TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Saturday, 24th January 2026
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Page 68

Royal Princess to sail from Singapore in 2026

By TTG Asia
0

Princess Cruises’s Royal Princess will make her South-east Asia debut in October 2026, homeporting in Singapore for two cruises before continuing to her Australian season.

On September 19, 2026, Royal Princess will conclude her Alaska season and begin a 26-night Grand Adventure Cruise across South-east Asia, Japan, and Alaska. Departing Seattle, Washington, she will visit Juneau, College Fjord, Whittier, and cruise past Hubbard Glacier, before calling at ports in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, arriving in Singapore on October 16.

Royal Princess will homeport in Singapore for the first time in October 2026, offering South-east Asia cruises

Guests can also join the second half of the cruise, a 13-night sailing from Yokohama on October 4, visiting Shimizu, Osaka, Keelung (Taipei), Hong Kong, and Chan May (Vietnam) before arriving in Singapore.

After arrival, Royal Princess, which carries 3,560 passengers, will undergo a two-week dry dock in Singapore. She will then begin her first Singapore-based cruise on November 1, a nine-night itinerary to Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Ko Samui, followed by a 13-night South-east Asia cruise departing November 10, including a stop in Lombok, Indonesia. The two cruises can be combined into a 22-night South-east Asia and Australia voyage, concluding in Sydney on November 25 with calls at Darwin, Yorkeys Knob, and Brisbane.

Onboard, passengers can access two cantilevered SeaWalk walkways, three swimming pools, a nightclub, multiple dining venues including a pizzeria, Italian trattoria, and 24-hour café, entertainment lounges, and original musical productions. The ship was christened in June 2013 in Southampton, England, by the Duchess of Cambridge, while she was pregnant with Prince George. A replica of the black-and-ivory Hobbs Dalmatian-print coat she wore is on permanent display onboard.

The announcement follows other regional expansions for Princess Cruises. Discovery Princess will make her maiden call to Singapore this October for a five-night Malaysian cruise. Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess will homeport in Japan for the first time in 2027 after their Singapore season from December 2026 to February 2027. Diamond Princess will return to Singapore in December 2025 to February 2026 for 10/12-day sailings with stops at 10 destinations in Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Disney Cruise Line reveals dining options for Disney Adventure

By TTG Asia
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Disney Cruise Line has unveiled the dining options for its new ship Disney Adventure, which will home port in Singapore from December 15 this year. The ship will offer more than 20 restaurants and lounges, serving a mix of international and Asian-inspired cuisines.

Guests can choose from table-service restaurants, buffets, quick-service locations, specialty cafés, grab-and-go outlets, and 24-hour room service. Many dining experiences are included in the cruise fare, while premium options carry an additional charge.

Guests onboard the Disney Adventure can enjoy a range of international and Asian-inspired dishes, drinks and desserts across more than 20 restaurants and lounges

Menus will feature South-east Asian dishes such as Laksa Lemak and Hainanese Chicken Rice, Indian cuisine at Mowgli’s Eatery, and Japanese offerings at Mike & Sulley’s – Flavors of Asia. Specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks will incorporate traditional Asian ingredients. Guests can also enjoy bubble tea at Bewitching Boba and Brews. Dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, Jain, halal and allergen-specific meals, will be accommodated at no extra cost.

The Disney Adventure will also feature Bacha Coffee and TWG Tea, offering a wide range of coffees and teas across the ship. Adult guests will have access to a variety of bars and lounges, including Spellbound, Palo Café, Garden Bar, Tiana’s Bayou Lounge, Buccaneer Bar, Market Bar and Taverna Portorosso.

Classic Disney favourites such as Mickey waffles and soft-serve ice cream will be available alongside rotational dining, which allows guests to experience different themed restaurants each night with personalised service. Family-friendly venues will feature Disney characters and interactive experiences inspired by Disney and Pixar films.

The ship’s voyages are primarily three- and four-night trips, designed to include days at sea and a variety of activities for guests.

New sailing dates between October and December 2026 have also been released for bookings.

Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West offers four-day festive journey from Phnom Penh to Cambodian coast

By TTG Asia
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Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West will mark the end of 2025 with a four-day journey from Phnom Penh to the Cambodian coastline. Beginning on December 28, guests will travel on a privately chartered train through the countryside, with onboard meals and wine service, before spending three nights at Knai Bang Chatt, a coastal resort in Kep.

