TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 3rd February 2026
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Page 106

Bali’s tourism levy collection in 2024 exceeds expectations, money being put to good use

By Mimi Hudoyo
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The Bali provincial government has collected 318 billion rupiah (US$19.2 million) in 2024 through the Foreign Tourism Levy (PWA), which is paid by arriving travellers via the We Love Bali app or at designated counters at the airport. The collection had surpassed the target of 250 billion rupiah.

According to Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, head of marketing, Bali Provincial Tourism Office, the money collected in 2024 is being used this year “on protecting the environment; improving Bali’s waste management — collecting, processing and disposal systems, such as at Suwung landfill; and preserving Balinese culture (by supporting traditional performances) such as at the annual Bali Art Festival and funding artists communities”.

Bali’s Foreign Tourism Levy is being used on programmes that conserve the environment, improve waste management, and preserve local culture

Encouraged by the success of the PWA in 2024, the government now aims to collect 325 billion rupiah this year – 30 per cent more than the 2024 goal.

Bali governor Wayan Koster told the media that the 2025 PWA funds would be used to finance the development of Balinese culture and a healthy environmental ecosystem that will lead to quality tourism. He explained that money would be allocated to various programmes, including those that groom traditional villages for tourism. Each village would receive 300 million rupiah in financial support, while funding will also be provided to the Council of Traditional Villages.

To optimise PWA collection, Koster has formed the PWA Monitoring and Implementation Team, with Putu Winastra, chairman of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies Bali Chapter, standing as coordinator.

Speaking at a press conference at the recent Bali and Beyond Travel Fair 2025, Putu said his team would tackle three major issues: the lack of payment control, the lack of accurate, real-time data of tourist arrivals to Bali, and the need for transparency in the programmes funded by PWA.

He shared that the Bali government is discussing with the central government on having a third party entity to collect the tourism levy.

“We’ve recommended that the regional government form agreements with airport and immigration authorities (to facilitate) a system (to share) real-time data on arrivals to Bali, allowing us to monitor payments and apply sanctions on those who fail to pay,” he added.

He added that transparency in the use of the PWA would allow travellers to clearly see how their contributions are being utilised.

Frasers’ investment in Japan bears fruit; Yotel Tokyo Ginza opens

By Kathryn Wortley
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Frasers Hospitality has completed its first ground-up investment and development project in Japan with the official opening of Yotel Tokyo Ginza.

Situated in the upscale shopping, dining and entertainment district of Ginza, yet in close proximity to the business areas of Shimbashi and Shiodome, the new hotel is the Yotel brand’s first property in the country. With 244 keys, it features a fitness centre, a robotic concierge, motorised “smart beds,” digital check-in and check-out facilities, and a bar-restaurant called Komyuniti that acts as a social hub and co-working space.

Yotel Tokyo Ginza opens this month, marks Frasers Hospitality’s first ground-up investment and development project in Japan

The property marked its official opening in June with a party for some 200 guests featuring a taiko drum performance, a kagami biraki (sake barrel breaking ceremony), a DJ party, and F&B that included signature drinks and “global bites”. Guests were given Yotel-branded passports and invited to inspect the rooms via a series of interactive experiences, including arcade games and hand massages, all under the theme of Yotel to the World: Non-Stop.

Eu Chin Fen, CEO of Frasers Hospitality, said the hotel’s opening underscores Frasers Hospitality’s “commitment to deepening our hospitality investments in existing markets while optimising our portfolio for sustained performance”, adding that the company’s collaboration with Yotel “is well-positioned to set a new benchmark in Japan”.

Jason Leong, chief investment officer at Frasers Hospitality, told TTG Asia that the development is the culmination of the right time, right location, and right brand.

“We’ve been looking at Japan for a very long time,” Leong said, noting that Tokyo and Osaka are among the key cities in Asia for the company.

Within those cities, Leong prioritises sites where properties could cater to business travellers as well as FITs because the combination is “what we’re good at” as a company.

