Cambodia targets year-round tourism with focus on secondary destinations

March 14, 2025

As Cambodia seeks to attract more tourists to secondary and tertiary destinations, securing foreign investment in products is key.

Prak Vuthy, director of the department of overseas tourism marketing and promotion at the Ministry of Tourism, said that while primary infrastructure, including roads and airports – with Phnom Penh’s new Techo International Airport set to open in July – is continually improving and making remote areas more accessible, secondary infrastructure is essential for attracting international visitors to these outlying regions.

Cambodia aims to enhance infrastructure and secure investment to boost tourism across the country’s lesser-known regions; Phnom Penh, pictured

“We want to develop more destinations in different areas. But in some of these districts, facilities such as restaurants, hotels and other accommodation are lacking,” he said.

“We don’t necessarily need to build high-end facilities, but we do need quality facilities to make it more attractive for tourists to visit these places. To achieve this, we have to attract investors.”

Vuthy noted that the government has offered incentives, including prime minister Hun Manet’s visits to countries like Japan and South Korea, to attract foreign investment, with a focus on developing more quality homestay and community-based tourism products.

With a target of drawing 7.5 million international visitors in 2025, Vuthy stated that Cambodia must transition into a year-round destination rather than a seasonal one. The Ministry of Tourism has already rebranded the “rainy season” as the “green season”.

Vuthy said efforts are underway to collaborate with airlines, relevant government players, and tour operators to develop enticing incentive packages for the traditionally off-peak season.

He added that this would include reduced rates as part of the strategy to “make Cambodia a year-round destination”.

Topotels grows portfolio in celebration of 13th anniversary

By Dhini Oktavianti

March 14, 2025

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Entering its 13th year, Topotels Hotels and Resorts, a hotel management company in Indonesia, is expanding its portfolio and business model.

Speaking at a media luncheon to celebrate the anniversary, Yonto Wongso, CEO of Topotels Hotels and Resorts, said: “We are now expanding in a number of cities. The 90-room Ayola Signature Batam is planned to open this year. We also have an ongoing development in Cisarua, Puncak (near Jakarta) on seven hectares of land, with facilities ranging from glamping to 30 luxury villas.”

From left: Brigitta Yistina, Yonto Wongso and Rudin at the media event; photo by Dhini Oktavianti

Other projects include Ayola-branded properties in Kediri, East Java, and Papua.

Topotels Hotels and Resorts currently operates 11 hotels in Indonesia and one in Malaysia, spanning budget to upscale categories under six brands: Ayola, Ayola Express, Ayola Signature, Odua, Renotel, and Managed by Topotels. These hotels are located in Pekanbaru (Riau), Bekasi (West Java), Mojokerto (East Java), Palembang, Dolok Sanggul (North Sumatra), Jambi, Jakarta, and Medan.

Under full white-label management (managed by Topotels), the hotel group oversees the Aruna Senggigi Resort & Convention Lombok, Ramada Encore Seminyak Bali, Ramada Meridin Johor Bahru (Malaysia), Beverly Hotel Batam, and Ivory Hotel Bandung.

In addition to managing hotels under their own brands, Topotels also operates as a third-party operator.

Yonto remarked: “The business model may be new here, (but) it is common in the US, Europe, and Australia. With the (growing trend) of international hotels expanding into the franchise model, more developers are seeking third-party operators. We see this as an opportunity.”

He added that Topotels had operated a Wyndham property and is in discussions to manage a hotel in Medan. His team is also working on collaborations with Accor, Best Western, and other franchisors to expand this business model.

When asked about the choice of second-tier destinations for most of its properties and its expansion targets in Indonesia, Yonto explained: “If you look at Indonesia, it has enormous potential for growth (outside the first-tier cities). With regional autonomy, many areas need infrastructure, accommodation, and hotels.”

He added that the presence of the Trans Java toll road has opened up greater opportunities for development in second-tier cities. Additionally, the level of competition is low, making these areas more attractive for investors to “inject their money.”

