TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 27th January 2026
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Page 10

Piano Land supports Hong Kong cruise tourism with international call

By TTG Asia
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The cruise ship Piano Land has arrived in Hong Kong carrying about 1,700 passengers, marking the largest overseas inbound passenger group to date for Astro Ocean Cruise.

The vessel returned from Malaysia earlier this month after operating a dual-homeport programme, with itineraries calling at ports in Malaysia and Thailand. The current sailing brought passengers from Malaysia, Singapore and other South-east Asian markets to Hong Kong.

The cruise ship Piano Land arrived in Hong Kong carrying about 1,700 passengers from South-east Asia

Astro Ocean Cruise said the arrival represents a milestone for the company and for Hong Kong’s cruise sector, as Piano Land is the first Chinese-branded cruise ship to bring international passengers to the city in this capacity. The company also described the return as a sign of confidence in the development of cruise tourism in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

In 2026, Piano Land is scheduled to operate a new Hong Kong homeport season, offering itineraries of four, five, eight and 12 nights to destinations across South-east Asia. Planned ports of call include Brunei; Sihanoukville in Cambodia; Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia; Manila and Subic in the Philippines; and several Vietnamese ports including Chan May, Danang, Halong Bay, Nha Trang and Phu My.

Astro Ocean Cruise is a wholly owned subsidiary of China Cruises International and is headquartered in Hong Kong. Its flagship vessel, Piano Land, has a gross tonnage of about 70,000 tonnes, 13 decks and 880 cabins, with a maximum passenger capacity of 2,014. The ship was built by Meyer Werft in Germany.

Piano Land began operating from Hong Kong as a homeport in April 2025, offering regional itineraries across Asia. On November 29, 2025, it commenced homeport operations in Malaysia, becoming the first Chinese-branded cruise line to operate international homeport services.

Four Seasons Hong Kong ushers in Lunar New Year with stays, dining and wellness

By TTG Asia
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Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong marks Lunar New Year 2026 with a programme of accommodation, dining and wellness offerings centred on shared meals, seasonal traditions and time spent together.

Overlooking Victoria Harbour, the hotel presents experiences timed around the Year of the Horse, running from late January through February 2026.

A festive afternoon tea at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong forms part of the property’s Lunar New Year dining programme, served in The Lounge during the holiday period

The Joyful Lunar New Year Getaway is available for stays from February 1 to February 28, 2026, with a minimum two-night stay. Priced from HK$5,680 (US$726), the package includes daily breakfast for two at The Lounge or Gallery, alongside participation in Hong Kong’s Walk of Fortune tradition through a self-guided route created by the hotel. Guests also receive 15 per cent off spa treatments of 60 minutes or more on weekdays and a Four Seasons signature gift. Breakfast is complimentary for children aged five and under, with a 50 per cent reduction for those aged six to 12 at selected outlets.

Dining is a central focus of the Lunar New Year programme. Lung King Heen offers a selection of Lunar New Year puddings available for pre-order, including a new water chestnut pudding with candied citron. Returning options include coconut milk pudding, abalone and turnip pudding with conpoy, and taro pudding with black truffle and air-dried meat. A 15 per cent early booking saving applies to orders placed by January 17, 2026, with collection from February 9 to February 16, 2026.

From February 17 to February 26, 2026, Lung King Heen presents an eight-course Lunar New Year tasting menu at HK$2,380 per person, alongside a six-course set lunch at HK$1,280 per person. A wine pairing is available for an additional HK$1,000.

There are also offering for at-home gatherings designed for four people and requires 48 hours’ advance notice.

Wellness offerings include the 120-minute Lunar Renewal Ritual at The Spa, available from January 1 to February 28, 2026, priced at HK$3,600.

For more information, visit Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong.

Momentus Hotel Alexandra names new commercial director

By TTG Asia
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Momentus Hotel Alexandra has appointed Chantel Lim as director of commercial, with responsibility for sales, distribution and partnerships.

In the role, she will lead the hotel’s commercial strategy across corporate and leisure segments, focusing on account development, market expansion and revenue performance aligned with wider business objectives.

Lim has more than 20 years of experience in hospitality sales and business development across South-east Asia. Most recently, she held a senior commercial role at Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore, working across corporate and extended-stay segments. Her previous experience includes leadership roles with Hyatt, Pan Pacific Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa and InterContinental Hotels Group.

Four Seasons Maldives highlights family bonding and marine education across two resorts

By TTG Asia
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Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is placing family bonding and marine conservation at the centre of its programming across its Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru properties, as resorts in the Maldives increasingly position themselves for multi-generational travel.

