TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 4th February 2026
Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Visitor arrivals to Singapore increase as tourism receipts grow
TTG Asia | Winston Gong helms as GM of Avani Kota Kinabalu
TTG Asia | Trip.com Group sees longer, premium travel this Lunar New Year
Page 119

Explore Europe with Europamundo and SoulTrips’ flexible guided tours

By TTG Asia
0

Europamundo and SoulTrips invite travellers to discover Europe and beyond with their 2025/2026 Guided Flex-Scapes coach tours, offering a unique blend of guided travel convenience and itinerary flexibility.

These modular tours let travellers choose their starting point, pause mid-journey, or connect seamlessly to other tours without being tied to fixed flights.

Sail the Danube in style aboard the newly renovated MS Swiss Splendor, offering full board and guided tours through Europe’s most iconic river cities

Europamundo, headquartered in Madrid, offers over 60 itineraries across Spain and nearly 1,000 tours covering more than 250 cities worldwide, with over 20,000 guaranteed departures annually. Families benefit from child discounts with reserved coach seats.

The itineraries feature diverse experiences – from exploring the Basque Country, Morocco’s vibrant souks, and Central Europe’s historic cities to Italian holidays, Adriatic charm, Scottish highlands, Cuba’s colonial spirit, and Mexico’s rich traditions.

For travellers seeking a more relaxed pace, Europamundo’s river cruises on the Danube and Rhine offer full-board comfort aboard modern vessels like the MS Crucevita and the renovated MS Swiss Splendor. These cruises combine cultural tours of iconic river cities with the luxury of waking up in a new destination daily, ideal for those who enjoy slow travel.

Europamundo’s circular tour design allows guests to start at any point on the route, with private transfers included. The partnership with SoulTrips introduces Privatizable Tours in private minivans with dedicated guides, perfect for small groups seeking a personalised and flexible travel experience. This option caters especially to multigenerational families, travellers with reduced mobility, or anyone wanting a more intimate journey.

River cruise prices start at S$2,928 (US$2,150) per person based on twin-sharing, while coach tours range from S$1,258 to S$2,168 per person, twin-sharing.

For more information, visit SoulTrips.

Sydney lights up the night

By TTG Asia
0

Sydney has come alive in colour and creativity as Vivid Sydney 2025 officially launched its 15th edition. Under this year’s theme, Dream, the city invites visitors to experience a dazzling mix of light, ideas, music, and food over 23 nights until June 14.

Spanning five unique zones across the CBD with over 200 events, Vivid Sydney encourages everyone to see the city in a new light – quite literally. With more than 75 per cent of the programme being complimentary, including the full Vivid Light Walk and the return of Martin Place after seven years, the festival is more accessible than ever.

Vivid Sydney returns with light, music, and inspiration; photo by Destination NSW

World-renowned names like Martha Stewart, Nigella Lawson, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, and Portishead’s Beth Gibbons will headline events that celebrate creativity and community. The festival kicked off at the Overseas Passenger Terminal with the First Light ceremony featuring NAISDA dancers and a spectacular pyrotechnic display illuminating Sydney’s landmarks, followed by a free concert celebrating First Nations music.

Vivid Sydney continues to shine as a premier Asia-Pacific destination and a festival that invites all to dream, explore, and celebrate.

Trip.com highlights industry trends and future strategy at global partners forum

By TTG Asia
0

Trip.com shared insights into current industry trends, changing traveller behaviour, and future plans during its Attractions & Tours Global Partners Forum, held on May 26, 2025, at the Shanghai Museum East.

The event formed part of Trip.com Group’s annual global partner conference, Envision.2025, and took place at a cultural hub known for its distinctive architecture and immersive technology.

Trip.com Group’s Jim Ji highlighted the group’s strategies to empower global partners through technology, marketing innovation, and personalised travel experiences

Opening the forum, Jim Ji, vice president of Trip.com Group and CEO of attractions & tours, stated that the travel industry is on a path of steady recovery. He noted that international tourist arrivals are forecast to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, driven by relaxed visa regulations and growing flight capacity worldwide.

In his keynote address, titled Empowering Global Partners, Ji outlined Trip.com’s strategy to meet this demand by developing a global tourism ecosystem, comprising a wide-reaching distribution network. This includes 22 international offices, over 2,900 affiliates and resellers in more than 150 countries and regions, more than 300,000 products, and support in 24 languages with round-the-clock customer service. The platform also offers 33 currency options and 170 marketing resources.

Ji discussed tools designed to improve operational efficiency for partners, including Trip.com’s ticket machines, on-site ticket operations, and customisable online booking solutions. These, he said, help partners reduce manpower needs while preventing fraud and automated ticket bot activity. He also emphasised the importance of joint marketing initiatives. As an example, he cited the partnership with a local operator to open a Trip.com VIP lounge at Sanur Harbour in Bali, which significantly improved the waiting experience for travellers and led to a notable increase in ferry ticket sales.

