Aviation roundup: Turkish Airlines, AirAsia X and more

March 21, 2025

Turkish Airlines to launch Phnom Penh flights
Turkish Airlines will commence flights from Istanbul to Phnom Penh on December 10 this year, establishing the first regular service between Europe and Cambodia’s capital.

The airline will operate three-weekly flights to Phnom Penh via Bangkok. Flights will depart from Istanbul to Phnom Penh on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while flights from Phnom Penh to Istanbul will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

AirAsia X adds new route to Karachi in Pakistan
AirAsia X (AAX) has introduced a new route to Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, starting May 30.

Flying four times a week, AAX is the only low-cost carrier in Malaysia to provide direct service to Karachi, enhancing affordable connectivity between the two nations as well as linking travellers from Pakistan to Malaysia and the rest of South-east Asia.

Vietjet flies direct from Singapore to Phu Quoc
Starting from May 30, Vietjet will operate direct flights between Singapore and Phu Quoc, offering four return flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This new route adds to Vietjet’s existing connections from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Danang, increasing the total number of weekly single-leg flights between Vietnam and Singapore to 78.

PAL starts Cebu-Catarman service
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has launched the first-ever non-stop flights between Cebu and Catarman on March 4.

The thrice weekly Cebu-Catarman-Cebu service is the 22nd route operated by PAL from its gateway hub at Mactan-Cebu airport.

From May 2, the airline will also introduce non-stop flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) with an initial schedule of three flights per week every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Switzerland Tourism uses traveller data to sharpen inbound strategy

By Rachel AJ Lee

March 21, 2025

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Switzerland Tourism is moving beyond growth numbers, focusing on sustainable travel and targeted experiences for key segments. And it is doing so with the support of traveller intelligence.

The organisation conducts the Tourism Monitor Switzerland survey once every four years to yield extensive data on travellers’ motivations, preferences, and behaviours throughout their journey. The latest research initiative engaged over 20,000 travellers from 147 source markets across 600 municipalities.

Bosshart: Switzerland Tourism embraces sustainable travel and key traveller segments, leveraging data from the Tourism Monitor Switzerland survey to enhance its offerings; photo by Rachel AJ Lee

Switzerland Tourism’s chief marketing officer (east), Simon Bosshart, shared that insights from the survey helps the NTO to intensify its Travel Better strategy this year.

Travel Better, which prioritises enriching the travel experience and sustainability over solely pursuing visitor growth, is built upon five core pillars. Sustainable travel is among the five core pillars, and a cornerstone of that is Switzerland Tourism’s Swisstainable programme.

Bosshart explained that Swisstainable serves as an “acknowledgement of a company’s achievements” in sustainability efforts, and is “not a certification”. There are now 2,184 tourism suppliers, such as Zurich Tourism Board and Rigi, in the Swisstainable programme, but with over 40,000 tourism suppliers across Switzerland, Bosshart said efforts are ongoing to get more players on board.

During a trade briefing earlier this week in Singapore, Switzerland Tourism’s marketing and communication manager South-east Asia – Singapore, Nazrul Hakim Jumahat outlined this year’s marketing campaign for the region, drawing on intelligence from the Tourism Monitor Switzerland survey.

The campaign will target four traveller segments: Local Explorer (interested in culture and hidden gems), Pleasure Seeker (seeking luxury and exclusive experiences), Bonding Educator (families with young children), and Active Adventure (focused on outdoor pursuits).

Tailored activities and communications will be developed to resonate with the specific interests of these key groups.

This fresh direction comes at a time of declining overnights among travellers from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. There was a 12 per cent decrease in overnights in 2024 compared to 2023.

In 2024, Singapore was Switzerland’s leading source market in South-east Asia, generating over 30 per cent of all overnights from the region.

Batiste Pilet, director South-east Asia, explained that while South-east Asia contributed a total of 737,229 overnights in 2024, the decline reflects a normalisation of the competitive landscape.

Pilet anticipates moderate growth from South-east Asia over the next few years.

New IMBA Theatre to transform Singapore’s cultural scene

By TTG Asia

March 21, 2025

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IMBA Theatre, Singapore’s first venue dedicated to large-scale immersive experiences, will open at Gardens by the Bay in December 2025. Presented by the new entity IMBA (Immersive Media Based Arts), created by local edutainment group H&B, the theatre aims to engage audiences with immersive storytelling and big ideas in emotional ways.

IMBA Theatre will offer year-round arts and culture events at Gardens by the Bay, featuring a versatile space that blends technology and creativity. It will showcase local and global exhibitions, performances, and more, encouraging audiences to engage with art in new ways.

