Philippines introduces senior tour guide programme

March 6, 2026

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT), in partnership with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), has launched the Tourism Legacy and Livelihood Program, enabling senior citizens to take active roles in community-based and elderly-friendly tourism initiatives.

Under the programme, seniors may serve as community tour guides after completing interviews and a week-long training course consisting of lectures and mock tours.

DoT’s Christina meets newly accredited senior citizen tour guides to discuss their experiences and the further development of the programme

Among the participants is 68-year-old Edgardo Satira, a retired broadcaster with four decades of experience, who is now a DoT-accredited tour guide. He said the programme restored his sense of dignity and confidence as a senior citizen, proving that he still has valuable skills and opportunities despite his age.

As of February 23, the DoT had accredited 15 senior citizen tour guides under the initiative, including four former overseas Filipino workers who have taken up tour guiding after retirement.

Satira said tour guiding has become a dependable source of retirement income, providing regular earnings and occasional tips from satisfied visitors, and giving him the opportunity to continue earning in later life.

Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco recently met the newly accredited guides to hear their experiences and gather feedback on strengthening the programme. She said she was impressed by the diverse professional backgrounds of the participants and by their shared motivation to serve the country through tourism.

She added that the department’s priority is to create opportunities for advancement and livelihood while reinforcing the importance of tourism workers as custodians of the country’s stories. Christina also distributed essential kits to the senior guides, including a portable microphone, sunblock, hat, journal, tumbler and sunglasses, along with accident insurance coverage.

From 2023 to February 2026, the DoT has distributed essential kits to nearly 1,300 tour guides, around half of whom also received insurance coverage.

Before accreditation, the senior guides completed a seven-day community tour guiding seminar held from September 24 to October 3, 2025 in partnership with the Intramuros Administration. The programme combined lectures, site-based exercises and mock tours.

Participants said the training was both engaging and demanding, involving assigned locations for storytelling exercises and sessions led by subject matter experts. They added that accreditation ensures guides undergo proper training and follow established standards, providing legitimacy and accountability in conducting tours.

As of February 2026, the Philippines has 4,994 DoT-accredited tour guides nationwide, excluding specialists.

The DoT continues to strengthen professional standards through its Filipino Brand of Service Excellence training programme. Between 2022 and January 2026, 412,640 individuals completed the training, including 12,786 tour guides.

Christina said that investing in the professional development of tour guides helps ensure quality visitor experiences, supports tourism growth and sustains livelihoods in communities across the country.

Garrya Mù Cang Chải redefines mountain wellness for 2026

By TTG Asia

March 6, 2026

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Garrya Mù Cang Chải will introduce an expert-led well-being concept for 2026, moving beyond self-directed spa stays to structured, results-focused programmes rooted in sports science, integrative nutrition and sleep optimisation.

Set in Vietnam’s northern highlands, the updated approach begins with a comprehensive pre-arrival digital well-being assessment evaluating lifestyle patterns, stress levels and physiological condition. Each guest is then supported by a dedicated Wellbeing Trainer who translates insights into a personalised itinerary aligned with Banyan Group’s eight pillars of well-being.

Garrya Mù Cang Chải’s new well-being concept for 2026 integrates sports science, nutrition and sleep optimisation; photo by Mukul Bhatia and Elodie Gingast

New enhancements include a structured 13-step hydrotherapy circuit, upgraded Wellbeing Suites and Wellbeing Pool Suites with in-room training stations and recovery tools, integrated sleep support technology and curated nightly Sleep Rituals. Functional nutrition programmes are designed to support metabolic stability, hormonal balance and sustained energy.

Personalisation is anchored in individual goals and physiological need. Guests may focus on restorative therapies and hydrotherapy, or pursue guided mountain trekking and performance training supported by targeted nutrition plans. Access to elite performance and integrative nutrition specialists further strengthens the offering.

At the spa, new regionally inspired treatments for 2026 include a Herbal Hair Wash Treatment using natural infusions, and the Northwest Retreat Package featuring pumpkin, Shan Tuyết tea and Mù Cang Chải sticky rice.

For more information, visit Garrya Mù Cang Chải.