While Indonesia remains the primary focus for its development, Topotels is already expanding its presence in Malaysia, a market that Yonto sees as having significant growth potential.

“There are many developments and (opportunities) in the hotel industry in Malaysia. Moreover, they need overseas talent to work in the hotels, including from Indonesia,” he said.

He discussed ongoing projects, mentioning that the Wyndham Semporna Resort, currently under construction, will feature cottages above the sea, with 188 cottages planned for the first phase out of a total of 800. He also revealed that discussions are in progress to manage a hotel in the Bukit Bintang area.

Okinawa to welcome new jungle adventure park

By Kathryn Wortley

March 14, 2025

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A 60-hectare jungle-themed adventure park will open near Nago, northern Okinawa, in July, promising thrills and wellness deep in nature.

Operated by Japan Entertainment Co., Junglia Okinawa will feature attractions that make use of the park’s heavily forested location, a spa with open-air baths, eateries with expansive views and night-time entertainment.

Junglia Okinawa will offer both sky- and land-based activities, along with an indoor attraction featuring animals native to Okinawa; photo by Japan Entertainment

Land-based activities include a safari journey to escape a T-Rex, an adventure to find dinosaurs and a buggy ride through the jungle. Among the sky-based offerings are tree-top trekking, bungee gliding, a freefall drop, a four-person swing and the Horizon Balloon, which offers a 360-degree view of the forest from above.

Entertainment includes acrobatics during the day and fireworks synchronised with music at night, while the spa features an indoor cave bath and natural hot spring, as well as an outdoor calcium bath and sauna.

The park will also have an indoor attraction showcasing animals native to Okinawa, particularly the neighbouring area of Yanbaru, which received UNESCO Natural Heritage status in 2021. Notable exhibits include those on the Okinawa Rail, an endangered bird species.

Japan Entertainment Co. aims for the new park to generate excitement through experiences unique to the area and provide the luxury of immersing visitors in real nature, creating a sense of freedom.

The park’s economic impact in its first year, including construction, is estimated to reach 658 billion yen (US$4.4 billion), with the creation of 70,000 jobs, according to a joint study by researchers at Kansai University and Osaka Prefecture University.

In-flight use of power banks banned as airlines take greater caution

By Karen Yue

March 14, 2025

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Air Astana, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, EVA Air, China Airlines, and Thai Airways are among airlines that have recently updated their policy on carrying and usage of power banks onboard their aircraft due to growing safety concerns.

In January, a malfunctioning power bank was blamed for a fire that devastated an Air Busan aircraft at South Korea’s Gimhae International Airport. The airline moved swiftly in February to prohibit passengers from keeping power banks in luggage stored in overhead cabins. Instead, power banks are to be kept close on hand so that immediate action could be taken should there be smoke or fire incidents.

Airlines tighten power bank rules after safety concerns

Rules have been tightened since, with South Korea authorities requiring passengers on all South Korean airlines to do the same starting March 1.

Air Astana Group will require all passengers to have their spare batteries, including power banks and electronic smoking devices, only in carry-on baggage, with effect from March 13.

In accordance with existing rules, the maximum allowable battery capacity is 100Wh. Batteries with a capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh require prior airline approval for transport, with a maximum of two per passenger. The transport of batteries exceeding 160Wh is prohibited. The capacity will be verified and the transportation of batteries without capacity markings or proper certification is prohibited.

Furthermore, the use of batteries to charge other devices, as well as charging the batteries themselves on board is strictly prohibited.

Over at Singapore Airlines and Scoot, the use of power banks to charge personal devices in flight will be banned from April 1. Passengers may carry power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh on its aircraft without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval.

Parent Singapore Airlines Group said in a statement that the new rules comply with IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations regarding the carriage of power banks, which are classified as lithium batteries.

Scoot had its own share of power bank-related accidents. In 2023, an overheated power bank caught fire on flight TR993 as it was taxiing to take-off from Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport. The owner of the power bank and his companion sustained minor burns, and the flight was rescheduled.

