Philippines eyes bigger share of global retirement market

June 29, 2026

The Philippines’ recognition as the world’s top retirement destination for 2026 could translate into greater economic benefits as the country seeks to attract more foreign retirees and their spending, according to Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) president Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado.

The Philippines topped the latest Retirement Abroad Index by the Expatriate Group, scoring 78 out of 100 to emerge as the world’s highest-ranked retirement destination. The index assessed countries based on healthcare quality, visa accessibility, health insurance requirements, cost of living and the strength of local expatriate communities.

Bob Zozobrado says the Philippines is well placed to attract more foreign retirees following its top global ranking

The group estimated that a retired couple can live comfortably in the Philippines on 750 to 1,000 pounds (US$998 to US$1,330) per month, although living costs are generally higher in Metro Manila than in smaller cities and coastal communities.

Zozobrado said the recognition represents an opportunity to attract a larger share of the global retirement market.

“The retirement industry all over the world is valued at approximately US$70 trillion. If we are designated as number one in the world, then we have every possibility of getting a significant share of that amount,” Zozobrado told TTG Asia.

He said the ranking strengthens the Philippines’ position as a retirement destination for foreign nationals considering a move overseas.

According to Zozobrado, foreign retirees also contribute to a range of sectors, including retail, hospitality and tourism.

“That is very well affected by this positively because these people, they have all the money. The moment they’re settled down in their chosen location here in the Philippines, they travel all over the country,” he said.

The PRA stated that around 62,000 foreign retirees currently hold active Special Resident Retiree’s Visas (SRRVs) in the Philippines.

The authority is targeting at least 4,700 new SRRV applicants in 2026 after registrations slowed in 2025. Zozobrado attributed the slowdown to the government’s crackdown on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, many of whose workers were Chinese nationals previously residing in the country.

With the Philippines now ranked as the world’s top retirement destination, the PRA hopes the recognition will attract more foreign retirees and increase their contribution to local economies through spending, travel and long-term investment.

Artotel Group introduces psychological tourism programme

By Mimi Hudoyo

June 29, 2026

0

Artotel Group, in collaboration with Perisai Psikologi Indonesia, has launched Mindhavana, a programme that combines hotel stays with professional psychological guidance.

Perisai Psikologi Indonesia provides psychological and personal development services for individuals, public institutions and corporations.

Mindhavana combines hotel stays with guided psychological programmes aimed at supporting reflection and emotional well-being

Speaking at the launch in Jakarta, Catur Prasetyo, chief operating officer of Perisai Psikologi, said the programme was developed in response to growing demand for travel experiences that support reflection and personal well-being.

“In today’s fast-paced and highly demanding world, many are realising that holiday travel is no longer enough to truly recover. There is a deeper need for a space to pause, understand oneself, and rediscover meaning that may have been lost in daily routines,” he said.

Mindhavana is designed to help participants improve emotional balance, deepen self-awareness and engage in structured reflection through guided activities.

Yulisa Susanti, CEO of Perisai Psikologi, said participants would take part in activities led by professional psychologists.

“Participants are invited to immerse themselves in an environment conducive to self-reflection through curated activities led directly by professional psychologists, ensuring every experience carries profound meaning,” she said.

The programme is targeted at individuals aged 50 and above and includes a psychological assessment, accommodation, meals and professional guidance.

Under the theme A Return To Yourself: For The Life Still Ahead, participants can choose three-, five- or seven-day stays at Artotel Casa Hangtuah Jakarta, Artotel Pelangi Park or The Green Peak, Artotel Curated.

Nastalia Nursanti, director of sales and revenue at Artotel Group, said the initiative reflects growing interest in experiences that focus on psychological well-being as well as physical comfort.

“As a hotel chain driven by creativity, lifestyle, and innovation, we see a growing demand for experiences that leave a deeper impact on our guests. For a long time, the concept of wellness has been synonymous with spas, yoga, or physical activities. Through our collaboration with Mindhavana, we want to introduce a new dimension – an experience that helps individuals pause, reflect on their lives, and reconnect with themselves,” she said.

