Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach has appointed Jean Philippe Lovotti as its new general manager.
Lovotti brings over 25 years of international experience in the luxury hospitality sector, having held leadership roles across Europe, South-east Asia, and the Pacific.
Singapore Tourism Board recently partnered with BigHit Music to produce the official music video for Don’t Say You Love Me, the lead track from K-pop BTS Jin’s second solo album, Echo.
Filmed across Singapore, the video highlights the city’s landscapes and locations, introducing international audiences to its range of sights through music and visual storytelling.
The music video and its behind-the-scenes footage features locations across Singapore, including National Gallery Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay, and Anderson Bridge. It also includes Goldhill Plaza in Novena and Keng Eng Kee Seafood, a Michelin-listed family-run restaurant known for zi char dishes. Emerald Hill, with its Peranakan shophouses, is also featured. The selection of sites reflects Singapore’s mix of historical and contemporary spaces.
Serene Tan, executive director, North Asia, STB said: “This collaboration was a unique opportunity to showcase Singapore’s culture, nature, and architecture through a charming blend with Jin’s music. We hope that people around the world will come to see and experience Singapore from a new perspective through the music video.”
A BigHit Music official shared: “The collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board beautifully brought together the charm of the local scenery and the message Jin hopes to share through his music. We hope that many will enjoy Jin’s new album and the music video for the main track.”
Jin’s official music video Don’t Say You Love Me was launched globally on Hybe Labels’s YouTube channel, with cross-posting on STB’s social media platforms on May 16.
Panorama Group, Indonesia’s integrated tourism company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysia Airlines to form a strategic collaboration aimed at boosting outbound tourism from Indonesia and increasing international inbound traffic.
The partnership is set to drive tourism growth, enhance regional connectivity, and create meaningful opportunities for both leisure and business travellers.
The MoU was signed in Kuala Lumpur during the recent MATTA Fair, underscoring a strong commitment to regional tourism cooperation between two prominent players in the travel industry.
As part of the collaboration, Panorama Group and Malaysia Airlines will launch a series of initiatives to improve market access and customer value. These include special flight promotions with preferential fares for Indonesian tourists travelling abroad and for visitors from regional markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand travelling to Indonesia.
The partnership also includes corporate travel management, with Panorama offering exclusive pricing to its corporate clients, backed by joint marketing efforts to expand this segment.
Additionally, Malaysia Airlines will gain preferential access to hotel and hospitality services managed by Panorama, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Both parties will work together on marketing and promotional activities targeting domestic Indonesian audiences via digital platforms and tourism exhibitions, as well as international tourists through participation in global tourism events and trade shows.
Budi Tirtawisata, group CEO of Panorama Group, said: “We are very excited to kick off this partnership with Malaysia Airlines. This reflects our commitment to providing integrated travel solutions that provide real value for Indonesian tourists traveling abroad and international visitors coming to Indonesia. Together, we aim to improve the quality, reach and impact of travel offerings in the region.”
Dersenish Aresandiran, chief commercial officer, airlines, Malaysia Aviation Group, added: “Together with Panorama Group, we are committed to improving connectivity and delivering a seamless premium travel experience across key markets, particularly in the fast-growing Indonesian market and beyond.”
Groundbreaking for Changi Airport’s Terminal 5 (T5) took place on May 14, marking the start of construction on the airport’s largest expansion to date. The ceremony was officiated by Singapore’s prime minister and minister for finance, Lawrence Wong.
T5 will be equipped with automated systems to improve operational efficiency and meet future travel demand. Once completed, it will be connected to the existing terminals at Changi Airport, enabling integrated operations. The first phase of T5 is scheduled to open in the mid-2030s and will be able to handle around 50 million passengers annually.
The terminal is being developed in response to expected growth in air travel, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. It will also support the consolidation of the Singapore Airlines Group’s operations under one terminal, with space for other carriers to expand.
T5 will include a ground transport centre, which will integrate train, bus, taxi, and other transport services. Plans are underway to extend the Thomson-East Coast Line and Cross Island Line to the new terminal, improving access to and from the city and other parts of Singapore.
The terminal will also facilitate air-sea connectivity through improved links to ferry services for regional travel.
Automation will be used across both passenger-facing and operational areas. Technologies currently under trial will be scaled up by the time T5 begins operations, supporting efficiency and reducing reliance on manpower.
T5 will be built to energy-efficient standards, classified as a Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy building. It will use renewable energy, including a large rooftop solar system, as well as a central building management system to monitor and control energy use.
The terminal design includes a series of curved roof structures of varying height to break up the building’s scale. The layout allows for natural light and includes indoor landscaping. Travellators and an automated people mover (APM) system will reduce walking distances. The APM will also connect T5 with Terminal 2 to facilitate transfers between terminals. Passenger flow will be supported by intuitive layout and wayfinding features.
The design work was paused in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and resumed in 2022. The terminal’s layout will allow it to be sectioned off to manage different passenger risk profiles if necessary, and will include features such as contactless touch points to support public health.