One of the major trends identified at the forum was the growing importance of experiences in travel planning. Speakers pointed out that the growth rate for experience-related searches on Trip.com is six times higher than that of destination or attraction-specific searches. Terms such as ‘food’ and ‘spa’ were among the most searched experience-related keywords by international users.

Ji shared: “Travellers today are overwhelmed with options and increasingly seek experiences that resonate on a deeper level. Through collaboration with our global partners and the smart use of AI and consumer insights, we are curating personalised journeys that go beyond the expected and meet the evolving needs of international travellers.”

Trip.com is addressing this shift through initiatives such as Trip.Best, an in-app feature that provides curated travel rankings based on user reviews, bookings, and AI-driven insights. The feature aims to inspire travel decisions through destination guides and global rankings of attractions, including theme parks, museums, and other activities.

The forum also included recognition of outstanding industry contributions. Awards were presented to top-ranked attractions featured on Trip.Best, as well as recipients of the Excellent Partner Awards and Most Promising Partner Awards.

Amadeus and Google join forces to advance cloud and AI strategy

By TTG Asia
0

Amadeus and Google have partnered to focus on deploying Google Cloud’s technology to support Amadeus’ cloud and AI initiatives.

As part of the agreement, Amadeus will migrate part of its technical platform to Google Cloud, aiming to improve operational efficiency and resilience while aligning more closely with customer needs.

Amadeus will use Google Cloud’s secure and reliable technology to support its multicloud strategy and improve flight search accuracy and airline offer management

The move is a key step in Amadeus’ multicloud strategy, expanding its capabilities across 42 global regions. The company’s open cloud approach is designed to encourage innovation, increase autonomy, and maintain high standards for security and reliability. Google Cloud’s expertise in data analytics will help Amadeus improve efficiency by streamlining data across customer systems.

Amadeus also plans to explore future innovations using Google Cloud’s AI technologies. This includes access to a range of large language models through Vertex AI, which will support faster deployment of AI tools. The company is assessing the use of Agentic AI through Google Agentspace, with the potential to integrate collaborative AI agents into its platforms.

In addition, the partnership includes efforts to enhance flight search accuracy and airline offer management. Amadeus will work with Google to connect Amadeus MetaConnect and Nevio with Google Flights and the Google Offer Management system, aiming to improve user experience and strengthen airlines’ market presence.

Amadeus chief technology officer Sylvain Roy said: “This collaboration will allow us to explore new innovation projects using Google Cloud’s data and AI capabilities, as we transform the travel industry by offering unmatched connectivity and efficiency to the entire ecosystem.”

“We believe that our open approach to cloud and AI, our secure and reliable infrastructure, and our own innovation capacities in generative AI will support Amadeus to operate in more regions, with more customers and partners, for the benefit of the whole travel industry,” added Isabelle Fraine, managing director, Google Cloud France.

Bali’s villa market grows as travellers shift towards privacy and value

By Tiara Maharani
0

Bali’s villa market is experiencing sustained growth, driven by changing traveller preferences and consistent investment, according to industry stakeholders.

Since the onset of the pandemic, villas have become a preferred accommodation choice for visitors seeking space, privacy, and value. This shift has led to accelerated development across the island.

Villas gain popularity in Bali amid rising demand for private, cost-effective accommodation

Tiket.com reported that bookings for villas and apartments on its platform have increased by an average of 102 per cent annually since 2020.

Cisyelya Bunyamin, senior vice president of accommodations at Tiket.com, told TTG Asia: “There’s been a distinct shift in consumer behaviour, with more travellers opting for accommodation types that offer comfort and privacy. Villas, apartments, glamping, and ecolodges are increasingly popular among guests seeking larger spaces and more private settings, which are ideal for families and groups.”

Cost is a significant factor behind this trend. Umberto Cadamuro, chief operating officer – inbound at PACTO Indonesia, noted that villas are often priced 15 to 25 per cent lower than equivalent hotel room bookings.

“When families or groups realise that renting a two- or three-bedroom villa is more economical than booking several hotel rooms, they naturally tend to opt for the villa,” he explained.

Cadamuro also observed that travellers from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) – including Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan – as well as from Australia, are increasingly choosing villas, partly in response to economic uncertainty and rising airfares. In contrast, travellers from traditional European markets such as the UK, France, and Spain continue to favour hotels, attracted by the level of service offered.

Satria Wei, head of hospitality services at Colliers Indonesia, said villa development in Bali has been steadily rising since 2015.

“The pandemic significantly accelerated demand, particularly for accommodation offering privacy and open-air space,” he said.