Sentosa’s ridge-to-reef attraction marks first-year anniversary with new experience

By Karen Yue

March 14, 2025

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Sensoryscape, Sentosa island’s 30,000m² green connector, which takes island visitors from Resorts World Sentosa to beaches, marks its first anniversary this month and demonstrates its strong contribution to visitor arrivals and satisfaction.

Sentosa Development Corporation’s CEO Thien Kwee Eng told TTG Asia that since its launch in March 2024, Sensoryscape has welcomed over five million footfalls and driven a one-hour increase in dwell time for visitors to Sentosa, reinforcing its status as a must-visit attraction.

Sensoryscape marks its first year with the launch of Senseri, a new AR feature in the ImagiNite app; photo by Sentosa Development Corporation

The attraction is the first milestone of the Greater Sentosa Master Plan and features over 200 species of trees and shrubs, offering immersive experiences that combine nature, design, and technology.

Thien noted that Sensoryscape’s night-time ImagiNite outdoor “phygital” experience – a combination of physical and digital characteristics – remains the first of its kind in South-east Asia. ImagiNite uses AR and other digital features to engage and entertain visitors through a mobile app compatible with both Apple and Android devices.

“This complements earlier efforts in enhancing Sentosa’s after-dark appeal, with guests now extending their evenings during their visit, cementing the island’s reputation as a day-to-night destination for both locals and tourists,” she added.

Sensoryscape’s first successful year of operation is celebrated with the launch of a new AR feature for the ImagiNite experience, unveiled at a media event on the island on March 13.

Taking flight across Sensoryscape in the night sky, the mystical super-being Senseri immerses guests in a fusion of tangible and virtual reality through the ImagiNite app. Senseri, whose name is derived from “Sen”, linking it directly to Sentosa, and “seri”, a word in Malay that means radiance, is inspired by the island’s free-roaming peacocks.

The media event also featured a symphony showcase by composer August Lum and a 16-piece orchestra. The showcase spotlighted Lum’s composition for Sensoryscape, which comprises an evocative soundtrack in the day that contributes to a differentiated day-to-night experience for visitors. Lum’s Sensoryscape soundscape is said to engage visitors’ sense of sound and amplifies the multi-sensory experience of the attraction.

Event attendees were also the first to view the new Sensoryscape Word Block, designed by local artist, Jooheng Tan, who is also behind the iconic Siloso Word Block on Siloso Beach.

Thien said continued efforts would be made to enhance the attraction experience.

Sensoryscape is open to the public daily, with the ImagiNite experience starting nightly from 19.30 to 21.15.

When asked about Sensoryscape’s potential to be featured in corporate and private events, Thien shared that the attraction’s “versatility” would be showcased at the upcoming WWF Earth Hour 2025 Festival and Sentosa Cares Week this year.

“As an ever-evolving space, Sensoryscape is well-positioned to be established as an experiential attraction and a holistic programming space,” she noted.

Sensoryscape has been “collaborating with local artists, creative minds and interest groups” to create spaces and experiences that “resonate with diverse communities”. Recent examples include illuminating the precinct in yellow and purple for the #ShineforDementia initiative last October.

Ennismore’s Mondrian to arrive in Maldives

By TTG Asia

March 14, 2025

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Ennismore has signed Mondrian Maldives, set to open on Kuredhivaru Island in 2026. Located just a 45-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport, the resort is situated on one of only a handful of exclusive islands within the Noonu Atoll.

Before being reimagined as a Mondrian, the property will operate as Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa under Ennismore’s management. Previously operating under the Mövenpick brand, Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa will remain part of ALL, Accor’s loyalty programme and booking platform.

Mondrian Maldives will unveil a series of spaces inspired by design, art, and culture. The aesthetic extends to the resort’s 105 villas, including 30 beach pool villas, 72 overwater pool villas, and three-bedroom beach pool residences offering direct access to the island’s beaches. Each villa features a private pool.

