IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its voco hotels brand to Phuket, Thailand, through a partnership with AssetWise Public Company and its subsidiary Rhom Bho Property Public Company.
Opening in 2029, the 175-room voco Phuket Bangtao will be located in Bangtao on the west coast of Phuket. It is the third signing for voco hotels in Thailand and the first in Phuket, joining more than 180 open and pipeline properties worldwide since the brand launched in 2018.
voco Phuket Bangtao will become the brand’s first Phuket property when it opens in 2029
The hotel will be 30 minutes by car from Phuket International Airport. Facilities will include a restaurant, lounge and bar, spa, swimming pool and fitness centre.
Bryan Chan, vice president, development, South East Asia & Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to continue the growth momentum of voco hotels in Thailand with the signing of voco Phuket Bangtao in one of the country’s most popular and enduring destinations. voco Phuket Bangtao will be a wonderful addition to our estate, strengthening IHG’s presence throughout the city.”
Paneeta Malaivongs, deputy CEO, AssetWise Public Company, said: “voco hotels’ positioning as a premium brand offering a distinctive and uplifting experience will suit the Phuket Bangtao area and we envisage it quickly becoming a leading hotel for travellers who want to be within easy reach of everything the area has to offer.”
IHG currently has 40 open hotels across nine brands in Thailand and 41 in its pipeline. The group aims to double its portfolio in the country in the coming years. voco Bangkok Surawong will be the first property to open in Thailand later this year.
Korean Air has completed the first phase of its lounge renewal project at Incheon International Airport, reopening the redesigned Miler Club and Prestige East (Right) Lounge on August 18 and launching two new Prestige Garden Lounges following the airport’s recent expansion.
The renewal programme forms part of the airline’s infrastructure investment ahead of its integration with Asiana Airlines.
Korean Air’s upgraded Miler Club, pictured, and Prestige East Lounges at Incheon feature new dining, wellness and work areas
The redesigned lounges include separate areas for dining, relaxation, work and wellness. Facilities include open kitchens where chefs prepare dishes on-site, buffet options with Korean and Western selections, a bakery, salad bar, cocktail service, and barista-prepared coffee. Menus will rotate quarterly. Other amenities include a wellness area with massage chairs, a technology zone, meeting space, shower facilities and private powder rooms.
The interiors combine modern materials with traditional Korean design elements. The Miler Club and Prestige East Lounge feature Hanok-inspired structures alongside a colour scheme of gold, charcoal, black and ivory, reflecting Korean Air’s premium cabin style.
The Prestige Garden East Lounge overlooks a Korean-style outdoor garden, while the Prestige Garden West Lounge faces a Western-style garden. Both provide F&B service.
Further renovations are scheduled for completion in 2026, including the First Class Lounge, Prestige East (Left) Lounge and Prestige West Lounge. First Class passengers will temporarily use the Miler Club during this period.
Korean Air’s lounge space at Incheon will expand from 5,105m² to 12,270m², with seating capacity rising from 898 to 1,566.
According to Pacific Asia Travel Association’s (PATA) Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025–2027 report, international visitors to Asia-Pacific are expected to reach 801 million by 2027, amid global conflict and economic uncertainty.
In light of these travel trends, hotel players are strategically positioning themselves to capitalise on new opportunities. Among them is BWH Hotels, currently operating more than 200 hotels and resorts in Asia-Pacific and with many more in the pipeline.
By strategically expanding into both established and emerging markets, BWH Hotels targets destinations with underlying strengths or significant scope for future growth.
It continues to solidify its position in Thailand where it is already one of the country’s leading players with 21 properties. This year alone saw two new SureStay by Best Western hotels joining its portfolio in Bangkok – SureStay by Best Western Iconic Suvarnabhumi in Samut Prakan province and SureStay by Best Western Iconic Ari-Jatujak. The Thai capital will also welcome Asia’s inaugural Aiden hotel, the first of a new era of stylish boutique hospitality in the region.
BWH Hotels will continue its expansion in several key emerging markets such as Vietnam, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Best Western Setiabudhi Bandung brings a new modern edge to West Java
With improved infrastructure, a growing luxury segment and a wealth of cultural offerings, Vietnam has become one of the most visited destinations in South-east Asia – and one of the fastest-growing for BWH Hotels. The signing of Essensia Sky and Parkway Saigon WorldHotels Residences, set to open in 2026, is an acknowledgment of the debut of a more premium residence concept in Ho Chi Minh City. Meanwhile, the Best Western Plus ASpaces Riverside Danang is set to become the group’s first property in this vibrant central coast city.