“We’re always thinking about our Unique Selling Proposition because real estate is about getting the best cash flow,” he explained.

The site in Ginza presented an opportunity as the area is popular with international tourists as well as the local market, while also being close to offices and lots of F&B, he said. The next step was choosing an operator.

The company’s approach to investment is “brand-agnostic,” Leong explained, noting that Yotel was chosen from many international brands based on the business model: who will stay, what is the price point of the property, what are the site constraints such as height and footprint, and so on.

Yotel was chosen as the three-star lifestyle brand is capable of charging a four-star rate due to its offering of comfort, including well-appointed rooms that make best use of the space available, convenience and technology.

The partnership with Yotel in Japan builds on Frasers Hospitality’s inaugural acquisition of premium rental apartment assets in Japan in 2023. Situated in Namba, a commercial district in Osaka, the 124-unit property is a freehold asset acquired through a joint venture with Alyssa Partners.

While Frasers Hospitality would like to increase its foothold in Japan, Leong recognises that it is a competitive market and the opportunity has to be right.

The company has an expanding portfolio in North Asia, with almost 3,400 units in 16 properties across Japan, China and South Korea.

Amrit Mukhopadhyay moves to Ecko Hotels & Resorts

By TTG Asia
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Ecko Hotels & Resorts has appointed Amrit Mukhopadhyay as area general manager.

Amrit has over 18 years of extensive expertise in the hospitality sector, and has held key leadership positions such as head of department and hotel manager (unit head) at hospitality businesses including The Fern, Royal Orchid, and Clarks Inn.

Cheong Wa Dae adjusts visiting procedures

By TTG Asia
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Popular landmark, Cheong Wa Dae, also known as the Blue House, will return to its original function as the Presidential Office, prompting changes to the current visiting procedures starting July 2025.

Opened to the public in 2022, the attraction in Seoul conveys South Korean culture and history, and offers a peek into what was once the official office and residence for South Korean presidents from 1948 to 2022.

Tours of the Blue House will change as the building returns to its original function as the Presidential Office

The current online and on-site reservation system will remain in place until July 14.

However, the number of reservations and sightseeing route will be adjusted starting July 16.

Reservations for tours conducted between July 16 and 31 will be available from 10:00 on July 1 via the Cheong Wa Dae Foundation website.

From August 2025, tours will be temporarily suspended for security and facility inspection.

According to the Cheong Wa Dae Foundation, there are plans to resume the visiting programme once the president officially relocates to Cheong Wa Dae, but the exact date remains undetermined.

Well and good

By Karen Yue
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There has been plenty of talk about how growing global tensions will impact travel and tourism. As the organiser of an event that facilitates the advancement of luxury travel and tourism, how are you reading this situation? Would this high-yield segment be less vulnerable to economic dips?
Travel, as a famous travel journalist once said, is “the industry of human happiness”. We know from well-known luxury brands that their guests are increasingly turning to experiences rather than high-end products, and we have not seen this demand slowing down recently.

Our ILTM Latin America, which took place in May, is the largest yet, and ILTM Asia Pacific next week is set to also break records.

Of course, what is happening in the geopolitical world is creating a level of uncertainty across the world but in the long term, we do believe high-net-worth travellers might be less likely to change their travel plans.

We are also seeing some luxury travel brands emphasising sustainability and craftsmanship to broaden their appeal to a new wave of consumers, especially within famously welcoming destinations such as Italy and California.

Given Asia’s robust economic growth – a region where almost half of the world’s largest trade routes reside and which is a major contributor to global GDP – as well as strong intra-Asia trade and travel flows, would luxury travel and tourism in this region be more stable than the rest of the world?
The Asian luxury market is a complex landscape with growth in some areas and slowdown in others, particularly in China. While China’s luxury market is facing challenges such as decreased consumer confidence, South-east Asian markets are showing resilience and growth, particularly in Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Additionally, as mentioned, the concept of luxury is evolving, with a greater emphasis on experiences, cultural engagement, and sustainability, particularly among younger generations, all of which bode well for luxury travel and tourism in the region.