Both resorts have developed structured activities that allow families to spend time together while engaging with the marine environment surrounding the islands. Programmes are designed to involve children and teenagers directly, while encouraging parents and grandparents to participate alongside them.

Marine education at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives includes learning about sea turtles and their role in the local ecosystem

Marine education is a key focus. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, the Junior Marine Savers programme for children aged eight to 12 introduces basic marine science through coral-frame building, reef monitoring, dolphin spotting and visits linked to turtle conservation. At Landaa Giraavaru, the Trainee Marine Biologist programme targets teenagers aged 13 to 18, offering hands-on involvement in research projects run by the resort’s Marine Discovery Centre, including manta ray identification, coral regeneration and biodiversity surveys.

Water-based activities are structured to support shared family participation. Both properties operate PADI five-star dive centres, with children able to join lagoon-based Bubblemaker sessions from the age of eight. Older family members can complete open water certification through a combination of pre-arrival learning and in-destination training, enabling families to dive together during their stay.

At Kuda Huraa, surfing programmes provide another shared activity, with lessons available for beginners and clinics for more experienced surfers. Lower-intensity options such as kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing offer alternatives for families seeking slower-paced experiences.

Beyond the water, both resorts offer tennis coaching, while Landaa Giraavaru also features padel courts. Families can also charter private yachts for snorkelling trips, dolphin encounters, sandbank picnics and sunset cruises, with itineraries adapted to different age groups.

Accommodation is configured to support extended family stays, with multi-bedroom villas and estates offering shared living spaces alongside private areas. Butler service and flexible dining arrangements are designed to accommodate family routines.

Wellness activities are incorporated into daily resort life rather than formal programmes, with options such as yoga, breathing sessions and ocean swims available for adults, while younger guests spend time outdoors.

Across both properties, the approach reflects a broader shift towards travel experiences that prioritise time spent together and environmental awareness, positioning the Maldives as a destination for family travel focused on connection and learning rather than short-term leisure.

Tokyo unveils new website to promote food tourism

By TTG Asia
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The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched a new website, Go Tokyo Gourmet, aimed at promoting the city’s food culture to domestic and international visitors.

The website features articles and videos introducing Tokyo’s culinary landscape, covering both established cuisine and everyday food culture. The government said the platform is intended to deepen interest in Tokyo’s food scene and encourage visitors to experience it first-hand.

Chefs and food specialists, including Tokyo Tourism Ambassadors, contribute insights to the Go Tokyo Gourmet website to highlight the depth of the city’s food culture

Tokyo’s culinary offering is presented through a wide range of themes, from dishes that developed during the Edo period, including sushi, tempura, eel and soba, to contemporary cuisine shaped by global influences. The site also highlights locally sourced ingredients and the role of chefs and food professionals in shaping the capital’s dining scene.

Perspectives from chefs appointed as Tokyo Tourism Ambassadors, along with chefs active in Tokyo, food specialists and other industry figures, are also featured. Their contributions are used to explore the background, techniques and ideas behind Tokyo’s food culture.

In addition to restaurant-focused content, the website examines the historical development of Tokyo’s cuisine, tracing its evolution from the Edo period to the present day. Topics include food-related traditions, dining customs, everyday meals enjoyed by residents and emerging themes such as sustainability and dietary diversity.

Sections aimed at travellers focus on food experiences commonly associated with visits to Tokyo, including ramen, rice balls, convenience store meals and vending machine culture. The site also provides information on vegan, halal and gluten-free dining options, as well as guidance on Japanese dining manners, services and restaurant reservation platforms.

The website includes details of food-related events in Tokyo and practical information to help visitors navigate the city’s dining scene. Content is available in Japanese and English.

Go Tokyo Gourmet was launched on December 18, 2025, and is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Updates related to Tokyo’s food attractions will also be shared through official social media channels on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

Crown Resorts adopts Canary guest technology across Australian properties

By TTG Asia
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Crown Resorts has selected Canary Technologies to provide guest-facing digital tools across its properties in Australia, as part of efforts to modernise the guest experience.

The roll-out will include Canary’s mobile check-in, AI-powered guest messaging, digital compendium, dynamic upsells and smart checkout. The tools are designed to allow guests to access services and information on their own mobile devices without the need to download an app.

Crown Resorts is rolling out Canary Technologies’ guest-facing digital tools across its Australian properties to support mobile-enabled services; Crown Perth, pictured

Crown said the technology will enable guests to check in and out digitally, communicate with staff through messaging functions, access resort information and receive upgrade or add-on offers during their stay. The systems are intended to streamline operations while reducing friction for guests and staff.