Catur described Mindhavana as an example of what the partners call “psychological tourism”, which combines travel and psychological support within a single programme.

Yulisa said: “The objective is not merely to change locations, but to foster positive transformations in a person’s emotional and mental state, as well as how they interpret life.

“Through Mindhavana, participants are encouraged to shed their daily roles, step away from routine demands, find peace with unfulfilled expectations, and re-examine, understand, and accept themselves more fully,” she said.

The partners hope the programme will encourage travellers to view hotels and destinations as places that support emotional well-being and personal development, in addition to accommodation.

Daimon Brewery plans luxury hospitality project in Osaka

By TTG Asia

June 29, 2026

0

Daimon Brewery has partnered with chef Gaggan Anand and designer Bill Bensley to develop a 15-suite hospitality project at its brewery site in Osaka Prefecture.

The project marks the 200th anniversary of the sake producer and will transform part of its brewery grounds into a destination combining accommodation, dining, wellness and cultural experiences centred on the company’s brewing heritage.

Daimon Brewery’s hospitality project will transform part of its Osaka Prefecture brewery grounds into a destination centred on sake, cuisine and design

Located at the foot of the Ikoma mountain range between Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, the development will include 15 suites, three dining concepts, wellness facilities and programmes linked to the brewery’s history and sake production.

Founded in 1826, Daimon Brewery is a seventh-generation sake producer known for its small-batch brewing methods. The company said the project is intended to build on its international presence and introduce a new hospitality offering linked to its core business.

Anand, whose Bangkok restaurant Gaggan was named first in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, will lead the culinary programme, while Bensley will oversee the design of the project.

The development is currently in the design phase. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with completion targeted between 2028 and 2029.

The partners said the project will combine Daimon Brewery’s 200-year sake-making heritage with contemporary hospitality, cuisine and design. They aim to create a destination rooted in the brewery’s history while attracting international visitors seeking immersive food, beverage and cultural experiences. The development also forms part of Daimon’s broader strategy to expand its presence beyond sake production and into hospitality.

Regent Phu Quoc rolls out seasonal dining and wellness experiences

By TTG Asia

June 29, 2026

0

Regent Phu Quoc has unveiled a programme of dining, wellness and cultural experiences running from July to October 2026.

The seasonal line-up includes a series of guest chef collaborations through the Regent Culinary Residency Series. Highlights include chef Tommaso Arrigoni from Italy’s Michelin Green Star restaurant Locanda La Raia in July, an Ornellaia wine dinner in August, and a collaboration with chefs Marcelo and Guillem from Phuket’s hom restaurant in September.

The Regent Culinary Residency Series brings international chefs to Phu Quoc for a series of dining events this season

Across the resort’s dining venues, guests can also enjoy themed experiences ranging from Mediterranean-inspired beachfront dinners and sunset rosé sessions at Ocean Club to Vietnamese regional cuisine showcases at Rice Market.

At The Spa, the resort is introducing wellness programmes including the Quartz Earth Ritual, a 120-minute treatment combining a quartz sand bed experience, mineral-rich mud wrap and massage. Additional offerings include yoga, meditation and wellness therapies.

Guests can also explore Phu Quoc through sailing experiences aboard the resort’s private catamaran, Serenity, with options including coastline cruises, sunset sailings and private charters.

For younger travellers, Regent Kids offers activities and experiences inspired by the culture and heritage of Phu Quoc.

The season will also feature The Memory of Flowers, an exhibition by Vietnamese artist Pham Tuan Ngoc, on display at The Gallery from July to October 2026.

For more information, visit Regent Phu Quoc.

Trisara Phuket spotlights Southern Thai flavours with seasonal dining experiences

By TTG Asia

June 26, 2026

0

Trisara Phuket has introduced a series of culinary experiences centred on Southern Thai cuisine, local ingredients and seasonal produce.

