JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa has appointed Kashmira Sahu as director of operations, who will oversee all hotel functions and key operational departments.
She most recently held senior leadership roles including director of rooms, with experience across Marriott International, Indian Hotels Company and The Leela Palaces and Resorts.
With nearly two decades in luxury hospitality, she brings expertise in operational efficiency, revenue performance and guest services.
CrescentRating (CR), which provides Muslim-friendly travel ratings and accreditation services, has revamped its Muslim Travel Intent Tracker (MTIT) to deliver more detailed data.
Launched in 2021 to track post-pandemic recovery, the MTIT now addresses emerging market challenges, CEO Fazal Bahardeen told TTG Asia.
“In rapidly changing conditions, intent serves as an early warning signal. In response, we have fully revamped the MTIT, offering stakeholders a more comprehensive set of data and insights to support improved planning during these highly uncertain times.
“Tracking this score monthly during the current disruption gives a more accurate perspective than retrospective arrivals reports.”
Fazal noted that travel intent in April “definitely dropped”, although intent for travel within one to three months has risen slightly, possibly reflecting optimism that the Middle East conflict will ease.
He added that the four- to six-month outlook remains “pretty stable”, with “no change” in the seven- to 12-month timeframe.
“In volatile markets, timing shifts often signal whether travellers are advancing, delaying, or cancelling trips.
“Destination signals indicate where Muslim travellers intend to travel in the near future. As demand responds to disruptions, these signals reveal early shifts as travellers choose destinations perceived as safer.”
Fazal also highlighted the importance of calendar factors in Muslim travel patterns.
“Calendar context is often overlooked by global travel intelligence tools. Ramadan shifts 10 to 11 days earlier each year, while Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha reshape travel patterns in ways generic holiday overlays do not capture.
“Hajj season also compresses GCC outbound travel windows, and the MTIT dashboard reflects these factors in travel intent.”
For destinations and national tourism organisations, the MTIT helps answer whether Muslim travel intent towards a market is strengthening or weakening, and over what timeframe. With current intent data, this becomes actionable, Fazal stated.
For hotels, intent timing can guide inventory decisions. If the one- to three-month window is weaker than last year but six- to 12-month intent remains steady, planning requirements differ.
Fazal said: “Revenue teams that identify these shifts early can adjust pricing, staffing, and Muslim-friendly service offerings appropriately.
“For operators, OTAs and aggregators, MTIT destination signals show where demand is shifting in near real time. Travellers who previously chose GCC destinations this quarter may now consider alternatives.
“For decision makers, monthly intent is a clear leading indicator of how visa policies, security perceptions, and entry requirements affect competitiveness. During and after disruptions, it also reveals whether traveller confidence is returning.”
Tiket.com, Indonesia’s major OTA, has partnered with Artotel Group and Rumah Atsiri Indonesia through its Tiket Green movement to develop more sustainable travel experiences.
Tiket Green is a sustainability-focused initiative that promotes eco-conscious travel by identifying and supporting tourism partners that implement environmentally and socially responsible practices.
The collaboration reflects Tiket.com’s ongoing efforts to support the adoption of sustainable tourism in Indonesia. It also marks a new phase for Tiket Green, with a focus on “accommodation with experience”. Moving beyond traditional lodging, the initiative prioritises journeys that deliver measurable environmental and community benefits, while offering travellers more meaningful stays.
Speaking at the partnership media conference, Gaery Undarsa, co-founder and chief marketing officer of Tiket.com, said growing awareness of eco-conscious travel is shaping more purpose-driven travel behaviour.
Citing the Tiket Travel Industry Outlook 2026, Gaery said 63 per cent of travellers are familiar with sustainable travel concepts, while 67 per cent have previously stayed in eco-friendly accommodation.
Motivations include contributing to the environment (69 per cent), supporting local communities (49 per cent), and seeking more meaningful experiences (41 per cent). These findings indicate that sustainable travel is becoming a value-based preference rather than a passing trend.