The resort will offer programming and experiences that reflect the Maldives’ culture. Guests can revitalise at the spa, recharge at the gym, or explore the Maldivian reefs at the diving centre. A yoga pavilion, tennis and volleyball courts, and swimming pools are available, while younger guests can enjoy the kids’ club. For food enthusiasts, there are four restaurants and bar venues offering culinary and mixology experiences.

Phil Zrihen, brand chief operating officer for Mondrian Hotels at Ennismore, said: “Surrounded by stunning beaches and turquoise waters, Mondrian Maldives will create the perfect sanctuary for our guests. In bringing Mondrian’s oversized imagination to the Maldives, we hope to raise the bar as a cultural and culinary destination in the islands.”

Collinson, China Ping An Insurance launch SmartDelay benefits for flight disruptions

By TTG Asia

March 14, 2025

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Collinson International has partnered with China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong) to offer SmartDelay as a complimentary benefit to its customers.

This collaboration allows eligible online travel insurance customers in Hong Kong (SAR) who have registered their flights to access over 1,600 airport lounges or alternative benefits in the event of a flight delay or cancellation.

Song Hong Premium Lounge & Bar at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport Terminal 2

SmartDelay, now available across all three tiers of China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong)’s online travel insurance policies, lets travellers visit an airport lounge or choose an alternative benefit, such as a spa experience, sleep pod visit, or restaurant discount, without the need to complete a claim form.

As soon as travellers are notified of a flight delay of over an hour or a flight cancellation, they will receive a QR code to access the airport lounge or utilise an alternative benefit. Customers can enjoy these benefits by registering their flight at least two hours before the scheduled departure time. Additionally, China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong)’s policy allows one accompanying person to benefit from SmartDelay alongside the policyholder.

“Travel in Asia-Pacific is well on its way to recovery. However, increased passenger traffic can also result in a more challenging journey. The ability to escape busy public spaces within airports and relax in a quiet sanctuary is increasingly attractive to travellers – especially when experiencing added stress from a flight delay or cancellation,” said Todd Handcock, global chief commercial officer and Asia Pacific executive chair at Collinson International.

“With SmartDelay, brands can be there at their customers’ time of need with a simple and seamless solution that alleviates some of this stress.”

Manish Puri leads as new GM of Regent Bali Canggu

By TTG Asia

March 14, 2025

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Regent Bali Canggu has appointed Manish Puri as its new general manager, tasked with ensuring the brand’s return marks not just a homecoming but a significant advancement in luxury travel.

With over 28 years of global hospitality experience, Puri has led luxury hotel brands such as Oberoi, Kempinski, Jumeirah, Grand Hyatt, Six Senses, and Potato Head.

Hong Kong boosts Muslim-friendly tourism with halal certifications and new initiatives

By Prudence Lui

March 13, 2025

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The Hong Kong tourism trade is gearing up to attract more Muslim travellers by enhancing tourism-support facilities. Since the beginning of 2024, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has adopted a diversified approach to position Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination.

Currently, 53 hotels, five attractions, and MICE venues have successfully received accreditation from the halal travel promotion company, CrescentRating. Additionally, more than 140 restaurants have been halal-certified.

The Mira Hong Kong hosted its first-ever Ramadan Iftar Dinner Celebration to foster a deeper understanding of the festive culture; photo by Mira Hotel

Earlier this month, HKTB organised a familiarisation trip for over 20 Muslim travel trade representatives from South-east Asian visitor source markets. The representatives praised the progress made in Muslim tourism in Hong Kong, noting that it has reached a new level, which will help facilitate the organisation of future tours to the city.

Ramadan, which lasts for about a month, has already begun, and the Mira Hong Kong, recently certified with five crescents by CrescentRating, has hosted its first-ever Ramadan Iftar Dinner Celebration at its Penthouse Ballroom to promote a deeper understanding of the festive culture. The event, organised in collaboration with Miramar Travel and the Consulate General of Türkiye in Hong Kong, attracted nearly 200 guests, including members of the local Muslim community, diplomats from the Middle East and Asia, local government officials from the tourism sector, and media representatives.