IMBA Theatre’s Gallery Space is designed for traditional and mixed media showcases; photo by IMBA

In collaboration with ACRE Design, Arina International Holdings, DP Architects, and Kaizen Architecture, the new venue uses digital and media technology to host interactive exhibitions, live performances, and cultural showcases by local and global artists.

IMBA Theatre will feature a 1,858m² Black Box Theatre with a 12.5m-high projection wall, designed for exhibitions and events. The 1,161m² Gallery Space, with a height of 6.5m, will host media showcases. Retail and dining experiences will also be available.

IMBA Theatre will provide a platform for artistic exchange, bringing together local and international creatives through immersive storytelling. It will showcase Singapore’s diverse arts scene and offer an evolving selection of programmes. Partnering with London-based Lightroom, a leader in immersive storytelling, IMBA will deliver world-class experiences. The Theatre will open in December with The Botero Show, an immersive exhibition featuring works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, including his iconic sculptures displayed across indoor and outdoor spaces.

IMBA Theatre will highlight Singapore’s cultural heritage, showcasing the Nanyang style, which blends Chinese and Western techniques to portray South-east Asian themes, along with murals reflecting the city’s past.

In collaboration with Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Design & Media, IMBA will develop local and global IP content, supporting the growth of talent and innovation to enrich Singapore’s cultural and creative industries.

Michael Lee, CEO of H&B, said: “IMBA Theatre is more than just a venue; it is a space designed for scale and adaptability to inspire wonder and allow audiences to foster deeper connections with the arts and the world around us. Conceptualised by IMBA, the Theatre will be a portal to immersive encounters to create moments of wonder and a lifetime of inspiration. It will merge technology, creativity and impactful storytelling in the way we showcase local talent and global artistry. This is a testament to our commitment to creating transformative experiences that bridge tradition and innovation, and cement Singapore’s position as a global cultural hub.”

Felix Loh, CEO of Gardens by the Bay, added: “Gardens by the Bay constantly refreshes our offerings so that there is always something novel for our visitors… IMBA Theatre will reach out to both regular and new audiences by offering innovative immersive experiences amid the iconic setting of the gardens.”

Oceania Cruises rolls out 2027 world cruise aboard Vista

By TTG Asia

March 21, 2025

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Oceania Cruises has launched its 2027 Around the World cruise, a 180-day voyage visiting over 100 ports across 46 countries and six continents aboard the new Vista. Bookings open on 12 March.

Setting sail from Miami on January 6, 2027, the 1,200-guest ship will offer a journey with an itinerary designed to connect guests to cultures, history, landscapes, and cuisine. Over six months, guests will explore more than 150 UNESCO World Heritage sites, discovering cultural and natural wonders worldwide.

Oceania Cruises’ 2027 Around the World cruise will span 180 days, visiting over 100 ports across six continents, with the voyage set to depart on January 6, 2027

Guests will transit the Panama Canal, island-hop through the Pacific from Hawaii to Fiji, and cruise along Australia’s coastline. Two months in Asia will explore Thailand’s temples, Hong Kong’s markets, and Japan’s cherry blossoms. After visiting the Arabian Peninsula’s cities, Vista will sail the Mediterranean, from Greece and Italy to the Iberian Peninsula and France, before concluding in London. Two other itineraries are available: a 244-day Epic Global Adventure from Miami to New York, and a 127-day Continental Explorer from Miami to Doha.

Starting at US$76,199 per person for the 180-Day Voyage, Oceania Cruises’ 2027 Around the World sailing features the Exclusive Prestige Package, an array of additional complimentary amenities, including a choice of Free Unlimited Wine, Beer, and Spirits or a Shore Excursion Credit, plus Exclusive Shoreside Events. These extras are in addition to the line’s amenities, which cover gourmet speciality dining, in-room dining, unlimited Wi-Fi, and shipboard gratuities.

For more information, visit Oceania Cruises.

Outbound travel in Indonesia remains strong amid economic slowdown

By Tiara Maharani

March 20, 2025

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While the economic downturn has affected Indonesian consumer purchasing power, outbound travel continues to thrive, with demand shifting rather than declining.

According to industry experts interviewed by TTG Asia, travellers are adjusting their spending habits by seeking out better deals, choosing destinations more carefully, and prioritising value over extra luxuries.

