New hotels: Radisson Red Phuket Patong Beach, Tru by Hilton Hanoi Station and more

May 22, 2025

Radisson Red Phuket Patong Beach, Thailand
Just 200 metres from Patong Beach, Radisson Red Phuket Patong Beach is a 388-room lifestyle hotel blending art, music, and social spaces. Guests can enjoy a rooftop beach club, eight dining venues including Hard Rock Café Phuket, and wellness facilities such as the Atlas Gym and hydrotherapy treatments.

With co-working areas, a kids’ club, and five event spaces, the hotel caters to both leisure and business travellers. Its central location offers easy access to Bangla Road, Andamanda water park, and key cultural sites.

Tru by Hilton Hanoi Station, Vietnam
Hilton has introduced its Tru by Hilton brand to Vietnam with the launch of Tru by Hilton Hanoi Station, located in the heart of the capital city.

Just across from the historic Hanoi Railway Station, the 129-room hotel offers a range of room types including king, twin, king with sofa, and accessible options. It also provides easy access to popular attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene.

The property features the brand’s Top It complimentary breakfast bar, with options including a variety of dumplings. The 24/7 Eat. & Sip. market offers local snacks, drinks, beer, wine, and herbal-infused water made with local ingredients.

Amenities include a fitness centre, shared social spaces, and a local recommendations wall.

Dinso Resort & Villas Ko Chang, Thailand
IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened Dinso Resort & Villas Ko Chang under its Vignette Collection, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature on the island of Koh Chang in Thailand.

The resort features 168 rooms and villas. Guests can choose from pool access rooms, family suites, ocean-view villas, or private pool villas. There are three dining options, a spa, and a kids’ club. The resort also supports local conservation efforts and promotes sustainable tourism.

Aaramgah Jawai Resort & Spa, India
Aaramgah Jawai Resort & Spa is a new property under the Radisson Individuals Retreats brand, located in Jawai, Rajasthan. Surrounded by nature and wildlife, the resort is close to Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, and easily accessible from Sumerpur Bus Stand and Jawai Bandh Railway Station.

The resort features 32 rooms, including 22 premium rooms and 10 luxury villas, along with spacious event lawns, ideal for weddings and business events. Guests can dine at Amruttulya and Madira, enjoy spa treatments, and take part in adventure and wellness activities.

Nearby attractions include Jawai Dam, Leopard Caves, and Ranakpur Jain Temple. Guests can also join wildlife safaris and cultural tours.

Music lovers to unite in Sarawak for Rainforest World Music Festival 2025

By TTG Asia

May 22, 2025

0

The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is returning to the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo, scheduled for June 20-22nd. The festival, now in its 28th edition, continues to bring together music lovers, performers, and travellers to celebrate global music and culture.

Under the theme Connections: One Earth, One Love, the festival promotes unity through music, featuring over 180 performers from 20 countries. Acts include Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, Otyken from Siberia, At Adau (Malaysia), Kuntaw Mindanao (the Philippines), La Chiva Gantiva (Colombia), Seppuku Pistols (Japan), Sinaran Collective (Malaysia), and Buddha Beat (Malaysia), among others. Alongside evening concerts, the festival offers daytime workshops and cultural displays.

Experience global rhythms at the 28th Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching; photo by Sarawak Tourism Board

Sustainability remains at the heart of RWMF 2025. The Green Ruai is a dedicated space for hands-on workshops and exhibits on sustainability, where visitors can also calculate their carbon footprints.

With a record 26,000 attendees in 2024, RWMF 2025 aims to exceed that number, solidifying its status as a key cultural event in South-east Asia.

Tickets are available from 283 ringgit (US$66) for a one-day pass, and 765 ringgit for a three-day pass. Children’s tickets (ages three to 12) are priced at 80 ringgit, with free entry for children under three.

Sarawak offers diverse accommodation options, from eco-lodges and boutique hotels to luxury resorts. Community-run home stays in indigenous villages provide an immersive experience while supporting sustainable tourism.

In addition, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly are offering up to 20 per cent off flights to Sarawak with the promo codes MHRWMF25 and FYRWMF25. Book by June 22, for travel between June 14 and 29.

For more information, visit Rainforest World Music Festival 2025.

Wharf Hotels makes key appointments to team

By TTG Asia

May 22, 2025

0

Wharf Hotels has announced the appointments of Jürgen Dörr as vice president, operations; Eva Wong as group director, digital marketing; and Vireo Yeung as group director, global sales. All three will be based at the company’s headquarters in Hong Kong.