Canary Technologies provides a guest management platform that digitises touchpoints from booking to checkout. The company’s platform is used by more than 20,000 hotels in over 100 countries, including major international hotel groups.

Daniel Mourad, general manager for Asia Pacific at Canary Technologies, said: “We’re excited to partner with Crown Resorts, a brand synonymous with luxury and innovation. With Canary, Crown is setting a new benchmark for elevating the experience with guest-facing tech and further enhancing the elite level of service they’re known for.”

Nicole Pelchen, chief technology officer at Crown Resorts, added: “At Crown, we’re constantly evolving to match the expectations of today’s luxury traveller. Canary’s solutions allow us to digitise key touchpoints across the stay without losing the warmth and personalisation our guests value. From Mobile Check-In to Smart Checkout, we’re delivering a modern experience at every step.”

SkyBoss premium fare returns on Vietjet’s Singapore-Vietnam flights

By TTG Asia
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Vietjet has reinstated its SkyBoss premium fare on selected international services, including routes between Singapore and Vietnam, as part of efforts to cater to passengers seeking added comfort and priority services.

The SkyBoss fare is available on flights linking Singapore with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Phu Quoc. It applies across Vietjet’s international network to and from Vietnam.

Vietjet’s SkyBoss fare includes priority check-in, lounge access and upgraded in-flight meals on selected routes

Passengers travelling on the SkyBoss fare receive priority services at the airport, including dedicated check-in, boarding and access to premium lounges where available. The fare also includes increased baggage allowances, with up to 10kg of carry-on luggage and up to 30kg of checked baggage, as well as the carriage of one golf club set.

On board, SkyBoss passengers are offered unlimited hot meals and beverages. Meal options include Vietnamese dishes such as pho and banh mi, as well as drinks including Vietnamese coffee and matcha latte.

Vietjet said the fare is positioned for both business and leisure travellers and is designed to provide a more streamlined journey from departure to arrival.

The airline operates four direct routes between Singapore and Vietnam, supporting frequent travel between the two markets for business, tourism and visiting friends and relatives.

SkyBoss fares on Singapore-Vietnam routes start from S$210 (US$155) one way, including taxes and fees, with prices varying by route and travel period.

New hotels: Mövenpick Resort & Spa Bintan Lagoon, AC Hotel by Marriott Puchong and more

By TTG Asia
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Mövenpick Resort & Spa Bintan Lagoon

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Bintan Lagoon, Indonesia
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Bintan Lagoon is scheduled to open in 1Q2026 on Bintan’s northern coast, a short ferry journey from Singapore. The beachfront resort is set along the island’s longest private beach, with access to two nearby championship golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Ian Baker-Finch.

The resort will boast 420 rooms and suites, including premium terrace rooms with ocean views. Facilities are planned to include six dining venues, a spa, beach club, multiple swimming pools, children’s splash areas, sports courts, playrooms and a recreation village. Events space will total 2,000m², including a grand ballroom of 900m² and additional function rooms.

AC Hotel by Marriott Puchong

AC Hotel by Marriott Puchong, Malaysia
AC Hotel by Marriott Puchong has opened in Bandar Puchong Jaya, close to the IOI Puchong Jaya LRT station and with access to the LDP. The hotel is near IOI Boulevard, Skypod Square, IOI Mall and the Puchong Financial Corporate Centre, with Sunway Lagoon, Putrajaya International Convention Centre and Kuala Lumpur City Centre a short drive away.

The hotel has 180 rooms, including deluxe rooms, junior suites and suites, with open layouts, workspaces, high-speed internet access and USB charging points. Facilities include the AC Lounge, AC Kitchen with live cooking stations, 695m² of event space, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a prayer room.

Four Points by Sheraton Amritsar, Mall Road

Four Points by Sheraton Amritsar, Mall Road, India
Four Points by Sheraton Amritsar, Mall Road has launched as a dual-branded complex with Marriott Executive Apartments Amritsar in the city centre. The property is 11 km from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport and 2.3 km from Amritsar Junction railway station, with the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, the Partition Museum and Durgiana Temple all a short drive away.

Four Points by Sheraton Amritsar, Mall Road features 124 rooms overlooking Mall Road, with workspaces, USB charging points and Wi-Fi, while Marriott Executive Apartments Amritsar offers 59 apartments, including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts with separate living, dining and sleeping areas and kitchenettes.