T5 is part of the larger 1,080-hectare Changi East development, which includes the Changi East Industrial Zone (CEIZ) and Changi East Urban District (CEUD). The CEIZ will support aircraft maintenance, logistics, and cargo operations, while the CEUD will provide commercial and business facilities near the terminal.
Yam Kum Weng, CEO, Changi Airport Group, said: “Our vision is for T5 to be mega yet cosy, a terminal that embraces the Changi DNA – delivering a personalised, stress free and positively surprising airport experience. As a new gateway to Singapore, T5 offers new possibilities and will bring new surprises.”
Virtuoso recently hosted its annual symposium from May 13-17, 2025, aboard the Crystal Serenity, with 375 leading professionals from 38 countries in attendance. The event brought together influential decision-makers in the luxury travel industry, including Virtuoso’s top leadership, travel agency members, and preferred partners, with support from Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal, AmaWaterways, Barcelona Turisme, The Bicester Collection, Visit Monaco, and Princess Cruises.
The symposium featured industry discussions, thought leadership sessions, deep dives into travel trends, and networking opportunities. Attendees were equipped with actionable business insights while building relationships through immersive experiences.
The event began in Barcelona, with shore excursions in Portofino and Monte Carlo before concluding in Marseille. During a day at sea, Virtuoso executives, including chairman and CEO Matthew D Upchurch, executive vice president David Kolner, and senior vice president Jennifer Campbell, addressed the evolving landscape of Virtuoso events. Campbell highlighted transformations in luxury travel, focusing on personalisation, sustainability, exclusivity, and technology. Paul Kearney, senior vice president of technology, also shared updates on Virtuoso’s latest technological advancements, particularly around data privacy and customisable solutions.
A panel of senior leaders from Virtuoso discussed the company’s ongoing strategic focus on membership, partnerships, and network engagement. They also presented the newly launched Social Media Content Centre, designed to provide members and partners with targeted content solutions.
Upchurch discussed key factors influencing luxury travel in 2025, based on a Virtuoso survey, including geopolitical instability, political uncertainty, and labour challenges. Half of the respondents saw AI as an opportunity rather than a threat, with Upchurch emphasising the increasing importance of travel advisors amid technological changes.
Kolner shared insights on Virtuoso’s recent sales, revealing that 1Q2025 sales exceeded the same period in 2024 by 14 per cent. Hotel sales saw a nearly 30 per cent increase, and bookings for 2026 and 2027 were up 17 per cent. He also presented findings from the Owner/Manager Outlook Surveys, indicating optimism among agency owners for 2025, with many planning to hire staff to meet demand.
The symposium also highlighted ongoing luxury travel trends, such as the rise of coolcations in Scandinavia, increased US travel, and the impact of the White Lotus Effect on Thailand bookings. Sustainability remained a priority, with over 40 per cent of travellers willing to pay more for companies with environmentally-friendly practices. Additionally, safety and security were top concerns for luxury travellers, with many citing the added value of working with a travel advisor.
Guest speakers included Jessica O Matthews, founder of Unchartered, Anant Sharma, founder of Matter of Form, Gilad Berenstein, and Jill Schiefelbein, who discussed topics ranging from innovation and luxury consumer trends to the intersection of technology and travel.
The event’s immersive excursions included activities in Portofino and Monaco, such as kayaking, cooking classes, and historical tours, all designed to foster relationship-building through shared experiences.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) is refurbishing Pan Pacific Perth, continuing the asset-enhancement programme that began in 2021 with Pan Pacific London.
Pan Pacific Perth’s 488 rooms, lobby and Pacific Club Lounge feature Western Australia-inspired finishes, incorporating repurposed denim, hand-pressed herbs and recycled plastics for sustainability. The hotel’s 2,500m² convention floor, the largest in Perth, now has new LED screens and updated audiovisual equipment.
Across its Australian portfolio, PPHG is upgrading properties to match changing consumer expectations and brand standards.
Parkroyal Melbourne Airport has refurbished its 276 guestrooms, conference facilities and public areas. It remains the only hotel with direct access to both Melbourne international and domestic terminals via covered sky bridges.
Parkroyal Parramatta, Sydney has refreshed its 286 guestrooms and meeting spaces and continues to reflect the local community.
The upgrades coincide with growth in Australia’s tourism and MICE sectors. The Australian Trade and Investment Commission projects a 41 per cent rise in international tourist arrivals between 2024 and 2028.
Australia’s MICE industry is forecast to expand by 11.5 per cent from 2024 to 2032, reaching US$42.8 billion. Melbourne and Sydney remain key hubs for MICE activities, presenting opportunities for PPHG to serve leisure and business travellers.
Choe Peng Sum, CEO of PPHG, said: “Australia is one of PPHG’s most strategically important markets, with six owned and managed properties across three states. Our investment in Pan Pacific Perth is a commitment to the city’s evolving position as a West Coast events and business hub. The hotel is strategically positioned to meet the city’s growing demand for premium travel and event experiences.