Will you shed light on some interesting travel trends picked up by your latest Buzz vs. Reality report that will be unveiled at ILTM Asia Pacific from June 30 to July 3?
Wellness is no longer a luxury add-on; it’s a defining priority for affluent travellers across Asia-Pacific who are planning their trips, according to ILTM’s latest report in partnership with Aliant. People (77 per cent) now incorporate wellness routines into their daily lives, and 55 per cent say wellness services are essential when choosing a hotel.

The concept of wellness has evolved beyond spa days to include fitness, mental health, and personalised therapies, reflecting a broader shift towards purpose-driven, meaningful travel.

Trends like slow travel, long-distance train journeys, and ‘coolcationing’ highlight this move toward intentional experiences. “White Lotus effect” destinations, like Thailand, which boast deep-rooted holistic traditions and modern wellness offerings, are well-positioned to ride on the wellness wave.

Savvy destinations like Thailand and Singapore have upgraded their wellness tourism development, choosing to pursue science-backed wellness products and experiences. How do you see this next stage of wellness tourism development shaping luxury travel demand into Asia-Pacific?
Recent years have seen the travel industry evolve in different directions. Travelling with purpose and meaning has become a cornerstone for many wealthy travellers’ plans.

Many countries in Asia have a long history in holistic and tradition-based practices, but they too are embracing the modern. The detailed research we will reveal at ILTM Asia Pacific 2025 will include evidence that travellers increasingly want wellness experiences to be unique and personalised. From bespoke health assessments to innovative therapies, luxury travel is being redefined by this demand for customisation.

Will there be a wider array of wellness exhibitors at ILTM Asia Pacific 2025 as a result of this growing interest in wellness travel ideas?
ILTM events always profile a wide range of luxury travel experiences to meet the demands of travellers from across the specific regions.

ILTM Asia Pacific 2025 will be no exception, with brands that focus on wellness, including Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi; Forestis Dolomites in Italy; The Dolder Grand in Zürich, Switzerland; Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Sichuan, China; and RAKxa Integrative Wellness in Thailand. These standout properties represent the pinnacle of wellness tourism, offering transformative experiences that blend holistic healing, advanced therapies and exceptional hospitality.

Whether it’s the overwater serenity and Aqua Wellness Centre at Waldorf Astoria Maldives, the nature-powered health philosophy of Forestis Dolomites, or the medical-grade spa excellence at The Dolder Grand, these destinations redefine wellness at the highest level.

Rissai Valley offers spiritual immersion and Tibetan healing in a stunning mountain reserve, while RAKxa Integrative Wellness merges Eastern tradition with cutting-edge functional medicine delivering deeply personalised wellness journeys.

Together, these brands showcase how wellness has become an essential pillar of the luxury travel landscape.

Wyndham Singapore Hotel grants guests front row seats to nation’s birthday parade

By TTG Asia
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Travellers keen to get a taste of Singapore’s National Day celebrations can do so from some of the best spaces at the Wyndham Singapore Hotel, an upscale property located in the civic district.

The hotel’s Bayview Suites overlooks the Padang, where the action is, allowing guests prime views of the parade, performances, aerial fly-pasts and fireworks on official rehearsal nights on July 26 and August 2.

View of the parade from the Sky Lounge

On July 26 and August 2, guests can also take in the action from the Sky Lounge, where free flowing house wine, beer, and soft drinks along with a wide selection of canapes will be offered from 18.00 to 21.00. This is priced at S$60++ (US$46.80) per person.

On August 9, the very day when Singapore celebrates its 60th year of independence, the hotel’s Sky Lounge transforms into party central, with a lavish buffet featuring local favourites and global signatures. The feast is available from 17.30 to 21.00, while free flow champagne, house wine and beer is offered from 18.00 to 20.30.

The hotel’s Jaspé restaurant also marks the occasion with a special offer – diners aged 60 and above will get 60 per cent off one local dish of their choice on August 9. Guests of other ages will enjoy 20 per cent off local dishes from July 1 to August 31.

