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.”
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.
The St Regis Singapore will host Marriott International’s Luxury Dining Series 2025 from August 29 to 31.
The series is a regional dining event across Asia-Pacific, taking place from July to September 2025 at luxury hotels including The St Regis Osaka, JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, The St Regis Jakarta, and The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. Each hotel will offer curated dining experiences led by Marriott International’s chefs and mixologists, highlighting traditional flavours and techniques.
Experience signature dining, cocktails and afternoon tea at The St Regis Singapore from August 29 to 31
At The St Regis Singapore, the event will be held across four venues: Yan Ting, The Astor Grill, The Tea Room, and the soon-to-be-launched St Regis Bar Singapore. Executive Chinese chef Chan Chung Shing of Yan Ting will collaborate with Chef Daniel Wong of the One MICHELIN-starred Jin Xuan at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, for a four-hands lunch and dinner on August 29 and 30. The six-course dinner menu starts from S$228++ (US$169++) per person or S$298++ with wine pairing, while the Dim Sum Brunch is priced from S$168++ per person.
At The Tea Room, chef Angela Lai and executive pastry chef Ng Chee Leong will present a locally-inspired Afternoon Tea from August 29 to 31, priced from S$65++ with sparkling tea or S$95++ with champagne. The St Regis Bar Singapore will feature a takeover by Paulo Naranjo of The St Regis Jakarta and Marco Dognini of Bar Sathorn at W Bangkok from August 29 to 31, with cocktails starting at S$26++.
At The Astor Grill, chefs Vladimir Veiga, Fabio Granata, and Angelo Sergio will present a six-hands tasting dinner from S$198++ per person or S$298++ with wine pairing. The weekend concludes with a brunch on August 31 from S$138++ per person or S$198++ with free-flow champagne.
Marriott Bonvoy members may use loyalty points for a package that includes a one-night stay in a Caroline Astor Suite and a private cocktail masterclass, with bids starting from 60,000 points.
Event timings and pricing vary by venue and date, with multiple seating for lunch, dinner, brunch, and afternoon tea.
Gurney Bay Hotel, a Parkroyal Partner Hotel, has appointed five seasoned hospitality professionals to its executive team ahead of its upcoming brand transformation.
Winnie Low, formerly director of F&B and operations leader across Pan Pacific, Millennium, InterContinental, Shangri-La, and Ritz-Carlton, joins as director of operations.
From left: Winnie Low, Ng Soo Chuan, and Tom Toh
Ng Soo Chuan, most recently overseeing financial operations at Lexis Suites Penang and Iconic Hotel, is appointed director of finance.
Tom Toh, previously cluster director of human resources at Forest City, Johor Bahru, takes on the role of director of people and culture.
Lee Ai Leng, formerly senior sales and marketing leader at Lexis Suites Penang, joins as director of sales and marketing.
Clarissa Lim, most recently cluster revenue manager for three Shangri-La properties in Penang, is named revenue manager, while Rochesder Hillary, previously involved in Parkroyal Langkawi Resort’s pre-opening, becomes marketing and communications manager.
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) will petition the Administrative Court to review the Wage Committee’s 14th announcement on minimum wage rates, which sets a nationwide minimum of 400 baht (US$12.30) per day for hotels of types 2, 3 and 4, effective July 1, 2025. Type 1 hotels, which provide guestrooms only and no additional facilities, are excluded.
The new rate is part of the government’s plan to raise the daily minimum wage to 650 baht nationwide. While supporting fair pay, THA argues the uniform rate does not take into account economic differences between provinces.
Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, addresses the press at a media briefing on August 20; photo by Anne Somanas
“We are not opposed to higher wages – we know they improve workers’ lives and strengthen the economy. But applying the same rate to every hotel, in every province, ignores the huge differences in economic conditions and tourist demand,” said THA president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun at a media briefing.
Thienprasit warned that the flat rate could destabilise operators in secondary destinations with low or inconsistent tourism demand.
“In some provinces, the minimum was 345 or 350 baht. To push that suddenly to 400 baht is a 17 per cent jump overnight,” he explained.
