Agoda joins forces with Gangwon State to boost international tourism

March 19, 2026

Agoda has entered a partnership with South Korea’s Gangwon State aimed at strengthening the region’s position as an international travel destination.

The two-year memorandum of understanding took effect following a meeting in Wonju between Gangwon governor Kim Jin-tae and Agoda chief commercial officer Damien Pfirsch. Under the agreement, Agoda will support destination marketing efforts and provide data insights to help promote the region to global travellers.

The partnership will promote the South Korean region to international travellers

The collaboration will focus on using Agoda’s market data and digital marketing capabilities to support tourism development and improve the region’s visibility across international markets.

South Korea remains a key market for Agoda, with the company offering localised services including Korean-language customer support, integration with local mapping services and domestic payment options.

Gangwon is known for its seasonal attractions, drawing visitors throughout the year. In winter, ski resorts and snow festivals are key attractions, while in summer the region offers mountain landscapes and riverside activities. The area also features coastal destinations, local markets and cultural sites linked to Korea’s rural heritage.

The region benefits from transport connections to Seoul and has seen growth in accommodation options, including boutique hotels.

Kim commented: “By connecting the private sector’s global capabilities with Gangwon’s tourism assets, I expect this partnership with Agoda to further strengthen Gangwon’s tourism competitiveness.”

“Gangwon State offers tourists from around the globe remarkable variety across all seasons – from world-class ski resorts in Pyeongchang to national parks and beaches,” added Pfirsch. “Through our work together, Agoda will showcase Gangwon’s year-round appeal to international travellers.”

SC Capital Partners acquires Fusion Hotel Group

By TTG Asia

March 19, 2026

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Fusion Hotel Group has been acquired by Suchad Chiaranussati, founder and chairman of SC Capital Partners, as part of plans to expand its presence in Asia’s hospitality sector.

The acquisition brings Fusion into a broader portfolio that includes Hotel Management Japan (HMJ) and Indonesian operator Topotels Hotels & Resorts. Together, the three platforms will manage about 16,000 rooms across key markets in Asia.

Fusion Hotel Group operates 18 properties across Vietnam and Thailand and will expand under its new ownership structure

Founded in 2008 and based in Ho Chi Minh City, Fusion operates 18 properties with around 3,000 rooms in Vietnam and Thailand. The company also has a development pipeline of more than 2,000 rooms.

Fusion focuses on wellness-oriented hospitality concepts and provides services including hotel management, brand development and concept design. The company is also active in the branded residences segment, which has grown across Asia-Pacific.

Under the new ownership structure, Fusion is expected to work alongside HMJ and Topotels to expand operations and share capabilities across markets. The combined platform is supported by a team of more than 100 hospitality professionals.

Suchad Chiaranussati, chairman and founder of SC Capital Partners, shared: “Fusion offers a meaningful presence in Vietnam – one of the region’s fastest-growing and high-barrier-to-entry hospitality markets. It reinforces our conviction that strong operating platforms are increasingly essential to successful real estate investing.”

“Joining Chiaranussati’s hospitality ecosystem opens up tremendous opportunities for Fusion,” said Christopher Hur, CEO of Fusion Hotel Group. “This partnership allows us to accelerate our growth across Asia and invest further in brand development and talent.”

Electric boat taxi service launches on Bangkok’s historic canals

By Anne Somanas

March 19, 2026

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TTA Mariner Co. (TMC) and MuvMi have introduced a new electric boat taxi service for commuting within Bangkok’s old town waterways.

Operating daily from 09.00 to 17.00, the current fleet consists of eight electric boats. Each vessel accommodates up to six passengers and travels at an average speed of 12 kilometres per hour.

Bangkok introduces electric boat taxis linking 14 piers as part of efforts to improve urban mobility and reduce emissions; photo by TMC

Following a free trial run that will conclude in mid-April, standard fares will start at 35 baht (US$1.07) per passenger. Prices increase in a tiered structure based on passenger volume and travel distance, with bookings made through the MuvMi application.

Luxakorn Varasap, spokesperson for TMC, stated: “The MuvMi app is available in English and designed with an easy-to-use UX/UI, allowing visitors to quickly select their pick-up and drop-off piers along the route.”

Users select a preferred pier on the application map and receive details of the assigned boarding point.