Dörr joins from Vinpearl Holding Company in Vietnam, where he served as CEO overseeing a large portfolio of hotels and leisure assets. He brings extensive operational experience from previous roles at Regent, Hyatt Hotels, Shangri-La Group and Fullerton Hotels and Resorts, and will lead Wharf Hotels’ operations across rooms, food and beverage, events and technical services.

From left: Jürgen Dörr, Eva Wong and Vireo Yeung

Wong brings experience from previous leadership roles at Christian Dior Couture, Ralph Lauren and various beauty brands. She will oversee digital strategy across all group brands and work closely with the commercial and IT departments to enhance digital engagement and drive online-to-offline integration.

Yeung has been promoted from his prior role as regional director sales – Hong Kong and Taiwan. With over 20 years of experience, including at Hyatt Hotels and Miramar International Hotel Management, he will now lead global sales strategy across key international markets.

Japan eyes India as key tourism growth market

By Kathryn Wortley

May 21, 2025

0

Japan is focusing on India as a major growth market for tourism following a record number of arrivals from the country in 2024, driven by increased air connectivity, streamlined visa processes, and the depreciation of the yen against the Indian rupee.

The uptick in Indian visitors, for both leisure and business travel, is expected to continue through 2025, supported by promotion from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), more direct flights, and expanded code-sharing arrangements.

Japan aims to attract more Indian travellers by enhancing connectivity, promotions, and addressing local culinary needs; Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, pictured

However, trade experts note that the market’s full potential may remain unrealised without a greater availability of Indian cuisine in Japan, citing a shortage of chefs and authentic options, particularly for vegetarians.

Indian visitors to Japan reached 233,000 in 2024, marking a 40 per cent year-on-year increase. The growth was supported by expanded air services, including the Bengaluru to Haneda and Bengaluru to Narita routes, both increased to five flights weekly, along with a daily service between Haneda and Delhi.

In 2025, code-sharing is playing a growing role in broadening access to Japan for a larger share of India’s population. Japan Airlines’ codeshare partnership with IndiGo, launched in December 2024, covers 18 domestic routes in India that connect to Japan Airlines-operated flights to and from Delhi and Bengaluru.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Air India expanded their code-sharing agreement in March 2025 to include seven domestic routes in India and six within Japan, covering services to Itami (Osaka), Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Okinawa and Hokkaido.

Katsuya Goto, executive vice president of alliances and international affairs at ANA, described the move as “a significant step in our ongoing efforts to provide a superior travel experience for customers flying between Japan and India”.

“We’re creating a stronger bridge between our two nations,” added Nipun Aggarwal, chief commercial officer of Air India.

In its promotions, the JNTO Delhi office is working “to position Japan as the most coveted getaway for Indian experiential travellers”, said Ryo Bunno, executive director of JNTO Delhi.

The organisation is targeting families and couples in their late 20s to 40s with an annual disposable income of at least four million yen (US$27,545), focusing on tourism content centred on Japan’s nature, traditional culture, and performing arts.

JNTO’s efforts also include providing online resources to help Indian visitors “enjoy their meals with peace of mind”, but experts say more needs to be done on the ground.

“Indian food is more widely available than before, and awareness among hospitality providers is growing,” shared Nitin Sachdeva, CEO of India-based Venture Marketing, a specialist in tourism and hospitality.

“But truly authentic Indian cuisine – especially for corporate groups seeking a familiar food experiences – is still limited. While Indian restaurants exist in major Japanese cities, there’s still a gap when it comes to delivering diverse regional Indian food in hotels, conference venues, or incentive programmes,” he added.

David Rakhit, owner of Ady, a fusion Indian/Japanese restaurant in Tokyo’s Ginza district, agreed, noting that outside Tokyo and Osaka, there is a “relative scarcity” of restaurants serving dishes for strict vegetarians or followers of the Jain religion.

Ady has seen a “significant uptick” in customers from India this year, which Rakhit attributes to its large kitchen that allows it to cater to groups of up to 75 (seated) and 100 (standing).

Utilising Indian restaurants for events, hiring Indian chefs at international chain hotels and training Japan’s private sector on Indian market nuances are among the ways Japan can better accommodate the culinary needs of Indian travellers, opined Sachdeva.

By doing so, Japan can attract more of the Indian market, one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets, which is projected to be worth US$55.4 billion by 2034, according to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry.

Malaysia strengthens museum sector ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026

By S Puvaneswary

May 21, 2025

0

Malaysia is intensifying efforts to position museums as central tourism assets in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 with new laws and infrastructure upgrades supporting the strategy.

The National Unity Ministry is in the final stages of drafting a law to regulate museum activities nationwide. Slated for tabling by November 2025, the legislation aims to provide a legal framework for museum governance, including the establishment of a Museum Council to advise and oversee the development and operations of institutions across the country.