Labour already makes up 25 to 30 per cent of hotel operating costs, with energy being “the biggest burden after staff”.
Together, these make up more than half of overall expenses, leaving operators with limited room to manoeuvre.
“If you are a hotel in a remote province, you will be in real trouble. Hotels in Bangkok or Phuket may absorb the increase, but in places like Nan or Phrae, the markets simply cannot bear it. Yet we are all forced to pay the same rate,” he added.
Fairness issues also arise between licensed and unlicensed operators.
“Hotels with permits must pay 400 baht. But unlicensed hotels don’t follow the rules and that creates unfair competition. In effect, the new policy punishes the operators who comply with the law,” he stressed, suggesting the new conditions may discourage compliance and incentivise some operators to avoid hotel licensing altogether.
THA fears smaller enterprises, already struggling since the policy took effect on July 1, will be forced to cut permanent staff and rely on casual or part-time workers.
“If the policy remains in place, many operators will eventually have no choice but to reduce their workforce. They will move to on-call hiring – housekeepers or cleaners who come in only when there are guests. That is the reality we face,” Thienprasit stated, warning of employment consequences.
He emphasised the court challenge is not against higher wages but against the way they are being applied.
“If the Wage Committee imposes a flat rate without considering local realities, it is unfair and unlawful (according to Thai labour laws). We want the court to review whether this was a proper use of discretion,” he said.
According to projections released August 18 by Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council, tourism arrivals are forecast at 33 million this year, down from 35.5 million in 2024, with hotel revenue expected to contract by around seven per cent. While Phuket and other southern provinces remain resilient, many secondary cities continue to struggle.
“Hotels with strong demand and high-spending guests will always pay more, because they need skilled staff with language ability. That is a healthy economic mechanism. But forcing small hotels in weak economies to match the big players – at the same rate, even for inexperienced staff – is what we are fighting against,” he concluded.
He confirmed THA has also instructed its legal team to seek temporary suspension of the 400 baht requirement for hotel operators until the Administrative Court delivers its ruling.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will hold the third World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) in Hong Kong, China, on October 21-22, 2025, hosted by Cathay Pacific.
The event will bring together leaders from aviation, energy, finance, and policy to advance the industry’s commitment to achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
The symposium will bring together aviation, energy, finance and policy leaders to discuss achieving net zero CO2 by 2050
The symposium is timed to follow the 42nd ICAO Assembly, where the industry will have advocated for stronger government policies to support aviation’s energy transition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the integrity of CORSIA, and to precede COP30, which will focus on turning pledges into actions. It will explore measures to accelerate aviation’s decarbonisation, including removing obstacles to SAF production, attracting financing for the estimated US$4.7 trillion cost of decarbonisation, integrating emerging technologies by existing players and start-ups, and increasing collaboration across the value chain.
The symposium will open with a welcome speech from Ronald Lam, CEO of the Cathay Group, and a keynote address from Mable Chan, secretary of transport and logistics for the Hong Kong Government. This will be followed by a leadership conversation between Patrick Healy, chair of the Cathay Group, and Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, reviewing progress on decarbonisation.
Other speakers include Jun Ma, chairman and president of the Hong Kong Green Finance Association; Fabiano Piccino, air logistics global head of sustainability at Kuehne+Nagel; Jouk Boeye, managing director of corporate sourcing, supply chain sustainability and net zero operations at HSBC; Christopher Au, director of the Asia Pacific Climate Risk Centre at WTW; and Ayesha Choudhury, chief commercial officer at Infinium.
Cathay Group’s Lam remarked: “Collaboration across multiple sectors and regulators is essential for aviation to achieve its decarbonisation goals, and gatherings like this provide a valuable platform for leading voices to come together to drive meaningful change. Such cooperation is especially important as the industry works to develop the ecosystem of SAF, with Hong Kong having the potential to become one of Asia’s major centres for SAF in the future.”
“This event is an essential rallying call for all those who have a stake in air transport’s future to overcome any challenges in the way of accelerating the pace of this crucial energy transition,” said IATA’s Walsh.