The Essensia Sky and Parkway Saigon WorldHotels Residences that are expected to open next year
BWH Hotels has also opened a new property, each in Indonesia and the Philippines – Best Western Setiabudhi Bandung, a modern hotel close to the volcanic hills of West Java, and Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, a newly-renovated seafront property in a popular Filipino tourist resort and free port zone, just 2.5 hours from Manila.
Venture to a new destination in the heart of Asia. Visit BWH Hotels to make a booking now.
From left: Indonesia Tourism Industry Association’s (GIPI) Haryadi Sukamdani, Ministry of Tourism Indonesia’s Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, GIPI’s Pauline Suharno, and Ministry of Tourism Indonesia’s Rizki Handari at the GIPI National Coordination Meeting
Hotel revenue, attraction visitor numbers, and reported sales across travel and hospitality services have taken a tumble in the first half of 2025, according the Indonesia Tourism Industry Association (GIPI), whose chief has claimed that it has been a “tough period for the industry”.
GIPI noted that hotel revenue had slipped between 30 and 40 per cent in 1H2025 while visitor numbers to popular attractions like Ancol Dreamland (also known as Dunia Fantasi), the largest theme park in Jakarta, have reported a drop of 15 per cent. Airlines, spas, and other leisure services have also reported weaker sales amid softer domestic spending and tighter government budgets.
From left: Indonesia Tourism Industry Association’s (GIPI) Haryadi Sukamdani, Ministry of Tourism Indonesia’s Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, GIPI’s Pauline Suharno, and Ministry of Tourism Indonesia’s Rizki Handari at the GIPI National Coordination Meeting
Haryadi Sukamdani, GIPI chairman, told the media during the recent GIPI National Coordination Meeting in Jakarta that regulatory challenges add to the industry’s pressure. Such challenges include unlicensed operators, such as illegal villas and uncertified travel agencies, tour restrictions, and inaccurate enforcement of policies.
Haryadi said a recent crackdown on illegal villas in Puncak, West Java also implicated fully licensed businesses, including the US$50 million Eiger Adventure Land eco-tourism project and several registered hotels, over alleged environmental violations.
“After a business has gone through the licensing process, it can be disruptive when new questions arise over environmental or zoning requirements. If licensed operators face shutdowns while unlicensed ones continue, it shows that rules are not always applied evenly,” Haryadi explained, noting that such situations will fuel investor uncertainty.
To address Indonesia’s tourism challenges, GIPI is outlining a series of targeted initiatives, with the second edition of the Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair (WITF) in Jakarta, from October 9 to 12, 2025 at its core. This year, WITF will introduce a consumer show alongside its B2B sessions.
Budi Tirtawisata, chair of the WITF organising committee, said the four-day event would connect 200 to 250 international buyers with 250 to 300 sellers, while the consumer show aims to encourage travellers to buy packaged experiences.
“We hope it will unlock new business opportunities and boost domestic travel bookings,” said Budi.
GIPI will also take its marketing push overseas with the Discovering the Magnificence of Indonesia (DMI) exhibition in Amsterdam, to be held from October 30 to November 2, 2025.
“If WITF is about bringing the world to Jakarta, then DMI is about taking Indonesia directly to our European markets,” said Haryadi.
At the same time, GIPI is focusing on special interest tourism to diversify offerings. It will launch the Nusantara Trail programme for adventure travellers, with curated trekking, cycling, and nature itineraries available across Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi.
The GIPI Cup youth football tournament is aimed at stimulating family travel, with events rotating among secondary cities to distribute tourism benefits beyond established gateways.
GIPI is also pursuing B2B opportunities with credit card issuers, offering bundled promotions to boost sales of hotels and tour packages.
To maximise these initiatives, GIPI is collaborating with AirAsia to promote regional links such as Bangkok–Kuala Lumpur–Yogyakarta, while exploring new routes like Bangkok–Kertajati (West Java) and Kuala Lumpur–Semarang.
“Without the air links, even the best product will not convert into arrivals,” Haryadi stressed.
He added that new routes aim to open destinations beyond Bali and Jakarta, giving regional cities a direct share of inbound visitors.
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines has successfully delivered the first instalment of its biannual Regional Travel Fair (RTF), now into its 15th run. The event took place in Tuguegarao City, the capital of Cagayan province from August 15 to 17.
RTF brought together tourism stakeholders and travel enthusiasts to explore the untapped potential of Northeastern Luzon. It showcased the region’s history and scenic landscapes that connect the lowlands of Luzon with the highlands of the Cordilleras.
Tourism Promotions Board Philippines curated tours of Tuguegarao City’s heritage landmarks, such as the Cagayan Museum, Historical Research Center, Horno Ruins, and St Peter Metropolitan Cathedral (pictured) to help Regional Travel Fair buyers develop tours for their customers
The B2B component of RTF connected 50 buyers and 53 sellers/exhibitors in meetings at the Pulsar Hotel and Convention Center on August 15.