The Penang State Museum and Art Gallery, pictured, is one of the key sites in Malaysia’s push to boost cultural tourism

National Unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang described the initiative as a move towards transforming museums into inclusive, accessible and sustainable spaces that promote creativity, critical thinking and shared cultural appreciation.

The law, being drafted in line with international standards, will introduce a rating system and bring private institutions under closer regulation to ensure alignment with national policy.

Penang and Johor are actively investing in museum upgrades as part of a broader heritage tourism strategy. The 100-year-old Penang State Museum and Art Gallery is currently closed for major restoration and is scheduled to reopen by the end of the year.

Several institutions under the Johor Heritage Foundation, including the 100-year-old Tokoh Johor Museum and the Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex, are also undergoing significant upgrades. The Tokoh Johor Museum is currently closed for a 10 million ringgit (US$$2.3 million) conservation project.

The state has identified culture and heritage as key tourism segments alongside ecotourism, adventure, leisure and business events. Johor is positioning itself as a historical crossroads of culture and trade, with museum revitalisation efforts integrated into the state’s wider tourism growth strategies.

Singapore destination brand presence soars on wings of superstars

By Karen Yue

May 21, 2025

0

Singapore sights and locations have been trending high on social media this month, riding on the massive global fanbase of two members from Korean boyband BTS.

Released on May 16, a three-minute, 25-second music video for Jin’s English song, Don’t Say You Love Me, the main track off his second solo album Echo, which was also released on the same day, shows the popular artist and his love interest, an established South Korean actress Shin Se-kyung, interacting around eight landmarks in Singapore.

BTS members Jin (left) and JHope put Singapore in the spotlight through their music and social media content

Besides well-known tourist locations like National Gallery and Gardens by the Bay, the music video also features locations that are relatively less prominent, but no less unique in their own way – the rooftop carpark of Goldhill Plaza, which is known for its unique circular design; Emerald Hill, which is home to a cluster of preserved Chinese Baroque shophouses; and Keng Eng Kee Seafood, a local restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide.

In less than a week, the Don’t Say You Love Me music video has acquired 9.9 million views on YouTube as of the afternoon of May 21 – and viewership continues to scale.

Fellow BTS member, J-Hope, who did two sell-out solo concerts in Singapore April 26 and 27, also put Singapore sights in the spotlight when he posted an Instagram Reel of himself enjoying the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Sentosa Sensoryscape, Alkaff Bridge, and digging into a popular local breakfast of half-boiled eggs and kaya toasts at Ya Kun Kaya Toast as well as an elaborate dish at one-Michelin-starred Waku Ghin. The Reel on J-Hope’s official Instagram page has 23.5 million views and 94.1 thousand shares as of May 21.

Commenting on Jin’s music video, Serene Tan, executive director – North Asia, Singapore Tourism Board, said the collaboration was a “unique opportunity to showcase Singapore’s culture, nature, and architecture through a charming blend with Jin’s music”.

Destination Singapore is also making headlines now with Lady Gaga’s four Asia-exclusive performances at Singapore’s National Stadium. Her concerts, scheduled for May 18, 19, 21 and 24, mark her return to the Lion City where she last held her Born This Way Ball concerts in 2012.

Amadeus data research pulled on April 3 noted statistically significant upticks in travel searches for Singapore. The American singer, songwriter and actress announced on March 10 that Singapore would be her only Asia stop in her world tour, which led to a 57 per cent spike traffic queries to Singapore the same day.

Search traffic volumes surpassed this peak on March 18, 19 and 20 – the days Lady Gaga’s pre-sale tickets became available, growing by a further 41 per cent. This was the highest spike in flight searches for travel to Singapore in May so far this year.

Hotels in Singapore also showed at least a 10 per cent growth on the four show nights in comparison to last year, according to data pulled on April 1 from Amadeus Demand360.

Amadeus Navigator360 data identified most flight bookings are from Seoul, Denpasar, Tokyo, Mumbai, Taipei, Hong Kong, London, Sydney, Delhi, Melbourne, Jakarta and Manilla for travel over the concert dates.

Riyaz, Jin Jiang launch RJJ Hotels to drive South-east Asia expansion

By TTG Asia

May 21, 2025

0

Malaysian-owned hospitality group Riyaz International has entered a joint venture with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region to establish RJJ Hotels, marking a significant regional expansion move. The partnership, announced with the signing of a hotel management agreement on May 3, aims to grow Jin Jiang’s presence across South-east Asia.

