across South-east Asia. Planned ports of call include Brunei; Sihanoukville in Cambodia; Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia; Manila and Subic in the Philippines; and several Vietnamese ports including Chan May, Danang, Halong Bay, Nha Trang and Phu My.

Astro Ocean Cruise is a wholly owned subsidiary of China Cruises International and is headquartered in Hong Kong. Its flagship vessel, Piano Land, has a gross tonnage of about 70,000 tonnes, 13 decks and 880 cabins, with a maximum passenger capacity of 2,014. The ship was built by Meyer Werft in Germany.

Piano Land began operating from Hong Kong as a homeport in April 2025, offering regional itineraries across Asia. On November 29, 2025, it commenced homeport operations in Malaysia, becoming the first Chinese-branded cruise line to operate international homeport services.

Four Seasons Hong Kong ushers in Lunar New Year with stays, dining and wellness

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Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong marks Lunar New Year 2026 with a programme of accommodation, dining and wellness offerings centred on shared meals, seasonal traditions and time spent together.

Overlooking Victoria Harbour, the hotel presents experiences timed around the Year of the Horse, running from late January through February 2026.

A festive afternoon tea at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong forms part of the property’s Lunar New Year dining programme, served in The Lounge during the holiday period

The Joyful Lunar New Year Getaway is available for stays from February 1 to February 28, 2026, with a minimum two-night stay. Priced from HK$5,680 (US$726), the package includes daily breakfast for two at The Lounge or Gallery, alongside participation in Hong Kong’s Walk of Fortune tradition through a self-guided route created by the hotel. Guests also receive 15 per cent off spa treatments of 60 minutes or more on weekdays and a Four Seasons signature gift. Breakfast is complimentary for children aged five and under, with a 50 per cent reduction for those aged six to 12 at selected outlets.

Dining is a central focus of the Lunar New Year programme. Lung King Heen offers a selection of Lunar New Year puddings available for pre-order, including a new water chestnut pudding with candied citron. Returning options include coconut milk pudding, abalone and turnip pudding with conpoy, and taro pudding with black truffle and air-dried meat. A 15 per cent early booking saving applies to orders placed by January 17, 2026, with collection from February 9 to February 16, 2026.

From February 17 to February 26, 2026, Lung King Heen presents an eight-course Lunar New Year tasting menu at HK$2,380 per person, alongside a six-course set lunch at HK$1,280 per person. A wine pairing is available for an additional HK$1,000.

There are also offering for at-home gatherings designed for four people and requires 48 hours’ advance notice.

Wellness offerings include the 120-minute Lunar Renewal Ritual at The Spa, available from January 1 to February 28, 2026, priced at HK$3,600.

For more information, visit Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong.

Momentus Hotel Alexandra names new commercial director

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Momentus Hotel Alexandra has appointed Chantel Lim as director of commercial, with responsibility for sales, distribution and partnerships.

In the role, she will lead the hotel’s commercial strategy across corporate and leisure segments, focusing on account development, market expansion and revenue performance aligned with wider business objectives.

Lim has more than 20 years of experience in hospitality sales and business development across South-east Asia. Most recently, she held a senior commercial role at Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore, working across corporate and extended-stay segments. Her previous experience includes leadership roles with Hyatt, Pan Pacific Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa and InterContinental Hotels Group.

Four Seasons Maldives highlights family bonding and marine education across two resorts

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Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is placing family bonding and marine conservation at the centre of its programming across its Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru properties, as resorts in the Maldives increasingly position themselves for multi-generational travel.

Both resorts have developed structured activities that allow families to spend time together while engaging with the marine environment surrounding the islands. Programmes are designed to involve children and teenagers directly, while encouraging parents and grandparents to participate alongside them.

Marine education at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives includes learning about sea turtles and their role in the local ecosystem

Marine education is a key focus. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, the Junior Marine Savers programme for children aged eight to 12 introduces basic marine science through coral-frame building, reef monitoring, dolphin spotting and visits linked to turtle conservation. At Landaa Giraavaru, the Trainee Marine Biologist programme targets teenagers aged 13 to 18, offering hands-on involvement in research projects run by the resort’s Marine Discovery Centre, including manta ray identification, coral regeneration and biodiversity surveys.

Water-based activities are structured to support shared family participation. Both properties operate PADI five-star dive centres, with children able to join lagoon-based Bubblemaker sessions from the age of eight. Older family members can complete open water certification through a combination of pre-arrival learning and in-destination training, enabling families to dive together during their stay.