Thailand tourism targets Balkans to expand longhaul group travel

By Anne Somanas

March 5, 2026

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With rising disposable income, growing middle-class outbound demand, and an expanding upscale segment – combined with improved air connectivity across the Balkan region – driving clear growth in longhaul demand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is shifting focus towards emerging European markets to capture new group business by launching the Balkans Roadshow 2026.

The regional tour commenced in Belgrade on February 21, connecting 15 Thai tourism entrepreneurs with 18 regional buyers before continuing to Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest, and Sofia.

Thai tourism suppliers meet regional buyers during the Balkans Roadshow 2026 as the TAT looks to build demand from emerging European markets; photo by Jose Ting

“The Balkan region, particularly Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria, is emerging as a high-potential source market for Thailand. We are seeing clear growth in longhaul demand – Bangkok and Phuket remain the core gateways, followed by Krabi and Khao Lak. Secondary destinations recognised under the UNESCO Creative Cities framework are also being introduced to the market (which has a) growing appetite for experiential leisure travel beyond traditional beach stays,” stated Daniel Gregori, head of business development at Destination Asia (Thailand), a roadshow participant.

For local hoteliers, the cost of market entry remains relatively low compared to mature European markets, while the growth trajectory is upward.

“This combination creates a favourable ROI dynamic for Thai suppliers who engage early and strategically,” noted Jose Ting, director of sales marketing at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok Menam Riverside, who reported “active rather than speculative” buyer appetite at the roadshow.

“The ROI from emerging European markets such as Serbia, Romania, and the broader Balkan region is increasingly compelling. While these markets may not yet match Western Europe in sheer volume, they are delivering strong yield potential and consistent group movement, particularly during Thailand’s shoulder and green seasons,” Ting said, pointing to “well-structured group series”, winter sun programmes, and cultural longhaul itineraries with Thailand positioned as a key destination.

He described Balkan travellers as value-conscious but quality-driven, which creates solid opportunities for hotels that can align pricing with service standards.

Ting also described the markets as professionally organised and increasingly sophisticated, with reliable tour operator networks that are actively expanding their longhaul portfolios.

Gregori said that while returns from trade engagement may not be immediate, the long-term growth potential is evident.

“I believe that continued engagement through workshops and roadshows by the TAT team will further strengthen Thailand’s positioning as a preferred longhaul destination,” Ting concluded.

Chatrium Hospitality goes for the sun, sand and sea

By Karen Yue

March 5, 2026

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Thailand-based Chatrium Hospitality will soon launch the first beach resort in its portfolio, which is currently dominated by city hotels.

Set to open in July or August this year, the new-build Chatrium Rawai Phuket will bring a touch of luxury accommodation to the southern end of Phuket, on Rawai beach.

Chatrium Hospitality will open its first beach resort, Chatrium Rawai Phuket, this year with 304 rooms, villas and direct beach access

Chatrium Rawai Phuket is designed to offer 304 rooms and eight villas, across 10 room types, allowing the resort to cater to a wide range of traveller types – from solo holidaymakers to multi-generation groups. Facilities will include a large spa and wellness hub, pools for grown-ups and little ones, and dining destinations.

Now in its final stages of construction, the resort will also welcome corporate groups with function rooms.

Uwe Gundlach, corporate director of revenue, sales & marketing and strategy with Chatrium Hospitality, told TTG Asia that the new property rises in a tranquil part of Phuket and offers guests direct access to the beach, which he said was “rare” in the destination.

“Chatrium Rawai Phuket is built for longer holidays, lasting a week or two. The resort’s general manager and second-in-command are both familiar with Phuket and experienced in resort management. The resort will offer a range of activities for guests, including the kids. Wellness will be a big part of the resort experience,” revealed Gundlach.

Gundlach said the company’s beach resort addition completes the product mix.

“The group already has a golf resort (Chatrium Golf Soi Dao Chanthaburi) and a ski resort (Chatrium Niseko Japan). So, a beach resort next is an obvious choice,” he remarked.

Chatrium Hospitality offers two hotel brands – the luxury Chatrium and the youthful urban Maitria. There are nine hotels and serviced residences under the Chatrium brand, and three under Maitria.