Upon arrival, guests will transfer by tuk-tuk to the resort, where the evening includes cocktails at the rooftop bar overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, followed by dinner at Crab & Co. The next day begins with optional yoga and guided meditation at sunrise, followed by a dolphin-spotting cruise with breakfast served at sea. Guests will visit a remote island with Marine Conservation Cambodia for an exploration of marine ecosystems and restoration efforts, followed by a beach barbecue before returning to Kep for the afternoon.

Guests will travel by private train and stay three nights at Knai Bang Chatt, with cultural tours, wellness activities, and coastal excursions included

On the third day, a guided cultural tour will take guests to colonial-era villas, hilltop pagodas, pepper plantations, and the Crab Market. Lunch is served at The Wave, the resort’s cliffside restaurant, and the afternoon includes spa treatments, sailing lessons, or time by the pool. The day concludes with a sunset cruise along the coast with canapés and champagne, and an optional wine-paired Chef’s Table dinner.

Return transfers to Phnom Penh are available by car or train. Guests may extend their stay to join Kep West’s End-of-Year Party and New Year’s Brunch, featuring live music and refreshments.

The journey is priced at US$1,500 per person, with a 50 per cent discount for children under 12. The package includes the one-way private train journey, onboard lunch with wine, three nights’ seafront accommodation at Knai Bang Chatt, all meals, excursions, wellness sessions, internal transfers, the private island experience, and live music, sunset cruises, and cultural activities. Optional upgrades include a return train or car transfer, wine-paired Chef’s Table dinner, spa sessions, and the End-of-Year Party and New Year’s Brunch with an additional night stay.

For more information, visit Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West.

Explora Journeys rolls out wellness retreats on extended voyages

By TTG Asia
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Explora Journeys, part of the MSC Group, will offer Ocean Wellness Retreats, a series of one-day programmes available on Grand Journeys aboard Explora I and Explora II. The programmes draw on Eastern and Western practices and include yoga, breathwork, sound-based sessions and guided reflection.

Sessions feature Surya Shakti Yoga, pranayama, sound healing, gong baths held at night and structured reflection. Each programme is designed to support rest and self-awareness, and guests may take part in more than one retreat during a voyage.

Guests can participate in one-day wellness programmes on Explora Journeys’ Grand Voyages, combining yoga, breathwork and sound therapy

The retreats will take place on Explora I from October 18 to November 12, 2025, sailing from Fusina (Venice) to Miami via Mediterranean ports and Caribbean stops, and on Explora II from November 11 to 22, 2025, sailing from Barcelona to Bridgetown, Barbados, with calls at Tangier, Gran Canaria and other ports.

For more information, visit Explora Journeys.

Thailand sees revenue rise despite falling tourist arrivals

By Anne Somanas
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The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), Thailand’s central economic planning agency, released its 2Q2025 Economic Report on August 18.

The report shows Thailand’s tourism sector is slowing, although earnings continue to rise, mainly from higher-spending longhaul travellers. International arrivals in 2025 are projected at 33 million, down from 35.5 million in 2024 and below earlier forecasts.

Thailand is evolving with increasing draws for premium travellers that cater to high-spending tourists; photo by Anne Somanas

Data from January to July 2025 shows the country received 19.3 million international tourists, a 6.4 per cent decline from the same period last year, with shorthaul markets such as China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and South Korea seeing the largest falls. In May, the NESDC had projected 37 million arrivals, revised down from an earlier estimate of 38 million.

Despite fewer visitors, international receipts are expected to rise to 1.57 trillion baht (US$43.6 billion) in 2025, up from 1.5 trillion in 2024, but below the earlier forecast of 1.71 trillion baht. Average per-capita spending is projected at 47,686 baht per trip, up from 42,301 baht in 2024, reflecting a higher proportion of longhaul tourists.

The slowdown is affecting core service industries. Accommodation and food services grew 2.1 per cent in 2Q2025, down from 7.2 per cent in 1Q2025. International visitor numbers fell 12.2 per cent to 7.14 million, equivalent to 87.24 per cent of pre-Covid levels, while hotel occupancy dropped to 69.8 per cent from 74.9 per cent. 2Q2025 tourism receipts reached 647 billion baht, a 12.1 per cent increase year-on-year, slower than 1Q2025’s 13.7 per cent growth.