“Decarbonising the airline industry is not just an industry issue but part of the global energy-transition that cuts across the whole world economy. If treated as such, adopting a holistic approach encompassing policy, energy and finance to agriculture, technology and more, it will be possible to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions in 2050,” added Marie Owens Thomsen, senior vice president of sustainability and chief economist, IATA.
PATA has lined up three days of knowledge exchange, B2B meetings, youth development discussions, board meetings and social functions for its PATA Travel Mart 2025 taking place in Bangkok next week from August 26 to 28.
The three-day event, to be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, is expected to host professionals from more than 500 organisations. The programme includes a one-day Knowledge Forum, the PATA Gold Awards 2025 Gala Dinner, and business networking opportunities.
Delegates will gather at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok for PATA Travel Mart 2025 from August 26 to 28
Leading up to it is the Youth Symposium 2025 on August 25 and the Executive Board Meeting that afternoon, followed by the full-day Board Meeting on August 26.
The Knowledge Forum 2025, under the theme Designing Meaningful Tourism for a Changing World, will run alongside the first day of PATA Travel Mart on August 26. The forum will feature presentations, panels, and interactive sessions on emerging markets, young tourism professionals, inclusivity, travel technology, and industry trends. Speakers include PATA executives, tourism authorities, and leaders from organisations such as Google, MGM, Jim Thompson, Hotel ICON, BBC Studios Asia, Simplenight, OAG, Intrepid, Holafly, Booking.com, and the China Chamber of Tourism. Young tourism professionals and the 2024 and 2025 PATA Faces of the Future will also take part.
Event attendees will also hear from Sharzede Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board, who will introduce Sarawak as the host of PATA Travel Mart 2026.
Thai hospitality will shine at the Welcome Reception, hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The PATA Gold Awards 2025 Gala Dinner, sponsored by the Macao Government Tourism Office, will take place on August 27.
“PATA Travel Mart is designed to bring together the heart of the Asia-Pacific tourism industry, but it is only through the united efforts of industry leaders from both the private and public sectors that meaningful connections can be created – connections that inspire growth and collaboration among buyers, exhibitors, and all participants,” stated PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.
“I look forward to welcoming delegates from across the region and beyond to what promises to be a productive business event here in Thailand.”
Cathay Pacific has reopened its flagship lounge at Beijing Capital International Airport as part of its ongoing investment in mainland China. The redesign focuses on a human-centred approach to enhance the lounge experience.
This reopening is part of the airline’s wider lounge enhancement plan in Hong Kong and other destinations, following the reopening of The Bridge at Hong Kong International Airport in May.
The redesigned lounge features new dining areas, private spaces, and an art collection for passengers
In addition to the redesigned Beijing lounge, Cathay Pacific operates an airport lounge at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and a ferry port lounge at the Shekou Cruise Home Port in Shenzhen, its first facility for intermodal travellers.
In Hong Kong, the airline has reopened The Bridge and converted The Deck into an interim First class lounge while The Wing, First is under renovation and scheduled to reopen in 2026, followed by The Wing, Business. Customers may also access The Pier, First and The Pier, Business lounges at the airline’s home hub. Cathay Pacific plans to launch new flagship lounges in Hong Kong and, for the first time, in New York, as part of the Cathay Group’s investment of over HK$100 billion (US$12.8 billion) in aircraft, cabin products, lounges, and digital innovations.
The Beijing lounge is designed to work with its surroundings, using windows and roofing to provide natural light and views while keeping a comfortable temperature. Cherry wood and limestone are used throughout, and the reception has been updated from a counter to a podium format. It is also the first lounge outside Hong Kong to feature Cathay Pacific’s Lounge Ambassadors.
The Main Lounge offers a home-like atmosphere with furniture and lighting arranged for comfort, including private spaces. There are three dining venues: Noodle Bar, Food Hall and Teahouse, which offers Chinese teas brewed to order by the airline’s tea specialists.