Under the joint venture, RJJ Hotels has been granted licensing rights to operate and grow five Jin Jiang brands in key markets including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos. The venture targets 181 hotel management agreements and aims to have 108 hotels operational within five years.

From left: RJJ Hotels’s Yap Lip Seng, Sanher Investment & Development Co.’s Liu Hegeng and Zhou Ying, RJJ Hotels’s Amin Sidek, Riyaz International’s Seri Shaheen Shah, and Novac Hospitality’s Ng Kok Ming

The first hotel under this partnership, located in Luang Prabang, Laos, is being developed by Sanher Investment & Development. It will operate under the Metropolo brand, one of Jin Jiang’s largest and most established portfolios. The property is scheduled to open in early 2026. Metropolo hotels are positioned as four- to five-star properties, typically located in cities with strong historical character and offering more than 100 rooms.

Malaysia has been chosen as the headquarters for RJJ Hotels. As ASEAN chair and host to over 25 million international tourists in 2024, Malaysia will also hold several major regional events over the next three years, positioning it as a strategic base for regional hospitality investment.

RJJ Hotels will manage five brands under the Jin Jiang portfolio: Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels, an upscale four- to five-star city hotel brand; Ginco Hotel, a luxury five-star resort brand; Renjoy Hotel, an upscale five-star resort brand; Lavande, a midscale business hotel brand; and Jinjiang Inn, a premium economy hotel brand. These brands will anchor the group’s presence in both urban and leisure destinations.

Talks are underway with property owners in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Jakarta, Bali, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay, Hanoi, and Manila.

To mark the launch, an investor conference will be held on August 27, 2025, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, with over 400 Chinese and regional investors expected to attend. The event will also introduce the Jin Jiang Global Purchasing Platform in South-east Asia. Managed by Novac Hospitality, the platform will provide access to furniture, fixtures and equipment and operating supplies and equipment, supporting hotel rollouts across the region.

ANA introduces sign language badge for deaf travellers

By Kathryn Wortley

May 21, 2025

0

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has launched a new sign language badge to better support deaf travellers ahead of the 2025 Deaflympics, an international multi-sport competition for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, which will be held in Tokyo in November.

The move, designed to enhance the airline’s barrier-free services, is part of the ANA Group’s commitment to “creating a sky welcoming everyone”.

The new badge, worn by trained staff, enhances accessibility and helps deaf passengers easily identify staff offering sign language support

The new badge depicts a heart formed by two intersecting fingers, symbolising connection through hands. The imagery reflects the airline’s “commitment to inspiring kindness and compassion through sign language”, according to ANA. It will be worn by cabin attendants and airport staff who hold at least a level four certificate in either the Japanese Sign Language Proficiency Test or the Japanese National Sign Language Certification.

The “enhanced visibility” of the eye-catching purple pin will help ensure “customers who require sign language support can easily identify and approach staff with confidence”, ANA continued.

Keiji Omae, ANA’s executive vice president of customer experience, said: “(The new badge) emphasises our dedication to inclusivity and accessibility for all our passengers. We recognise that seamless communication is essential for fostering connection, and this badge will enable our staff to connect more effectively with customers who rely on sign language.”

Scheduled for November 15-26, the Deaflympics, which is held every four years, is expected to host approximately 6,000 deaf athletes, staff, officials and referees from 80 countries and regions in Tokyo. In addition, some 3,000 volunteers will attend the games to support visitors and operations.

Aviation roundup: Cathay Pacific, Hunnu Air and more

By TTG Asia

May 21, 2025

0

The Bridge lounge at Hong Kong International Airport

Cathay Pacific unveils redesigned The Bridge lounge
Cathay Pacific has officially reopened The Bridge lounge at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), offering an enhanced experience for passengers. The lounge has been redesigned with a combination of new features and familiar elements to create a refined pre-flight environment. It marks the first phase of the airline’s broader lounge improvement plan, which will continue with renovations at The Wing and other lounges in the coming years.

Located near Departure Gate 35 in Terminal 1, The Bridge’s interior features cherry wood, framed screens, black granite, and travertine, along with original artworks from the airline’s Gallery in the Skies initiative.

The lounge offers two dining sections: one serving Chinese favourites like wonton and dan dan noodles, dim sum, and new regional dishes, while the other features international options including casseroles, fresh pastries, and salads. The lounge also introduces The Nook, a new space offering regional Chinese small plates, and a Food Hall with oven-prepared meals.

Additionally, The Bridge will soon implement a biometric check-in system, making it the first Cathay Pacific lounge to offer this feature, alongside a traditional check-in desk. Customers can also enjoy panoramic runway views from the Bar while relaxing in Solo Chairs in the dedicated lounge areas.