Visit www.wyndhamsingapore.com for all National Day specials at the hotel.

Indonesia’s Raja Ampat risks tourism damage from abrupt island closures

By Tiara Maharani
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Tourism players in Raja Ampat – Indonesia’s major marine destination and a UNESCO Global Geopark – are warning that destination brand image would be impacted by the abrupt closure of Wayag Islands by protesting indigenous landowners earlier this month.

The protest, triggered by the central government’s revocation of four nickel mining permits, has reignited long-standing tensions between conservation-led tourism and extractive industries operating near the region’s marine corridors.

Mining activities in Raja Ampat have escalated, resulting in travellers passing dredged hillsides and mining barges en route to marine parks

“Wayag is not just a destination, it’s the face of Raja Ampat,” said Yulius Ricky Soeharto, chairman of the Southwest Papua chapter of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA). “When it’s shut down, the whole brand suffers.”

Nickel mining has existed in Raja Ampat for over a decade, but industry players say activity has escalated significantly in the past three years, with new sites emerging on Kawe and Batang Peleu, two key islands located along the main route to Wayag. These locations, while outside core protected zones, are highly visible along main visitor routes, turning what was once an abstract policy debate into a real and visible concern for travellers.

“What used to feel distant is now in plain sight,” said Daniel Abimanyu Carnadie, chairman of the Raja Ampat Dive Resort Association. “Guests come for pristine nature, but now they pass dredged hillsides and mining barges en route to marine parks.”

Daniel said the risk of damage to reputation is no longer abstract. “We’re fielding difficult questions from guests and trade partners alike, about where conservation fees go and what Indonesia’s priorities truly are. It’s increasingly difficult to uphold our sustainability message when the view from the boat tells a different story.”

He stressed that credibility is critical for Raja Ampat’s high-value tourism market, particularly among environmentally conscious visitors from Europe and North America.

“We can’t afford mixed messages. The damage is not only environmental, it’s integrity. And that’s far harder to repair,” he stated.

While most resorts report no cancellations to date, protected by seasonal closures and geographical distance from mining activity, concerns over long-term perception are growing.

“It’s not the reefs under threat today, it’s credibility,” said Ketut Astawa, resort manager of Raja Ampat Dive Lodge. “And once that’s lost, recovery is difficult.”

The protest also underscores local tensions. Some community leaders argue that tourism has imposed restrictions on traditional livelihoods while delivering limited economic returns, whereas mining, despite its environmental impact, promises jobs. The sudden revocation of permits, they say, has reignited frustration and disrupted investor confidence.

Responding to the situation, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Indonesia minister of tourism, emphasises that the safety and comfort of tourists are top priorities in the management of national destinations, including Raja Ampat.

At present, the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Home Affairs, security forces, and local community leaders have come together to strengthen cross-sector cooperation in maintaining the stability and safety of Raja Ampat. The Ministry of Home Affairs has provided directives to the Southwest Papua Provincial Government and the Raja Ampat Regency Government to ensure coordinated efforts in protecting tourists from potential disturbances.

“We are committed to positioning Raja Ampat as a benchmark for high-quality, conservation-based tourism,” said Widiyanti.

The government is now drafting an integrated masterplan designed to align tourism development with environmental protection and community welfare. The plan aims to ensure sustainable investment while upholding Raja Ampat’s status as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

“This requires cross-sector coordination and a long-term vision that places local communities and ecosystem resilience at its core,” Widiyanti added.

Plaza Premium elevates travellers’ comfort at Senai airport

By TTG Asia
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Plaza Premium Group has soft-opened the Plaza Premium Lounge Johor Bahru at Senai International Airport – and is the only lounge operator at this facility.

The 80-seater lounge offers a premium, comfortable and innovative space for both international and domestic travellers, making the same level of premium service accessible to travellers flying near and far.

