TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Friday, 22nd May 2026
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TTG Asia | Marriott Bonvoy report highlights shifting hotel loyalty trends across Asia-Pacific
TTG Asia | PATA launches upgraded PATAmPOWER tourism data platform
TTG Asia | TRENZ returns to transformed Auckland

TRENZ returns to transformed Auckland

By Adelaine Ng
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Tourism industry leaders, buyers and media from around the world gathered in Auckland on May 19 as TRENZ 2026 got under way at the newly opened New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), marking the event’s return to Auckland for the first time since 2017.

More than 1,200 delegates are attending the 32nd edition of New Zealand’s largest international tourism trade event, including 379 buyers from 27 countries who will take part in more than 16,000 meetings with 315 tourism operators over the next 2.5 days.

More than 1,200 delegates gathered in Auckland for TRENZ 2026, New Zealand’s largest international tourism trade event

Key visitor markets from Asia represented at the event include China, Japan, South Korea and India, with 138 buyers from China and the rest of Asia accounting for around 36 per cent of all international buyers.

Hosted by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited alongside industry partners, this year’s event is projected to inject more than NZ$3 million (US$1.8 million) into Auckland’s economy while serving as a platform to drive future international visitation.

“TRENZ is the platform that elevates our tourism industry to the world, ensuring that New Zealand is competitive and well represented on the global tourism stage,” said Rebecca Ingram, chief executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

“This year’s event will go down as one of the largest and most innovative TRENZ events on record. We have more buyers this year than any time since 2019, creating millions of dollars of new business for the industry,” she added.

Auckland’s revitalisation and expanding tourism infrastructure were key themes during the opening, with delegates encouraged to experience a city that has undergone significant transformation over the past decade.

“It’s fantastic to welcome TRENZ back to Auckland for the first time since 2017 and to showcase a city and region that has evolved significantly,” said Nick Hill, chief executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.

“There’s fresh energy across the city, from transformed waterfront spaces and new accommodation to major infrastructure like the NZICC.”

Ahead of the opening, Auckland also unveiled a 450m² Tiaki Promise mural beside the convention centre as a symbolic welcome to international delegates. Developed in partnership with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Tiaki partners, the permanent artwork reflects themes of guardianship, cultural respect and sustainable tourism.

The event also introduced two new initiatives this year: the International Media Marketplace, which brings international journalists together with tourism businesses through pre-scheduled appointments, and a VIP Summit involving senior global distribution and trade leaders.

More than 340 buyers also participated in fam programmes across Auckland, including Waiheke Island, Matakana and the city’s west coast, as organisers sought to position Auckland as a destination in its own right rather than simply a gateway to other regions.

PATA launches upgraded PATAmPOWER tourism data platform

By TTG Asia
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PATA has introduced an upgraded version of its PATAmPOWER platform, expanding the tourism data tool’s functionality, coverage and user experience for industry stakeholders across Asia-Pacific.

The enhanced platform was unveiled on May 13 during the PATA Annual Summit 2026 in South Korea.

The upgraded platform features enhanced data visualisation and analytics tools designed to support tourism planning and decision-making across Asia-Pacific

PATAmPOWER consolidates tourism-related datasets, including visitor arrivals, aviation, expenditure and forecast information, into a single dashboard designed to support data-driven planning and decision-making across the travel sector.

The updated version features a redesigned interface, improved dashboard functionality and expanded filtering, visualisation and export capabilities intended to streamline navigation and analysis.

The platform is designed for use by governments, destination management organisations, national tourism organisations, aviation and hospitality companies, as well as researchers and analysts. Available datasets include monthly international visitor arrivals across Asia-Pacific destinations, annual visitor profiles, average visitor expenditure, inbound flight frequencies, seat capacity projections and tourism forecasts by origin market.

PATA said the platform draws on data provided through collaborations with official government tourism authorities and aviation data company OAG, which serves as one of the association’s official data providers.

Access to PATAmPOWER is available through PATA InfoHub accounts, with varying levels of member access depending on membership tier. Selected datasets may also be made available publicly upon request.

“This upgraded version of the PATAmPOWER platform has been redesigned with our users in mind. The platform is now easier to navigate, which naturally leads to more instantaneous access to the insights needed for decision makers,” said Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of PATA. “As a trusted tool for our members over the years, we look forward to continuing to support them with an improved experience through this refined edition of PATAmPOWER.”

Marriott Bonvoy report highlights shifting hotel loyalty trends across Asia-Pacific

By TTG Asia
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Marriott Bonvoy has released a new regional report examining how travel preferences and local market behaviours are reshaping hotel loyalty engagement across Asia-Pacific excluding China (APEC).

The report was based on a survey of 1,731 travellers across Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, conducted by Kantar.