Shared facilities include all-day dining at Kitchen 1574, a Pan-Asian restaurant, a bar, lobby lounge, outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre. Event facilities span around 1,201m², including a pillarless ballroom of approximately 557m².

The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto

The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, Japan
The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto is scheduled to open on March 5, 2026, in the Gion district of Kyoto. The hotel occupies part of the Yasaka Kaikan, a registered Tangible Cultural Property, within the grounds of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo. Located amid historic streets and close to temples, traditional theatres and cultural landmarks, the property places guests at the centre of one of Kyoto’s best-known districts.

The hotel has 55 rooms across three areas: the Main Building Heritage, the Main Building and the North Wing. Accommodation ranges from premier rooms to suites, with designs incorporating preserved architectural elements, city and mountain views, and, in the North Wing, tatami flooring. Facilities include restaurants and a bar, a spa, swimming pool and fitness centre.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises brings back suite upgrades for 2026 voyages

By TTG Asia
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises has relaunched its Upgrade Your Horizon offer, giving travellers booking selected voyages the option of a complimentary two-category suite upgrade, up to a Penthouse Suite, alongside a reduced deposit of 7.5 per cent.

The promotion applies to new bookings made by February 28, 2026, on selected sailings from 2026 onwards, covering itineraries scheduled for 2026, 2027 and 2028.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary two-category suite upgrade on selected voyages; the Grandeur Suite aboard Seven Seas Grandeur, pictured

The offer is available across a wide range of destinations, including Alaska, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America and the South Pacific. Eligible guests benefit from enhanced onboard inclusions linked to their upgraded suite category, such as a complimentary one-night pre-cruise hotel stay for Concierge Suites and butler service for Penthouse Suites.

Among the voyages available under the promotion is a 12-night round-trip sailing from Miami aboard Seven Seas Grandeur, departing March 26, 2026, which includes an extended stay in Bermuda and calls in Norfolk, Charleston and Nassau. A 17-night Northern Pacific journey aboard Seven Seas Explorer departs Tokyo on May 3, 2026, crossing the International Date Line before continuing through Japan and Alaska to Vancouver.

Other highlighted itineraries include a 20-night sailing from Doha to Cape Town aboard Seven Seas Navigator on May 22, 2026, an 11-night European itinerary from Amsterdam to Barcelona aboard Seven Seas Mariner on September 7, 2026, and a 10-night autumn voyage from New York to Montréal aboard Seven Seas Splendor on October 20, 2026. A shorter seven-night Adriatic and Mediterranean sailing aboard Seven Seas Voyager departs Trieste on November 10, 2026, ending in Athens.

For more information, visit Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Khiri Travel achieves group-wide GSTC certification in Asia

By TTG Asia
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Asian DMC Khiri Travel has received the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification across all destinations where it operates, covering eight countries in Asia.

The certification applies to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Khiri Travel was officially certified on December 18, 2025.

Niemeijer: Khiri is walking the talk on making tourism a force for social and environmental good

The assessment was carried out by Control Union, a GSTC-accredited certification body. The audit reviewed Khiri Travel’s office practices and field operations, and included interviews with local partners and suppliers across its operating markets.

In addition to the company-wide certification, 14 Khiri Travel staff members earned the person-based GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism in 2025. The group included “Green Team” representatives from all eight countries where the company operates. The staff training formed part of Khiri Travel’s stated goal to become a fully GSTC-certified DMC by the end of 2025, which it has now achieved.

The certification adds to a year of industry recognition for Khiri Travel. In 2025, the company was named Destination Management Company of the Year at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards and received an Outstanding Achievement Award for Most Sustainable Travel Company at the TTG Travel Awards.

The GSTC pointed out: “Being certified by an Accredited Certification Body means that your tourism product or service complies with the highest social and environmental standards on the market.

“With an accredited certification, customers and buyers are assured that the business was certified in a credibly verified procedure in a transparent, impartial, and competent manner.”

Sukhum Jarangdej, sustainability coordinator at Khiri Core, said: “As a DMC, ensuring that all partners share Khiri’s commitment to sustainability is a challenge. Achieving certification shows that Khiri’s network of partners and suppliers are aligned with the company’s vision for responsible travel.”

Willem Niemeijer, chief executive and founder of Khiri Travel, added: “Certification shows that Khiri is walking the talk on making tourism a force for social and environmental good. It is proof of our commitment to upholding the four Cs of regenerative travel as defined by The Long Run: conservation, community, culture and commerce.”

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