The route connects 14 piers along Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem and Khlong Bang Lamphu, with key stops including Hua Lamphong Railway Station Pier, Phra Sumen Fort in Bang Lamphu, Nang Loeng Market via Nakhon Sawan Pier, and Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium near Ratchadamnoen Nok Pier.

Visitors can charter an entire boat for a private group experience starting at 1,000 baht per hour, with bookings arranged in advance via the E-Boat Taxi Thailand by TMC Facebook page, the company’s Line Official Account, or its dedicated call centre.

TMC plans to gradually expand the fleet to reduce passenger waiting times and improve accessibility along the route.

Emphasising the environmental benefits, Varasap noted that the electric boats represent a move towards more sustainable urban mobility. They eliminate fuel spills and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65 per cent compared to diesel boats.

She explained: “By using electric propulsion instead of conventional fuel engines, the boats help reduce carbon emissions, minimise noise pollution, and improve air quality along canal communities.”

Arabian Travel Market 2026 moves to August dates

By TTG Asia

March 19, 2026

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The 2026 edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has been rescheduled and will now take place from August 17 to 20, 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The event was originally planned for May 4 to 7, 2026. Organiser RX said the change was made to prioritise the safety and well-being of participants and to provide greater flexibility for the global travel industry to attend.

Arabian Travel Market 2026 will now take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from August 17 to 20

ATM is now in its 33rd edition and serves as a platform for destinations, travel suppliers, hospitality companies, airlines, technology providers and industry professionals to connect and conduct business.

The event is held annually in Dubai and brings together participants from across the travel and tourism sector.

RX said it will continue working with exhibitors, partners and stakeholders to manage the transition to the new dates.

“Arabian Travel Market has long served as a vital platform for bringing the global travel and tourism community together in Dubai, enabling destinations, suppliers and industry leaders to connect, collaborate and shape the future of the sector,” said Danielle Curtis, exhibition director for the Middle East at ATM.

“The decision to reschedule ATM 2026 to August reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone can participate at this important industry gathering. We look forward to welcoming the international travel community back to Dubai later this year.”

New hotels: Taj Paro Resort & Spa, Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection and more

By TTG Asia

March 19, 2026

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Taj Paro Resort & Spa, Bhutan
Taj Paro Resort & Spa is located in Paro Valley, with views of the Tiger’s Nest monastery. The 45-room resort is built using local stone and reclaimed wood, reflecting Bhutanese architecture. Rooms are designed with natural materials and views of the surrounding mountains.

Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant and a bar, along with a spa, indoor heated swimming pool and fitness centre. Guests can take part in cultural activities such as workshops and guided visits to nearby sites.

The resort is close to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) and other religious landmarks in the valley. Paro International Airport is around 10 km away.

Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection, Vietnam
Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection has opened on the southern bank of the Huong River in central Vietnam, next to Truong Tien Bridge. The hotel sits within Hue’s UNESCO-listed heritage area and is located in the city centre.

The property has 161 guestrooms across two towers, with facilities include an all-day dining restaurant serving Vietnamese and international dishes, and a lobby lounge that operates as a bar in the evening. Wellness facilities include a spa with treatment rooms, a fitness centre and steam room.

The hotel offers meeting and event spaces for up to 370 guests. Nearby attractions include Hue’s historic monuments and riverfront sites. The nearest airport is Phu Bai International Airport, around 15 km away.

1 Hotel Tokyo, Japan
1 Hotel Tokyo in Akasaka occupies floors 38 to 43 of the Akasaka Trust Tower. The 211-room property includes 24 suites and three penthouses, with views of the Imperial Palace gardens and Tokyo Tower. Rooms use natural materials, local craftsmanship and plant elements.

Facilities include three dining venues, a café and a bar focused on Japanese gin. There is over 460m² of event space, including meeting rooms and private dining areas. Wellness facilities include a spa, fitness centre, indoor pool and an outdoor deck.

The hotel is part of Tokyo World Gate Akasaka, a mixed-use development with offices and retail. It is within reach of Ginza, Roppongi and Shibuya, and close to parks and embassies. Tokyo’s main airports, Haneda and Narita, are accessible by road and rail.

Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort, Vietnam
Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort marks a new retreat in Quang Hanh Valley in Cam Pha, Quang Ninh Province. Built around natural hot mineral springs, it is about 30 minutes from Halong and around two and a half hours by road from Hanoi.

The resort has 178 villas and 38 rooms, all with private onsens and access to saunas. Villas range from two to four bedrooms, with sizes from 110 to 550 m². Two larger villas include five bedrooms, private dining areas and additional facilities.

Facilities include a Japanese restaurant, a bar and an all-day dining venue. Wellness features include access to Yoko Onsen with multiple baths, a spa, indoor pool, fitness centre and children’s club. The resort also has meeting rooms and private dining spaces.

Nearby attractions include Long Tien Pagoda, Bao Hai Linh Thong Pagoda and Sung Sot Cave.

Thaddaeus Weiss returns to lead Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

By TTG Asia

March 19, 2026

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Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok has appointed Thaddaeus Weiss as general manager, overseeing both the hotel and The Residences at Sindhorn Kempinski.

Weiss returns to the property after previously serving as hotel manager from 2021 to 2024 and being part of the pre-opening team. He most recently held the role of hotel manager at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, where he oversaw multiple divisions and operations.

Flight disruption deepens as Middle East conflict escalates

By Karen Yue

March 18, 2026

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Airlines around the world have announced further adjustments to their flight schedule as the US-Israel-Iran war escalates.

Cathay Pacific said on March 18 that it would cancel its Dubai and Riyadh passenger flights up to and including April 30. Affected travellers are offered the flexibility to rebook, reroute or cancel their tickets.

Cathay Pacific is among several airlines that have extended suspension of flights to and from the Middle East

Scoot announced on March 17 more affected flights between Singapore and Jeddah – these would be suspended until March 28. Its full-service sister, Singapore Airlines, has also extended cancellations of its Singapore-Dubai flights to March 28.

Japan Airlines has suspended its Tokyo-Doha flights until March 31 and Doha-Tokyo flights until April 1.

Lufthansa Group has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Dubai until March 28. These flights were previously cancelled through March 15. At the same time, all airlines of the group will suspend flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Amman and Erbi until March 28; to and from Beirut until March 28; to and from Tel Aviv until April 9; to and from Riyadh until April 5; and to and from Tehran until April 30.

Latest updates from Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways show that they will continue to operate a limited flight schedule so as to ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew.

Etihad said “services will operate only once all safety criteria are met”.

The Middle East conflict is costing the travel and tourism industry. The World Travel & Tourism Council said earlier this week that international visitor spend is estimated to be falling by at least US$600 million per day while disruptions to air travel, traveller confidence and regional connectivity are affecting tourism demand across the region.

Private jet arrivals rise in Maldives as overall tourist numbers decline

By Feizal Samath

March 18, 2026

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While the Maldives – like most Asian destinations – has seen a sharp drop in tourist arrivals owing to the conflict in the Middle East, a key transit hub for travellers from Europe, the number of private jets bringing high-end visitors has increased significantly.

A total of 128 private jets landed in the Maldives between February 18 and March 14, a 166 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, when 70 aircraft arrived, according to official data.

Private jet traffic to the Maldives has increased as high-end travellers bypass disrupted Middle East transit routes

The figures indicate a shift in travel patterns among high-end travellers seeking direct access to the island destination.

Visit Maldives chairperson Abdullah Ghiyas acknowledged the rise in private jet arrivals but said this segment accounts for less than one per cent of this year’s target of 2.5 million arrivals.

“However, in terms of spending patterns, the revenue is high from this segment of traveller,” he said.

Last year, the Maldives welcomed 2.2 million travellers. While most of the private jets were bringing in Middle Eastern nationals, there were also visitors from Asia and Europe.

To mitigate the impact on arrival numbers, Visit Maldives has called for a unified industry approach to launch joint marketing campaigns.

“These initiatives will specifically target markets such as India, China, Russia, and other Asian regions where travel disruptions have been comparatively less severe, ensuring that demand for the destination remains sustainable,” the state tourism authority said in a statement.

“We are looking at diversifying the market to increase numbers from India, China and Russia, which are unaffected by developments in the Middle East,” Ghiyas said.