B2C sessions on August 16 and 17 were hosted at Robinsons Tuguegarao, offering visitors discounted domestic tour packages, airline tickets, accommodations, and other tourism-related products. There were also cultural performances, interactive games, and more.
TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles said: “We are proud to bring the 15th Regional Travel Fair to Tuguegarao City, a place that naturally captivates with its breathtaking landscapes and deep-rooted traditions. This event continues to inspire local and global travellers to celebrate the enduring beauty and cultural richness of our country. Through this initiative, we hope to strengthen regional pride and empower tourism stakeholders by bringing attention to the distinct experiences that make Tuguegarao City truly special.”
In addition to RTF, the TPB also led local tours for buyers, exhibitors and invited sponsors to explore Tuguegarao City’s heritage landmarks, such as the Cagayan Museum, Historical Research Center, Horno Ruins, and St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral, as well as regional visits to help stakeholders discover destinations they can promote to tourists.
Darwin – or Garramilla to the Larrakia people, Traditional Custodians of the land – is set to welcome 300 travel agents from key international tourism markets around the world come October 2026, when it will show off its top draws as a holiday destination.
These agents will travel to Darwin for Tourism Australia’s signature event, G’day Australia, where they will meet tourism operators from around the country before visiting other destinations around Australia as part of a fam programme supported by state and territory NTOs.
Lake Alexander, a man-made lake in Darwin’s East Point Reserve, is a popular picnic and barbecue stop; photo sourced from Tourism Australia
Minister for trade and tourism, Don Farrell, said G’day Australia brings agents selling Australian holidays to his shores to witness first-hand how wonderful the natural attractions, food and drink, and cultural experiences truly are in the country.
“The Aussie Specialist Program, combined with events like G’day Australia, give us an edge over other destinations around the world,” Farrell stated, adding that the event will drive some A$30 million (US$19.6 million) in spend.
Tourism Australia’s executive general manager, global markets & Business Events Australia, Robin Mack, said more than half of the travel agents who take part in G’day Australia have never visited the destination for themselves.
“At Tourism Australia we prefer to show not tell what we have to offer as a holiday destination, and that’s why it is really important to bring travel agents here to Australia to see just how incredible Australia is,” Mack said.
“We know this event works as 100 per cent of the agents have walked away in the past saying they intend to sell more of Australia as a result of attending, which is critically important in an increasingly competitive global tourism world,” Mack added.
Northern Territory (NT) minister for tourism and hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby welcomes the prime opportunity to support local tourism operators by directly connecting them with hundreds of international travel agents.
Boothby said the event would take place during the shoulder season and help the destination “extend visitation beyond the traditional peak and build year-round economic strength for our tourism industry”.
Tourism NT CEO Suzana Bishop added the announcement forms an exciting part of the NT’s new strategy to increase international visitation during off peak periods.
This would be the NT’s first time as host of G’day Australia.
The multi-deal agreement between Marriott International and Brigade Hotel Ventures will grow the former’s presence in Southern India
Marriott International has scored a multi-deal agreement with the Brigade Hotel Ventures for six hotels with 940 keys in four destinations across Southern India. The portfolio deal comprises six new-build projects under five Marriott Bonvoy brands – The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott, and Fairfield by Marriott.
These properties are set to open between 2027 and 2030.
The multi-deal agreement between Marriott International and Brigade Hotel Ventures will grow the former’s presence in Southern India
The first in the latest portfolio deal to open is the 45-key Courtyard by Marriott Chennai World Trade Center in 2027; the 224-key Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru International Airport and 151-key Marriott Bengaluru Brigade Valencia will follow in 2028.
The Ritz-Carlton Vaikom Island, Kerala, a 70-key all-villa retreat, is scheduled to open in 2029.
Come 2030, the 250-key JW Marriott Chennai OMR and 200-key Thiruvananthapuram Marriott Hotel World Trade Center will welcome their first guests. The latter will be part of a mixed-use development project and boast a suite of versatile meeting spaces.
Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, said: “Our growth strategy focuses on being present where our guests want us to be, as we continue to meet the growing demand for luxury travel experiences and world-class hospitality services.”
Jaishankar, executive chairman, Brigade Enterprises, expressed excitement in deepening its “longstanding relationship with Marriott International through the addition of six distinctive hotels to our portfolio”.
“Each of these projects reflects our belief in the long-term potential of the Indian hospitality industry and our commitment to bringing thoughtfully designed, high-quality hotels to both business and leisure travellers,” said Jaishankar.