Analysts warn that weaker near-term demand will affect transport, retail, and food services, leading the NESDC to cut Thailand’s 2025 GDP midpoint growth forecast to 2.0 per cent, citing both softer exports and cooling tourism.

To counter the slowdown, the NESDC recommends improving safety and readiness in tourism infrastructure, launching targeted campaigns to attract high-spending travellers, and advancing sustainable tourism to strengthen long-term industry resilience and competitiveness.

Simplified GDS-Index readies for launch to help destinations with responsible change

By Karen Yue
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GDS-Movement, which publishes the well-known annual GDS-Index that assesses DMOs, CVBs, NTOs, regional tourism organisations and tourism boards on their sustainability efforts, will soon launch a simplified programme for tourism destinations that are just starting out on their regenerative tourism journey.

Named GDS-Index Lite and set to launch in September, the programme adopts a 28-point assessment criterion – a much smaller set than the regular GDS-Index that comes with 77 questions and 300 sub-questions.

Launching in September, the GDS-Index Lite will help tourism destinations new to sustainability efforts to get started on making positive progress

Guy Bigwood, CEO and chief changemaker at GDS-Movement, told TTG Asia that the 28 checkpoints were identified through data analysis with the University of Exeter and proven to bring about the biggest positive change to the city.

The 28-point assessment criteria comprise “basic stuff”, such as the existence of a strategy, training programme, stakeholder communication, and certification.

“We will also ask if the destination had communicated the strategy to the mayor, and require proof of that by way of a letter to the mayor and a photo. We are fanatical about evidence – everything assessed for the GDS-Index and GDS-Index Lite have to be backed up by evidence,” said Bigwood.

Explaining the need for a lightweight version of the GDS-Index, Bigwood said: “We realised that there are a lot of cities around the world that are not able to handle that sort of immense change (required by the regular assessment programme), and we don’t want to leave them behind.”

The GDS-Index Lite benchmark will not be made public – results will only be communicated to participating destinations.

A tourism destination could make progress on the regular GDS-Index over three to five years, subject to committed resources, ambition and alignment with the city’s goals. With the GDS-Index Lite programme, tourism destinations could see progress in two years.

He added that the GDS-Index Lite programme could be regarded as the startup phase. Once tourism destinations have achieved the basic requirements in regenerative tourism efforts, they could then move on to the full GDS-Index programme where “every department in the team must now be involved through proper training, guided by a proper strategy with a director who gets a budget to run it”.

The third stage in a tourism destination’s regenerative tourism journey would then be certification.

GDS-Movement, through its GDS-Academy and GDS-Consulting units, can help tourism destinations close gaps in their sustainability efforts.

When asked what common obstacles are in the journey towards regenerative tourism, he pointed to resources and stakeholder engagement.

“Someone has to commit to it, to do the work and invest the time – and this person needs sufficient management support. So, you need the CEO – ideally – or the vice president of something to support that one person,” he said.

“The second step is stakeholder engagement – getting enough people together. You need the tourism people, convention bureau people, marketing people, and data people together – that’s just in the DMO. You also need the hotel association, the restaurant association, and so on for you to ultimately build a green team.

“Once the tourism destination is able to build that team, then synchronicity starts to happen, and the magic starts to happen.”

Kuala Lumpur strengthens green tourism with new partnership

By TTG Asia
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Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance (KLCCBEA) and Urbanice Malaysia have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen Kuala Lumpur’s position as a sustainable tourism destination.

The agreement was formalised during the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Forum (ASUF) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The partnership aims to advance sustainable tourism in Kuala Lumpur

The partnership brings together KLCCBEA’s destination marketing expertise and Urbanice’s sustainable urban development strategies to support tourism growth that benefits local communities, protects cultural heritage, and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The two organisations also co-organised the inaugural Stakeholders Business Assembly during ASUF 2025. Themed Mobilising Partnerships to Drive Inclusive Economic Growth through Tourism, the assembly gathered more than 70 representatives from ASEAN member’s local authorities, tourism bodies, industry leaders, and cultural practitioners. Discussions focused on practical partnership models that can generate measurable economic and social benefits.