According to Colliers, villa development in Bali grew at an annual rate of over 22 per cent between 2020 and 2023. Wei added that sustained demand from travellers and continued investment will support further growth in the sector.

He said the combination of pricing, privacy, and space has reshaped accommodation preferences, positioning villas as a lasting choice for both investors and visitors.

Dragon boat races to take centre stage at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong

By TTG Asia
0

The Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, co-organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA), will return to Victoria Harbour on June 7 and 8.

This year’s event is expected to be the most competitive to date, with more than 190 teams and 4,500 athletes from 12 countries and regions, including Malaysia, Japan, Canada, Egypt and Qatar, competing across 19 races.

International teams will compete in Hong Kong’s iconic Dragon Boat Races at Victoria Harbour this June

HKCDBA chairman Arnold Chung said the event, recognised as one of the most established and competitive international dragon boat races, attracts participants from around the world.

A new Secondary Schools Championship will be introduced to encourage youth involvement in the sport, while the Disciplinary Forces Championship will return, featuring teams from Hong Kong’s disciplined services.

The races are a flagship event under the HKTB’s Hong Kong Cultural Beat campaign, which promotes the city’s cultural calendar through festivals, performances and heritage events.

Running from May 31 to June 8, East Tsim Sha Tsui will host a day-and-night dragon boat carnival. Highlights include the Dragon Boat Food Lane at the Avenue of Stars and themed photo spots featuring Ocean Park Hong Kong’s panda mascots. During race weekend, activities will extend to Urban Council Centenary Garden, with live race broadcasts and a Beer Garden operated in partnership with San Miguel Brewery Hong Kong. Vouchers for complimentary draught beer will be available at HKTB Visitor Centres or on-site, while stocks last.

Flash mob performances by Canadian troupe Cirque du Soleil will also take place during the carnival. In addition, the HKTB is partnering with the Tsim Sha Tsui East Property Developers Association to offer dining and retail promotions at over 20 nearby outlets, including hotel discounts of up to 30 per cent.

The Dragon Boat Festival is recognised by UNESCO as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The event coincides with the launch of Hong Kong’s first Intangible Cultural Heritage Month in June.

Sun Life Hong Kong Limited CEO Clement Lam said: “Dragon boat racing is not just a traditional festival activity, but also a vivid embodiment of unity, collaboration, and unyielding spirit.”

“The event offers visitors and locals a blend of cultural activities and celebrations steeped in Hong Kong’s east-meets-west heritage, enriching the city’s potential for mega-event tourism,” added Dane Cheng, executive director, HKTB.

LXR Hotels & Resorts launches new programme highlighting local experiences

By TTG Asia
0

LXR Hotels & Resorts, part of Hilton’s collection of independent properties, has launched the Pursuit of Adventure programme – a global initiative offering destination-specific experiences for guests.

The programme includes on-property activities and excursions designed to reflect the culture and environment of each location.

The new LXR initiative connects travellers with local environments and communities with activities such as kintsugi pottery workshops at Roku Kyoto

According to Hilton’s recent travel trends report, nearly 70 per cent of global travellers prefer to be active during their trips, and more than three-quarters seek accommodation that offer varied, immersive experiences. The new initiative addresses this by offering experiences linked to local traditions and surroundings.

In Japan, Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts offers guests a washi paper-making workshop with a craftsman, a kintsugi pottery restoration session using gold lacquer, and a traditional tea ceremony in a historic tea house within the Shozan Resort. At Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts, travellers can take part in a soul blessing ceremony at Pura Batu Dalem, involving a temple ascent, water purification, and Balinese prayers. The property also offers a helicopter tour over Bali’s volcanic peaks, rice terraces and temples, ending with a chef-prepared barbecue picnic, either poolside or in-villa.

In the US, Beach Village at The Del and Shore House at The Del, LXR Hotels & Resorts, provide boat-based nature excursions in San Diego’s Mission Bay. At Ka La’i Waikiki Beach, guests can join guided hikes through Oahu’s landscapes, take part in farm-to-table meals, or charter yachts for sea-to-table sailing experiences. In Arizona, the Arizona Biltmore offers hot air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert and off-road stargazing in the Peaks Wilderness area.

In the Seychelles, Mango House, LXR Hotels & Resorts provides guests with nature-focused and cultural experiences, including biodiversity tours at Cap Lazare, Creole cooking classes, and cocktail workshops combined with Kreol language lessons. Additional activities include spice rituals in the botanical gardens and pottery-making with ocean views.

In Paris, SAX Hotel, LXR Hotels & Resorts, the brand’s most recent opening, invites guests to explore the Rive Gauche through activities such as a picnic near Les Invalides, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Eiffel Tower, and a private cruise on the River Seine.