A highlight is The Symphony of Southern Monsoon, available until September 30, 2026, at Thai Library. The limited-time menu draws on ingredients associated with the green season, including wild mushrooms, young tamarind leaves, mangosteen and young durian, sourced through local producers and farmer partnerships.

Guests can explore Thai and international labels through tasting experiences at Trisara Phuket’s Wine Cellar

The resort has also expanded its weekly dining programme, which includes the Phuket Street Food Feast at Thai Library, Spice Road Night and a Japanese chef’s table at Cielo & Spice, as well as a Sunday Brunch & Paint experience.

Guests can also visit Trisara’s Wine Cellar for guided tastings and masterclasses featuring Thai and international wines.

For travellers seeking a culinary-focused stay, the A Taste of Trisara package combines accommodation with dining experiences across the resort’s restaurants, including Thai Library, Cielo & Spice and beachside venue La Crique. The offer also includes breakfast, selected meals, airport transfers and access to wellness and recreational activities.

Available until October 31, 2026, the package is designed to showcase Phuket through its food culture, local ingredients and dining experiences.

For more information, visit Trisara Phuket.

Weaker rupiah weighs on Indonesia outbound travel demand

By Tiara Maharani

June 26, 2026

0

Indonesia’s outbound travel industry is bracing for softer demand as a weakening rupiah pushes up the cost of overseas travel, adding pressure to a market already facing high airfares and geopolitical uncertainty.

The rupiah has weakened in recent weeks, trading near its lowest level since the Asian financial crisis in 1998. The currency briefly touched 18,000 rupiah to the US dollar before easing to around 17,800 at press time.

Indonesian outbound travel companies are adjusting products and pricing as the weakening rupiah raises the cost of overseas holidays

While it may be too early to fully assess the impact, Helen Xu, CEO of Panorama JTB Tours Indonesia, said the weaker rupiah is already influencing booking behaviour as travellers become more cautious about committing to international trips.

Anton Thedy, managing director of TX Travel, described the market reaction as immediate.

“The market suddenly hit the brakes when the US dollar reached 17,500 rupiah, and when it touched 18,000, even if it was briefly, everything fell sharply,” he said.

According to Thedy, the slowdown is most visible in the mid-market segment. Tours priced above 30 million rupiah (US$1,685) continue to attract travellers, while demand for packages priced between 15 million and 30 million rupiah has weakened significantly.

Packages below 10 million rupiah continue to generate some interest, although overall booking volumes remain subdued, he added.

Travelux has reported a similar trend. According to Anton Sumarli, director of Travelux Travel Services and vice chairman of the Association of Indonesian Travel Agents (Astindo), enquiries that previously converted quickly into bookings have become harder to close as travellers adopt a more cautious approach.

“There is a lot of uncertainty at the moment, so people prefer to wait before making decisions,” Sumarli said.

He added that around 40 per cent of Travelux departures scheduled between May and July have been postponed until next year, while the remainder proceeded with itinerary or budget adjustments.

To manage the impact of currency fluctuations, tour operators are adapting their products to maintain affordability.

Panorama JTB Tours Indonesia is working with banking partners to lock in exchange rates ahead of the year-end travel season.

“We are also revising package prices and continuously adjusting product structures in preparation for the upcoming high season,” Xu said.

TX Travel has shortened selected itineraries, including some China tours from eight to 10 days to six days, and South Korea tours from seven days to five days.

“We have also introduced more flexible packages by removing some meal inclusions, allowing travellers to manage their own dining expenses and explore local culinary experiences independently,” Thedy said.

Travelux has adopted a similar approach, increasing the amount of free time within itineraries to reduce costs and improve flexibility. Some five-day tours now include up to two days of independent activities, compared with only a few hours previously.

“This helps make packages more affordable for travellers,” Sumarli said.