Participants highlighted five key factors for successful collaboration in sustainable tourism: creating mutual benefits, recognising the value of small initiatives, prioritising local products and resources, sharing ideas to generate value, and engaging champions to drive momentum. Two such champions were recognised – the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents for promoting tourism in rural northern regions, and KLCCBEA for coordinating initiatives such as Sustainable September.

Sustainable September, now in its third year, brings together KLCC precinct partners under a shared sustainability vision. Through events, community programmes, and educational campaigns, the initiative has grown to become a flagship example of collective impact and sustainable urban tourism in Kuala Lumpur.

PATA hosts youth symposium in Bangkok to highlight careers in tourism

By TTG Asia
0

PATA will hold the PATA Youth Symposium 2025 at Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday, August 25, ahead of the PATA Travel Mart 2025. The event is hosted by the International College for Sustainability Studies at Srinakharinwirot University (SWUIC), in collaboration with Bangkok University International.

The symposium will include panel discussions, student-led dialogues and opportunities to meet leaders from across the Asia-Pacific tourism sector. It is designed to provide young professionals with practical knowledge and skills to prepare for careers in the industry.

The symposium in Bangkok aims to prepare young professionals for careers in the evolving tourism industry; photo by PATA

The event will begin with keynote speeches from Sophia Montgomery, a Physics student at Harvard University and Paris 2024 Olympian in Women’s Dinghy Sailing, and Jonathan Low, CEO of Global Success Learning Academy. This will be followed by a panel with graduates who have successfully entered the tourism workforce, giving students a chance to engage with experienced professionals.

Two additional panels will focus on career guidance. Uncovering the Unseen: Discovering Hidden Careers in Tourism will feature experts from the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association, Intrepid Travel and iSanook Hotels & Resorts, highlighting lesser-known career paths. Career-Ready: How to Impress Recruiters will include human resources professionals from Dusit International and other companies, offering advice on preparing for the job market.

The day will conclude with a Student Chapter workshop, co-organised by the PATA Thailand SWUIC Student Chapter and the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter.

The symposium aims to connect students with industry insights, develop career skills and encourage engagement with the Asia Pacific tourism sector.

SWUIC will welcome participants to its campus. The college aims to develop students with an understanding of sustainability and diversity while providing skills for the modern workplace. The campus will be the venue for discussions on career paths and trends in travel and tourism.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated: “Empowering youth is not just an investment in their future, it is an investment in the future of the tourism industry. Together, as an industry, we must build the bridges that lead them from aspiration to achievement.

“PATA is, of course, grateful to our host, the International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University, and all participating organisations for joining us in supporting the rising stars of our industry. Without them, this event would not be possible.”

Thanakorn Thongprayoon, dean of the International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University, commented: “The PATA Youth Symposium 2025 aligns closely with our mission to foster globally minded graduates who are not only career-ready, but also committed to creating a sustainable and inclusive future for the tourism industry. We believe in the power of youth, and by connecting them with industry leaders, we can ignite new ideas and drive meaningful change in our shared future.”

Chedi Hospitality debuts in Japan with boutique hotel in Niseko

By TTG Asia
0

Chedi Hospitality is entering the Japanese market with The Chedi Niseko, a boutique hotel in the heart of Hirafu, Niseko. The development is scheduled for completion in June 2029 and marks the brand’s return to Asia.

Located within one of Japan’s prominent ski and nature regions, The Chedi Niseko will provide access to slopes, local dining, and year-round outdoor activities. The project addresses growing international demand for experience-led stays in Japan and reflects Chedi Hospitality’s approach to design-led, culturally attuned destinations.

The Chedi Niseko will offer slopeside access and year-round outdoor activities when it opens in June 2029

Ahead of its opening, Chedi Hospitality will introduce seasonal culinary events over the next three winters. These experiences will offer early insight into the brand’s gastronomic approach, combining global cuisine with Japanese hospitality traditions.

Building on its alpine presence in Andermatt and its planned development in Trojena, The Chedi Niseko reinforces the brand’s position in curated mountain destinations. The project reflects the group’s focus on careful expansion, prioritising substance over scale and providing long-term value in significant locations.