Minor Hotels to debut Anantara in Perth, Australia

By TTG Asia

March 5, 2026

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Anantara_Perth_Hotel_at_Burswood_Point_640 — Anantara Perth Hotel is scheduled to open at Burswood Point in 2032

Minor Hotels will introduce its Anantara brand to Australia following the signing of Anantara Perth Hotel. Scheduled to open in 2032, the property will form part of the A$3.8 billion (US$sss) Burswood Point development on the Swan River waterfront.

The newly built hotel is being developed by Golden Sedayu, a partnership between Perth-based Golden Group and Indonesia’s Agung Sedayu.

Anantara Perth Hotel is scheduled to open at Burswood Point in 2032

Anantara Perth will feature 150 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness centre and Anantara Spa. Located near Perth’s central business district and within driving distance of domestic and international airports, the hotel is expected to support the positioning of Burswood Point as a mixed-use entertainment, tourism and residential precinct.

The signing marks Anantara’s entry into the Australian market and expands Minor Hotels’ luxury footprint in the region. Anantara currently operates more than 50 properties globally, while Minor Hotels manages over 60 properties in Australia under the Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites and Avani Hotels & Resorts brands. The project aligns with the group’s broader strategy to grow its luxury portfolio in new markets.

Dillip Rajakarier, group CEO of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels, said:
“Perth is experiencing rapid development across its urban and tourism landscape, creating the ideal environment for a property of this standard. Anantara Perth represents our commitment to expanding world-class luxury experiences into new markets.”

Andrew Sugiaputra, managing director of Golden Sedayu, added: “Together we will deliver a landmark luxury hotel for Perth, defined by exceptional design, craftsmanship, and service.”

RateGain unites Adara and Sojern under one brand

By TTG Asia

March 5, 2026

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RateGain Travel Technologies has unified Adara and Sojern into a single global entity operating under the Sojern brand, creating what it describes as the world’s largest source of travel intent data.

The consolidation brings together products, talent and data assets to deliver predictive traveller insights and multichannel engagement at scale. RateGain said the alignment combines complementary strengths while preserving expertise and customer value, deepening product depth and reinforcing differentiation in the global travel technology landscape.

RateGain merges Adara and Sojern under the Sojern brand, creating a unified AI‑powered platform with the world’s largest travel intent data source

Sojern will retain the Adara workforce under newly organised leadership. The changes form part of a multi‑stage strategic alignment as RateGain builds what it calls the industry’s most comprehensive AI‑powered growth platform, designed to help hospitality and travel companies maximise direct bookings.

Bhanu Chopra, founder and managing director of RateGain, said: “Our mission is to simplify growth for travel brands by unlocking the full potential of integrated data. Adara joining Sojern under one roof represents a defining step in that journey.”

Mark Rabe, CEO of Sojern, added: “By uniting our people, data and technology under the Sojern brand, we are creating a powerhouse that connects marketing, distribution and revenue decisions. This alignment allows us to focus on what matters most: helping our customers navigate a complex travel landscape and capture every opportunity for growth.”

New hotels: La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, Radisson Red Auckland and more

By TTG Asia

March 5, 2026

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La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, Vietnam
La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton has introduced a new wing in Sunset Town, marking the brand’s first Curio Collection resort in Vietnam.

Set on a hillside overlooking Kiss Bridge and opposite the Campanile clocktower, the expansion adds 29 suites and duplexes with Mediterranean-inspired interiors and sea views. Facilities include four new dining venues: a Mediterranean restaurant, Cantonese restaurant, rooftop sunset bar with pool, and a speakeasy-style jazz bar.

The property provides access to Festival Street and Phu Quoc’s beachfront promenade. Guests are within reach of Sunset Town’s entertainment areas, coastal viewpoints, and island attractions, with Phu Quoc International Airport serving domestic and regional routes.

Radisson Red Auckland, New Zealand
Radisson Red Auckland has opened in the city’s Arts District, marking Radisson Hotel Group’s debut in New Zealand and the brand’s first property in Australasia.