Gaery added: “Tiket continues to expand Tiket Green, which as of 2025 has featured over 8,000 sustainable accommodation options across Indonesia and South-east Asia. Through this movement, we aim to strengthen our role in driving the industry’s transformation toward more responsible tourism.”
The partnership with Artotel Group and Rumah Atsiri Indonesia forms part of a broader strategy to build a sustainable tourism ecosystem.
Artotel Group represents a large hotel network with potential for scaled sustainability practices. It has received certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), with around 40 per cent of its portfolio having updated sustainability programmes as part of a long-term commitment.
Eduard Rudolf Pangkerego, chief operating officer of Artotel Group, said: “As part of the hospitality industry, we view sustainability as a long-term commitment that must be implemented consistently across our network. Through various ESG initiatives, we strive to deliver more responsible operational practices while ensuring the stay experience remains comfortable and relevant for guests.”
Rumah Atsiri Indonesia is an “edu-recreation” and wellness destination located on the slopes of Mount Lawu in Central Java. It is recognised for its focus on essential oils and aromatic plants, and for its role in regenerative tourism.
The organisation integrates experience, education, and community empowerment, allowing visitors to observe and engage with sustainable practices.
Natasha Clairine, director and founder of Rumah Atsiri Indonesia, shared: “Sustainability shouldn’t stop at operational practices; it needs to be presented as a direct experience. By integrating education, exploration, and community empowerment, we want to provide experiences that are not only meaningful for visitors but also provide a real impact for the environment and society.”
Visa is extending its experience-led travel programme, Visa Destinations, into Asia-Pacific, with Thailand as the first market and Singapore expected to follow in 2026.
The programme connects cardholders to curated, destination-led experiences shaped by local culture, craft and community. It is designed to support travellers in planning trips around specific interests, with access to selected hospitality, dining, entertainment and transport partners.
Currently available in cities including Paris, London and Dubai, the platform is continuing its global rollout, with additional destinations such as New York, San Francisco, Miami, Mexico City, Toronto, Italy and Singapore expected to be added.
Travel remains a significant spending category across Asia-Pacific, with VisaNet data indicating nearly US$180 billion in travel spend, accounting for more than 17 per cent of total Visa card transactions in the region.
At the same time, travel patterns are shifting, with shorter-haul and intra-regional trips gaining traction amid changing cost and connectivity dynamics.
Destinations that offer strong transport links alongside a diverse mix of experiences are seeing increased demand. Thailand has been selected as the regional starting point for the programme, reflecting its established position as a well-connected travel hub with a wide range of cultural and lifestyle offerings.
The platform provides access to curated experiences across hospitality, dining, wellness, shopping, entertainment and transport, supported by a digital interface for browsing and booking. In Thailand, this includes location-based cultural experiences such as the Songwat Experience in Bangkok, highlighting heritage architecture, local food culture and emerging creative communities.
Additional features include partnerships with local and regional merchants, digital booking functionality and tailored benefits for Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cardholders.
“Across Asia-Pacific, travel is becoming more experiential, with travellers looking to make each trip count,” said T R Ramachandran, head of products and solutions, Visa Asia Pacific. “We’re seeing more travellers spend more time in destinations closer to home, choosing experiences that are deeper and more authentic, reflecting their personal passion points, beliefs, and values. Thailand reflects this shift and is a natural starting point for Visa Destinations in this region.
“Through Visa Destinations, we’re connecting cardholders to experiences shaped by each destination.”
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Yash Hotels & Resorts to develop Holiday Inn Resort Alwar, with opening scheduled for the first quarter of 2030.
The project marks IHG’s entry into Alwar and adds to its resort portfolio in India, as the company expands into leisure and emerging destinations.
The 150-key property will be located in Alwar, known as the gateway to Rajasthan, and set within the Aravalli hills. The site is within reach of Delhi NCR, Jaipur and the Sariska Tiger Reserve, areas that support visitor demand. The hotel is intended to serve leisure travellers, weddings and corporate groups.