The Terrace is a light-filled verandah with Solo Chairs for relaxation. An art collection throughout the lounge includes contemporary calligraphy and drawings on boarding passes by a variety of artists, developed with a curator from Cathay Pacific’s Gallery in the Skies concept.
Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam said: “The redesigned lounge complements Cathay Pacific’s seven daily return flights between Hong Kong and Beijing this summer, as we strive to offer customers greater choice and convenience – both in the air and on the ground – when they travel with us. We remain committed to providing customers with a seamless and elevated travel experience through our Hong Kong hub.”
Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong, China
Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong is set to welcome guests in September with 495 rooms, including 25 suites. The hotel is located at 11 Middle Road, within walking distance of Victoria Harbour and key cultural landmarks in Tsim Sha Tsui.
All rooms and suites offer views of Victoria Harbour. Facilities include a 20-metre heated rooftop pool, a fitness centre, and spa. There are five dining venues: an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop bar, café and bar, and a small speakeasy, with a signature restaurant set to open later in the year.
The property also includes a ballroom and flexible meeting spaces, all with harbour views.
Mercure Berau
Mercure Berau, Indonesia
Mercure Berau, the first international hotel in Berau, is 20 minutes from Kalimarau Airport in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. It has 153 rooms, suites, and villas, and offers facilities such as an indoor swimming pool with children’s area, a fitness centre, and in-room spa services. Dining options are Sanggam Bistro, the Lobby Lounge, and the Pool Bar, with Le 360° Rooftop Bar opening soon. The hotel also offers five meeting rooms and a ballroom for up to 400 guests with Wi-Fi and audiovisual equipment.
Mama Shelter Singapore
Mama Shelter Singapore, Singapore
Mama Shelter will open its first Asian property on Killiney Road, Singapore, in September 2025. Located near Orchard Road and New Bahru, and minutes from Somerset MRT, the 115-room hotel features Peranakan-inspired interiors, murals by Parisian artist Beniloys, and a rooftop with two pools and skyline views.
The ground-floor restaurant and bar will serve brasserie-style dishes by chef Eugene Tan, while the rooftop restaurant offers Mediterranean sharing plates.
Rooms include terraces in nearly half the property, five-star bedding, on-demand films, and amenities by Ink & Water. The hotel also debuts the brand’s first bunk bedroom for families and groups.
The Yukawa
The Yukawa, Japan
The Yukawa will open on September 2 on the Ichijoh family’s ancestral land near the mountains and rivers of Kamasaki Onsen. The hotel blends a 500-year tradition of hospitality with modern design to provide guests with a sense of renewal.
It has 11 guestrooms, all with terraces and private open-air hot spring baths, including one River View Yukawa Suite, one River View Panorama Suite, three River View Villa Suites, and six River View Suites. All rooms are non-smoking, with a separate smoking room available.
Facilities include a private dining room with terrace, lobby lounge, bar, spa treatment room, and in-room dining overlooking the river.
The hotel features historical elements, such as original doors from the former Ichijoh Branch, which operated for over 100 years. Meals are prepared on-site, combining the property’s heritage with modern comfort.
Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach and Ayana Cruises have launched Sail & Stay: A Luxury Retreat, combining a stay at Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach resort with a cruise aboard Ayana Cruises’ phinisi (sailing rig), Ayana Lako Di’a, through the UNESCO Heritage-listed Komodo National Park.
The two-day-one-night package begins with a night at the resort, followed by a cruise to Kalong Island, Padar Island, Pink Beach, and Komodo Island, before returning to the resort.
The new package combines resort accommodation with multi-day yacht exploration of Komodo National Park
Cruise guests stay in a luxury suite with full-board meals and beverages. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, karaoke, movie nights, and yoga. The package also covers airport transfers, entrance fees to Komodo National Park, and digital photo documentation.
Resort guests receive a complimentary upgrade to a Deluxe Ocean View Room, daily breakfast for two, and discounts on spa treatments, food and beverages, and selected water activities.
Available dates for the package this year are August 28-31, September 11-14, September 25-28, October 2-5 and October 16-19.