Plaza Premium Lounge Johor Bahru at Senai International Airport welcomes both international and domestic travellers

The lounge is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to streamline the guest experience, such as self-check-in kiosks for a more efficient and hassle-free access to the lounge. Implementation of QR code-based food ordering system also allows lounge guests to browse and order their meals effortlessly.

With the aim to further enhance lounge experience with digital solutions, this facility has integrated the Smart Traveller app to enable personalised experiences, rewards and a smooth transition through the lounge and airport.

The Plaza Premium Lounge Johor Bahru has also created the Lounge To-Go corner for passengers on tight schedules. Here, they can grab a premium selection of food and beverages to enjoy on the go.

Lounge can also enjoy a spot of cultural immersion – F&B selection showcases Malaysian culinary heritage while artworks featured in the space are borne from the hands of Malaysian artists.

Cavin Loh, regional general manager (Southeast Asia) from Plaza Premium Group, said the new lounge is “more than just a place to wait for your flight – it’s a space to experience the best of Johorian hospitality, art and innovation”.

The Standard, Singapore’s design strengths draw creative souls, social media attention

By Karen Yue
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Newly-opened hotel, The Standard, Singapore, is said to be turning heads with its bold design elements, charming travellers and guests from creative professions and attracting a wave of social media features since its soft launch last December.

Explaining the design philosophy behind The Standard, Singapore, Amar Lalvani, president and creative director – lifestyle, Hyatt Group, which manages The Standard brand, told TTG Asia that the brand’s design DNA “is rooted in pushing boundaries” and a partnership with the Ministry of Design has allowed the brand’s “signature irreverence” to be blended with the city-state’s “rich, tropical sensibilities”.

The Standard, Singapore’s bold design has attracted travellers and guests from creative professions

Lalvani elaborated: “Think dramatic terrarium-inspired reception desk, custom murals, and lush greenery throughout. The result is a property that feels unmistakably Standard, yet deeply connected to the spirit and vibrancy of Singapore.”

He noted that design has always been one of the brand’s biggest magnet – “especially for the creatively inclined”.

“At The Standard, Singapore, the spaces aren’t just good-looking; they’ve got something to say. The lift? Totally iconic and Instagram-famous. The Garden? A dreamy, green escape in the heart of the city. Café Standard is our version of the living room you wish you had – it is great for meetings that don’t feel like meetings. And Kaya (the hotel’s Japanese restaurant)? Bold, layered, and buzzing.

“Every space is designed to feed your feed, fuel your mind, and maybe even spark your next big idea,” he said.

The Standard, Singapore’s design strengths were highlighted during the official launch party on June 4. The 143-key hotel was transformed into a “multisensory dreamscape”, recalled Lalvani.

“Design and culture were woven into every detail – from immersive lighting installations to unexpected performance art – and guests were transported into a world that was unmistakably The Standard,” he said, adding that the “magic” of the party was made possible by the creative direction of Eric Tobua.

The event generated much social media buzz, as artists, musicians and fashion insiders – people who made up the guest list – captured and shared moments.

The hotel’s creative energy will be channelled into numerous fun activations going forward, according to general manager Amy Lu. Coming up on June 29, the hotel will host the Pup-Up Club, a pet-friendly event that welcomes guests and their furry companions to play, connect, and unwind.

“We’re also planning new menus at Kaya, along with exciting collaborations with local artists and creators. Think hands-on workshops, immersive showcases, and social events that double as cultural playgrounds,” said Lu.

When asked which of the two – interior design and guest experience programming – is most crucial for establishing a hotel that is positively memorable, Lu said both go hand in hand.

“Design is the first connection that draws you in. A visually stunning space sets the tone for conversations and memories that become part of the experience. It’s the faces that greet you, the surprises that unfold, and the way a moment makes you feel that make the difference between an ordinary stay and one that’s unforgettable,” she told TTG Asia.

Now that the glitter dust from the grand opening has settled, Lu and her team are eager to collaborate with travel partners who share a passion for fresh and meaningful travel.