Facilities are expected to include multiple dining venues, meeting and event spaces, and resort-style amenities.
Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts is positioned within IHG’s midscale segment, with a focus on consistent service across locations. The brand targets a mix of leisure and business travel, including group stays and social events.
Alwar has seen increased interest as a shorthaul destination due to its location near major urban centres and access to natural and heritage sites. The development reflects wider growth in resort projects across secondary cities in India.
“This signing reflects our confidence in the long-term potential of emerging markets such as Alwar. With its scenic setting and the strength of the Holiday Inn Resort brand, the hotel will be well positioned to meet the evolving needs of travellers,” said Sudeep Jain, managing director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
“The city’s proximity to key markets such as Delhi NCR and Jaipur, combined with its natural beauty and cultural heritage, makes it an ideal destination for hospitality development. We are confident the resort will become a preferred choice for weddings, events, and leisure stays,” added Mukesh Gulati, managing partner, Yash Hotels & Resorts.
Certification has been touted as something that enhances the reputation of a travel company and also boost the likelihood of getting more business. That is largely true. However, it can turn out to be a time consuming exercise and one that increases costs if you do not know why you are doing it.
We will benefit so much more when we can appreciate the reasons for the specific approaches to getting things done and not merely just doing them because the criteria says so. There are technical reasons why certain specific initiatives and practices are recommended. And if you do not understand why certain things ought to be done and done in a certain style, sustainability certification will always be seen as something separate from the business. Employees who are seemingly in charge of those initiatives will burn out and leave.
One of the reasons why you ought to be doing certain things is so that you establish a network of suppliers, potential clients and partners; these stakeholders can very well be your advertising channels if you know why the criteria states that your business should ensure economic benefits are experienced by local communities. And the relationship between them and your business gets stronger when the way you create economic opportunities are done in a manner that promotes equity.
Second reason for understanding why you are doing things is because a few things you do in the process of obtaining and then maintaining the certification is to build trust with potential customers. Now, the reason for doing things in certain ways is that trust can be better built through clarity. When you understand better the reason for the approach taken, your suppliers buy in to the project better as they can see that the approach makes sense to their business as well.
Lastly, when you understand why you do the many things needed, you are often able to identify ways of reducing costs to certain aspects of your operations. For example, when you understand the need to revise your itinerary to reduce unnecessary energy usage, you will likely be able to identify ways to cut down on other things in your tour operations that use energy.
When you understand the reasons why your tours should encourage travellers to get involved in activities that will help revive the mangrove population in an area, you are able to understand how to create new tours that combine doing good and making money.
Certification as a sales tool works when it is linked to buyer needs
Certification reduces risk for corporate clients, wholesalers, and destination partners, and it can build trust with consumers. However, it works best when travel agents and tour operators translate the standard into clear customer promises: low-carbon options, responsible supplier choices, and transparent policies. In your marketing, explain what the label means in plain language on product pages and proposals, so buyers can quickly see why it matters.
Turn certification requirements into operational upgrades
Connect the standard to real changes in delivery: smarter itineraries with fewer transfers and more shared transport, stronger supplier screening, waste and water controls, staff training, and basic crisis readiness. These upgrades improve reliability and guest experience, which lifts reviews and repeat bookings. In practice, customers respond more to smoother journeys and clearer proof than to a logo alone.
Measure business impact and keep it simple
Track a small set of before-and-after indicators: conversion rate, average booking value, repeat customers, corporate enquiries, and supplier acceptance. Support this with a light evidence routine (templates, checklists, and a quarterly review) so certification becomes a system for continuous improvement and credible marketing proof, rather than a one-time badge.
Dream Cruises has marked its 10th year with a themed sailing aboard Genting Dream, featuring chef Tommie Lee, also known as “Chef French Papa” from Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars.