Positioned at 33 Lorne Street in the city’s Arts District, the hotel features 322 rooms and suites, with higher floors offering skyline and harbour views. Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant and bar, fitness centre, and a large rooftop venue with bar and flexible event spaces accommodating up to 219 guests. The hotel is also pet-friendly.

The property is within walking distance of the Auckland Art Gallery, Civic Theatre, Sky Tower, Albert Park, and key CBD attractions.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo, Japan
Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo has reopened following a full renovation. The 177-room hotel offers updated configurations including 102 triple rooms and 38 quadruple rooms, catering to families and groups.

Facilities include a renovated large public bath, lobby lounge, and a new utility lounge with coffee service and laundry facilities. Dining is led by Hakko &, serving Hokkaido-focused cuisine with a breakfast buffet featuring local rice and seasonal dishes. Guests can also access a seafood breakfast programme at Kita-No-Gourmet within Sapporo Central Wholesale Market via complimentary shuttle.

The hotel provides convenient access to Sapporo Station, Odori Park, and the annual Snow Festival sites.

Hyatt Regency Zhuhai Gongbei, China
Hyatt Regency Zhuhai Gongbei brings contemporary accommodation to the Gongbei district, close to the Zhuhai-Macau border crossing.

The hotel features 278 rooms and suites, as well as a Cantonese restaurant, all-day dining restaurant, lobby bar, and a Regency Club lounge with views of Gongbei Port.

Leisure facilities comprise a fitness centre, indoor heated swimming pool, and yoga studio. The hotel offers more than 1,600m² of meeting and event space, including a 625m² pillar-free ballroom and additional function rooms.

The property provides access to Gongbei Port, Macau, and Zhuhai’s coastal areas and business districts.

Björn Again to stage ABBA tribute concert at Marina Bay Sands

By TTG Asia

March 5, 2026

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Björn Again will bring The ABBA Forever Tour to Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands from August 14 to 16, 2026.

Regarded as the world’s leading ABBA tribute concert, the production features the Swedish pop group’s best-known hits, including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight), SOS, The Winner Takes It All, Fernando and Knowing Me, Knowing You. The show also includes selections featured in the Mamma Mia films.

Björn Again will perform The ABBA Forever Tour at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands this August

Formed in 1988, Björn Again has performed in more than 120 countries and is officially endorsed by members of ABBA. The concert combines live vocals, choreography and theatrical staging in a full-scale tribute production.

The Singapore season runs across four performances: August 14 at 20.00; August 15 at 14.00 and 20.00; and August 16 at 14.00. The show duration is approximately 140 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.

Tickets are now on sale via Marina Bay Sands Ticketing, SISTIC and Klook. Promotional offers include 20 per cent priority and presale discounts with UOB, a 15 per cent early bird offer, and ongoing 15 per cent UOB privileges across all categories and performances.

For more information, visit Marina Bay Sands.

Geopolitical uncertainty highlights tourism’s safety appeal

By Rachel AJ Lee

March 4, 2026

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Amid ongoing travel disruptions due to the US-Israel-Iran war, tourism sellers at ITB Berlin 2026 say stability in Asia-Pacific has become a strong selling point in tourism promotion.

Rob McIntyre, general manager of Pullman Singapore Orchard, emphasised that while he is “very conscious of not turning a crisis into an opportunity”, he sees a clear shift towards destinations perceived as reliable.

Safety and stability dominate ITB Berlin 2026, with Asia‑Pacific destinations spotlighting reliability and low crime rates as key advantages amid global uncertainty; photo by Rachel AJ Lee

“In times of uncertainty, people want to go with something they trust,” McIntyre said. He compared the current situation to the post‑Covid era, noting that travellers gravitated towards countries recognised for their effective crisis management.

“Singapore’s tourism (excelled) in the aftermath of Covid because it was perceived as a country that had handled the situation very well.”

Michael Wu, CEO of MyAsiaTours, which is headquartered in Taiwan, told TTG Asia that despite occasional tensions between China and Taiwan, flare-ups have been limited to a war of words and economic progress remains a priority of both leaderships.

In an interesting turn of events, Wu said news reports on China-Taiwan tensions have raised international awareness of Taiwan, resulting in more traveller interest.