Most European traffic travels via Middle East hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

The country manager for a European DMC said the company had lost 11 million euros owing to cancellations. “Of the 4,000 pax, we have seen 2,000 cancellations,” he said, adding that airlines were allowing full ticket refunds to travellers seeking to cancel bookings, while ticket prices have risen along with travel insurance.

Looking ahead, the industry official, who declined to be named, said that the perception of Dubai and other Middle East hubs as safe destinations has been shaken by the conflict, denting confidence in using these transit points.

“Even if the war ends tomorrow it will take several months to restore confidence in the Middle East,” he added.

Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance rolls out year-round travel campaign

By TTG Asia

March 18, 2026

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The Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance has launched a new global campaign titled Love Sri Lanka, Always, aimed at encouraging travel throughout the year and reducing seasonal fluctuations in visitor demand.

The campaign focuses on promoting the island as a year-round destination by highlighting experiences tied to specific seasons, including cultural events, wildlife activity and natural landscapes. It targets selected international markets, with India identified as a key source due to its proximity and air connectivity.

*The Minneriya elephant gathering is among the seasonal experiences highlighted in Sri Lanka’s new tourism campaign; photo by Willowtreehouse*

Sri Lanka offers a range of travel experiences across short distances, including wildlife, beaches, tea-growing regions and cultural sites. The campaign aims to encourage both short visits and longer itineraries by presenting different aspects of the country at different times of the year.

Key features include seasonal events such as the Minneriya elephant gathering, Vesak celebrations and the Kandy Esala Perahera. These experiences are used to promote travel outside traditional peak periods and to support tourism activity across different regions.

The campaign is delivered through digital channels, using video, photography and targeted marketing to reach travellers during trip planning stages. It also builds on the existing Love Sri Lanka platform, which provides travel information and trip planning resources.

The initiative comes as Sri Lanka continues to rebuild visitor demand. Tourism operators across the country remain active, with destinations open to international travellers.

Hilton expands with hotel signings in Sydney and Ulaanbaatar

By TTG Asia

March 18, 2026

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Hilton has signed two new hotels in Australia and Mongolia, expanding its lifestyle brand in Sydney and its luxury brand in Ulaanbaatar.

In Australia, Hilton will introduce its Motto by Hilton brand with a new hotel in Sydney’s CBD. In Mongolia, the company will enter the market with Conrad Ulaanbaatar, marking its first property in the country.

From left: Motto by Hilton Sydney City Centre and Conrad Ulaanbaatar form part of Hilton’s expansion into Australia and Mongolia

Motto by Hilton Sydney City Centre will be located on York Street, close to The Rocks, Darling Harbour and the Sydney Opera House. Scheduled to open in late 2027, the hotel will feature 152 rooms, including interconnecting options for families and groups.

The property will include communal spaces designed for social use, alongside food and beverage outlets such as a café, bar and rooftop venue. Motto by Hilton currently has 10 properties globally, with additional developments in the pipeline.

In Mongolia, Conrad Ulaanbaatar is scheduled to open in 2028 within the Ulaanbaatar Eco Tower, a mixed-use development in the city’s CBD. The 227-room hotel will be located near Sükhbaatar Square, the National Art Gallery and the National Academic Drama Theatre.

Facilities at the property will include four dining venues, about 1,800m² of meeting and event space, and wellness facilities such as an indoor pool and spa.

“This signing reflects our commitment to partnering with owners to deliver meaningful, experience-led luxury for today’s discerning traveller,” said Qian Jin, president for Greater China and Mongolia at Hilton.

Tal Shefer, senior vice president of brand management for Asia-Pacific at Hilton, commented: “With rooms that are designed to flex, and common spaces that are social by nature, Motto by Hilton Sydney City Centre is a perfect example of a cleverly compact launchpad that will connect explorers with the pulse of the city.”

Agoda joins forces with Gangwon State to boost international tourism

SC Capital Partners acquires Fusion Hotel Group

Electric boat taxi service launches on Bangkok’s historic canals

Arabian Travel Market 2026 moves to August dates

New hotels: Taj Paro Resort & Spa, Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection and more

Thaddaeus Weiss returns to lead Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

Flight disruption deepens as Middle East conflict escalates

Private jet arrivals rise in Maldives as overall tourist numbers decline

Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance rolls out year-round travel campaign

Hilton expands with hotel signings in Sydney and Ulaanbaatar

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