Despite the adjustments, industry players remain optimistic that demand remains intact.

“People still want to travel. They are just more selective about timing and how much they spend,” Sumarli said.

Thailand’s longevity ambition

By Anne Somanas

June 26, 2026

0

From your vantage point at the forefront of medical wellness, what are the most significant developments or shifting traveller demands that are fundamentally redefining Thailand’s wellness tourism landscape this year?
Thailand’s 2026 tourism strategy puts wellness and medical tourism at the heart of its Life Economy agenda, competing on value rather than volume.

We are seeing this translate into tangible infrastructure and positioning. Thailand is investing in upgraded health and wellness facilities, hosting major events such as global wellness summits, and promoting “healing journeys” that invite visitors to come for recovery, prevention, and regeneration rather than only leisure.

Across key destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, and Samui, wellness is now built into the core tourism proposition through integrated medical‑wellness centres, serious retreats, and data‑informed programmes, not just spa menus.

On the demand side, the biggest shift we see at VitalLife is “health prevention” – busy, high-spending travellers aged between 40 and 60 increasingly prefer tailored longevity plans and thorough health screenings over isolated wellness treatments.

How do you assess the current public-sector support, and where do you see the most effective synergies between Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) directives and private, science-backed providers like VitalLife?
Wellness and medical tourism sit squarely inside the Life Economy pillar, which gives our segment clear policy visibility and momentum.

We see this in initiatives such as dedicated health and wellness trade meets and campaigns built around “healing” and “premium wellness journeys”, which connect Thai providers with international buyers and reposition Thailand as a global wellness hub.

For providers like VitalLife, these platforms are powerful because the public sector handles destination storytelling, market diversification, and buyer access, while we contribute clinical credibility, measurable outcomes, and ready‑to‑book longevity programmes that convert interest into travel.

When branding, data, and product design are aligned between public and private sectors, we move closer to a seamless Wellness Hub Thailand ecosystem that offers both memorable trips and long‑term health benefits.

As VitalLife transitions into a comprehensive ‘Longevity Hub’, how is your footprint expanding within the international tourism market?
Over the past two years, we have repositioned into a front door for preventive and longevity medicine. We are seeing strong interest from high‑net‑worth guests – particularly from the Middle East, East Asia, and Indochina – who see VitalLife as a regional base for long‑term health planning.

In Bangkok, our renewed VitalLife centre serves as a dedicated longevity environment within a destination hospital.

In Phuket, VitalLife is now part of the island’s evolving wellness ecosystem, allowing travellers to pair resort stays with longevity assessments. The share of international and expatriate guests has risen to 65 per cent of all clients. Our fastest‑growing segments are regional Asia‑Pacific markets and affluent long‑stay guests.

As the wellness sector matures, we are seeing a fascinating convergence of traditional holistic therapies and highly advanced preventative medicine. What are some new products, programmes, or facility expansions across traditional and science-backed wellness concepts that are in Bumrungrad and VitalLife’s pipeline?
At Bumrungrad and VitalLife, we see the wellness sector moving beyond standalone check-ups into a true longevity ecosystem that blends advanced medicine with holistic care.

Programmatically, we combine Eastern and Western approaches – conventional diagnostics, genetic analysis, detoxification, nutrition planning, and lifestyle coaching – to prevent chronic disease and improve quality of life, all underpinned by Bumrungrad’s hospital‑grade infrastructure. Instead of generic packages, we emphasise “total personalisation”, using each client’s genetic profile, medical history, and lifestyle data to design tailored longevity plans.

AI is a core enabler of this model. In the hospital, tools like Lunit INSIGHT provide second‑opinion analyses for chest X-rays and mammograms, supporting earlier detection. We also introduced NEC’s FonesVisuas blood‑protein test, using AI to predict near‑term risks for dementia, heart attack, and chronic kidney disease. Our AI‑driven analysis turns raw test results into clear, personalised prevention recommendations – an inherently “agentic” care model. This is wrapped in minimalist spaces, merging a resort‑like ambience with the safety of a leading international hospital.