ASTINDO’s expanded offerings at the 2025 Travel Fair highlight flexibility as key to sustaining Indonesia’s thriving outbound travel market; photo by Tiara Maharani

Pauline Suharno, president of The Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASTINDO), stated that flexibility was key to sustaining demand.

“People aren’t giving up on travel; they’re simply being more mindful of their choices. As long as the industry offers a variety of options that suit different budgets, demand will persist,” she said.

To support this trend, ASTINDO broadened its offerings at their ASTINDO Travel Fair 2025, held at ICE BSD in February. The event showcased a diverse selection of travel packages, from budget-friendly group tours to premium luxury getaways, ensuring accessibility for all market segments.

A key factor sustaining travel demand is the rise of new competitively priced destinations, driven by increased flight availability and aggressive tourism campaigns, such as those in China and Vietnam.

TX Travel owner Anton Tedhy shared an example: “With a budget of less than US$650, travellers can enjoy a week-long trip to China, with new and exciting destinations continuously being introduced.”

As for Vietnam, the destination is experiencing a surge in demand, particularly among social media-driven travellers.

“Many Indonesian tourists are drawn to Vietnam after seeing it on their feeds. It’s affordable, visually stunning, and perfect for short getaways,” Teddy added.

While mid-to-lower segments are adjusting their spending, Agustinus Pake Seko, president director of Bayu Buana Travel Services, highlighted that affluent travellers continue to prioritise exclusivity and experience, even as they explore new destinations.

“Northern Europe has become a standout choice, with demand rising by 30 to 35 per cent this year,” he said, adding that Russia is also gaining interest among Indonesia’s premium travellers.

Hellen Xu, CEO of Panorama JTB Tours Indonesia, observed that demand remains steady across all travel segments. To cater to evolving consumer preferences, Panorama introduced “super deal” packages for Europe and Turkey during Ramadan, priced 50 per cent lower than those offered for Hari Raya holiday departures.

“Seeing positive sales volume up to March, we remain optimistic about achieving up to 30 per cent growth this year compared to 2024,” she added.

New hotels: Mercure Madiun, Cube Social@Boat Quay and more

By TTG Asia

March 20, 2025

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Mercure Madiun, Indonesia
Inspired by the city’s railway heritage, Mercure Madiun offers guests an inviting and culturally immersive experience in East Java.,

Located near the INKA Railway Museum, Madiun Train Station, and Alun-Alun, Mercure Madiun offers easy access to key business districts, government offices, shopping centres, and culinary hotspots.

The hotel features 153 guestrooms, a swimming pool, fitness centre, kids’ club, F&B, as well as event venues, including the Grand Ballroom, which will accommodate up to 700 guests when launched later this year.

Cube Social@Boat Quay, Singapore
The three-storey Cube Social@Boat Quay consists of 72 capsules fitted with a mixture of queen-sized and single beds. There are 13 private rooms ranging from 11m² to 30m², with one room specifically equipped for wheelchair accessibility.

Each capsule at Cube Social is designed with temperature and airflow control, noise insulation, and amenities such as a universal electrical outlet, room safe, vanity area, foldable table, and luggage storage. The bathrooms offer eco-friendly toiletries, and an amenity bar provides items like slippers, combs, and shower caps. There is also a women-only section for privacy, and guests can socialise with books and board games.

Guests can enjoy all-day refreshments at the bar lounge, and relax on verandah seating with views of the Singapore River. Amenities include stationary bikes, a soundproof phone booth, daily housekeeping, 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi, and digital access.

Situated along the historic riverside area of the Singapore River, Cube Social@Boat Quay is located across from Singapore’s Civic District, providing easy access to the Raffles Landing Site, the Asian Civilisations Museum, and the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.

Best Western Hotel City Center Gujranwala, Pakistan
Located in the centre of Gujranwala, Best Western Hotel City Center Gujranwala is surrounded by downtown landmarks, commercial attractions, and government offices.

The hotel’s 26 rooms and suites are well-equipped with modern amenities, and facilities comprise a swimming pool, gym, sauna, café, restaurant, and meeting venues.

Best Western Hotel City Center Gujranwala is just over an hour’s drive from Sialkot International Airport, which offers direct flights to and from major regional cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Jeddah and Kuwait City.

Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa, Sri Lanka
Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa is an all-suite boutique villa, originally built in the 1870s.

Hidden under a canopy of a lush coconut plantation, the Walauwa (which means large house) features four grand suites and two additional suites, each boasting a four-poster bed, and a bathtub.

The property offers a large swimming pool, gardens, and an open-style dining hall that offers gourmet meals. Guests can also choose to dine in their own suite.

Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa is just two and a half hours from Colombo, and one and a half hours from Kandy. Guests can take a short train ride from Rambukkana to Kadugannawa which features a picturesque train journey with views of Bible Rock and the surrounding valley.

Sri Lanka appoints Tourism Advisory Committee

By Feizal Samath

March 20, 2025

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Some of Sri Lanka’s biggest names in the leisure industry have been appointed to a new Tourism Advisory Committee by the government to drive the tourism agenda in the country.

The 14-member committee is chaired by Dileep Mudadeniya, a former managing director of Sri Lanka Tourism and currently senior vice president of John Keells Holdings. Other members include SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall; Nuwaraeliya Hotels Company deputy chairman/managing director Gerard George Ondaatjie; Connaissance de Ceylon and Thema Collection chairman/managing director Chandra Wickramasinghe; Galle Face Hotels group vice president Nihal Muhandiram; and three heads of state agencies involved in tourism.

Sri Lanka establishes Tourism Advisory Committee to foster sustainable growth and leverage the country’s growing tourism recognition

The mandate of the committee is to advise the government on strategic and sustainable tourism development, so as to enhance the growth of the tourism industry in line with the National Tourism Policy.

The committee has been appointed under the current Tourism Act and is expected to continue during the term of the incumbent government.

When asked about the committee’s immediate action plans, Mudadeniya said members had just held a preliminary meeting.

“At our second meeting (in April), we would look at our agenda and (decide) how we should further proceed,” he said, adding that the committee will gather once a month.

The formation of the Tourism Advisory Committee comes at a time when Sri Lanka is gaining glowing reviews for its tourism draws. Among the many recognitions are Sri Lanka’s inclusion on BBC Travel’s 25 Best Places to Travel in 2025, Sigiriya being declared the World’s Most Welcoming City for 2025 by Booking.com, and the Pekoe Trail being featured in Time’s World’s Greatest Places in 2025.

PATA, Travel Unity to promote diversity and inclusion in Asia-Pacific tourism

By TTG Asia

March 20, 2025

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PATA and Travel Unity have formalised a two-year partnership through an MoU signed in January 2025, aiming to promote an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable tourism industry across the Asia-Pacific region.

Under this collaboration, PATA and Travel Unity will work jointly on various initiatives, including the cross-promotion of events and activities, reciprocal speaking opportunities, and exclusive benefits for their respective members. These benefits include discounts, early bird deals, and enhanced support in connecting with qualified buyers.

PATA and Travel Unity will collaborate on event promotion, member benefits, and youth-focused workshops on sustainability and DEI

PATA and Travel Unity will also partner on human capital development by offering workshops and cohort programmes for PATA’s youth community, focusing on sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to empower future industry leaders.

Through these efforts, both organisations focus on fostering a more diverse, inclusive, and skilled workforce, ultimately leading to long-term capacity-building efforts and stronger career pathways for young professionals in the travel and tourism sector.

Travel Unity is a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering diversity in travel and tourism through individual and community empowerment. Its executive director Roni Weiss commented: “Travel Unity was founded on the belief that travel has the power to unite people of all backgrounds and identities. This partnership with PATA allows us to amplify the global impact of inclusive practices, bringing our mission more deeply into the Asia-Pacific region. We are excited to collaborate with our friends at PATA to create opportunities that empower individuals and communities while driving meaningful progress in the travel industry.”

Added PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid: “Together, we aim to drive meaningful change, ensuring that travel continues to serve as a powerful force for connection, empowerment, and progress.”

Silversea rolls out a fresh brand direction

By TTG Asia

March 20, 2025

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Silversea has introduced its new brand positioning, To Finding More, setting new luxury standards by focusing on emotion and authenticity. It empowers guests to create their own stories, inspiring exploration and capturing unforgettable moments through vivid imagery and a distinctive tone.

This reimagined brand expression is now live across the company’s channels and platforms.

Silversea’s new brand positioning celebrates the joy of travel and appeals to the shared curiosity of Silversea’s guests with emotion and authenticity

Silversea’s new brand positioning reflects its guests’ curiosity, uniting travellers with a shared mindset. Known as Eternal Wanderers, these explorers seek cultural discovery, new adventures, and self-enrichment. To Finding More embodies Silversea’s commitment to meeting these desires through immersive experiences like the S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) culinary programme. Its two pioneering Nova-Class ships, Silver Nova and Silver Ray, alongside the development of the world’s southernmost hotel, showcase Silversea’s dedication to exclusive travel, luxury expeditions, and polar exploration.