“Our German and French clients increased almost 20 per cent last year,” Wu said.

Prior to the escalating Middle East conflict, Wu said clients were already requesting direct routes from Europe to Asia, adding that China Airlines’ flights to and from Frankfurt were often “fully booked”.

Wu said destinations with low crime rates, like Japan and Taiwan, are also popular with international travellers.

Pema Tashi, general manager of Happiness Kingdom Travels, pointed to Bhutan as a powerful example of safety as a tourism advantage. He described Bhutan as “one of the safest places on Earth”.

Tashi said travel and transits in Asia-Pacific remains “quite favourable”, as the region is safe and “easy to move around”.

Andrea Koch of Exo Travel stated trusted DMCs are an important element in ensuring travellers’ safety. Essential support systems such as 24/7 customer care hotlines are necessary, especially in times of global instability.

“Most of our clients have private cars and private tour guides, and are fully escorted. I think Asia is very safe for family travellers and female travellers. Our agent partners feel quite safe in choosing Asia as a destination,” she added.

Sathia Moorthy, CEO of OOTO & Co., a Singapore-based event planner, said safety and stability are especially important for commercial events, and Asia-Pacific has been able to excel in this sector due to its positive reputation.

“Amid current global uncertainties, I believe Asia-Pacific will continue to stand out as a region of reliability and confidence for the business events industry,” he said.

While McIntyre is proud of Asia’s stability, he said the region “cannot take things for granted”.

“We’ve got to be aware that the world is constantly changing, and we’ve got to adapt to these changes,” he remarked.

Francophonie Summit to boost Cambodia tourism

By Marissa Carruthers

March 4, 2026

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Tourism players are hopeful that Cambodia can capitalise on the Francophonie Summit in November to better position the nation for economic prosperity, with calls being made for the tourism sector to seize the “unique opportunity”.

“Hosting the Francophonie Summit is a unique opportunity for Cambodia to reposition itself… as a hub for trade, talents, investments, long‑stay residents and international events,” said Catherine Germier-Hamel, founder of Millennium Destinations.

Guichandut shared that the Francophonie Summit must become a legacy event – anchored in infrastructure, narrative, and business links – so its benefits extend far beyond November

“The summit creates a powerful platform to renew tourism cooperation between Cambodia and France, especially around sustainable tourism and skills development, but its real impact will depend on the concrete projects that follow.”

Marc Emmanuel, general manager of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, said it would be a “missed opportunity” not to coordinate a series of events around the summit to secure long-term impact.

“We should seize this opportunity to bring culture, art, history, education and showcase it, not only during the summit, but throughout an extended period.”

Jacques Guichandut, founder and managing director of All Dreams Cambodia and N&A Cambodia Director, called on the government and private sector to work together to ensure the summit becomes a legacy event by anchoring three pillars: infrastructure, narrative and business links.

He said investments in roads, signage, public spaces, connectivity and conference facilities in the capital will benefit residents, businesses and future events “long after the summit”.

Regarding narrative, Guichandut pointed to the opportunity for Phnom Penh to “tell a fuller story” about political stability, economic growth, the new international airport and urban culture.

Guichandut also recommended that the summit be used to structure biannual B2B platforms with francophone tour operators, airlines and investors.

He believes that an accurate alignment of the political summit with a professional tourism summit organised by the Cambodia Tourism Board and the private sector could bring quick returns on investment.

“These key players would go home with a renewed image of the country and concrete reasons to promote it differently, not as an extension but as a destination in their brochures, websites and campaigns – but that has to be organised now to fully capitalise on this unique opportunity,” he said.

Philippines introduces senior tour guide programme

Garrya Mù Cang Chải redefines mountain wellness for 2026

Thailand tourism targets Balkans to expand longhaul group travel

Chatrium Hospitality goes for the sun, sand and sea

Minor Hotels to debut Anantara in Perth, Australia

RateGain unites Adara and Sojern under one brand

New hotels: La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, Radisson Red Auckland and more

Björn Again to stage ABBA tribute concert at Marina Bay Sands

Geopolitical uncertainty highlights tourism’s safety appeal

Francophonie Summit to boost Cambodia tourism

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