Marriott Bonvoy’s latest loyalty report shows travellers across Asia-Pacific are increasingly choosing rewards programmes that align with their travel passions and everyday lifestyles

According to the Loyalty Trends Report 2026, 89% of travellers across the region participate in at least one loyalty programme, although engagement patterns increasingly vary according to travel priorities, spending habits and local market expectations.

The report identified food and dining as the leading travel driver across APEC, with 63% of respondents prioritising culinary experiences when planning trips. Travellers motivated by food experiences were also found to show stronger engagement with hotel loyalty programmes through food-related earning and redemption activity.

Other major travel priorities identified in the study included nature and sightseeing, shopping, cultural immersion and wellness-focused travel.

The report also highlighted the growing importance of everyday earning opportunities within loyalty programmes. Across the region, travellers indicated that the ability to earn points through daily spending was one of the most valued programme features, alongside flexible redemption options and broader partner ecosystems.

Hotel loyalty programmes were identified as the most widely used loyalty category in APEC, engaging 66% of surveyed travellers, ahead of airline, retail and dining programmes.

Marriott Bonvoy’s findings also pointed to differing loyalty behaviours across regional markets. Japan and South Korea were identified as Loyalty Strategists, with travellers showing deliberate and value-driven engagement patterns, while Singapore, Australia and Thailand were categorised as Value Optimizers, favouring practical travel benefits and visible savings. India, Indonesia and Vietnam were grouped as Experience Seekers, where travellers showed stronger interest in exclusivity, partnerships and experience-led rewards.

The report noted that hotel loyalty engagement across APEC is primarily driven by hotel stays and co-branded credit card spending, followed by food delivery, dining and retail partnerships.

“Hotel loyalty programmes must evolve into adaptive ecosystems that grow with travellers, rather than simply around them,” said John Toomey, chief commercial officer, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “In a region as diverse and fast-moving as APEC, brands that deeply understand local behaviours and cultural nuances will move beyond scale to earn lasting relevance and advocacy.”

Auko Eco-Wellness Lodges to open in Phong Nha

By TTG Asia
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Auko Eco-Wellness Lodges is set to open in 3Q2026 along the Son River within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang UNESCO World Heritage Site, an area known for its extensive cave systems, including Son Doong. The 30-lodge development introduces an all-inclusive eco-wellness concept shaped by the surrounding landscape and local heritage.

The project has been developed with a focus on environmental resilience in a region characterised by monsoon flooding and dense jungle. Designed in alignment with IFC’s Building Resilience Index, the site incorporates elevated bamboo walkways, adaptable glamping structures and reclaimed materials, with lodges arranged in clusters among indigenous planting selected for biodiversity and durability.

Auko Eco-Wellness Lodges will introduce a 30-unit all-inclusive retreat in Phong Nha, integrating wellness experiences with environmentally responsive design

Guest experiences are structured around three flexible pathways: The Open Way, centred on balance and unstructured exploration; The Still Way, offering guided wellness programmes focused on rest and reflection; and The Wild Way, combining physical activity with outdoor exploration. All stays include daily meals at the on-site restaurant, which highlights seasonal produce, river fish and locally sourced ingredients from Central Vietnam.

The wellness approach draws on traditional practices associated with the Cham culture, incorporating natural elements such as clay, botanicals and water-based therapies. Programmes include hydrotherapy circuits, sound healing, movement sessions and nature-led rituals, alongside a calendar of seasonal activities and visiting practitioners.

The name Auko is inspired by a Vietnamese origin legend, reflecting themes of balance between nature and movement. Guests are encouraged to engage with the environment at their own pace, with experiences designed to foster personal well-being and connection to place.

Access to the lodges is available via Dong Hoi or Hue airports, with onward transfers to the site. Rates are expected to start from US$300++ per night for two guests, on an all-inclusive basis.

Michelle Ford, founder of Lumina Wellbeing and wellness hospitality operator of Auko, shared that sustainability and well-being are closely connected, and that Auko’s approach is centred on developing a regenerative hospitality model with well-being at the core of its operations, for both the environment and its guests.

New hotels: Aiden Surawong Bangkok, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights and more

By TTG Asia
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Aiden Surawong Bangkok

Aiden Surawong Bangkok, Thailand
Aiden Surawong Bangkok is a 77-room boutique hotel located on Surawong Road, in one of the city’s historic districts.

Facilities include a rooftop pool, fitness centre, an all-day dining restaurant and bar, as well as a garden social space for casual gatherings.

The property offers easy access to nearby attractions including the Neilson Hays Library, Bangkok Folk Museum and Jim Thompson store, while Silom, Yaowarat (Chinatown) and the Bang Rak riverside are all close by. Sala Daeng BTS and Sam Yan MRT stations connect guests to the wider city.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights, the UAE
The 537-key Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights is situated in one of Dubai’s well-connected districts, with easy access to Dubai Internet City, Media City and Knowledge Park. Mall of the Emirates, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and JBR are all within easy reach, while Dubai International Airport is around 25–30 minutes away.