Hunnu Air launches Ulaanbaatar-Beijing flights
Hunnu Air has launched scheduled services using Embraer’s E195-E2 aircraft, with the inaugural flight from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing’s Daxing International Airport marking the first time the E2 has flown into the Chinese mainland.

The flight was operated by one of two new E195-E2 aircraft delivered to Hunnu Air in April. The airline plans to use these planes to expand services to destinations like Haikou, Sanya, Phu Quoc, and Tashkent, as well as increase flights to Japan, China, Vietnam, India, and South Korea. The aircraft features 136 seats in a two-by-two layout, with no middle seat.

Air Astana commences direct flights from Astana to Danang
Air Astana has expanded its route network to Vietnam with the launch of direct flights from Astana to Danang on May 14.

The airline will operate direct scheduled flights to Danang twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays.

As part of its summer schedule, Air Astana has increased its weekly flights to Vietnam to 11. The airline operates flights to Nha Trang four times a week from Almaty and three times a week from Astana. Flights to Danang are available twice weekly from Astana and, starting June 4, will also operate twice weekly from Almaty. Kazakhstan citizens are eligible for a visa-free stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days.

Korean Air, Delta Air Lines invest in WestJet to strengthen partnerships
Korean Air and Delta Air Lines will strengthen their partnerships with WestJet by purchasing minority equity stakes in the Canadian airline from Onex Partners, a private equity platform of Onex, a Canadian investor. These investments will enhance the airlines’ existing relationships with WestJet, benefiting customers across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Korean Air and Delta Air Lines will each acquire a total 25 per cent stake in WestJet. Delta Air Lines will invest US$330 million for a 15 per cent share, while Korean Air will invest US$220 million for a 10 per cent stake.

After the transaction closes, Delta plans to sell 2.3 per cent of its stake in WestJet to its joint venture partner, Air France-KLM, for US$50 million, pending approvals from Air France-KLM. The Onex Group will remain the majority owner of Calgary-based WestJet.

Korean Air and Delta have been codeshare partners with WestJet for several years. These new investments will further enhance travel experiences for customers, offering a seamless and elevated service worldwide.

Korean Air and WestJet have partnered since 2012, expanding transpacific connectivity between Seoul Incheon and Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary, with connections to both airlines’ networks. Delta and WestJet have been partners since 2011, strengthening their U-Canada border services and global network options for customers.

The Westin Singapore launches Hidden Singapore adventure package

By TTG Asia

May 21, 2025

0

The Westin Singapore has introduced a limited-time package offering guests the chance to explore the city through a self-guided immersive game experience.

A Westin Adventure: Unravelling the Hidden Singapore is available for stays from May 31 to August 31, 2025. The package is priced from US$305 per night for two people.

Experience a fun-filled stay at The Westin Singapore while discovering lesser-known facts about Singapore

In partnership with Hidden, a creative studio that transforms cities into interactive playgrounds, the package includes access to Marvels of Marina Bay Sands – an immersive multiplayer experience delivered via WhatsApp. Guided by the Void Deck Cat, a fictional mascot, participants will explore the Marina Bay Sands area through puzzles and storytelling designed to highlight lesser-known historical and cultural details.

The package includes daily breakfast for two, two game tickets, a complimentary guaranteed room upgrade, and an exclusive Void Deck Cat mascot. Guests also receive access to the hotel’s wellness facilities on level 35, including the Heavenly Spa by Westin, yoga sessions, Reformer Pilates, and guided runs with the in-house Run Concierge.

To play, guests scan a QR code provided by the hotel after check-in. A team leader then receives a link via WhatsApp to share with others. A mobile device is required to participate. After completing the game, guests can redeem a complimentary drink. Additional games in areas such as Tanjong Pagar and Chinatown can be purchased by tapping the mascot in-room.

Bookings are open now through August 30, 2025.

For more information, visit The Westin Singapore.

New hotels: Radisson Red Phuket Patong Beach, Tru by Hilton Hanoi Station and more

Music lovers to unite in Sarawak for Rainforest World Music Festival 2025

Wharf Hotels makes key appointments to team

Japan eyes India as key tourism growth market

Malaysia strengthens museum sector ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026

Singapore destination brand presence soars on wings of superstars

Riyaz, Jin Jiang launch RJJ Hotels to drive South-east Asia expansion

ANA introduces sign language badge for deaf travellers

Aviation roundup: Cathay Pacific, Hunnu Air and more

The Westin Singapore launches Hidden Singapore adventure package

Tried and Tested

Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West

What to Buy Now

All aboard for a heritage train experience