Annette Diaz, interim chief marketing officer, Silversea, said: “Designed to inspire a sense of discovery, To Finding More will be seamlessly integrated across our channels, redefining luxury advertising. This new positioning marks a shift in what luxury travel can be — grounded in discovery, deeply connecting our brand and guests to the stories, cultures, experiences, and moments that only Silversea can offer.”

“Beyond reflecting our new brand positioning, To Finding More embodies the joy of travel as a tribute to our guests, whose curiosity leads them to the farthest corners of the Earth,” added Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “It is a celebration of the places that give us a new perspective and the people we meet who inspire that perspective. It embraces the spirit of immersive discovery, engaging travellers as they uncover hidden wonders with us – all in uncompromised comfort.”

Seda Manila Bay

By Rosa Ocampo

March 20, 2025

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Seda_Manila_Bay_swimming_pool_640 — Swimming pool

Location
Tucked away conveniently in the fast developing mixed-use Aseana City, Seda Manila Bay is merely 20 minutes away from Manila’s international airport and easily accessible from Makati, BGC, Manila Bay Area, and other parts of the metro.

The hotel is directly connected to Ayala Malls via a walkway on the fourth floor, with shopping malls and restaurants just a short walk away.

Accommodation
With 350 keys, the hotel fits families and business travellers alike. It has 30m² Deluxe rooms for solo travellers and short-stay guests; 40m² Premier room for couples; 54m² Family rooms with a separate kids’ room furnished with a double-decker; and 54m² Seda Suites with a separate living, dining area and a kitchenette.

Club rooms and Club suites occupy an entire floor with access to the elegant Club Lounge which has its own dedicated staff for a personalised service, express check-in and check-out, buffet breakfast, all-day refreshments and cocktails, a private meeting room, and an iMac Station.

My 45m² Premier room is a delightful cocoon of calm and comfort, with minimalist furniture and a soothing grey and cream colour scheme. The king bed is complemented by quality lighting, and the room is equipped with multiple sockets for devices at the bedside and on the multi-purpose table. The spacious bathroom features a large bathtub, separate shower, dual vanity sinks, and an expansive vanity mirror.

F&B
The all-day dining Misto restaurant is on the ground floor and the Straight Up Roof Bar is next to the pool area. At Misto, I had a grand time catching up with a couple of friends, which caused our late lunch to extend into dinner, and we overstayed until late into the night. The wait staff allowed us to stay in our corner while still being attentive to our needs.

We savoured with gusto lip-smacking dishes, including beef salpicao and several varieties of pasta. The Quattro Formaggi pizza is superb, so much so we ordered it again for dinner. As for dessert, the cheesecake was certainly addictive.

I was lucky to preview the upcoming cookie corner near the lobby. The cookies were so delectable that I devoured all four in one go. The banana cake, filled with chocolate, milk chips, and various nuts, tastes even better after a few days.

For the books is sipping cocktails at Straight Up Roof Bar while watching the sunset over Manila Bay. Many hotels are deprived of this view and the once halcyon seas due to the extensive reclamation ongoing in Manila Bay.

Seda Manila Bay

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Facilities
What makes Seda Manila Bay great for a staycation are its diverse recreation facilities and activities. These include a mini-golf course in the courtyard, Seda Spa for relaxation, a fully-equipped gym, an infinity pool, a water playground with a kiddie pool, and an indoor play area for kids. The hotel also offers wheelchair access and parking.

For business travellers, the hotel offers the 390-seat Sampaguita Ballroom with a spacious pre-function area, as well as small and medium-sized meeting rooms for 10 to 48 people.

Service
Checking in and out is a breeze. The lobby staff assisted me to the lift and taxi area, while the servers at Misto were attentive.

Verdict
True to its name, Seda, which means silk, pampered us with smooth service and a relaxing overnight stay.

Contact details
Website: https://www.sedahotels.com/hotel/view/2/seda-manila-bay-paranaque

Aviation roundup: Turkish Airlines, AirAsia X and more

Switzerland Tourism uses traveller data to sharpen inbound strategy

New IMBA Theatre to transform Singapore’s cultural scene

Oceania Cruises rolls out 2027 world cruise aboard Vista

Outbound travel in Indonesia remains strong amid economic slowdown

New hotels: Mercure Madiun, Cube Social@Boat Quay and more

Sri Lanka appoints Tourism Advisory Committee

PATA, Travel Unity to promote diversity and inclusion in Asia-Pacific tourism

Silversea rolls out a fresh brand direction

Seda Manila Bay

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