To accommodate Muslim guests, the Mira Hong Kong and its sister hotel Mira Moon feature Qibla direction pointers, and provide Quran and prayer rugs upon request. Portable bidet sprayers are also available to ensure comfort and hygiene in accordance with Muslim customs. The hotels offer halal dining options, including Cantonese fine dining at Michelin-recommended Cuisine Cuisine at The Mira, an Arabic-speaking guest ambassador, and a 24/7 in-room dining menu in Arabic featuring both Asian and Western favourites. Meanwhile, Mira Moon is equipped with essential Muslim-friendly amenities and offers a halal breakfast set for international travellers.

Alexander Wassermann, head of hotels and serviced apartments at Miramar Group, said: “All of our employees have received extensive training on halal food and halal travel practices implemented at our hotels. Our team looks forward to welcoming more Muslim guests from around the world, and we aim to become the preferred Chinese dining destination in Hong Kong for the local Muslim community.”

Special Ramadan buffets to accommodate the dietary needs and arrangements of Muslim travellers are also available at Kowloon Shangri-La and Dorsett Tsuen Wan Hong Kong.

Doris Lam, general manager of Momentous Asia Travel and Events, noted that while more hotels are offering halal meals, these are often available only for larger groups. Smaller groups, she explained, may need to seek restaurants outside the hotels.

She mentioned that most of the other halal restaurants in the city primarily serve Indian or Middle Eastern cuisine. While they offer halal food, she remarked that most visitors coming to Hong Kong would prefer to try Chinese cuisine. However, she pointed out that there are very few restaurants offering halal Chinese meals.

“We also hope to see more facilities for prayer at attractions and shopping malls,” Lam added.

Maldives launches hackathon to innovate sustainable tourism

By TTG Asia

March 13, 2025

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Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) has launched the Visit Maldives Hackathon, which is now open for registration. The event is aimed at both local and international participants aged 18 and above who are interested in combining technology and sustainability in the tourism industry.

The Visit Maldives Hackathon is a 48-hour long event designed to address the key challenges in the Maldivian tourism industry through innovative, technology-driven solutions. It lines up with Visit Maldives’ commitment to enhance sustainable tourism while amplifying technologies for positive traveller experiences and operational efficiency.

The Visit Maldives Hackathon aims to tackle tourism challenges through innovative tech solutions

Information sessions for participants will be held on March 13, March 19, and April 7, and participants are then to submit their proposals by April 11. Proposal evaluations will take place the day after the submission deadline, and the proposals selected for the Hackathon will be announced on April 13. The event itself will be held from April 18 to 20.

While addressing the audience during the official launching ceremony, minister of tourism and environment Thoriq Ibrahim stated that the ideas developed at the hackathon “will not remain inside these walls”.

“The innovations you create can shape the way we welcome guests, the way we manage our industry, the way we preserve our natural environment while enhancing visitor experiences,” he said.

MMPRC’s CEO and managing director Ibrahim Shiuree added: “I am confident that with the bright ideas generated while working together, we can build a stronger and more diverse tourism sector in the Maldives. We are hopeful that it will be a strong positive step towards the growth of tech-driven solutions for tourism-related challenges.

“MMPRC has a range of constructive activities in the pipeline to promote Maldives for the rest of the year 2025, and we are committed to working closely with industry stakeholders to support the Maldives tourism industry. We will continue facilitating innovation, public-private collaboration, and sustainable growth of Maldives tourism through global promotion and innovative events such as these.”

Cambodia targets year-round tourism with focus on secondary destinations

Topotels grows portfolio in celebration of 13th anniversary

Okinawa to welcome new jungle adventure park

In-flight use of power banks banned as airlines take greater caution

Sentosa’s ridge-to-reef attraction marks first-year anniversary with new experience

Ennismore’s Mondrian to arrive in Maldives

Collinson, China Ping An Insurance launch SmartDelay benefits for flight disruptions

Manish Puri leads as new GM of Regent Bali Canggu

Hong Kong boosts Muslim-friendly tourism with halal certifications and new initiatives

Maldives launches hackathon to innovate sustainable tourism

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