The two-night cruise from Singapore to Melaka included a guest session with the chef, where he shared insights into his culinary approach and career. The programme formed part of a wider line-up of anniversary activities focused on dining and onboard experiences.
A key feature was a multi-course French menu curated by chef Lee, paired with Veuve Clicquot champagne. Dishes included escargot vol-au-vent, bouillabaisse, slow-roasted veal tenderloin with foie gras, and a chocolate mousse dessert.
Following the event sailing, the same menu will be available at Bistro Restaurant on Genting Dream from May 3 to July 3, 2026. Pricing starts from S$90 (US$66) per person, or S$132 with wine pairing.
The collaboration is part of ongoing plans to introduce more themed dining and partnerships across its fleet during its anniversary year.
For more information, visit StarDream Cruises.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) lifted all flight restrictions over the weekend, allowing air traffic to resume as normal following the start of the US-Israel-Iran war.
In a post on X, the GCAA said the decision came after “a comprehensive assessment of operational and security conditions, in coordination with the relevant authorities”.
“We reaffirm our commitment to ongoing real-time monitoring to ensure the achievement of the highest levels of aviation safety for all,” the GCAA stated in its post.
The resumption of air traffic over the UAE allows key regional hubs, including Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, which were affected by drone attacks in the early stages of the conflict, to return to full operations.
Dubai International Airport was ranked 15th among the world’s busiest airports in the OAG Megahubs 2025 study, serving 46,104 connections to 280 destinations worldwide.
Zayed International Airport has capacity for 45 million passengers and handled 32.5 million passengers in 2025.
OAG’s late-April 2026 analysis of the Middle East conflict’s impact on airline capacity found that capacity in May was down 34.7 per cent compared with the February baseline, with more than one-third of planned capacity no longer in service.
However, aviation analysts say it is too early to determine the impact of the reopening on Middle Eastern travel and transit performance.
Independent analyst Brendan Sobie said the immediate effect is the resumption of operations among Gulf airlines. Many “have already resumed a high portion of flights and are aggressively selling transit” before the GCAA’s May 2 announcement. He expects these carriers to “continue to add capacity and sell aggressively regardless of high oil prices”.
At the same time, some foreign airlines have also resumed flights to the UAE ahead of the lifting of restrictions.
Sobie noted that assessing the relationship between open UAE airspace and a full recovery in longhaul transit traffic will depend on consumer sentiment.
He stated that the trinity of available flight capacity, lack of airspace restrictions, and access to cheap fares would not automatically fill seats.
“In fact, so far a high portion of seats aren’t filled,” he said, adding that more time is needed to determine whether reopening UAE airspace will support longhaul demand via the Middle East.
OAG Aviation’s Asia-Pacific commercial and industry affairs lead, Mayur Patel, is similarly cautious.
He told TTG Asia that with the lifting of restrictions on May 2, “the path to full operations is now clear, though complete restoration will take weeks rather than days as carriers work through operational recalibration”.
Patel expects leisure and VFR traffic to rebound quickly, particularly as the northern summer peak season approaches.
He advised that attention should be on airlines’ load factor recovery rather than schedule restoration, “as seats are likely to return faster than bookings on secondary routes where traveller confidence takes longer to rebuild”.
He added: “Critically, the pace of that confidence rebuild will also depend on government travel advisories issued by key source markets including Australia, the UK, and the US being downgraded or lifted, as these directly influence both corporate travel policies and leisure booking behaviour.
“Notwithstanding any further deterioration in regional security conditions, which remain a live risk given the ceasefire has yet to produce a durable political resolution, the overall trajectory points toward a meaningful recovery in Middle East transit demand through the second half of 2026.”
Update, May 6: The GCAA has again imposed restrictions on certain routes and activated emergency security protocols on May 5 following fresh rounds of missile and drone attacks. These restrictions will last till at least May 11.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts has expanded its global portfolio with 20 properties between January 1 and March 31, 2026, extending its network across destinations including Indonesia, France, Austria and Brazil.