Since its launch in 2018, LXR Hotels & Resorts has expanded to 16 properties worldwide, with further growth planned. New properties are expected in Southern California, Bengaluru, Morocco, Italy, and Abu Dhabi. The brand has also announced a signing in Hiroshima, expanding its presence in key international markets.

“Adventure and discovery are at the heart of everything we do at LXR,” said Feisal Jaffer, global head, LXR Hotels & Resorts. “Our Pursuit of Adventure programme celebrates the vibrant personalities and cultural richness that make each destination and property truly extraordinary. By curating story-worthy moments and guiding guests off the beaten path, we uncover the human side of hidden gems, offering a deeper connection to the people and places that surround them.”

New hotels: The Silk Lakehouse, JW Marriott Auckland and more

By TTG Asia
0
The Silk Lakehouse

The Silk Lakehouse, China
The Silk Lakehouse by Shangri-La has opened on the shores of West Lake in Hangzhou, China. The 68-room hotel offers lake or garden views, AI-responsive mattresses, heated towel systems, and in-room wellness features.

Dining options include The Living Room by Alan Yu, offering Western cuisine with local ingredients; Golden Silk, serving Hangzhou and regional dishes; Tea House, focused on Song Dynasty-style tea rituals; and The Living Room by SANYOU, featuring cocktails with local spirits.

Guests can join tailored cultural activities through the Personal Host Programme, including tea ceremonies, incense making, silk weaving, and fan crafting. Wellness offerings include a grotto-style indoor pool, yoga, tai chi, and guided in-room meditation.

JW Marriott Auckland

JW Marriott Auckland, New Zealand
JW Marriott has opened its first property in New Zealand with JW Marriott Auckland, following a major renovation. Located in Auckland’s CBD, the hotel is close to transport terminals and Commercial Bay shopping centre.

The hotel offers 271 rooms and 15 suites. The 133m² Presidential Suite features city views, while the 171m² Governor Suite includes two bedrooms and a full kitchen. Other options include an Executive Suite and a 79m² Ambassador Suite.

The wellness centre features a 14m heated indoor pool, cold plunge pool, dry sauna, and steam room. Other facilities comprise a gym, F&B options, six meeting rooms, including a pillarless ballroom that holds up to 220 guests in banquet style. There is also the rooftop JW Garden which supplies herbs, edible flowers, and honey used across the hotel.

Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa

Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa, Thailand
Located on Bang-Lut Beach, about 90 minutes from Phuket International Airport, Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa features 283 rooms, suites, and villas, many with private balconies or direct pool access.

On-site are dining options, a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, kids’ club and water playground, as well as four meeting rooms and a grand ballroom.

Guests can also join guided excursions to nearby sites such as the Similan and Surin Islands or Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park.

Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan

Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan, Indonesia
Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan is located in the Mega Kuningan business district and offers 240 serviced apartments for short- and long-term stays.

Accommodation ranges from studios to one- and two-bedroom units, each featuring a fully equipped kitchen, in-room washing machine, living space, and bath amenities.

Guests have access to a dining area with an open kitchen and panoramic views of Jakarta. The property is powered entirely by renewable energy and is directly connected to major roads leading to Soekarno Hatta and Halim Perdanakusuma airports.

Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan also contributes to the area’s urban development, supporting infrastructure improvements and new bicycle lanes along Sudirman Road.

Anita Ngan joins The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore as DOSM

By TTG Asia
0

The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore has appointed Anita Ngan as director of sales & marketing.

With nearly two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Ngan has held senior roles at leading properties including JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, The Excelsior Hong Kong, and Mandarin Oriental’s flagship hotels in Hong Kong.

Prior to her new role, she served as director of travel industry sales at Capella Singapore, with a focus on the luxury consortia market. At The Capitol Kempinski Hotel, she will lead the sales and marketing division, strengthening the hotel’s positioning as a premier heritage property in Singapore.

IATA appoints regional VP for Asia-Pacific

By TTG Asia
0

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Sheldon Hee as regional vice president, Asia-Pacific, effective June 1.

Based in Singapore, Hee will lead IATA’s operations across 39 countries and 53 member airlines in the region.

Hee has over 25 years of airline industry experience, having held management roles at Singapore Airlines in multiple countries. Prior to joining IATA, he was vice president for partnerships and international relations at Singapore Airlines.

1...118119120...2,880Page 119 of 2,880

Tried and Tested

What to Buy Now

 
Subscribe To
Advertise With Us
 
Asia-Pacific's Leading Travel Trade Business Resource Since 1974

  • All Rights Reserved

Copyright TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd © 2025-2026
Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Visitor arrivals to Singapore increase as tourism receipts grow
TTG Asia | Winston Gong helms as GM of Avani Kota Kinabalu
TTG Asia | Trip.com Group sees longer, premium travel this Lunar New Year