Facilities include five restaurants and bars, a spa, fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool and a kids’ club. The hotel also offers 16 meeting and event spaces, suitable for business and social gatherings.

Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur

Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur is a design-led hotel located in the city centre, set within a lively neighbourhood known for its dining, nightlife and creative scene.

Facilities include a rooftop pool, fitness centre and multiple dining and social spaces. These include Four Siblings, a bar focused on spice-inspired cocktails with city views, and Sabato’s, a retro-style Italian-American restaurant.

Well connected to key areas of Kuala Lumpur, the hotel provides easy access to shopping districts, cultural attractions and entertainment hubs across the city.

Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Infopark

Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Infopark, India
Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Infopark offers 218 rooms with flexible workspaces, high-speed Wi-Fi and views of the surrounding city in select rooms.

Facilities include four dining venues, a rooftop infinity pool, fitness centre and spa. The hotel also offers over 743m² of meeting and event space, suitable for corporate and social gatherings.

Located in Kakkanad, close to Kochi’s Infopark IT corridor and key business hubs including SmartCity, the hotel provides convenient access to commercial districts, as well as cultural sites such as Hill Palace Museum and Thrikkakara Temple, around 20 minutes away.

Bali Zoo launches elephant programme focused on welfare and learning

By TTG Asia
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Bali Zoo has introduced a new elephant encounter programme centred on education and animal welfare, following the end of elephant riding activities earlier this year.

Known as Elephant Explorer, the experience launched on April 15, 2026 and allows visitors to observe elephants in a more natural environment through guided encounters led by zoo rangers and mahouts.

Bali Zoo replaces elephant rides with guided encounters focused on welfare and education

Instead of ride-based interactions, guests accompany the elephants via a ranger-led vehicle while learning about their daily routines, behaviours and care. Feeding sessions are also included, offering insight into diet, enrichment activities and the long-term relationship between the elephants and their caretakers.

Bali Zoo is home to 14 elephants, including two calves born at the facility. The zoo said the programme reflects its continued focus on maintaining a stable environment that supports both care and conservation efforts.

The launch comes amid growing demand for wildlife experiences that prioritise responsible tourism and animal well-being. Elephant Explorer has been designed to provide educational engagement while limiting intrusive interaction.

Located around 20 minutes from Ubud, Bali Zoo continues to position itself as a family-friendly attraction offering nature and wildlife experiences for visitors to the island.

For more information, visit Bali Zoo.

Thailand trade seeks visa clarity on visa-free stay reduction

By Anne Somanas
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Following the Thai government’s May 19 announcement to end the 60-day visa-free stay for travellers from 93 countries, the country’s travel trade is calling for clearer implementation guidelines.

While key industry associations are not opposed to the shorter duration, they warn that uncertainty surrounding the revised entry process could disrupt operations and affect inbound travel demand.

Thailand’s travel industry is seeking clearer guidance following plans to shorten visa-free stays for foreign visitors; photo by Sony Herdiana

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said the policy adjustment itself is manageable, but the lack of clarity around implementation is a concern.

“From our observations, a 30-day stay is generally sufficient for most actual travellers. However, we are primarily concerned about the updated entry process for key markets like China and India,” Thienprasit said.

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) echoed these views, saying the reduced duration is not the main issue.

“There will not be any significant impact on the tourist market, provided the visa exemption status remains intact and only the permitted length of stay is reduced,” said Adith Chairattananon, ATTA honorary secretary-general.

However, Adith noted growing confusion among international partners over what arrangements will apply once the 60-day scheme is revoked.

“The government has not issued any further announcements clarifying supporting measures post-cancellation. There has been no official release confirming if markets like India will retain their visa exemption for the 30-day period,” Adith explained.

Although the policy has yet to be implemented, both associations said they have already received numerous enquiries from overseas clients and trade partners, particularly from China, Taiwan and India.

Adith stressed the need for a coordinated public communications effort from the government.

“A lack of clarity is a major problem. Without definitive guidelines, incoming foreign visitors will not know how to proceed, which could ultimately deter them from travelling,” he said.

Thienprasit also warned of reputational risks linked to a poorly communicated rollout and urged the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and other government agencies to issue a country-by-country breakdown of the revised entry rules.

Singapore turns to music partnership to boost global tourism appeal

By TTG Asia
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The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Universal Music Singapore (UMSG) have signed a three-year partnership aimed at promoting Singapore as a global travel destination through music, entertainment and fan-focused experiences.

The collaboration will combine STB’s destination marketing efforts with UMSG’s network of international artistes, audience insights and global media platforms to reach new audiences and strengthen Singapore’s profile internationally.