Wing Bank and Singapore Airlines mark a new partnership that will elevate Cambodian consumers' purchasing power
Wing Bank (Cambodia) has joined hands with Singapore Airlines to launch a loyalty points-to-miles exchange programme in Cambodia, allowing bank customers to seamlessly convert their WingPoints into KrisFlyer miles, thus unlocking new possibilities for travel and lifestyle benefits.
Wing Bank and Singapore Airlines mark a new partnership that will elevate Cambodian consumers’ purchasing power
The redemption process is simple and fully integrated within the Wing Bank app. KrisFlyer miles earned through the conversion programme can be used to offset airfares with Singapore Airlines or redeem products from KrisShop’s extensive omni-channel catalogue.
The strategic collaboration reflects both organisations’ commitment to enhancing customer experience and promoting digital financial ecosystems.
Dmytro Kolechko, CEO of Wing Bank, said: “This is more than a rewards upgrade – it’s a gateway to global connectivity. As a proud Cambodian institution, we’re thrilled to offer our customers the chance to transform local spending into international experiences.”
Photo caption: The collaboration between Vietjet and Petrolimex Aviation is witnessed by senior government aviation officials and company executives
Asia’s transition toward greener aviation will gain another step forward with a strategic partnership between Vietjet and Petrolimex Aviation that will give the Vietnamese airline access to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) originally blended in the country.
Petrolimex Aviation is the aviation fuel subsidiary of Vietnam’s leading petroleum group, Petrolimex.
The mark of collaboration between Vietjet and Petrolimex Aviation is witnessed by senior government aviation officials and company executives
Under this partnership, Petrolimex Aviation will supply Vietjet with 1,200 cubic metres of SAF blended at its Nha Be Oil Depot using imported synthetic blending components. The SAF meets stringent ISCC EU standards, ensuring full compliance with global sustainability and emissions reduction criteria.
To Viet Thang, Vietjet’s standing vice president said: “This agreement between Vietjet and Petrolimex Aviation underscores our commitment to green and sustainable development goals. With a total of 576 modern aircraft on order, our fleet will increasingly incorporate SAF as part of our efforts to promote clean energy, reduce emissions, protect the environment and support the green transition in Vietnam and globally.”
Uong Viet Dung, director general of the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority, added: “The introduction of domestically blended SAF is not only commercially significant but also strategically important, laying the foundation for a sustainable domestic SAF supply chain while meeting international market requirements. Moreover, it encourages cooperation among airlines, fuel suppliers, regulators, and financial institutions to expand SAF usage in Vietnam.”
Petrolimex Chairman Pham Van Thanh emphasised that his company is the first in Vietnam to import hydrocarbons synthesised from biologically renewable materials for SAF production.
“This success demonstrates our commitment to supporting the government, airlines, and broader society in the green transition,” he said.
Vietjet earlier partnered with Petrolimex Aviation to operate the first two flights using SAF fuelled in Vietnam back in October 2024. The SAF used was produced from renewable and sustainable sources such as used cooking oil, agricultural by-products, wood biomass, and urban waste.
The 13th edition of the Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights will delve into the abyss of Asian fear with two new haunted houses that bring ancient curses and psychological torment to life.
Two popular Asian horror stories inspire haunted houses at the upcoming Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights 13
Created in collaboration with Chinese culture and entertainment group Yuewen, eerie parallel dimensions from the hit Chinese novel The Unruly Immortals will be brought to life in a haunted house for the first time at Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights 13. Guests will follow high school student Li Huowang as he navigates two conflicting realities – a bizarre cultivation world where ancient rituals transform him into living medicine, and a hospital ward where doctors deny the supernatural and insist his visions are mere hallucinations. The haunted house blurs the lines between sanity and madness, challenging guests to question what is real as they journey through twisted hospital wards, ancient alchemy chambers, and nightmarish temples in the protagonist’s desperate search for a cure.
The other haunted attraction is birthed from Thailand’s highest-grossing film in a decade, Death Whisperer. The haunted house will take guests deep into rural Kanchanaburi, Thailand in 1972, where a once tranquil village was shattered by a curse. Adapted from a true story, the vengeful Black Spirit is in search of a new host, her quest for revenge brutally tearing apart a family. The haunted house recreates the first two films’ most bone-rattling moments, from swamps and wheat fields to the witch’s twisted hut, immersing guests in a relentless atmosphere of dread. The experience is the perfect opportunity for guests to test their courage as the horror continues with Death Whisperer 3 premiering worldwide from October 1.
Other horrifying experiences worthy of a Halloween celebration awaits, including haunted houses themed after Netflix’s Stranger Things, two Scare Zones, and live shows. More experiences will be announced in the lead up to Halloween.
Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights 13 runs from September 26 to November 1.