By uniting AI diagnostics, predictive risk tools, continuous personalisation, and hospitality‑style environments, we’re setting a new benchmark for what science‑backed, client‑centric wellness can look like.

In your view, what distinct business opportunities does the enhanced wellness infrastructure bring to Thailand’s tourism industry?
This advanced wellness ecosystem offers three distinct avenues for industry growth.

First and foremost is elevated visitor yield: by attracting travellers who book premium health programmes and return for ongoing care, Thailand can sustainably increase its tourism revenue without relying on the traditional metric of higher arrival numbers.

Second, it enables new, bookable products that blend healthcare and hospitality such as executive health check‑up holidays, structured recovery and reset stays, and long‑stay wellness or longevity programmes that combine Thai therapies with hospital‑grade care. These integrated products are easy for hotels, airlines, and tour operators to package and distribute.

Third, it underpins a broader ecosystem of investment and innovation. Enhanced infrastructure supports wellness resorts and residences as well as health‑tech, telemedicine, and AI‑enabled services, positioning Thailand not only as a place to visit, but as a base for one’s long‑term health journey especially for remote workers, retirees, and long‑stay guests who want a high‑quality, wellness‑centred lifestyle.

Finally, you have often spoken of and are a strong proponent of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Could you share where you see the greatest potential for collaboration between the medical and wellness sectors and the hospitality and travel industries?
The most effective synergies are where TAT’s narrative and our products are designed around the same guest journey – for example, longevity‑focused itineraries that bundle flights, hotels, and evidence‑based programmes, or recovery and reset packages tailored to resilient longhaul markets.

For hospitality, this means creating bookable packages together such as an executive longevity retreat that bundles a luxury stay, airport transfers, VitalLife diagnostics, personalised nutrition and movement, and structured virtual follow‑up so the guest experiences one integrated journey rather than separate bookings.

Over time, I believe integrated trip design, privacy‑respectful data sharing, and long‑stay or membership models that bundle accommodation with ongoing medical and wellness support will define the most valuable cross‑disciplinary collaborations for Thailand.

The Hari to open Singapore hotel in 2027

By TTG Asia

June 26, 2026

0

Harilela Hotels will expand its The Hari brand to Singapore with the opening of The Hari Singapore in spring 2027.

The new hotel will be created through the conversion of the Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre and will become the third property under The Hari brand, following openings in London and Hong Kong.

The Hari Singapore will occupy the former Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre and become the brand’s third property

Located at 11 Cavenagh Road, the hotel will feature 326 guestrooms, a rooftop pool, executive lounge, dining outlets, wellness facilities and a rotating art programme that has become a hallmark of the brand.

Interiors will be designed by British designer Tara Bernerd, whose work also features at The Hari London and The Hari Hong Kong.

The Hari London opened in 2016, followed by The Hari Hong Kong in 2020. Both properties are part of the Harilela Group, which was established in 1959 and remains family-owned.

The Harilela Group, through Harilela Hotels, owns 15 properties across Asia, Europe and the US.

Aron Harilela, founder of The Hari, said: “This hotel, like our sister properties in Belgravia and Wan Chai, will embody relaxed elegance punctuated by eccentricity, wit, culture and genuine heartfelt hospitality.

“Singapore is key to our ambition to evolve The Hari in major international destinations.”

AmaWaterways reveals details of new Danube flagship

By TTG Asia

June 26, 2026

0

AmaWaterways has released the first details and renderings of AmaRudi, a new double-width river cruise ship scheduled to debut on the Danube River in spring 2027.

The vessel will be the second ship built using the wider design first introduced with AmaMagna in 2019. Accommodating 196 guests in 98 staterooms and suites, AmaRudi will become one of the largest river cruise ships operating in Europe.