At Kuda Huraa, surfing programmes provide another shared activity, with lessons available for beginners and clinics for more experienced surfers. Lower-intensity options such as kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing offer alternatives for families seeking slower-paced experiences.

Beyond the water, both resorts offer tennis coaching, while Landaa Giraavaru also features padel courts. Families can also charter private yachts for snorkelling trips, dolphin encounters, sandbank picnics and sunset cruises, with itineraries adapted to different age groups.

Accommodation is configured to support extended family stays, with multi-bedroom villas and estates offering shared living spaces alongside private areas. Butler service and flexible dining arrangements are designed to accommodate family routines.

Wellness activities are incorporated into daily resort life rather than formal programmes, with options such as yoga, breathing sessions and ocean swims available for adults, while younger guests spend time outdoors.

Across both properties, the approach reflects a broader shift towards travel experiences that prioritise time spent together and environmental awareness, positioning the Maldives as a destination for family travel focused on connection and learning rather than short-term leisure.

Tokyo unveils new website to promote food tourism

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The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched a new website, Go Tokyo Gourmet, aimed at promoting the city’s food culture to domestic and international visitors.

The website features articles and videos introducing Tokyo’s culinary landscape, covering both established cuisine and everyday food culture. The government said the platform is intended to deepen interest in Tokyo’s food scene and encourage visitors to experience it first-hand.

Chefs and food specialists, including Tokyo Tourism Ambassadors, contribute insights to the Go Tokyo Gourmet website to highlight the depth of the city’s food culture

Tokyo’s culinary offering is presented through a wide range of themes, from dishes that developed during the Edo period, including sushi, tempura, eel and soba, to contemporary cuisine shaped by global influences. The site also highlights locally sourced ingredients and the role of chefs and food professionals in shaping the capital’s dining scene.

Perspectives from chefs appointed as Tokyo Tourism Ambassadors, along with chefs active in Tokyo, food specialists and other industry figures, are also featured. Their contributions are used to explore the background, techniques and ideas behind Tokyo’s food culture.

In addition to restaurant-focused content, the website examines the historical development of Tokyo’s cuisine, tracing its evolution from the Edo period to the present day. Topics include food-related traditions, dining customs, everyday meals enjoyed by residents and emerging themes such as sustainability and dietary diversity.

Sections aimed at travellers focus on food experiences commonly associated with visits to Tokyo, including ramen, rice balls, convenience store meals and vending machine culture. The site also provides information on vegan, halal and gluten-free dining options, as well as guidance on Japanese dining manners, services and restaurant reservation platforms.

The website includes details of food-related events in Tokyo and practical information to help visitors navigate the city’s dining scene. Content is available in Japanese and English.

Go Tokyo Gourmet was launched on December 18, 2025, and is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Updates related to Tokyo’s food attractions will also be shared through official social media channels on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

Crown Resorts adopts Canary guest technology across Australian properties

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Crown Resorts has selected Canary Technologies to provide guest-facing digital tools across its properties in Australia, as part of efforts to modernise the guest experience.

The roll-out will include Canary’s mobile check-in, AI-powered guest messaging, digital compendium, dynamic upsells and smart checkout. The tools are designed to allow guests to access services and information on their own mobile devices without the need to download an app.

Crown Resorts is rolling out Canary Technologies’ guest-facing digital tools across its Australian properties to support mobile-enabled services; Crown Perth, pictured

Crown said the technology will enable guests to check in and out digitally, communicate with staff through messaging functions, access resort information and receive upgrade or add-on offers during their stay. The systems are intended to streamline operations while reducing friction for guests and staff.

Canary Technologies provides a guest management platform that digitises touchpoints from booking to checkout. The company’s platform is used by more than 20,000 hotels in over 100 countries, including major international hotel groups.

Daniel Mourad, general manager for Asia Pacific at Canary Technologies, said: “We’re excited to partner with Crown Resorts, a brand synonymous with luxury and innovation. With Canary, Crown is setting a new benchmark for elevating the experience with guest-facing tech and further enhancing the elite level of service they’re known for.”

Nicole Pelchen, chief technology officer at Crown Resorts, added: “At Crown, we’re constantly evolving to match the expectations of today’s luxury traveller. Canary’s solutions allow us to digitise key touchpoints across the stay without losing the warmth and personalisation our guests value. From Mobile Check-In to Smart Checkout, we’re delivering a modern experience at every step.”