The three-year partnership aims to promote Singapore through music, entertainment and fan experiences

Under the partnership, both organisations will develop integrated marketing campaigns, fan activations and collaborations with travel partners designed to showcase Singapore through music and cultural storytelling. The initiative will also create opportunities for local and international artistes to participate in projects and experiences connected to the destination.

The agreement reflects growing consumer interest in travel experiences linked to entertainment, lifestyle and shared interests, with music increasingly influencing how audiences engage with destinations.

The partnership builds on earlier collaborations involving Universal Music artistes in Singapore, including Nick Jonas’s appearance during Singapore Art Week, social content by OneRepublic inspired by the city, and Billie Eilish’s filmed performance at Gardens by the Bay.

STB said the collaboration would focus on creating exclusive experiences in Singapore, including intimate fan events at recognisable locations across the city.

Calvin Wong, CEO, Southeast Asia & Korea, SVP Asia, Universal Music Group, said: “Combining UMSG’s artiste network and audience insights with STB’s vision for destination storytelling will create new opportunities for our artistes across Asia, and position Singapore as a stage for creativity, connection, and global cultural exchange.”

“We are seeing more consumers engaging with content and communities that resonate with their own passion points and interests, especially in entertainment and lifestyle. This multi-year partnership with Universal Music Singapore allows us to tap into this trend by forging deeper connections with our global audiences through music,” added Kenneth Lim, assistant chief executive, marketing group, STB.

“We’re not just creating content; we’re crafting memorable moments that give fans compelling reasons to visit Singapore.”

Thailand cuts visa-free stays for tourists amid crime concerns

By TTG Asia
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Thailand is preparing to reduce the duration of visa-free stays for travellers from more than 90 countries as part of efforts to address criminal activity involving foreign nationals, officials said on May 19.

Tourism remains a major contributor to the Thai economy, although international arrivals have yet to recover fully to pre-pandemic levels. Authorities have recently intensified scrutiny following several high-profile cases involving foreigners linked to drug-related offences, sex trafficking and the operation of businesses without the required permits.

Thailand plans to shorten visa-free stays for most foreign visitors as part of measures aimed at tackling misuse of the system and transnational crime; Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, pictured

Under the current policy, visitors from more than 90 countries and territories, including the Schengen area, the US, Israel and parts of South America, are permitted to enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days.

Thailand’s cabinet has now approved plans to shorten the visa-free period, according to tourism minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul. The revised duration will vary depending on nationality, with many travellers expected to receive stays of up to 30 days, while some may be limited to 15 days.

Officials said visitors would still be able to apply for a one-time extension through immigration offices, subject to approval and justification for a longer stay.

The government said the move forms part of broader measures targeting transnational crime and misuse of the visa system, rather than focusing on any particular nationality.

Government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said tourism continued to provide economic benefits, but acknowledged that the existing arrangement had been exploited by some individuals.

Thailand previously capped visa-free stays at 30 days before extending the period to 60 days in July 2024 to support tourism recovery and economic activity.

The Thai government expects approximately 33.5 million international visitors in 2026, compared with nearly 33 million last year.

New Australian platform connects users with local experiences

By TTG Asia
0

An Australian media platform focused on creator-led discovery is set to launch a new app aimed at connecting users with local businesses and experiences.

Developed by The West Group, the platform combines geolocation technology with creator content to help users discover travel, food and cultural experiences based on their location or planned visits. The app is scheduled to launch in New South Wales on May 26, 2026.

Exploring neighbourhood experiences is central to the new creator-led discovery platform launching in Australia

The platform brings together content creators, businesses and communities, offering a discovery model built around curated, location-based content. Businesses are featured through creator-led posts mapped to specific areas, allowing users to explore experiences in real time or plan ahead.

West has onboarded more than 480 creators as “West Ambassadors”, with a combined reach of over nine million users. More than 1,500 businesses are already featured on the platform, with additional partners expected to join following the launch.

The platform does not include ratings or reviews, instead focusing on curated content designed to highlight local experiences. The model is intended to provide an alternative approach to how users discover destinations, particularly at a neighbourhood level.

Ahead of launch, West has built a pipeline of businesses and partners, including collaboration with local councils and brands, as well as a consumer waitlist of more than 11,000 users.

“West was built because great local businesses deserve to be found beyond the 72-hour life of a social post,” said Dean Boone, founder, The West Group. “When a content creator, a local or a visitor shares somewhere they’ve discovered, that recommendation reaches the right people in the right place and keeps working long after it was first posted in the West app.”

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGassociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | TRENZ returns to transformed Auckland
TTG Asia | PATA launches upgraded PATAmPOWER tourism data platform
TTG Asia | Marriott Bonvoy report highlights shifting hotel loyalty trends across Asia-Pacific