“Niseko presents a rare convergence of natural beauty, international appeal, and all-season relevance,” said Stephan Schupbach, CEO of Chedi Hospitality. “Our expansion into Japan speaks to our long-term commitment to cultivating meaningful hospitality experiences in destinations that share our values of authenticity, sophistication, and global connectivity.”

Shania Zhang, president at Ryowha Group, added: “The Chedi Niseko is a long-term investment in excellence, one that will resonate with discerning travellers and investors alike.”

Aviation roundup: Korean Air, Qantas and more

By TTG Asia
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Korean Air

Korean Air introduces Premium Class on retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER
Korean Air has unveiled Premium Class on its newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, with the first flights on short- and mid-haul routes from mid-September. The airline has invested around 300 billion won (US$230.77) to upgrade 11 aircraft with redesigned cabins and new onboard technology.

Premium Class, positioned between Prestige (business) and Economy, features 40 seats in a 2-4-2 layout with 50 per cent more space than Economy, a seat pitch of 39 to 41 inches, 19.5-inch-wide seats, up to 130-degree recline, leg and footrests, ergonomic headrests, and winged sides for privacy. In-flight entertainment includes 15.6-inch 4K screens.

Meals on international routes comprise a main course, appetiser, and dessert from the Prestige menu, with beverages including wine, coffee, and tea. Premium Class passengers also enjoy priority ground services, Morning Calm check-in counters, priority baggage handling, and Sky Priority boarding.

The launch coincides with a full interior overhaul of the Boeing 777-300ER fleet, featuring Prestige Suites 2.0 in 1-2-1 configuration, New Economy in 3-4-3 layout, upgraded Wi-Fi, and improved in-flight entertainment across all cabins.

Qantas

Qantas to offer daily Sydney-New York flights via Auckland
Qantas will increase its Sydney-New York flights via Auckland from five per week to daily from June to October 2026. This will be the first daily Sydney-Auckland-New York service since the route launched in June 2023 and Qantas’ first daily flights to New York since pre-Covid Sydney-Los Angeles-New York services.

The airline’s A380 has returned to Sydney-Dallas on August 11, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner resumed Brisbane-Los Angeles services on August 13, part of an international network update announced in October 2024.

Scoot

Scoot adds flights to Chiang Rai, Okinawa and Tokyo
Scoot will launch new flights to Chiang Rai in Thailand, and Okinawa and Tokyo (Haneda) in Japan between December 2025 and March 2026. Flights to Chiang Rai will operate five times weekly from January 1, 2026, on the Embraer E190-E2. Services to Okinawa will start three times weekly from December 15, 2025, on the Airbus A320 family, while daily flights to Tokyo (Haneda) begin March 1, 2026, on Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

With these additions, Scoot will operate 111 weekly flights to Thailand and 45 to Japan, serving 76 destinations across 18 countries and territories in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe.

The airline will also increase frequencies on existing routes. In South-east Asia, Bangkok flights rise from 35 to 39 weekly from August 2025, Ipoh from 17 to 21 weekly from November 2025, and Chiang Mai progressively to 14 weekly by December 2025. In North Asia, Tokyo (Narita via Taipei) increases to 14 weekly from October 2025, Sapporo (Hokkaido via Taipei) from four to seven weekly from December 2025, and Singapore-Taipei from 23 to 25 weekly in October and 25 to 28 from December 2025. Flights to Jeju will increase from five to seven weekly from January 2026. In Europe, Vienna services rise from three to four weekly from March 2026.

AirAsia X

AirAsia X launches Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul route
AirAsia X (AAX) will introduce a new route between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul, Türkiye, from November 14, 2025, with four weekly flights.

The service operates from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, which connects to more than 117 international and 40 domestic destinations. The route expands AAX’s network to Europe, linking South-east Asia to one of the world’s most historically and geographically unique cities.

The launch also enables an affordable Umrah Plus Istanbul package through Your Companion, the Islamic lifestyle arm of Capital A, allowing travellers to combine a spiritual journey with a visit to Istanbul. Fly-Thru services via Kuala Lumpur provide one-stop connections for passengers without baggage recheck, while giving travellers from Türkiye access to AirAsia’s 130 destinations in South-east Asia.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | PATA establishes partnership with Phuket Hotels Association
TTG Asia | Sun Siyam Group promotes Deepak Booneady to group CEO
TTG Asia | Changi Airport sets new passenger record as travel demand rises