“Across our hotels in Australia, we are enhancing meeting spaces to be more flexible, investing in technology for hybrid delivery, and enhancing F&B offerings to support diverse events. The ability to deliver consistent high-level MICE experiences across markets from Singapore to Australia and the UK is a strength of our integrated owner-operator model.”
Raffles Sentosa Singapore, the country’s first all-villa resort, has officially opened on May 17 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by representatives from Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Royal Group, business partners, and diplomats. The resort has hosted various guests and events since its opening on March 1 this year.
Located on a hilltop on Sentosa Island, just 15 minutes from Singapore’s CBD, Raffles Sentosa offers 62 villas, each with a private pool and outdoor terrace.
Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the resort incorporates natural materials and textures, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, with views of the surrounding landscape. The resort is home to several plant species and resident peacocks. Guests can also enjoy Raffles Butler service, ensuring their needs are met.
Tasmanian Walking Company has introduced a 54km small-group guided walking tour linking Uluru with Kata Tjuta, with prices starting from A$5,395 (US$3,450) per person twin share.
This five-day, four-night journey takes guests through the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, where they will stay in remote wilderness areas. Accommodation includes two off-grid campsites and an architect-designed lodge.
The tour offers a range of experiences, including daily three-course meals, two expert guides, and cultural workshops with local Anangu people. Participants will dine under the stars with views of Kata Tjuta at sunset and enjoy meals prepared by a chef.
Transfers between Yulara and the trail are included, and guests will receive a A$500 contribution to support park conservation and the Anangu community. A National Park pass and a complimentary day pack and duffle bag are also provided.
Tasmanian Walking Company has spent ten years working with Anangu owners to develop the walk, ensuring it provides long-lasting cultural and economic benefits to the local community.
For more information, visit Tasmanian Walking Company.
Trafalgar, part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) group, has taken the plunge into river cruising, announcing two new itineraries for Europe.
Launching in April 2026 are two journeys – an eight-day cruise along the Danube on the 128-passenger Trafalgar Reverie and a 10-day cruise along the Rhine on the 128-passenger Trafalgar Verity – now available for booking.
“We’ve always been about making it easy for travellers to connect with the heart and soul of every destination. Now, we’re bringing that same philosophy and unmatched experience – valued by our travel advisor partners, to Europe’s iconic rivers,” said Nick Lim, CEO, Asia, TTC.
“I think the cards were at the right time and right place for us,” shared Mae Cheah, managing director, Asia, TTC on the company’s move to introduce river cruising. “It gives guests a new way to travel with a brand that they love.”
River cruising is not new to the TTC group, which has luxury river cruise brand Uniworld as part of its portfolio.
The Trafalgar river cruise includes experiences found on its land tours, such as Be My Guest, where guests meet local hosts, for example, having lunch at a farm, and Make Travel Matter activities that support sustainability.
Trafalgar also offers flexibility. Guests can choose to explore further through optional tours, added Cheah, or spend time having a coffee or shopping.
Trafalgar’s river cruise has 64 cabins and a passenger capacity of about 128 per ship. This means less time queuing and more time to yourself, according to Lim.
“Ships will roll up right to the town and you disembark and off you go into town for coffee, sightseeing and in-depth exploration of the destination,” he added.
He also noted an expected crew-to-guest ratio of 1:3. The crew will be from the TTC group, allowing the group to maintain its service standards.
The ships themselves are designed to reflect the destination with distinct interiors such as rich blue and white fabrics, marble-accented bathrooms, and even the first authorised fireplace on a European river ship on Trafalgar Verity, shared Lim.
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Singapore is the first market where Trafalgar has launched its river cruise, with upcoming launches in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Trafalgar will also introduce Christmas itineraries for 2026 and has plans to expand the fleet in 2027.
Agoda has renewed its agreement with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism to support travel development and increase both international and domestic visitor numbers, while aligning with the Ministry’s Tourism 4.0 strategy to advance digital and data-driven approaches in the sector.
The three-year collaboration will include joint marketing campaigns, promotion of sustainable tourism practices, and training programmes to build digital skills among young tourism professionals in Indonesia.
As part of this partnership, Agoda held its first Agoda Academy workshop for students at Bandung Tourism Polytechnic. The session introduced participants to Agoda’s operations and included practical case studies to support learning in digital tourism.
Agoda’s senior country director Gede Gunawan and other Agoda representatives shared industry insights and highlighted trends and career opportunities in the digital tourism sector.
Under the previous agreement, Agoda launched several co-branded campaigns with the ministry’s Wonderful Indonesia initiative, including efforts to promote sustainable tourism. These included partnerships with public figures, destination promotion activities, and support for national tourism targets.
Through its digital travel platform, which includes accommodation, transport, and activities, Agoda continues to work with the ministry to support tourism development across Indonesia in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Gunawan said: “This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to seeing Indonesia thrive as a destination while enabling local communities to benefit from the many opportunities tourism generates around local economies.”
Bayu Aji, chief secretary of the ministry, added: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Agoda, as it not only strengthens Indonesia’s standing as a vibrant and more sustainable tourism destination, but will also help equip our workforce in the tourism sector for the future through initiatives such as the Agoda Academy Workshop.”