The additions range from an all-villa property in Bali to a restored 19th-century hotel in France and a wellness lodge in Zanzibar. The group said the new members reflect a mix of resort, urban and nature-based stays.
In Bali, Ametis Villa Bali in Canggu offers 14 private villas with gardens and pools, alongside wellness treatments and dining options. In France, Boscolo Hotel Lyon and Spa is located in the Presqu’île district, with 132 rooms in a building dating to the 1890s. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and wellness area.
In Zanzibar, ENVI Paje is scheduled to open in June with 22 villas on Paje Beach, focused on wellness and environmental practices. In Austria, Loewen Hotel Montafon in Schruns has 102 rooms and offers year-round mountain activities, with a spa and indoor and outdoor pools.
In Brazil, NANNAI Muro Alto in Porto de Galinhas includes 137 apartments, villas and bungalows, with dining and leisure facilities. In the US, Tumbling River Ranch in Colorado is a 9.3-hectare property with 21 cabins and a range of outdoor activities.
Additional properties added during the period include Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles, Gran Hotel Claridge Granada in Spain, Grand Hôtel Soleil d’Or in Megève, Hotel Peralada in Spain, Last Word Makanyane in South Africa, Lion in the Sun Boutique Hotel & Spa in Kenya, Lucero Residences Golf & Wellness Resort in Panama, Mongibello Ibiza in Spain, NANNAI Noronha in Brazil, Romègas Hotel in Malta, The Muse New York, The Tides Inn in Virginia, Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa Los Cabos in Mexico, and Vinarosa Resort & Spa in California. Some are scheduled to open later in 2026.
Many of the new members take part in the I Prefer Hotel Rewards programme, which has more than six million members globally and allows points to be redeemed for stays and other benefits.
Sands China has introduced the second phase of its Community Revitalization Programme for Rua das Estalagens, with a focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and strengthening activity in one of Macao’s historic areas.
The programme includes two initiatives: an Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme to attract new businesses to the street, and a Shop Rebranding Programme aimed at existing operators. Both are intended to improve business performance and contribute to the district’s ongoing development.
Rua das Estalagens forms part of Macao’s wider revitalisation plan launched in 2023. Sands China began its first recruitment programme in April 2024, selecting seven businesses from 128 applications across sectors including retail and food and beverage. The initiative has been in operation for two years.
The new recruitment phase invites local entrepreneurs to submit proposals aligned with the district’s development strategy. Applicants must commit a minimum initial investment of 300,000 patacas (US$37,500), with selected projects eligible for subsidies of up to one million patacas, based on assessment criteria including business concept and market potential.
The Shop Rebranding Programme targets businesses already operating on the street, with a minimum required investment of 50,000 patacas. Selected participants may receive support of up to 500,000 patacas. The programme covers areas such as brand image, product packaging and storefront improvements.
Sands China has also supported participating businesses through events and promotions, including food festivals and retail initiatives linked to larger events such as the Sands China Macao International 10K and the Sands Shopping Carnival.
Applications for the latest phase are open until June 30, with supporting activities including briefing sessions, training courses and site visits scheduled in May and June.
“Launched in 2024, the first edition of the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme 2.0 for Rua das Estalagens not only captured the attention of local young entrepreneurs, but also successfully helped put a series of creative business plans into action. This encouraging result has infused Rua das Estalagens with new commercial vision and vitality. These initiatives are highly aligned with the Macao SAR government’s vision of supporting the high-standard development of local SMEs and boosting community economic development,” said Yau Yun Wah, director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macao SAR government.
Sands China executive vice chairman Wilfred Wong added: “This initiative seeks to recruit a new cohort of SMEs to start businesses on the historic street, providing a platform for Macao entrepreneurs to flourish while further re-energising the district’s cultural, tourism, and economic vitality. Additionally, through our inaugural Shop Rebranding Programme, we aim to help the street’s existing businesses optimise and upgrade their brands, ensuring the sustainable development of Macao’s revitalised districts.”