“Beyond booking rooms, we want to co-create experiences – curated tours of the neighbourhood and in-house adventures that reveal the creative soul of Singapore. We see our property as a gateway to the city’s art, culture and design scenes – a starting point for curious travellers to explore both the local landscape and their own sense of wonder,” she said.

What Asia can learn from Europe’s overtourism crisis — before it’s too late

By Industry Expert
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Anti-tourism protests have flared up again across parts of Europe, a clear message from local communities that tourism, when poorly managed, can push residents to breaking point.

Here in Asia, international travel is roaring back. In Japan, international arrivals reached a record 3.9 million in April 2025 alone, exceeding pre-Covid highs. But alongside the recovery, challenges are mounting. In places like Kyoto and Mt. Fuji, overcrowding, strained infrastructure, and rising frustration among residents are becoming harder to ignore.

Meanwhile, South-east Asian destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia are once again drawing millions of travellers seeking cultural immersion and coastal escapes.

For many of our economies, this rebound is not just welcome, it is essential. Tourism is one of the world’s most important industries, contributing US$10.9 trillion to global GDP and supporting one in 10 jobs globally.

But there’s also a risk that we prioritise volume over value, and repeat the same mistakes seen across parts of Europe.

Overtourism is not simply about crowding
Overtourism is about infrastructure under strain, short-term rentals driving up housing prices, fragile ecosystems pushed to the edge, and locals feeling increasingly disconnected from the places they call home. It is about who tourism serves and who it forgets.

There is a fundamental truth that not all tourism is created equal. After two decades working in the travel industry, I’ve come to believe that the real question isn’t whether we should travel, but how we can travel better –better for the people who live in the places we visit, better for the environment, and better for the travellers themselves.

Some of the most pressing challenges stem from the ways tourism has traditionally been structured. The all-inclusive resort, the big bus tour, the whirlwind tour of bucket-list destinations: these models are largely built for volume and profit, not for positive impact.

There’s also the question of who benefits. In many places, a significant proportion of tourism revenue doesn’t stay in the country. Studies have shown that in destinations like Bali, more than half of tourist spending can “leak” out of the economy due to foreign ownership. In the Caribbean, it can be as high as 80 per cent. That’s a staggering loss for communities who bear the cost of hosting tourists every day.

Some governments and cities are already leading the way. Penang in Malaysia has taken steps to reduce short-term rentals and inconvenience to locals. Others are investing in campaigns to educate tourists on respectful behaviour, basic things like water usage, noise levels, and littering – so that locals and visitors can coexist more harmoniously.

Then there’s behaviour
Travel is a privilege The relationship between a tourist and a host can and should be a two-way exchange of culture, values, ideas and meaningful connection, not one of disdain. So, when tourists ignore local customs, disrespect sacred sites or treat destinations as disposable playgrounds, it’s understandable that residents are fed up.

As an industry, we also have a responsibility to do better. We need to work with local communities to develop tourism in a way that serves their needs and aspirations. We need to promote lesser-known destinations, pay fair wages, support locally owned businesses and be mindful of our footprint.

The way forward is progress not perfection
It’s about making intentional choices shifting the way we travel, the way we build experiences, and who we design them for.

I’m not over tourism. But I am over tourism that ignores how many visitors a destination can comfortably welcome. I am over extractive models of tourism that benefit a few shareholders while inconveniencing, ignoring or even impoverishing others.

I am not over tourism that reduces inequalities or brings people together during divisive times.

I’m not over tourism that pays fair wages, lifts communities up, protects culture and nature, and creates benefits for all stakeholders.

And, I’m certainly not over the endless potential tourism has to create positive change through the joy of travel.

To keep that promise alive, we must change how we move through the world. Let’s stop chasing the same overcrowded landmarks. Let’s choose slower, more meaningful travel. Let’s be good guests.

If tourism is to survive and thrive, it has to work for the many, not the few.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | ASEAN outlines tourism priorities for 2026-2030
TTG Asia | Timor-Leste eyes tourism growth as ASEAN’s newest member
TTG Asia | Tan Boon Khai to lead Therme Group as CEO