AmaRudi will offer 98 staterooms and suites, accommodating up to 196 guests on Danube itineraries

Named after AmaWaterways co-founder and chairman Rudi Schreiner, the ship will feature multiple dining venues, expanded wellness facilities and new entertainment spaces. Schreiner grew up near Austria’s Danube River, where the vessel will operate.

Dining options will include the main restaurant, The Chef’s Table speciality venue, al fresco dining areas and Rudi’s Wine Bar. Additional features include a Deck Club barbecue on the Sun Deck.

The ship’s wellness facilities will comprise treatment rooms, a fitness centre, beauty services and wellness programmes led by onboard hosts. Guests will also have access to a pickleball court on the Sun Deck.

AmaRudi will introduce a new entertainment venue featuring a cinema, karaoke, billiards and a jukebox.

As with other newbuilds in the fleet, sustainability features will include Stage V engines, solar panels, shore power connectivity, spud poles and lightweight construction materials designed to improve operational efficiency.

AmaRudi will operate a selection of AmaWaterways’ Danube itineraries when it enters service in 2027. Further details on accommodation categories, onboard experiences and bookings will be released at a later date.

Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and chairman of AmaWaterways, said: “AmaMagna changed what travellers believed was possible on a river cruise ship.

“We knew there would be a right time to revisit that concept, and with river cruising continuing to grow, that time is now.”

Hong Kong to host Hyrox World Championships in 2027

By TTG Asia

June 26, 2026

0

Hong Kong has been selected to host the 2027 Puma Hyrox World Championships, with the event scheduled to take place at AsiaWorld-Expo from June 10-13, 2027.

The championship will mark the first time the event is staged in the Asia-Pacific region and follows the rapid growth of Hyrox in Hong Kong since its regional debut in the city in 2022. The most recent Hong Kong event, held in May 2026, attracted nearly 20,000 participants, compared with fewer than 1,000 competitors at the inaugural race four years earlier.

The 2027 Puma Hyrox World Championships will be held at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong from June 10-13

Hyrox said only the top 0.5 per cent of athletes from its global community will qualify for the World Championships. The company recorded 1.5 million participants across 95 cities during the 2025-26 season and expects participation to exceed two million in the coming season.

The multi-day event combines elite competition with age-group racing and is expected to attract international competitors, supporters and visitors to Hong Kong.

According to Hyrox, the 2026 World Championships in Stockholm are projected to attract an audience of one million viewers worldwide, providing a platform for Hong Kong to showcase itself to an international audience when it hosts the event the following year.

Peter Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said: “(This) adds another world-class mega event to our city’s calendar and underscores Hong Kong’s standing as the Events Capital of Asia. We look forward to welcoming elite athletes and Hyrox fans from around the world to Hong Kong, where they can stay longer, explore more, and experience all that our vibrant and diverse city has to offer.”

Christian Toetzke, co-founder and CEO of Hyrox, said: “Hosting our 2027 season finale in Hong Kong is a historic step forward, demonstrating not only the growth of our sport in the Asia-Pacific region, but also our commitment to bringing world-class hybrid racing to new global hubs. We cannot wait to deliver an unforgettable experience in this vibrant city.”

Philippines eyes bigger share of global retirement market

Artotel Group introduces psychological tourism programme

Daimon Brewery plans luxury hospitality project in Osaka

Regent Phu Quoc rolls out seasonal dining and wellness experiences

Trisara Phuket spotlights Southern Thai flavours with seasonal dining experiences

Weaker rupiah weighs on Indonesia outbound travel demand

Thailand’s longevity ambition

The Hari to open Singapore hotel in 2027

AmaWaterways reveals details of new Danube flagship

Hong Kong to host Hyrox World Championships in 2027

Tried and Tested

JW Marriott Cam Ranh Resort & Spa

What to Buy Now

Regent Phu Quoc rolls out seasonal dining and wellness experiences